2018 MacBook Pros Have New 'Titan Ridge' Thunderbolt 3 Controller, But DisplayPort 1.4 Isn't Truly Supported

[Zdigital2015]

I purchased the new 15" MBP which apparently is DP 1.4.

It will not display on my Dell 2718D using the Type C connection, and the manual states the following:
Verify if the PC or Notebook USB Type C interface can support Alternate mode DP 1.2.

My 2017 13" MBP works perfectly with this monitor.

Is the new Titan Ridge Thunderbolt controller the reason why this is not working? Is DP 1.4 not backwards compatible with a DP 1.2 monitor?

Any other ideas?

What USB-C Cable are you using to connect the monitor to the MacBook Pro? The one that came with the monitor? A third party cable?

Make sure the USB-C cable did not come loose on the monitor itself.

Is the MacBook Pro charging?

Dell's manual and troubleshooting aren't really all that helpful, I just read them for this monitor.

 

[avkills]

You only just discovered this, where have you been for the last 2 years? For someone with a passing interest in Apple products (you're posting here) I find it hard to believe you didn't already know this.

2 years ago people clearly had something to be annoyed about, but now USB-C is fast becoming the dominant connection for devices and these four TB3 ports on the Macbook Pro series are really beginning to shine.

Not really. Power should have stayed with the Magsafe (arguably the best thing Apple has come up with in the last 10 years) for power. Should have kept at least one USB type A port. And for Gods sake put the Kensington lock slot back on them.

 

[mdickson]

What USB-C Cable are you using to connect the monitor to the MacBook Pro? The one that came with the monitor? A third party cable?

Make sure the USB-C cable did not come loose on the monitor itself.

Is the MacBook Pro charging?

Dell's manual and troubleshooting aren't really all that helpful, I just read them for this monitor.

Hey, thanks for the response and taking the time to look at the Dell manual.

I've tried three different cables, including the apple thunderbolt cable which came with the new 15" mbp.

The computer does charge when hooked up to the monitor, but the monitor receives zero display input from the computer and I am unable to "detect the display" from osx.

 

[h4y6d2e]

what is the app shown in the photos from this article? final cut pro?

 

[imageWIS]

Under a rock since 2016 living detected

It seems like Apples approach for a while is to provide best possible docking experience. It might not be for everybody and for sure is not the cheapest way to go, but potential convenience and feature set are nowhere else to be seen. I work from several locations and at one of them I use Caldigit TS3 Plus dock, to which LG 5K is connected. That setup gives me all the connections I ever want on my desk, together with wired ethernet, charging and best ever external display experience to date. Will be testing how it plays with Blackmagic eGPU inbetween the devices soon. In my eyes this is the future of an ultimate single computer that is amazing for travel and remote work and that can be transfered into the whole recording studio or the center of your labratory in matter of seconds. I am speaking of 2018 MacBook Pro 13, which can be configured with the fastest 28W quad core CPU available today (i7-8559U) with the best Intel integrated graphics and adequate cooling. Top it up with great display, speakers, amazing SSD performance and macOS... If this is not a Pro machine - I am not sure what is.

Because clearly one buys a laptop for docking capabilities and a 27" iMac for portability.

 

[wizard]

You mean putting in weak GPUs hampers driving large pixel count displays?!

Shocking isnt it!!!!

I wish I could tattoo an Apple exec with a nVidia logo every time one of them mentioned the importance of GPU power.

It is important which is why they go AMD.

Of course that is a moot point anyway because the current design can't even cool the top level CPU offered.

This likely should be of concern to anyone that drives their Mac hard. The real question is just how bad is the throttling and do we get a net win over older models.

 

[Zellio]

I get it, Apple can sell you a new 6 core MacBook pro that will run an 8k for exactly 10 seconds before it burns everything up causing you to buy another MacBook Pro and another 8k display! Brilliant!

 

[Glockworkorange]

The monitor only has Type C and HDMI connections, and I am trying to use a Type C to Type C cable. This works with the 2017 MBP.

Any way for this to work with the 2018 15"?

I'm sorry--I misread your post!

 

[wizard]

I would have to say no. Of course that depends upon many factors but i wouldnt go that route at all. Intels enbedded GPUs are still low end which is the major factor.

Note that it also depends upon your expectations, also you need to make sure your current slow downs are not related to something other than the computers performance potential.

To put it in a nut shell my experience with Intels GPUs isnt spectacular. I cant even say it is good. Given that the GPUs do inprove with every new chip release.

My 2016 MBP+TB is currently running out of disk space, and now it's connected to a 5k display, it's having trouble with stuttering, and basically running the fan at full speed under minimal load. Flurry screen saver is just a no no for example.

I don't need blistering graphics performance, but I do want the experience of using a 5k display to be as close as possible to using the laptop natively. Would the latest graphics processors in the 2018 models (13") be suitable to drive the 5k display properly, with no lag or stutter?

Thanks

[doublepost=1532127067][/doublepost]You should try Windows 10 if yiu really want to be anoyyed.

At least Apple ads features to Mac OS in a fairly clean manner. The idiots at MS did an entirely new interface that defys all sense of logic and usability. The GUIs of the supplied apps is a mess with no apparent thought put into usability, wasted screen space or feature content.

Complexity can be managed but MS has seeminky given up on clean apps and operating systems in favor of spamming the user with as many dubious features as possible.

While i dont agree with everything you have highlighted i do agree that MS has gone off the deep end. As for USB-C/TB ports i see them as one of the best innovations to come out of the hardware world in a ling time. The ports are nit a problem but rather Apples arogance in abandoning legacy ports so fast is a real issue. Why Apple couldnt grasp some very common use cases for things like HDMI iis beyond me. In any event with time i do believe people will look back and say that the USB-C/TB ports was a fantastic move forward for computing hardware. Apple just alienates people with their agressive sanctions against legacy hardware.

It’s such a complex world! One universal port, so many combinations of features. I remember when all this technology made sense to me. Now, I care less and just think “This just doesn’t work for me.” Not just USB-C, but all the annoyances in Windows, and Office365. Mostly not with my iPhone and macOS though. Technology is getting more annoying.

 

[Zdigital2015]

Hey, thanks for the response and taking the time to look at the Dell manual.

I've tried three different cables, including the apple thunderbolt cable which came with the new 15" mbp.

The computer does charge when hooked up to the monitor, but the monitor receives zero display input from the computer and I am unable to "detect the display" from osx.

You’re welcome! The Manual was pretty thin on troubleshooting tips. I hate to suggest this, but I would first try simply rebooting and seeing if that solves the issue. Next, shutdown the MBP, unplug the monitor from power, give it thirty seconds - a minute - and then plug it in to the power, make sure the USB-C is tight in the monitor port, then plug in the cable to the MacBook Pro. Power up the computer and cross your fingers. Sometimes, my Dell P2715Q will go into a hard sleep and I have to unplug it to get it to reset correctly.

If that does not work, I would call Apple Tech Support, give Tier 1 a chance and try to escalate. This is the first use of Titan Ridge that I am aware of so far, so it’s possible that Intel didn’t dot all their i’s and cross all their t’s and Apple/Intel may need to issue a firmware update, it happens...hope it works out for you.

FWIW, I have a 2016 15” MBP hooked up to a BenQ SW271 via USB-C and it works like a dream...I have 2018 MacBook Pros that need to work with the SW271, so I would love to know if you are able to resolve the issue.

 

[dantroline]

I went into the Apple Store in Anchorage yesterday to buy the 2018 MacBook Pro 13". I was committed to the purchase way before I walked in the door. But a casual glance at the ports on the MacBook caused a pivotal revelation. The ports on their flagship line are only Thunderbolt 3. And NOTHING else. This is unbelievably shortsighted to the point that I'm certain Apple has lost its way. There are ZERO compatible ports on this new machine. I can't plug my iPhone into it, I can't plug my thumb drive into it, I can't plug a peripheral into it, I can't plug anything but the power cord into it. Really? This is the FLAGSHIP? I need to carry an external dongle to plug anything into my flagship Apple? That's ridiculous! I didn't buy the MacBook. Apple has lost their way. I've made the decision this morning to give up on Apple. I just ordered a new Microsoft Surface Pro a few minutes before writing this. Too bad Apple, you're your own worst enemy.

A lot of this has been covered ad nauseam on this site, but your post illustrates how Apple have drifted in the past few years. Yes, it has been an annoying and expensive exercise adjusting to USB-C and it's still annoying to be honest. MacOS is the only reason I still bother with this platform - not the hardware anymore - and each upgrade cycle makes me consider switching back to the Microsoft / Linux world again. I think it's wise for consumers to try to use cross-platform solutions for as many things as possible so that they have options when things become too frustrating (including people using Microsoft products).

 

[Zdigital2015]

My 2016 MBP+TB is currently running out of disk space, and now it's connected to a 5k display, it's having trouble with stuttering, and basically running the fan at full speed under minimal load. Flurry screen saver is just a no no for example.

I don't need blistering graphics performance, but I do want the experience of using a 5k display to be as close as possible to using the laptop natively. Would the latest graphics processors in the 2018 models (13") be suitable to drive the 5k display properly, with no lag or stutter?

Thanks

I would probably agree that the Iris Plus 655 is less that ideal for driving 14.7 million pixels plus 4.2 on the internal display. You have a three choices, buy a 13” 2018 MBP, buy a 15” 2018 MBP or look at an eGPU and some external storage (USB-C, TB3, NAS) for your current MBP. Myself, I would opt for the latter and get a Sonnet Tech eGFX Box (Developer Edition) and a USB-C SSD or USB-C HDD. Also, make sure you internal storage has at least 7-12% free...if not free up some space quick. Weird things seem to happen when the flash storage gets too close to full. I can’t say it’s the cause of the 5K weirdness, but you won’t know until you try.

 

[Abazigal]

I went into the Apple Store in Anchorage yesterday to buy the 2018 MacBook Pro 13". I was committed to the purchase way before I walked in the door. But a casual glance at the ports on the MacBook caused a pivotal revelation. The ports on their flagship line are only Thunderbolt 3. And NOTHING else. This is unbelievably shortsighted to the point that I'm certain Apple has lost its way. There are ZERO compatible ports on this new machine. I can't plug my iPhone into it, I can't plug my thumb drive into it, I can't plug a peripheral into it, I can't plug anything but the power cord into it. Really? This is the FLAGSHIP? I need to carry an external dongle to plug anything into my flagship Apple? That's ridiculous! I didn't buy the MacBook. Apple has lost their way. I've made the decision this morning to give up on Apple. I just ordered a new Microsoft Surface Pro a few minutes before writing this. Too bad Apple, you're your own worst enemy.

May you be happy with your new device.

 

[cforbesdesign]

Hmm. Going to hold onto my 2016 15-inch Touch Bar until the coming Apple Pro Monitors are released next year. I have a feeling the MacBook Pros released in that cycle will be fully baked. I have had zero issues with my 2016. It's rock solid.

Exactly. I’m so tempted now but want to wait until WWDC next year. No guarantee the 2017’s will support the new 2019 Pro monitors. Were the thunderbolt ports released alongside the 1st Thunderbolt Macbook Pros?

 

[jeremiah256]

I originally didn’t care about 8k. 5k is good enough for my job (4k is not ideal, 8k is overkill) so I only wanted full 5k support. But it seems as though outside of the lg/Apple monitor and iMac, 5k is dead. It looks like 8k will be the successor to 4k. Again, 8k is a bit overkill, but if that is eventually going to be my only ideal option, and the 2018 mbp doesn’t support it, and I want a machine to last me for the long haul, I’m hesitant on purchasing one. Maybe I’ll stick it out with my current machine awhile longer. Though I imagine with an eGPU or a display with an iGPU, the 2018 mbp will be able to run 8k. Not sure if that’s the case, but if it is, while not ideal it may be good enough for my purposes. I have a bit more research/thinking to do.

Yes, when you need it, you will be able to attach an eGPU with a Vega card for 8K. Future-proofing is what's so great about TB3/USB-C.

 

[h4y6d2e]

what is the app shown in the photos from this article? final cut pro?

...hello?

 

[VictorTango777]

What about supporting DisplayPort MST for daisy chaining DP monitors or using MST hubs?

 

[jamescharley22]

I went into the Apple Store in Anchorage yesterday to buy the 2018 MacBook Pro 13". I was committed to the purchase way before I walked in the door. But a casual glance at the ports on the MacBook caused a pivotal revelation. The ports on their flagship line are only Thunderbolt 3. And NOTHING else. This is unbelievably shortsighted to the point that I'm certain Apple has lost its way. There are ZERO compatible ports on this new machine. I can't plug my iPhone into it, I can't plug my thumb drive into it, I can't plug a peripheral into it, I can't plug anything but the power cord into it. Really? This is the FLAGSHIP? I need to carry an external dongle to plug anything into my flagship Apple? That's ridiculous! I didn't buy the MacBook. Apple has lost their way. I've made the decision this morning to give up on Apple. I just ordered a new Microsoft Surface Pro a few minutes before writing this. Too bad Apple, you're your own worst enemy.

Please correct me if I'm wrong but I thought that the standards implemented onto the USB-C ports were Thunderbolt 3, USB 3.1 Gen. 2 (10 Gbps), and DisplayPort. Then other standards like Thunderbolt 2 and HDMI could be achieved via adapters. However, given Thunderbolt 3 bundles data and DisplayPort, it's what's the ports are marketed as even though the ports are capable of the other standalone standards.

 

[avkills]

Yes, when you need it, you will be able to attach an eGPU with a Vega card for 8K. Future-proofing is what's so great about TB3/USB-C.

You do realize that the next iteration of Thunderbolt is likely to be a fiber cable, making that eGPU enclosure a paperweight. TB3 is only PCIe 4x electronically in the best case scenario.

 

[jeremiah256]

You do realize that the next iteration of Thunderbolt is likely to be a fiber cable, making that eGPU enclosure a paperweight. TB3 is only PCIe 4x electronically in the best case scenario.

With how long it is taking TB3 to become mainstream, do you seriously believe the future iteration of TB will impact the purchase choice of a computer or eGPU in the next three to five years?

 

[DeepIn2U]

About a $1,000.00 savings
[doublepost=1532107864][/doublepost]
Apple specifically stated they are making a stand alone display.

Does anyone know at what size of a screen 8K make sense? I think that’ll be Apple’s next display. 30 inch 8K.
[doublepost=1532107979][/doublepost]
I think we’ll get 8K capable machines next year. I’d love to see 8K in person, but for me it’s not going to be worth the premium $$$$.
[doublepost=1532108052][/doublepost]
Shrink the bezels on an iMac and then you’ll have a 30 inch, 8K new monitor.

8k??

8K?!
Did you say 8K!!!???!
Great Scott 8K?! Where are we going to get the power to generate 8K through TB3??? Optical cables don’t grow on trees Marty!?

 

[ivan86]

Because clearly one buys a laptop for docking capabilities and a 27" iMac for portability.

Pretty much everyone I know who has a notebook work on it at home and in the office. Those who have tried to use it with a bigger external display never looked back for obvious reasons. Everyone also loved the setup when notebook screen is used together with external display next to it. People become much more productive and they value that, just as being able to have their set of work and personal files whenever and wherever they need it. Eventually, periods of most productive work are associated with time when notebook is docked to a set of perriferals.

The convenience of managing only one device (or even none if IT department does all the job), portability and flexibility make a lot of people ditch their desktops and solely rely on their notebooks. Computing power seem to play less of a role especially when todays hardware is really fast enough for most of the tasks anyway. Back in 2008 in fact, when Intel released X25-M SSD (I have some being used even today as a scratch disks) it became possible to convert a notebook into a faster machine than a typical desktop PC. The percievable speed jump was huge. And today MacBook Pro 13 comes with up to 2TB of insanely fast SSD (backed up by APFS and T2 chip), quad core CPU and seriously powerful internal GPU (sufficient for every single business person I know, including those involved in RnD, construction and design) and eGPU option in cases when more “omph” is desired.

Apple clearly advertises docking capabilities with the MacBook Pro line, which all started with Apple Thunderbolt Display, continued with 2016 15” model being shown running 2x LG 5K displays and external storage and now - the BlackMagic eGPU.

Taking all things into account, if one has chosen “the path of notebook”, than it only makes sense to focus on its docking capabilities more than on anything else. Once a single cable solution experienced - there is no going back to the old ways. With going “all in” with Thunderbolt 3 in 2016 Apple has futured proofed their MacBook Pro line as much as possible as well as pushed the whole industry into the right direction in the form of USB C connection.

Speaking of iMac I will just note that it is an all-in-one, which only needs to be “docked” to the table and power outlet. I know like 4 people who use all-in-ones at home and many businesses. In most instances they are only connected to a mouse/keyboard, (sometimes) ethernet and a printer - no docking stations / external displays detected. I am sure there are some people other than tech reviewers who use an all-in-one with an external display/docking station, but they belong to minority, just as those who use a MacBook Pro 15 with 2x LG 5K displays.

IMO - a maxed out 2018 MacBook Pro 13 is the best portable computer out there with best docking options. Not one or the other, but both.

 

[RobbieTT]

Connections have always evolved to support faster rates... . Anyway, I'd expect phones and tablets to go wireless-only within a few years. Oh, yes, and phones/tablets are the one place where Apple aren't going USB-C.

Rather definitive on the iPad/iPhone connector. I would be surprised if we didn't see the Lightning connector deleted and replaced by a USB-C on all the new iDevices released from later this year onwards.

 

[theluggage]

Rather definitive on the iPad/iPhone connector. I would be surprised if we didn't see the Lightning connector deleted and replaced by a USB-C on all the new iDevices released from later this year onwards.

You’d think so, but it depends on how much money they make from licensing lightning to iphone accessory makers. The customer-friendly time to have switched would have been with the iPhone 7 before people started investing in lightning headphones.
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You do realize that the next iteration of Thunderbolt is likely to be a fiber cable, making that eGPU enclosure a paperweight

Thunderbolt has always supported fibre cables - but another key feature of TB is that the cable driver is built into the cable, so the fibre cables have standard TB1 or TB3/USB-C connectors on the end. Maybe TB 4 will need fibre cables for maximum speed, but dumping the USB-C connector would be a major U turn.

One of Intels strategies with TB3 is to hitch a ride on the USB-C bandwagon by trying to establish its Thunderbolt controller chips as the go-to choice for implementing the rest of USB-C so they’d be foolish to drop backward compatibility unless they’re throwing in the towel.

You’re right in one way, though - why are eGPUs with 4x PCIe suddenly so great when in the past 16x has been de rigure for a decent graphics card?

 

[chfilm]

Reminds me of how my $9,000 mac pro was supposed to support numerous 4k displays. Not sure I ever got more than one working...

mine drives two 5k displays and a full HD projector at the same time with zero issues... whats your problem with the mac pro?