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DaveDub79 Author

Level 1

6 points

late 2013 Mac Pro and Samsung 4K U32D970Q Problems

I'm at my wits end. I really wish 4K displays were truly plug-n-play with new Macs.

I purchased a Samsung 4K U32D970Q from Amazon due to a couple positive reviews from users stating it works with their 2013 MP. It's a beautiful screen, much better uniformity than the LG 4K I sent back but it has a huge problem with random flickering. And by flickering I mean while watching videos, scrolling a website quickly the screen distorts and "blinks/flickers" momentarily then goes back to normal. I've tried a different DisplayPort>mDP cable along with the provided cables and same issue. The monitor is running SST at 60Hz.

You can see a video I made showing the blinking/flicker http://youtu.be/Rj8QwgzogqQ

This is actually my 2nd monitor as I did an exchange with Amazon same issue. I tried to contact Samsung and what a joke that support is. I get a guy who said he has no idea then sent me a firmware update list... that hasn't been updated since last March. No help.

I've already reset pram and smc, tried different TB ports without any luck.

Is it just wise to stick to the officially supported, and very expensive, list of 4K monitors or go QHD and wait for the 2016 MP for true 4K+ support?

Posted on Jan 14, 2015 4:31 PM

42 replies

Jan 26, 2015 6:31 PM in response to DaveDub79

Have there been any firmware updates (for the display) ?

Jan 26, 2015 6:35 PM in response to DaveDub79

I completely understand! I think it's worth going to Apple, tell them I have the same model and it's working fine, it definitely sounds like it could be a hardware issue with your Mac. I'd be really interested to hear what happens...

DaveDub79 Author

Level 1

6 points

Feb 7, 2015 9:47 AM in response to andrewkendall

Well I finally got around to taking my MP to the Apple Store and after they did some diagnostic testing they found absolutely nothing wrong with my machine. They offered to keep it for a day to stress test but I had to have the machine back to work. Plus nothing came back as faulty (ports/gpu) etc.

Some combo of my hardware + external devices and their software (Wacom tablet, SoftRaid etc) may cause it but I'd have to get a 3rd display to test now that I've done a total wipe/reinstall but I don't know if I want to put myself through that all over again.

I may pick up a used Dell 32in 4k or just wait it out for another 6 months to see if any more wide gamut SST displays show up.

Feb 7, 2015 10:21 AM in response to DaveDub79

Sorry to hear that didn't work out. I previously mentioned I'd been seeing some slow down when trying to use three displays. I managed to solve that by using a different combination of ports, looks like I needed to split the displays across the different buses: Mac Pro (Late 2013): Using multiple displays - Apple Support.I doubt that has any relevance to your issue, but thought it might help someone. Grant mentioned checking the display firmware, anyone have any idea to view that on a Samsung display? I tried taking a look in the menus but couldn't find anything.

DaveDub79 Author

Level 1

6 points

Feb 8, 2015 11:02 AM in response to andrewkendall

No I looked everywhere. I even got someone at Samsung to send me information on how to upgrade firmware but all I received was an excel file that was 2yrs old created before this screen was in production. Suffice it to say, no help.

Feb 8, 2015 8:09 PM in response to DaveDub79

This monitor sounds like a very good one. I have been unable to see one in action. Even a place like Fry's has a very limited number of 4K monitors on display.

I have the Late 2013 Mac Pro with D500 graphics cards.

But, so that I will understand completely.

1. When it works (60Hz) is this monitor being connected by Display Port or HDMI?

2. Will it work with my D500 graphics cards?

TIA,

Jerry

Feb 8, 2015 9:05 PM in response to Gerald Gifford

2 more questions, please.

3. What is the resolution you're getting? It appears this monitor delivers 3840 pxl horizontal. That's not exactly 4K (4320)?

4. This monitor does not show up on Apple's list of compatible monitors. Any idea why not?

TIA

Jerry

DaveDub79 Author

Level 1

6 points

Feb 9, 2015 7:25 AM in response to Gerald Gifford

If it's working properly, which for others it seems to, connecting it with DisplayPort is the only way to achieve 60hz. HDMI is capped at 30.

To answer your 2nd question it's UHD 3840 I believe. Only the LG 4K Cinema 4K is true 4K but is limited to 50hz using the 2013 Mac Pro.

Feb 9, 2015 4:14 PM in response to DaveDub79

DaveDub79 wrote:

If it's working properly, which for others it seems to, connecting it with DisplayPort is the only way to achieve 60hz. HDMI is capped at 30.

To answer your 2nd question it's UHD 3840 I believe. Only the LG 4K Cinema 4K is true 4K but is limited to 50hz using the 2013 Mac Pro.

Thanks for the info.

Have you looked at the Asus 32 in. 4K monitor (PQ321Q) monitor? It has gotten some good write-ups.

Jerry

DaveDub79 Author

Level 1

6 points

Feb 10, 2015 9:27 AM in response to Gerald Gifford

I have thanks. The reason I didn't pick that one was that it's only sRGB gamut and I'm used to wider, Adobe RGB (Using NEC displays) for photo editing.

Feb 10, 2015 9:42 AM in response to DaveDub79

DaveDub79 wrote:

I have thanks. The reason I didn't pick that one was that it's only sRGB gamut and I'm used to wider, Adobe RGB (Using NEC displays) for photo editing.

Thanks for that info.

Like you I am looking for the best color and resolution specs I can afford.

I worry that the Samsung U32D970Q is not on Apple's list of compatible 4K monitors which might affect Apple's support if there is a problem.

Jerry

Jun 23, 2015 10:47 AM in response to DaveDub79

Hi DaveDub79,

I had a call with SAMSUNG's "Expert" too. He said, Samsung wouldn't garantee for nothing with a MacPro 😠.

I had a lot of trouble with Samsung products and Mac. Last issue with a Printer CLX-6260 FW. Wifi printing was very unstable... .

Software problems - only on the Mac! Samsung is not a premium manufaturer... .

And Apple is selling watches, telephones - all that brings a lot of money - but I think they give up the support for Professionals!

Where is the Thunderbolt 2 - 4K Display from Apple for the MacPro??

I think I buy now an LG 34UC97-S - the "Gamer's" Display.

Anybody has another Idea (Please no DELL Displays)??

Jun 23, 2015 8:27 PM in response to DaveDub79

I suspect it's the Samsung for these reasons. Buying from Amazon, did it ship with factory presets? If it did or did not, did you have the screen professionally calibrated? That will detect any video issues from the chip if this is a One Connect system. And of course updating the TV software is always a bonus. Btw, my MP arrives in a week (dual D700) and I have a Samsung 4K UHD Smart 9000 series TV so I,m kinda anxious about the outcome of this myself.

Jun 23, 2015 8:30 PM in response to iherzmacintosh

I got a hunch Apple would point out they have a 5K display for that answer.

Jun 23, 2015 9:36 PM in response to CaptCanuck

CaptCanuck wrote:

I got a hunch Apple would point out they have a 5K display for that answer.

Unless I misunderstand what your saying, Apple has no 5K STAND ALONE display for the MacPro.

If you are talking about the 5K iMac that's another thing. In fact had I known there was a computer with a 5K display coming I might have waited a year or so to get it. Although, truthfully, I am not an iMac fan. That said, it is a very nice display!

Wonder what's the reason Apple can't produce one for use with my MacPro?

late 2013 Mac Pro and Samsung 4K U32D970Q Problems