Can external monitor damage laptop?

I am not a specialist, but will begin the conversation:

So do you have a MacBook Air (13-inch, Early 2014) ?

Memory

4GB of 1600MHz LPDDR3 onboard memory
Configurable to 8GB.

Graphics and Video Support

• Intel HD Graphics 5000
• Dual display and video mirroring: Simultaneously supports full native resolution on the built-in display and up to 2560 by 1600 pixels on an external display, both at millions of colors
• Thunderbolt digital video output
  • Native Mini DisplayPort output
  • DVI output using Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter (sold separately)
  • VGA output using Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter (sold separately)
  • Dual-link DVI output using Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter (sold separately)
  • HDMI audio and video output using third-party Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Adapter (sold separately)

- Ultra HD. 4K UHD (2160p) a resolution of 3840 pixels× 2160 lines (8.3 megapixels, aspect ratio 16:9)

So the integrated graphic processor is at his max all the time. which definition and frequency have you chosen?

- It can overheat, so yes shorten the life of components

- It can lack graphic memory

- the integrated processor doesn't have the power of a graphic card.

Would be interesting to have an EtreCheck report.

Copy and paste the report. We, a specialist could give you a clearer assessment.

Using EtreCheck

Regards.

where did my reply go Apple community specialist????????

I replied I believe it can. I had an experience with a 4k display which took down my computer because of its poor firmware. During sleep it would severely over heat my computer to the point of destroying the thunderbolt buses.

Excuse me for the last question (game or photo) I lost track for a second.

So on external it is at 1080X1920 at 60Hz and alone at 1440 by 900 at 60Hz (native).

First, on your 4K why don't you go to 2560 by 1600? That's a bit out of the subject.

Are you using a mini display port?

- It seems to have trouble doing the transition between the 2 displays preferences.

- the EtreCheck report would be a plus.

I am becoming short on the subject, five years i haven't plug a mac book pro to an additional screen.

So someone with multiscreen trouble knowledge would be great.

A reset of your SMC and PRAM would be the first easy think to do.

There is no reason why connecting an external monitor would damage the computer.

I forget the most Important, is this for gaming or generally for photo?