Macs are really getting on my nerves recently 😀 Dell P2415Qb, Rev. A12 (well into 4K @ 60 Hz supported range). Yet no matter if HDMI 1.4 is enabled or disabled in Dell's 'secret' menu, the only options in Displays are 23, 24, and 30 Hz. MacBook 12" 2017. Baseus USB-C-to-HDMI adapter (hub). Could the latter be the culprit?
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
4K at 30Hz only
- Thread starter Scrooge MacDuck
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Quote: HDMI 1.4 Resolution and Refresh Rate:
Supports a maximum resolution of 4K (4096×2160 pixels), but the refresh rate is limited to 24Hz or 30Hz.
So you need a monitor that supports HDMI 2.0 to support 4K/60. Does yours?
Supports a maximum resolution of 4K (4096×2160 pixels), but the refresh rate is limited to 24Hz or 30Hz.
So you need a monitor that supports HDMI 2.0 to support 4K/60. Does yours?
I would think so. One from Ugreen, and another that came with the monitor itself. Bought the monitor second-hand, but the cable that the seller bundled with it had been in active use by the same seller.
If the monitor has DisplayPort/mDP input it is generally better to use a USB-C to DP (or mDP) cable, as DP is the format of the video that the MacBook is outputting, so no signal conversion is needed.
As you probably need the hub for extra ports, it might be possible to get a hub that passes through USB-C video, and use the DP converter cable that way.
But USB-C hubs are a common failure point for video... 😒
As you probably need the hub for extra ports, it might be possible to get a hub that passes through USB-C video, and use the DP converter cable that way.
But USB-C hubs are a common failure point for video... 😒
Can't seem to find an equally good hub with DP that ain't 50 cm long and doesn't cost 50+, though. Most compact ones are HDMI only or no-name.
Last edited:
The hub could easily be the culprit. Many don't support 4K@60Hz over HDMI, especially if it's a few years old. You have to really pay attention because they can be kinda scummy how they describe it.
I would second getting one with DP too.
You can get them with DisplayPort from decent brands for less than $50. Here's one for example:
I would second getting one with DP too.
You can get them with DisplayPort from decent brands for less than $50. Here's one for example:
Cable Matters USB C Hub DisplayPort 100W, 4K@240Hz (USB C DisplayPort 1.4 Hub), 480Mbps Ethernet, 2X USB, 100W Host Charging in Black - Thunderbolt 4 / Thunderbolt 3 Port Compatible for MacBook Pro
Cable Matters USB C Multiport Adapter (USB C Hub DisplayPort 1.4), 2X USB 2.0, 480Mbps Ethernet, and 100W Charging in Black - Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 / Thunderbolt 3 Port Compatible with MacBook Pro
www.amazon.com
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
Here is the hub I'm using now: https://www.amazon.de/Baseus-Adapter-Kartenleser-Docking-Station/dp/B0C9JKKL7N/The hub could easily be the culprit. Many don't support 4K@60Hz over HDMI, especially if it's a few years old. You have to really pay attention because they can be kinda scummy how they describe it.
I would second getting one with DP too.
You can get them with DisplayPort from decent brands for less than $50. Here's one for example:
Cable Matters USB C Hub DisplayPort 100W, 4K@240Hz (USB C DisplayPort 1.4 Hub), 480Mbps Ethernet, 2X USB, 100W Host Charging in Black - Thunderbolt 4 / Thunderbolt 3 Port Compatible for MacBook Pro
Cable Matters USB C Multiport Adapter (USB C Hub DisplayPort 1.4), 2X USB 2.0, 480Mbps Ethernet, and 100W Charging in Black - Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 / Thunderbolt 3 Port Compatible with MacBook Prowww.amazon.com
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
When did you buy it? Recently? The 7-in-1 you linked does seem to suggest it does 4K@60Hz, but not the 8-in-1 or 6-in-1s. I know for example Apple's original USB C to HDMI adapter could not do 4K@60Hz, but the newer version does, so maybe you have an older one that doesn't work?
Although looking at Apple's adapter it looks like at least with that some Macs aren't capable of 4k@60Hz with that adapter but they don't list the any of the non-Air non-Pro Macbooks as being capable or not. They do list the 2018 MBA as not capable so I'd imagine the 2017 Macbook might be in the same boat due to the crummy GPU. So maybe it's just not possible in general with an HDMI adapter.
I still think your best bet is trying one with Displayport.
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
Boy is this convoluted. Apple must really be losing their edge lately if something this basic requires this much discussion. Thanks anyway!
I still have my P2415Q monitor and never successfully got HDMI at 4K60 despite trying many times. Gave up and moved to DisplayPort for that one and never had any trouble again.
In these cases, IF the gpu and the the monitor indeed support the resolution and refresh rate over hdmi, the culprit is almost always the cable and/hub not having enough bandwidth
The 2018 MBA also does 4k@60Hz too but not with Apple's and possibly others' HDMI adapter. That makes me think it's likely the same with the 2017 MacBook.
Better to say that old "Macs are really getting on my nerves recently." You are pushing a low-end Mac that is 7 years old. Note that Apple's spec says "HDMI video output using USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter, (sold separately)." Any third party hubs are a guessing game when pushing a 7 y-o box to its maximum video output.
That said, such issues are usually with cables and docks/hubs/adapters. Any one of those devices that are not up to snuff (common with hardware not top-of-the-line) can cause maximum output spec not to be met. In my life cables have so often been problematic (causing huge wasting of time) that now I only buy the very highest end cables. When I upgrade to a TB5 MBP I will buy TB5 cables for it; I now just consider good cables part of the cost of ownership.
Last edited:
You are using the lowest end, lowest of powered, 8 year old Mac’s. There is nothing “lately” going on here.
It’s got Intel Graphics, and was the last machine Apple released that wasn’t considered “pro” or “air”
It was never more than 2 cores at base clock of 1.4 ghz at the highest configuration.
It is officially classified as a vintage machine one.
With that said, it technically can support 4K@60 in the ideal configuration. But understand also that it probably can’t support a HUB. IT DOES NOT HAVE THUNDERBOLT.
it has usb 3.1 gen 1, and ONE port.
So either DP alt mode with PD, OR a Hub, unless you are willing to spend the cash on a hub that can multiplex it all.
None of this is an Apple issue, it’s the tech of 8 years ago, combined with your reluctance to buy a hub made by engineers.
Yes, those video technologies were really confusing when 4K was becoming mainstream. I have a 2016 macbook pro with 4 thunderbolt ports and it only runs 3440x1440 display at 50Hz. Go figure!
(the monitor is new and has USB-C with power and other goodies, but internally the video signal is HDMI over USB-C and the 2016 mac can do only HDMI 1.4 internally... I mean it's complicated)
You probably need the "DisplayPort Alt Mode" - a way of running USB-C port as a Display Port instead. Note that it will be ONLY a displayport, forgetting how to be USB. A simple cable can do that.
MacBook problem is needing to have power over the same port. That needs a very smart dock that can add power to a DP Alt Mode. No ideas here, try buying a dock from the shop where you can return it back if it won't work.
(the monitor is new and has USB-C with power and other goodies, but internally the video signal is HDMI over USB-C and the 2016 mac can do only HDMI 1.4 internally... I mean it's complicated)
You probably need the "DisplayPort Alt Mode" - a way of running USB-C port as a Display Port instead. Note that it will be ONLY a displayport, forgetting how to be USB. A simple cable can do that.
MacBook problem is needing to have power over the same port. That needs a very smart dock that can add power to a DP Alt Mode. No ideas here, try buying a dock from the shop where you can return it back if it won't work.
The 'you're holding it wrong' mentality seems to live on. This very basic functionality should've been readily available a decade ago in any premium computer, whether low or high. Yet Apple seem to be all about workarounds. Not to mention they don't make Macs this tiny and lightweight anymore.
Hub? Sure. 30 sterling should be more than enough for an accessory like that, engineered or not.
Last edited:
See my previous answer. Newer Macs don't make it any easier, - just look up the blurry fonts (scaling) issue on shiny Apple Silicons. It's indicative of how Apple care for their customers now, despite the issue being years old and counting hundreds of discussions on major online platforms. They simply don't. The choice is simple: buy an Apple monitor (along with a Mac that can drive it) for a very pretty penny, buy an LG 'UltraFine' for a bit less, or go love yourself, yeah. Despite the market having shifted almost exclusively to 27"+ for 4K monitors, these guys still won't play nice with them.
Sculley says hello...
Last edited:
So why then does it do the trick for other users (on PCs, I presume)?