The Ultimate MacBook+PC Monitor Showdown(jamejone.github.io)
jamejone.github.io
The Ultimate MacBook+PC Monitor Showdown
https://jamejone.github.io/2021/01/01/the-ultimate-macbook-pc-monitor-showdown/
98 comments
HiDPI does look really nice. Do you use it for gaming? How does your graphics card hold up?
I've got an rx580 and a 4K display. For esports games and old titles such as Dirt 3, I get near 60 frames at max settings.
I had a Radeon VII I used on my MacPro5,1 that I would dual boot to Windows, which worked great with the LG Ultrafine 4K display (21.5", 4096x2304).
I upgraded to a LG 5K (same DPI, 27", 5120x2880) with the gc-titan-ridge thunderbolt card, but that was sort of a pain on an unsupported machine so I am moving to a M1 Mac mini + Thunderbolt PC. Hoping to drive it with a 3080, but I think it should be fine.
For any fast paced competitive games, you should be able to drive 60fps with the right hardware, but at the same time you will be held back by the lack of a greater than 60hz refresh rate.
I upgraded to a LG 5K (same DPI, 27", 5120x2880) with the gc-titan-ridge thunderbolt card, but that was sort of a pain on an unsupported machine so I am moving to a M1 Mac mini + Thunderbolt PC. Hoping to drive it with a 3080, but I think it should be fine.
For any fast paced competitive games, you should be able to drive 60fps with the right hardware, but at the same time you will be held back by the lack of a greater than 60hz refresh rate.
I have an RX5700 XT and two 27” 4k displays, and games are usually fast enough at 4k for my taste. Not super high FPS, but I can play Overwatch on high settings in 4k at 50fps, and some other newer games as well.
I honestly can’t go back to a lower DPI; it’s so much easier to read text compared to lower res monitors.
I honestly can’t go back to a lower DPI; it’s so much easier to read text compared to lower res monitors.
I've used it for gaming and it's great! I have a separate dedicated gaming PC I just built, and I can just unplug from my Mac and plug right into the Thunderbolt 3 port on the gaming PC (which, in case anyone cares or is interested, just requires a daisy chain TB3 cable to the Nvidia card - happy to give details if anyone is building a similar setup.)
I haven't played much beyond 4K resolution but it works and works well.
The LG UltraFine is not a hardcore dedicated gaming monitor (eg not 144hz and I couldn't tell you what ms the response time is), but I am not a competitive gamer and honestly 60hz/60fps @ 4K is absolutely gorgeous to my eyes and I am not wanting for more.
I haven't played much beyond 4K resolution but it works and works well.
The LG UltraFine is not a hardcore dedicated gaming monitor (eg not 144hz and I couldn't tell you what ms the response time is), but I am not a competitive gamer and honestly 60hz/60fps @ 4K is absolutely gorgeous to my eyes and I am not wanting for more.
I would really like to know how you connected the monitor. I’m looking at a Bridgestone titan ridge controller to connect an Nvidia card to a Pro Display XDR - is that the route you took?
Gigabyte you mean? It should work, but note that you really want a GPU that supports DSC (RTX 20-series or newer)
The two paths for 10bit 6k60 are either HBR2 + DSC, or 2x HBR3 streams. The 2x HBR3 streams have several gotchas - not daisy-chainable, limits the XDR USB-C ports to 2.0 speeds, requires a TB3 controller with 2 displayport inputs, and I'm not certain it even works with non-Apple TB3 firmware.
The two paths for 10bit 6k60 are either HBR2 + DSC, or 2x HBR3 streams. The 2x HBR3 streams have several gotchas - not daisy-chainable, limits the XDR USB-C ports to 2.0 speeds, requires a TB3 controller with 2 displayport inputs, and I'm not certain it even works with non-Apple TB3 firmware.
Roughly the same approach. I ended up getting a Gigabyte Z490 Vision D motherboard specifically because it was the only one of the new Z490s that had an onboard Thunderbolt 3 controller AND a DP1.2 input (which negated the need for the titan ridge controller).
So I just run a short DP1.2 cable from the Nvidia card output to the DP1.2 input on the motherboard, then plug my LG monitor into the Thunderbolt 3 output on the motherboard, and it all works like magic.
I'm assuming it would work exactly the same way on the Pro Display XDR. The only caveat is that I think this setup is limited to 4K. I didn't dig too deeply since there's not enough of a difference between 4K and 5K IMHO to make the effort worthwhile. 6K might be worth figuring it out though :)
So I just run a short DP1.2 cable from the Nvidia card output to the DP1.2 input on the motherboard, then plug my LG monitor into the Thunderbolt 3 output on the motherboard, and it all works like magic.
I'm assuming it would work exactly the same way on the Pro Display XDR. The only caveat is that I think this setup is limited to 4K. I didn't dig too deeply since there's not enough of a difference between 4K and 5K IMHO to make the effort worthwhile. 6K might be worth figuring it out though :)
Where do you find a 5k monitor these days? They seem to have mostly vanished, other than the old LG one that Apple still sometimes has in stock (I’ve heard bad things about it). I also love my first-gen 5K iMac display, but can’t use it for my work MacBook. I’d love to find a solid 5K display but until then I’m still on a 1440p ultrawide.
There was Iiyama 5k as well, but they stopped making it. I almost bought it too, what a shame.
The short answer is you basically don't find them :(
But the LG UltraFine 5K is still alive and well. My original one (vintage 2017) died recently (bad mainboard) and I went out shelled out $1400 for a brand new one from the Apple Store. They had a bunch in stock - it was not hard to locate.
I don't know whether it's new firmware or new hardware or what, but this monitor works 1000000000 better than my older version of the exact same one. I had plenty of issues on the last one - wouldn't startup after sleep, etc. This new one is just flawless - starts right up every morning, no ghosting, etc.
But the LG UltraFine 5K is still alive and well. My original one (vintage 2017) died recently (bad mainboard) and I went out shelled out $1400 for a brand new one from the Apple Store. They had a bunch in stock - it was not hard to locate.
I don't know whether it's new firmware or new hardware or what, but this monitor works 1000000000 better than my older version of the exact same one. I had plenty of issues on the last one - wouldn't startup after sleep, etc. This new one is just flawless - starts right up every morning, no ghosting, etc.
Can you actually see a difference? I have slightly better than 20/20 vision with glasses and don't see a difference between 4k @ 14", 27" or 32".
At this point 32" 4k is perfect for me, the only thing I'd wish for is improved panel. I have not seen the Apple 6k, but just picked up an M1 Macbook Air, it has best display I've seen (quite a bit better than my work 16")
At this point 32" 4k is perfect for me, the only thing I'd wish for is improved panel. I have not seen the Apple 6k, but just picked up an M1 Macbook Air, it has best display I've seen (quite a bit better than my work 16")
I almost certainly can't see the difference between 4k and 5k (although it depends on the screen resolution - if the 4k screen is using some weird multiplier then everything is blurry and crappy).
But TFA is looking at 1440p screens, which is 2560x1440 and is LoDPI (@1x) on a 27" screen. I can absolutely tell the difference on those and that's what I can't ever go back to.
The LG 5K screen is 5120x2880 - same "size" as 1440p but everything @2x, and that is glooooorious :)
But TFA is looking at 1440p screens, which is 2560x1440 and is LoDPI (@1x) on a 27" screen. I can absolutely tell the difference on those and that's what I can't ever go back to.
The LG 5K screen is 5120x2880 - same "size" as 1440p but everything @2x, and that is glooooorious :)
The difference between 4K and 5K on the same screen size would just be the amount of screen real estate (essentially, that’s the real estate of 1080p and 1440p respectively) which you can definitely notice.
(If you’re using a non-integer scaling factor, that’s a different story, but I’ve always stuck to integer scaling factors.)
(If you’re using a non-integer scaling factor, that’s a different story, but I’ve always stuck to integer scaling factors.)
I'm unsure about the advice of sticking to 1440p at 27".
I have a non-retina imac 27 (1440p), external LG 27" 4K USB-C monitor and a macbook pro 13 with a real "retina", and use them all regularly.
For my eyes, scaling works fine with 4K - font rendering is significantly better than on 1440p imac.
13" screen on macbook pro is even better, and 5K 27" would be perfect, but that's a different price point. I'm quite happy with the improvement from 1440p => "4K with scaling" transition, and won't consider buying 1440p in future.
Scaled 4K may be not the best for high precision design work, but for development tasks / text reading that's an improvement, in my experience.
I have a non-retina imac 27 (1440p), external LG 27" 4K USB-C monitor and a macbook pro 13 with a real "retina", and use them all regularly.
For my eyes, scaling works fine with 4K - font rendering is significantly better than on 1440p imac.
13" screen on macbook pro is even better, and 5K 27" would be perfect, but that's a different price point. I'm quite happy with the improvement from 1440p => "4K with scaling" transition, and won't consider buying 1440p in future.
Scaled 4K may be not the best for high precision design work, but for development tasks / text reading that's an improvement, in my experience.
Here's [1] an article on why 1440p at 27" might be better.
[1] https://bjango.com/articles/macexternaldisplays/
[1] https://bjango.com/articles/macexternaldisplays/
I’m pretty sure the parent knows that MacOS doesn’t support “true retina” at 4K 27” (at a reasonable size). The way MacOS handles resolution (that’s not perfect 1x or 2x scaling) is by rendering at twice the resolution you selected in settings and then downscaling to the true resolution of the monitor. So if you want to render at 1440p you render at 5k then downscale to 4K. What I believe the parent was trying to get across is that 5k downscaled to 4K looks better than true 1440p. Although it does tax the GPU more, many people would agree it’s worth it over 1440p.
I feel like the 'shimmering' when scrolling on 27@4k would drive me nuts. But to each their own.
In macOS there are side effects of scaling though, notably "blurry pixels," "shimmering," and increased GPU usage.
I haven't noticed any of those issues and I've been using a variety of Macs (2013 MBP 15", 2019 MBP 13", 2019 MacMini, 2013 MacPro) with a variety of 27" and 32" 4K monitors for over a year now. The 27" 4K monitors are for me the perfect compromise between screen real estate and display quality.
I definitely don't notice blurry pixels. I don't game, so maybe that's why I don't notice increased CPU use.
I definitely don't notice blurry pixels. I don't game, so maybe that's why I don't notice increased CPU use.
1440p (2560x1440) is 5K pixel-doubled. (27" iMac)
1080p is 4K pixel-doubled (21.5" iMac) (or 5K downscaled and pixel-doubled).
1080p is 4K pixel-doubled (21.5" iMac) (or 5K downscaled and pixel-doubled).
Not to mention it's great for gaming.
I agree - I got a ASUS VP28UQGL and it's very easy on my eyes @4k
At least in my experience, if you sit far/close enough, you can "overcome" the limitations of each display variant. I can definitely see the difference between 4K running 1440p at 1.5x compared to a proper 2x scale factor, though. I can tolerate 1.5x or variations in between, but I'd vastly prefer 2x. If you play with enough resolutions and look at enough displays, you'll develop a taste which cannot be quenched without an LG 5K display, which is ill-advised.
At least to my eyes, my Dell U2715H with EDID override looks worse at 1440p than my LG 27UL850-W. I'd prefer to have a 2x scale factor, but at 1.5x, I can't see scaling artifacts or I'm used to them for still text. My poor GPU can't handle this though, so all motion and movement is terrible, and thus, I can't distinguish "shimmering" from just regular poor performance.
I'm really bothered that Apple sells an LG 5K display for the price they sell it at. Pro display XDR is joke-tier pricing for a developer. Even the 5K display is too expensive. The Ilyama 5K (XB2779QQS) was sold at the $999 price point, which actually kinda makes sense, but it's gone.
So practically speaking, either shell out $1,200+ for a good display or settle non-ideal retina or 1x.
At least to my eyes, my Dell U2715H with EDID override looks worse at 1440p than my LG 27UL850-W. I'd prefer to have a 2x scale factor, but at 1.5x, I can't see scaling artifacts or I'm used to them for still text. My poor GPU can't handle this though, so all motion and movement is terrible, and thus, I can't distinguish "shimmering" from just regular poor performance.
I'm really bothered that Apple sells an LG 5K display for the price they sell it at. Pro display XDR is joke-tier pricing for a developer. Even the 5K display is too expensive. The Ilyama 5K (XB2779QQS) was sold at the $999 price point, which actually kinda makes sense, but it's gone.
So practically speaking, either shell out $1,200+ for a good display or settle non-ideal retina or 1x.
IMO, the best MacBook monitor is the LG 38WN95CW ultrawide monitor [1].
Pros:
* Larger 38" screen
* 90w charging
* Thunderbolt 3 (like USB-C but better)
* 144hz refresh rate
* 1ms response rate
And current generation MacBooks only support one external monitor, so two 27" 1440p monitors should not be recommended. And there are methods to having more monitors, but they require additional hardware and do not always work well.
Cons:
* Hard to acquire (out-of-stock everywhere)
* Very expensive ($1,500+)
* Cannot natively control brightness & sound via keyboard like other LG monitors, but software [2] can add this feature. Though, this is currently broken for all M1 Macs.
* Does not support True Tone
Read a review [3] for more information.
[1] https://www.lg.com/us/monitors/lg-38wn95c-w-ultrawide-monito...
[2] https://github.com/MonitorControl/MonitorControl/issues/323
[3] https://www.rtings.com/monitor/reviews/lg/38wn95c-w
Pros:
* Larger 38" screen
* 90w charging
* Thunderbolt 3 (like USB-C but better)
* 144hz refresh rate
* 1ms response rate
And current generation MacBooks only support one external monitor, so two 27" 1440p monitors should not be recommended. And there are methods to having more monitors, but they require additional hardware and do not always work well.
Cons:
* Hard to acquire (out-of-stock everywhere)
* Very expensive ($1,500+)
* Cannot natively control brightness & sound via keyboard like other LG monitors, but software [2] can add this feature. Though, this is currently broken for all M1 Macs.
* Does not support True Tone
Read a review [3] for more information.
[1] https://www.lg.com/us/monitors/lg-38wn95c-w-ultrawide-monito...
[2] https://github.com/MonitorControl/MonitorControl/issues/323
[3] https://www.rtings.com/monitor/reviews/lg/38wn95c-w
Another con: no upstream USB-B port for connecting to a PC. Also might be hard to power with a graphics card given the higher rez. Sounds super nice for productivity though.
Solved easily enough with a usb switch behind the display, no?
Not really. How do you connect the PC and MacBook to the sound bar? If connecting both directly to the sound bar, you'll need to switch those too. So each time you want to switch between PC/MacBook, you'll have to:
1. Switch the video source on the monitor 2. Switch the USB destination on your USB switch 3. Switch audio source on your sound bar
That's why upstream USB-B is so compelling. The monitor acts as a full KVM.
1. Switch the video source on the monitor 2. Switch the USB destination on your USB switch 3. Switch audio source on your sound bar
That's why upstream USB-B is so compelling. The monitor acts as a full KVM.
Ah, in my setup I have a usb dac that connects to my switch which solves that problem - hadn’t thought of it without that.
I've been using the cheaper ($1,000) but very similar LG 38WK95C for around a year. I have it attached to a Mac (via USB-C) and a PC (via DisplayPort) and the only drawback I've found is that when you switch inputs it "disconnects" the other input so the Mac thinks the monitor has been unplugged; my previous monitor did not do this.
That monitor doesn't have upstream USB-B. How do you connect your keyboard & mouse?
Through a passive USB switch.
Do you have a sound bar or external speakers? If so, I assume you only have one of your devices connected to them? With USB-B the audio source is determined by whatever device is currently selected by the monitor. It's nice.
I used to use a cheap mixer[1] but recently I found some speakers with multiple inputs. It would be great if everything could just route through the monitor instead.
[1] https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002BG2S6/
[1] https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002BG2S6/
> current generation MacBooks only support one external monitor
My monitor supports Thunderbolt 3 daisy chaining - Connecting a thunderbolt 3 upstream port to the input of the 2nd monitor. Do you know if two monitors setup this way would work with a MacBook?
My monitor supports Thunderbolt 3 daisy chaining - Connecting a thunderbolt 3 upstream port to the input of the 2nd monitor. Do you know if two monitors setup this way would work with a MacBook?
It does not [1].
[1] https://apple.stackexchange.com/a/406865
[1] https://apple.stackexchange.com/a/406865
+1 on this one. It really is the best monitor I’ve found.
I used a 27@1440[1] for years, and for a long time I thought it was the perfect size and resolution for me (and of course I love HiDPI, a 27@2880 would be great too; but I actually prefer to keep a low DPI screen for web/visual work so I can see what a lot of the world sees).
On a lark, last year I bought a 42.5@2160 (4k)[2], with the intention of using it primarily for tv/movies at that size, not knowing whether it would be suitable for work. But at 1x it’s nearly the same DPI as the 27@1440 so I have it a shot.
And at first the only way I could describe it was “comically large” and “probably a mistake”. For work, I only used the bottom half of the screen.
After a move, I changed my setup a bit, with the comically large screen set lower on my desk. This improved my viewing angle so much that I’m able to use the full vertical range of the screen (though it’s still so side that I treat the rightmost 20% or so as mostly a dead zone). Now I don’t know how I’d work with a smaller screen. That much vertical space is a godsend for dev, leaving tons of room for editor & debugger, or browser & dev tools.
It’s probably not for everyone, but for folks with a little disposable income and who might imagine finding the 27@1440 a little cramped, I recommend giving it a try!
[1]: Samsung S27A850D, with a PLS panel, which at the time was an interesting IPS alternative for me. I do realize that a high quality panel somewhat undermines my “see what the world sees” goal, but frankly my eyes and brain hate TN panels.
[2]: LG 43UD79-B, this time IPS, and I honestly can’t tell a difference in the panel quality.
On a lark, last year I bought a 42.5@2160 (4k)[2], with the intention of using it primarily for tv/movies at that size, not knowing whether it would be suitable for work. But at 1x it’s nearly the same DPI as the 27@1440 so I have it a shot.
And at first the only way I could describe it was “comically large” and “probably a mistake”. For work, I only used the bottom half of the screen.
After a move, I changed my setup a bit, with the comically large screen set lower on my desk. This improved my viewing angle so much that I’m able to use the full vertical range of the screen (though it’s still so side that I treat the rightmost 20% or so as mostly a dead zone). Now I don’t know how I’d work with a smaller screen. That much vertical space is a godsend for dev, leaving tons of room for editor & debugger, or browser & dev tools.
It’s probably not for everyone, but for folks with a little disposable income and who might imagine finding the 27@1440 a little cramped, I recommend giving it a try!
[1]: Samsung S27A850D, with a PLS panel, which at the time was an interesting IPS alternative for me. I do realize that a high quality panel somewhat undermines my “see what the world sees” goal, but frankly my eyes and brain hate TN panels.
[2]: LG 43UD79-B, this time IPS, and I honestly can’t tell a difference in the panel quality.
38" monitors solve the vertical height problem while providing almost as much space. And they're curved so you look like you're in The Future.
I considered that, but this screen is my only tv as well so that tipped the scales for the full 42”.
42@4k having the same DPI as 27@1440 sounds incredible. I hope they release a version with upstream USB-B because I would buy it in a heartbeat.
One thing to notice is that 1440p at 27" (one main criteria set by the author) is ideal for non-Retina macOS UI. For Retina UI, stick to 5k at 27" or 4k at 21.5" (or, look for a DPI of around 218 PPI).
Are there even 5K 27" aside from the LG ones? I think Dell stopped producing theirs, really sad that current landscape of 5K options many years after Apple introduced their iMacs 5K.
Right. 1440p at 27" isn't retina but it scales perfectly, which is all you need for programming imo. Not to mention it's great for gaming. I'm using it now and loving it.
For what it’s worth, if you’re on a 27@4k you can use interface scaling to get it to “looks like 1440” and it’s a reasonable approximation. The scaling renders everything at double the “looks like” resolution then scales it down, which sounds like it would hurt perf and look fuzzy but it’s really not that bad in either category.
I’ve never noticed any UI issues with my 27” 4k monitor on macOS. I also usually notice little issues like that. So while 5k is probably better, I personally don’t think I’m missing out on much. At least, I wouldn’t say 5k is an absolute requirement to enjoy higher DPI. The price difference is pretty big too, with solid 27” 4k monitors around half the price of 5k.
> 4k at 21.5"
Does that exist? I have never seek a 4k (or better) display smaller than 24", and I'd love to buy one.
Does that exist? I have never seek a 4k (or better) display smaller than 24", and I'd love to buy one.
Well the 21.5" Retina iMac has it.
And LG has a standalone.
And LG has a standalone.
This inch-measuing business is very misguided
I now have a 32inch 4k monitor, and I sit further away from ot than i did with previous 24inch screen. Get a large screen, as large as your work setuo allows, your back and posture will thank you.
I now have a 32inch 4k monitor, and I sit further away from ot than i did with previous 24inch screen. Get a large screen, as large as your work setuo allows, your back and posture will thank you.
One monitor missing from his list is the Benq PD3220U that hits all of his main criteria although it is fixed at 60Hz so doesn't match all his secondary ones (and isn't cheap).
I have similar requirements to the OP and got this monitor back in March just before everyone started working remotely. I've had no problems with it, and have been pleased with the choice. The separate control unit which can be configured to use the hardware buttons for KVM switching is a small thing but particularly nice to have.
The KVM takes a second or two to switch, and it'd be nice if it would do it (near) instantly. I'm not sure if its firmware is updatable - it's plugged into a Linux machine where I can't run their software or a locked down Windows machine where I'm not allowed to run their software. There's nothing on their website to suggest there are updates I'm missing out on though.
I have similar requirements to the OP and got this monitor back in March just before everyone started working remotely. I've had no problems with it, and have been pleased with the choice. The separate control unit which can be configured to use the hardware buttons for KVM switching is a small thing but particularly nice to have.
The KVM takes a second or two to switch, and it'd be nice if it would do it (near) instantly. I'm not sure if its firmware is updatable - it's plugged into a Linux machine where I can't run their software or a locked down Windows machine where I'm not allowed to run their software. There's nothing on their website to suggest there are updates I'm missing out on though.
I've added it. Thanks!
I upgraded to this setup just a few weeks ago with a MacBook Air M1 and a LG 27UK850-W 27" 4K (a monitor with a USB Hub, USB-C, and 60W charging built in). Really liking it so far.
I'm using the same monitor and while I like it a lot, the USB hub turns off whenever the monitor enters sleep mode. This means you should not connect any external drives / USB sticks on this hub, due to data corruption risks. This is a known issue without any workarounds as far as I am aware. Just a minor annoyance if you are aware of it, but I have lost data to this so please be aware of that risk.
The monitor is otherwise pretty good, with decent latency and color accuracy in SDR mode. HDR mode is not good (which is expected for standard LED backlighting without local dimming), so don't forget to turn OFF HDR in the display settings of your computer. Image quality is way better in SDR.
Edit: latency and VFR (freesync / g-sync) is also decent on this monitor, despite not being marketed for gaming.
The monitor is otherwise pretty good, with decent latency and color accuracy in SDR mode. HDR mode is not good (which is expected for standard LED backlighting without local dimming), so don't forget to turn OFF HDR in the display settings of your computer. Image quality is way better in SDR.
Edit: latency and VFR (freesync / g-sync) is also decent on this monitor, despite not being marketed for gaming.
I have had this monitor for ~18 months now and it is indeed a great monitor.
My only complaint is that 4K is "too low" at 27 inches when you scale at 2x (the default so it "looks like" 1080p).
If they release a 5K model I will buy it in a heartbeat.
Sadly the only 5K 27 inch monitor that is any good is the LG UltraFine which is ~€1400 so a lot more than I am willing to pay considering this 4K LG was €440 when I bought it.
My only complaint is that 4K is "too low" at 27 inches when you scale at 2x (the default so it "looks like" 1080p).
If they release a 5K model I will buy it in a heartbeat.
Sadly the only 5K 27 inch monitor that is any good is the LG UltraFine which is ~€1400 so a lot more than I am willing to pay considering this 4K LG was €440 when I bought it.
I don't like dual monitors setup, it creates more annoyance with the underpredicalty of which window is going to go where than anything to me.
If you have the money, the Apple XDR 6k is super nice to code on.
If you have the money, the Apple XDR 6k is super nice to code on.
The Apple XDR 6k is nice but isn't compatible in a PC+Macbook setup as it only has a USB-C input. No ability to connect a PC if you're already using the USB-C for a MacBook.
I also find it a source of distraction in that the other monitor that I’m not currently working on disperses bright lights out of the corner of my eyes constantly vying for my attention
[deleted]
I don’t like dual monitors either, but at my desk I basically just ignore the MBP screen and use it like I’m on a desktop with a single display. (I don’t close the lid for thermal reason, but I imagine I wouldn’t worry about that once I’m on an ARM Mac.)
For LG monitors, the business version, when available, is identical hardware but with a longer warranty, often for about the same price. But, you can't trust their listed specs if they differ from the consumer model.
For example, the 34BK95U-W is identical to the 34WK95U-W except for the longer warranty. However, LG's website claimed the B varraint supported a 75hz refresh rate when I got it, but it only supports 60hz, same as the consumer model.
Similarly, LG's 43MU79-B only supports 7.5W of power output on the USB-C port despite https://www.lg.com/us/business/desktop-monitors/lg-43MU79-B still claiming it supports "60W PD". In reality, it's identical to the 43UD79-B. (I notified them of this over a year ago, but they don't seem to care enough to correct it.)
Shit like that makes me want to avoid LG entirely.
For example, the 34BK95U-W is identical to the 34WK95U-W except for the longer warranty. However, LG's website claimed the B varraint supported a 75hz refresh rate when I got it, but it only supports 60hz, same as the consumer model.
Similarly, LG's 43MU79-B only supports 7.5W of power output on the USB-C port despite https://www.lg.com/us/business/desktop-monitors/lg-43MU79-B still claiming it supports "60W PD". In reality, it's identical to the 43UD79-B. (I notified them of this over a year ago, but they don't seem to care enough to correct it.)
Shit like that makes me want to avoid LG entirely.
Re the power output, try a different cable.
Earlier in the year I was searching for a monitor that I could use to switch between my work-supplied MacBook 16 and my gaming PC (Nvidia 1080-based). I decided to go with the Acer XV273K (27", 4K, 120Hz).
This monitor has some things that make it a nice thing to share. It has 2 DisplayPorts and 2 HDMI connections for lots of connectivity.
I am currently using the 2 DP connections, one for MacBook, one for PC. The PC runs it a 4K 120Hz just fine and the MacBook is running it at 4K 60Hz. I haven't been able to get the MB to run at higher than 60Hz, unfortunately. I am using a usb-C to DP dongle from BENFEI. Maybe a different cable would help?
I have the Mac set to scale the desktop rez to 5K screen space, which works fine. It is clearly not as hi-rez as a natvie 5K display, but it looks pretty darn good to me. Much better than a 1440p monitor.
I have had not problems at all with this setup and highly recommend it
This monitor has some things that make it a nice thing to share. It has 2 DisplayPorts and 2 HDMI connections for lots of connectivity.
I am currently using the 2 DP connections, one for MacBook, one for PC. The PC runs it a 4K 120Hz just fine and the MacBook is running it at 4K 60Hz. I haven't been able to get the MB to run at higher than 60Hz, unfortunately. I am using a usb-C to DP dongle from BENFEI. Maybe a different cable would help?
I have the Mac set to scale the desktop rez to 5K screen space, which works fine. It is clearly not as hi-rez as a natvie 5K display, but it looks pretty darn good to me. Much better than a 1440p monitor.
I have had not problems at all with this setup and highly recommend it
Would you not prefer to have USB-C integrated into the monitor?
I would have preferred that, but it wasn't a deal breaker. I ruled out an Apple LG 5K because it wouldn't have been able to connect with my PCs 1080 (I assume?) Also, my 1080 cannot really even handle 4K gaming, so I didn't see much point.
The MacBook has been perma-attached to the monitor due to the pandemic, so plugging power in via a different port on the MB was fine.
The MacBook has been perma-attached to the monitor due to the pandemic, so plugging power in via a different port on the MB was fine.
In my opinion the best work monitor in the world is the built in monitor of the Surface Studio.
It's a 28" 3:2 monitor, resolution is 4500x3000.
Text is crisp, images are perfect, there's lots of vertical space. As an additional gimmick it has touch input and comes with a stylus.
I wish that monitor was available as an external monitor.
It's a 28" 3:2 monitor, resolution is 4500x3000.
Text is crisp, images are perfect, there's lots of vertical space. As an additional gimmick it has touch input and comes with a stylus.
I wish that monitor was available as an external monitor.
There have been rumors for years that MS is working on a standalone surface studio monitor. Fingers crossed that now with HDMI 2.1 it will become a feasible project. Until recently, you would need DP 1.4 to push that many pixels, and unfortunately that connector was not abundant. HDMI 2.1 seems to be the standard that every panel manufacturer is pushing for high resolutions.
I have an old Dell U2713HM, but text looks terrible on it when connected to my MBP. It looks fine with other computers running Windows or Linux, but not with the MBP for whatever reason. I already tried all the configuration changes suggested in various places around the Internet, but it doesn't make any difference. Is it possible it could be because I'm using a DisplayPort to USB-C adapter?
I'm looking at buying a new monitor to get past the problems with my old one. The ViewSonic VP2771, but I can't find it in stock anywhere close to me. Does anyone have a suggestion a similar product? 1440p, 27", USB-C, specifically for use with a MBP.
I'm looking at buying a new monitor to get past the problems with my old one. The ViewSonic VP2771, but I can't find it in stock anywhere close to me. Does anyone have a suggestion a similar product? 1440p, 27", USB-C, specifically for use with a MBP.
You may try adjusting the font smoothing configuration in MacOS. It used to be in System Preferences > General but since the Big Sur release it has been removed from there. Setting it in the terminal seems to continue to work
defaults -currentHost write -g AppleFontSmoothing -int 0
defaults -currentHost write -g AppleFontSmoothing -int 0
That's one of the things I already tried.
I’ve seen this with my 2410U on hdmi. It had to do with the colour being send being in ~~cymk~~ YPbPr instead of rgb which makes the display think it is acting as a TV and applies some smart stuff. This is fixable with a monitor profile but I do not have link ready.
Edit: found the link: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/250732856
Edit: found the link: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/250732856
Thanks for the suggestion. I'll give it a shot.
Take a look at this guide
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/guide-fixing-external-m...
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/guide-fixing-external-m...
I have the HP Z27 which I love for its one cable capabilities (it also works great as a hub) but I'm not gaming on the PC side, so I have no need for high hertz or 1440p.
I didn't include the Z27 because it has an awkward DPI for macOS, which I read about here: https://bjango.com/articles/macexternaldisplays/
It also doesn't appear to have an upstream USB-B port. How are you dealing with it?
It also doesn't appear to have an upstream USB-B port. How are you dealing with it?
I don’t need B, I use C.
It's pretty surprising how (AFAIK) macOS still doesn't support adaptive sync displays, that kind of visual polish seems like the kind of thing Apple would jump on.
Does any third-party GPU that Apple uses even support adaptive sync on the Windows side? Because the recent iPads have adaptive sync technology, using a complete Apple stack from GPU hardware to iOS software.
Plenty - higher end Intel Macs use discrete AMD GPUs, and AMD hardware has supported adaptive sync since 2013. It's just not wired up in macOS.
The Intel iGPUs used in lower end Macs don't support adaptive sync though, so maybe it's a case of Apple waiting until they can offer it on the whole stack.
The Intel iGPUs used in lower end Macs don't support adaptive sync though, so maybe it's a case of Apple waiting until they can offer it on the whole stack.
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Anyone has considered LG oled tv as PC monitor?
I use LG55C9 as my main display. 4K oled 120hz gsync. Absolutely gorgeous.
Will change it in few years if ghosting become a problem. 8k oled is coming soon anyway.
Cons : had to disable auto dimming in firmware.
I use LG55C9 as my main display. 4K oled 120hz gsync. Absolutely gorgeous.
Will change it in few years if ghosting become a problem. 8k oled is coming soon anyway.
Cons : had to disable auto dimming in firmware.
After using an LG 4k (one of the very popular ones, 27 inch) for two-three years I started getting red burn-in on the corners of the screen (1 cm width).
Switched to the Dell 4k one for now and liking it so far.
Switched to the Dell 4k one for now and liking it so far.
Does it make sense for the KVM to be integrated with the monitor, or separate?
I’ve been thinking a bit about a setup like this, but there are enough gotchas to prevent me from making a decision.
I’ve been thinking a bit about a setup like this, but there are enough gotchas to prevent me from making a decision.
Good KVMs are very expensive. I've used monitors with multiple inputs and a separate passive USB switch.
Built-in KVM is amazing. External KVMs are ridiculously expensive. Especially if you want powered USB-C and adaptive sync. If it even exists, you're probably talking at least $1,000.
iiyama ProLite XUB2792UHSU-B1 on my M1 mini here. 27” 4K IPS.
5k would be better but it’s good enough and pretty damn cheap. And it’s not 1440p which just isn’t good enough now.
5k would be better but it’s good enough and pretty damn cheap. And it’s not 1440p which just isn’t good enough now.
That monitor doesn't have a USB-C input, right? How do you connect both a PC and a MacBook, if you don't mind me asking?
I use a USB-C to DisplayPort adapter for the Mac: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B075V27G2R/
I use a PC as well and that’s connected to the HDMI input and you can switch between from the monitor controls.
I use a PC as well and that’s connected to the HDMI input and you can switch between from the monitor controls.
That adapter doesn't provide power, right? I assume you just have the power connected to the laptop too and you're good to go.
That’s correct. I’m using a Mini so that’s not an issue but with a laptop you’d have to connect power and the monitor separately.
Lenovo sell one that does provide power.
Lenovo sell one that does provide power.
I ended up getting a KVM in the middle - it’s more cables but I have a 144Hz gsync screen and I can easily swap kB+m+screen with a dedicated, hardware button
What KVM are you using that has gsync and 144Hz support? I couldn't find one last time I looked. I'm running an Alienware 3418DW and have video switching through the monitor and a separate USB 3.0 switch.
You can use a passive displayport switcher. I have the Alienware 3420DW and just got this (https://www.newegg.com/p/183-0075-00026?Item=9SIAEKBBMV2800). The monitor is DP 1.2 so 120Hz @ 3440p with gsync and it all passes through the switcher without issue. My setup now has a USB 2.0 switcher for keyboard/mouse/headphones and the DP switcher for graphics both ziptied to a display post. That way switching machines is two button presses. Much better than a KVM IMHO that will likely go absolute next monitor upgrade.
I wondered that too, maybe he is routing everything through usb-c and uses a usb-c hub?
Conventional KVMs have VGA, I doubt he uses it. Maybe he has an HDMI one.
I've got a 4k display and finding a KVM that supports 4k 60hz is nearly impossible where I live. I plan on using a regular KVM to share mouse and keyboard via USB and use my monitors second input for manually switching between PCs.
It's a two step solution but at least doesn't break the bank.
4k has been a source of lot of frustration for me. Regular adapters don't work, regular cables don't work, you can't find content. HiDpi scaling is not that great.
I feel like an early adopter. Everything is a hassle, parts are expensive.
I had a 1080p 32 inch monitor once, it was great but the resolution was lacking. I replaced it with a 32 inch 4K one, but I couldn't get the same experience.
Conventional KVMs have VGA, I doubt he uses it. Maybe he has an HDMI one.
I've got a 4k display and finding a KVM that supports 4k 60hz is nearly impossible where I live. I plan on using a regular KVM to share mouse and keyboard via USB and use my monitors second input for manually switching between PCs.
It's a two step solution but at least doesn't break the bank.
4k has been a source of lot of frustration for me. Regular adapters don't work, regular cables don't work, you can't find content. HiDpi scaling is not that great.
I feel like an early adopter. Everything is a hassle, parts are expensive.
I had a 1080p 32 inch monitor once, it was great but the resolution was lacking. I replaced it with a 32 inch 4K one, but I couldn't get the same experience.
Note for anyone considering this setup, the vast majority of KVM switches won't pass through GSync/Freesync
Level1Techs sells a few KVMs that can do it but they're not cheap
Level1Techs sells a few KVMs that can do it but they're not cheap
Do you own one of these? I've been following some of their latest hardware announcements but know nothing about how good they are.
Do they also handle audio? I like having the monitor pipe audio to the sound bar so that my PC and MacBook both take advantage of the sound bar.
The only monitor out there that would be an "upgrade" for me currently is the Apple 6K, which is far far into absurd-level purchase category.
Dell has an 8K out there (UP3218K) which, at a scant $4000, looks to only slightly less crazy than the Apple 6K @ $5000 (plus stand!).
It's a bit sad there are so few choices for us HiDPI addicts. Anything else out there I'm missing?