External Monitor Scaling

[mikerisner]

How does macOS determine whether to offer the scaling options on the left and right for external monitors?

I have connected my MacBook Pro to one 4K monitor and was offered the configurations seen on the left. These settings are preferred because the interface remains crisp and clear while making text elements a bit larger.

I have connected the same MacBook to another 4K monitor and was offered only the monitor resolutions seen on the right (this screen capture is not from my personal Mac, but you get the idea). I also tried holding Opt+Scaled to get an expanded set of resolutions. All resolutions on that monitor resulted in a blurry, pixelated interface except for its native resolution.

This leads me to believe macOS depends of some obscure hardware specification to show the configurations I prefer (the panel pictured on the left). I'd like to know how to shop for a 4K monitor that will offer up these settings.

Any help or insight would be tremendously appreciated.

 

[canopic]

I had the same problem, personally I wanted "More space" because by default 4k at 27" was far too chunky a UI for me. Ended up returning the monitor (it had other issues with it anyway).

I assumed it was because my Macbook (late 2013 13") wasn't powerful enough to output the resolution.

Had exactly the same experience with a second slightly more modern macbook too.

I spent hours trawling forums trying to figure this out too, so curious to see the replies here.