4k or 1440p monitor?

[ls1dreams]

For those running macbook pro's (13 or 15"), are these machines powerful enough to drive a 4k monitor without major issues alongside the laptop display?

Or would I be better off going down in resolution to a 2560x1440 resolution monitor for performance reasons and give up some of the sharpness.

Open to suggestions! (I haven't decided on a 13 or 15in yet, and I imagine the graphics card on the 15 could handle better resolutions).

Not really looking to game, mostly for side by side xcode work.

 

[csurfr]

It depends on which model year you are looking at to be honest. The 2017 models can absolutely drive 4K / 5K screens.

The 13” Pro can push a single 5K or dual 4K and the 15” can push dual 5K, or (according to Apple) 4x 4K screens.

You can scroll down to Video Support here, just choose either the 13” or 15”:

https://www.apple.com/macbook-pro/specs/

 

[ls1dreams]

Any recommended models? Might as well go 4k at this point, but I saw that the LG Ultrafine 21.5" is an insane $700 or so for a relatively small monitor.

Would something like the Dell P2415Q be pretty good for $350? One thing I like about the LG is that they apparently tried to match macbook calibration settings.

 

[csurfr]

Any recommended models? Might as well go 4k at this point, but I saw that the LG Ultrafine 21.5" is an insane $700 or so for a relatively small monitor.

Would something like the Dell P2415Q be pretty good for $350? One thing I like about the LG is that they apparently tried to match macbook calibration settings.

Honestly? Check eBay. There are a few reputable sellers offering a refurb 4K ultrafine for about 350. Granted, the LG is still 21”, which is a bit small. Those same sellers are offering the 5k 27” for 799 or so which is a lot more attractive.
[doublepost=1521420693][/doublepost]Here you go:


5k @ 799
https://m.ebay.com/itm/LG-27-27MD5K...034600&hash=item2a99602b4f:g:tqoAAOSwzRlaItgr

4K @ 349
https://m.ebay.com/itm/22-LG-UltraF...565363&hash=item2a9c55c049:g:kCcAAOSwGPxaItuF

And no, I’m not affiliated with this seller. Just good prices.

 

[ls1dreams]

Honestly? Check eBay. There are a few reputable sellers offering a refurb 4K ultrafine for about 350. Granted, the LG is still 21”, which is a bit small. Those same sellers are offering the 5k 27” for 799 or so which is a lot more attractive.
[doublepost=1521420693][/doublepost]Here you go:


5k @ 799
https://m.ebay.com/itm/LG-27-27MD5K...034600&hash=item2a99602b4f:g:tqoAAOSwzRlaItgr

4K @ 349
https://m.ebay.com/itm/22-LG-UltraF...565363&hash=item2a9c55c049:g:kCcAAOSwGPxaItuF

And no, I’m not affiliated with this seller. Just good prices.

Thanks - little hesitant to buy refurb in case of dead pixels, but the prices do look good.

 

[bhatiak]

For those running macbook pro's (13 or 15"), are these machines powerful enough to drive a 4k monitor without major issues alongside the laptop display?

Or would I be better off going down in resolution to a 2560x1440 resolution monitor for performance reasons and give up some of the sharpness.

Open to suggestions! (I haven't decided on a 13 or 15in yet, and I imagine the graphics card on the 15 could handle better resolutions).

Not really looking to game, mostly for side by side xcode work.

The 15" can run those monitors no problem. The 13" can sometimes be a bit problematic, especially if you dont want to be hearing loud fans constantly. I have a 1080p running alongside my 13" nTB 2017, and it will make the fans run quite loud, which can be very annoying. This will usually happen if i have a lot of safari tabs open and am working on a research paper or some photoshop assignment. So, if you want a better experience, especially with a 1440p or 4k, I'd definitely recommend going for a 15", these 13" are weak sauce. Or worst case, get a 13" TB.