Can a M2 MBA drive a 5k Samsung ViewFinity S9 Series 5K

[irock101]

Hey,
I am shopping for a new screen and I have came across the Samsung ViewFinity S9 Series 5k. Is the MBA M2 powerful enough to drive the 5k display? Or does it cop out at 4k for external screen? Can't find much info on apples website about it.

 

[irock101]

After reading some terrible reviews about the S9 I have also looked at this one: https://www.amazon.es/gp/product/B09CGY99X5/ref=ewc_pr_img_1?smid=A1AT7YVPFBWXBL&psc=1

or the LG Ergo 4k but I can't find anything on their PPI rate. I work a lot with text + code so I am trying to find a decent 27" screen and the ViewFinity seems to be the only 5k option with a decent PPI rate besides the overpriced Studio Display.

 

[arw]

Can't find much info on apples website about it.

MacBook Air (M2, 2022) - Tech Specs - Apple Support

MacBook Air (M2, 2022) - Tech Specs

support.apple.com

• One external display with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz

(Thunderbolt 3 digital video output; Native DisplayPort output over USB‑C)

So 5K @60Hz is technically no problem.

I can't find anything on their PPI rate.

4K (3840 x 2160) at 27" is always 163 ppi, no matter the model.

(It's calculated by dividing the number of pixels by the physical size of the panel.
The horizontal size of a 27" 16:9 display is 23.53".
3840 px / 23.53" = 163.2 ppi.)

DPI Calculator / PPI Calculator

 

[dcphilly]

my 15in m2 MBA can't get 120hz on my dell u4025qw. it is a 5k2k 120hz monitor and im stuck on 5k2k 60hz.

 

[irock101]

MacBook Air (M2, 2022) - Tech Specs - Apple Support

MacBook Air (M2, 2022) - Tech Specs

support.apple.com

So 5K @60Hz is technically no problem.


4K (3840 x 2160) at 27" is always 163 ppi, no matter the model.

(It's calculated by dividing the number of pixels by the physical size of the panel.
The horizontal size of a 27" 16:9 display is 23.53".
3840 px / 23.53" = 163.2 ppi.)

DPI Calculator / PPI Calculator

Thanks a lot! Out of the monitors listed do you think the Dell is a good option ? It’s one fith of the price of the viewfinity.
Wondering if the price difference is really worth it

 

[arw]

Sorry, I can't really help you with that but some general thoughts:

• The mentioned Dell S2722QC is 4K 27" which is significantly more common than 5K and the panels are equally more affordable. So that's the main reason for the price difference.
• You can use a custom scaling on a 4K screen so it "looks like 1440p" Retina which gives you the same screen real estate as on a 5K screen with only slightly worse sharpness for text / code (macOS does all the necessary up-/downscaling).
• If you do photo editing, I can't judge the Dell's color accuracy.
• But if you also do pixel based work with something like Photoshop, it's advisable to only use integer scaling factors for the display resolution. Meaning: A 4K display at "looks like 1920x1080" or a 5K display at "looks like 2560x1440".

I fall in the latter category and therefore built my own 5K display out of a 27" iMac with the help of this thread:

DIY 5k Monitor - success :-)

From @SubDriver (24 May 2025) Converting iMac 5K Retina Display to a Standalone 5K Display I believe the details in the table below are accurate, but I am not 100% certain. I tried my best to use reputable sources (datasheets, etc.) for the info in the table, but some information comes from...

forums.macrumors.com

There is also this thread:

The *COMPLETE* list of 27" 5K Displays?

[Update 26 May 2026] This list follows the information format used for the 32" 6K and 8K *complete* list WikiPost threads. Specifications are based on the manufacturer's claims. YMMV. The list is divided into six ► sections: Announced (not yet shipping); Available (pre-orders and shipping)...

forums.macrumors.com

If you list all your requirements, hopefully others can recommend a fitting model.
With more detailed requirements I mean additional features like:

• The Dell can charge your MacBook via the same cable it receives the video signal from and also functions as a USB hub with two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports. Is that enough or don't you need that at all?
• Do you need integrated speakers?
• Do you want to watch videos too and need HDR?
• Do you need a higher refresh rate than 60 Hz for smoother scrolling?
• Do you want a glare display for higher contrast or matte for less reflections?