Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Which cables did you go for? The more I look at USB-C cables the more it becomes apparent that you need to be careful not to end up with something which could fry your kit! There is a published list of cables which do meet the USB-IF standards available now as well!
One Amazon Basics and one Anker - although the list you mention is very useful. I'm doing to much legwork on this to get it working so have contacted the retailer to return - I think I'll wait on the new HP 27" monitor or just bite the bullet and go for the LG 5K when it's launched.
 
I was looking this morning and couldn't see an Amazon Basics C-C cable listed. The Monoprice ones were all pre-order.

I am delighted with the LG screen though now I've had it for a while and got it working with the 15" laptop. I don't think I can justify the price leap to the Ultrafine one to be honest.
 
I was looking this morning and couldn't see an Amazon Basics C-C cable listed. The Monoprice ones were all pre-order.

I am delighted with the LG screen though now I've had it for a while and got it working with the 15" laptop. I don't think I can justify the price leap to the Ultrafine one to be honest.

If I could sort the charging (or at least not draining the battery), I'd keep it, as you say it's great.

Did you use a specific Monoprice USB C, or do they do only one?
 
If I could sort the charging (or at least not draining the battery), I'd keep it, as you say it's great.

Did you use a specific Monoprice USB C, or do they do only one?

I've been trying to figure this out as well and there's so many contradictory reports on the internet that I don't know what to believe anymore. :( Some people say that you need a TB3 cable to get it charging.
 
I've been trying to figure this out as well and there's so many contradictory reports on the internet that I don't know what to believe anymore. :( Some people say that you need a TB3 cable to get it charging.
I know what you mean. I'm confident that my trial and error tomorrow will either: 1. Solve the issue, or 2. Prove that there is not a suitable workaround for the LG 27UD88 to 15" MBP tb. The whole TB3/USBC specification/performance thing is not that straightforward - although the connections are the same, the cable performance is different and not all USBC are the same. But, I do think that if you want 'everything' through the single cable, it looks like TB3 compatible devices is the way to go - the LG 27UD88 is not.
 
I know what you mean. I'm confident that my trial and error tomorrow will either: 1. Solve the issue, or 2. Prove that there is not a suitable workaround for the LG 27UD88 to 15" MBP tb. The whole TB3/USBC specification/performance thing is not that straightforward - although the connections are the same, the cable performance is different and not all USBC are the same. But, I do think that if you want 'everything' through the single cable, it looks like TB3 compatible devices is the way to go - the LG 27UD88 is not.

I've just found this article: http://gtrusted.com/review/lg-4k-27...elivery-for-the-macbook-pro-13-inch-late-2016

Maybe the issue with the 15inch version is the bigger power usage which is beyond the 60w supported by this display.

UPDATE: Just checked the 5K ultrafine display page and here's what I found: "A single Thunderbolt 3 cable (included) provides up to 85W of charging power to your MacBook Pro with Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports."

This may be what's causing all the contradictory reports because the bigger 15" MBP goes beyond the 60W provided by this LG
 
I've just found this article: http://gtrusted.com/review/lg-4k-27...elivery-for-the-macbook-pro-13-inch-late-2016

Maybe the issue with the 15inch version is the bigger power usage which is beyond the 60w supported by this display.

UPDATE: Just checked the 5K ultrafine display page and here's what I found: "A single Thunderbolt 3 cable (included) provides up to 85W of charging power to your MacBook Pro with Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports."

This may be what's causing all the contradictory reports because the bigger 15" MBP goes beyond the 60W provided by this LG

That sounds like a very likely cause!
 
Yes, the 60W thing is called out on the LG page about the monitor. But it does look like the quality of cable used means you will either get little to no charging effect or actually, you'll get a decent charge through the screen.

Yesterday, although the laptop was showing as connected to power through the screen, it wasn't - the battery completely drained and because macOS thought it was connected, I got zero warnings and the laptop just died.
 
Yes, the 60W thing is called out on the LG page about the monitor. But it does look like the quality of cable used means you will either get little to no charging effect or actually, you'll get a decent charge through the screen.

Yesterday, although the laptop was showing as connected to power through the screen, it wasn't - the battery completely drained and because macOS thought it was connected, I got zero warnings and the laptop just died.

That happened to me on day one. So, a quick update for those who are interested.

USB C supplied by LG in the display box doesn't charge a 15" MBP Tb (won't even hold existing charge, just depletes MBP very quickly.

First of 3 new USB C cables arrived this morning (thanks Amazon), so I let the batter of the MBP run to 90% before plugging it in. Opened 2 browser windows and email, put Netflix and online radio on also. After c.10 mins my MBP is saying 100% battery.....!!!! This cable is the Belkin USB C (3.1) to USB 0.9M which specifically states 10GB Super Speed Data, 60W charging power and 4K.

Before I declare problem sorted, I'm going to disconnect it and let the MBP run down to c.50% and try again. I'll let you know later.
 
Thanks for the useful post Corden. I'll see how your tests go and then order a cable!
 
That happened to me on day one. So, a quick update for those who are interested.

USB C supplied by LG in the display box doesn't charge a 15" MBP Tb (won't even hold existing charge, just depletes MBP very quickly.

First of 3 new USB C cables arrived this morning (thanks Amazon), so I let the batter of the MBP run to 90% before plugging it in. Opened 2 browser windows and email, put Netflix and online radio on also. After c.10 mins my MBP is saying 100% battery.....!!!! This cable is the Belkin USB C (3.1) to USB 0.9M which specifically states 10GB Super Speed Data, 60W charging power and 4K.

Before I declare problem sorted, I'm going to disconnect it and let the MBP run down to c.50% and try again. I'll let you know later.

Please let us know
 
Thanks for the useful post Corden. I'll see how your tests go and then order a cable!
Right then. I'm note sure how conclusive this is, but here goes. The Belkin USB C (3.1) 0.9m does charge the MBP - however, it only seems to do this if the MBP is already at 80% plus battery power. When I tried at 70% it wouldn't charge.
Please let us know

Evening all. So, I've run down power to mid 60% on the MBP, plugged into the LG with the Belkin USB C (3.1) and it has charged. I've then used the MBP in a different room for an hour to get down to 79%, plugged back in and then clicked the MBP into Sleep mode. 20 minutes later it's charged to 94%. So, USB-C charging whilst in Sleep on the MBP and 'power saver' on the display seems to work.

The only thing I've yet to do, which I won't get to for a few days is running the MBP down to 10% and seeking if the Belkin USB-C can recharge from there.

Summary is, I have been able to charge a 15" MBP Tb with an 85W requirement through a 60W USB C cable from the LG 27UD88. Feels like a bit of a long haul getting there but certainly better than forking out another £400 for the forthcoming 5K LG screen which I just don't need.

Hope this helps.
 
Right then. I'm note sure how conclusive this is, but here goes. The Belkin USB C (3.1) 0.9m does charge the MBP - however, it only seems to do this if the MBP is already at 80% plus battery power. When I tried at 70% it wouldn't charge.


Evening all. So, I've run down power to mid 60% on the MBP, plugged into the LG with the Belkin USB C (3.1) and it has charged. I've then used the MBP in a different room for an hour to get down to 79%, plugged back in and then clicked the MBP into Sleep mode. 20 minutes later it's charged to 94%. So, USB-C charging whilst in Sleep on the MBP and 'power saver' on the display seems to work.

The only thing I've yet to do, which I won't get to for a few days is running the MBP down to 10% and seeking if the Belkin USB-C can recharge from there.

Summary is, I have been able to charge a 15" MBP Tb with an 85W requirement through a 60W USB C cable from the LG 27UD88. Feels like a bit of a long haul getting there but certainly better than forking out another £400 for the forthcoming 5K LG screen which I just don't need.

Hope this helps.

I have two of these monitors so I will go ahead and order one of these cables to see if it will charge!
 
Any updates? I bought the display yesterday but will only receive it around December 10th.
 
Any updates? I bought the display yesterday but will only receive it around December 10th.

The provided USB-C cable didn't charge my MacBook Pro 15" TB. My colleague had the same issue with his, so definitely not just a faulty cable.

When I use the Belkin TB3 cable is does charge. The 3.1 version should also work and is a bit cheaper.

The display produces 60w max to the MacBook, so it doesn't charge as quickly as the Apple 87w charger (provided with the 15" TB version). Sometimes it seems to just maintain the current charge or even lose power. Closing the lid of the MacBook and using it in clamshell mode seems to help.
 
The provided USB-C cable didn't charge my MacBook Pro 15" TB. My colleague had the same issue with his, so definitely not just a faulty cable.

When I use the Belkin TB3 cable is does charge. The 3.1 version should also work and is a bit cheaper.

The display produces 60w max to the MacBook, so it doesn't charge as quickly as the Apple 87w charger (provided with the 15" TB version). Sometimes it seems to just maintain the current charge or even lose power. Closing the lid of the MacBook and using it in clamshell mode seems to help.

So should I order the TB3 Belkin cable as well? Even though I have the 13" model which requires less power.
 
The monitor will charge the 13" model quite happily with the cables which are in the box.
 
The monitor will charge the 13" model quite happily with the cables which are in the box.
So, came down this morning to start work and found my MBP depleted completed. There are too many compromises in this display with the 15" (IMO) - I'm sending it back to the retailer today. GRRRR.
 
So, came down this morning to start work and found my MBP depleted completed. There are too many compromises in this display with the 15" (IMO) - I'm sending it back to the retailer today. GRRRR.

That's a pain then. I knew it was too good to be true. I guess LG will just say that as the laptop is over 60W they won't warrant it to charge anything more than that.

What you going to get instead? Is there a discrete solution which allows for the one cable to the laptop? Be it an external monitor or hub?

There does seem to be all sorts of teething issues with USB-C connectivity in one shape or another.
 
That's a pain then. I knew it was too good to be true. I guess LG will just say that as the laptop is over 60W they won't warrant it to charge anything more than that.

What you going to get instead? Is there a discrete solution which allows for the one cable to the laptop? Be it an external monitor or hub?

There does seem to be all sorts of teething issues with USB-C connectivity in one shape or another.
I would use an additional Apple Charger as a work around, but they are pretty pricey for what I thought the LG would do. Not having screen 2 is a pain but likely to wait and see what the 5k LG brings with TB3 charging. I work across 2 locations so need 2 power sources, hence one with power adaptor and one through display was ideal.
 
I want to use the display as primary display for my 13" ntbMBP (clamshell mode) and gaming on my Xbox One S, so even though I love the 5K display it only has TB3 ports which is pushing dongle life a bit too far imo.

This LG seems like the best solution for me so I'm really hoping I don't run into many issues when I receive it -_-

Should I wait for new models? This LG was announced at CES and we're only getting in Portugal now... I'd probably have to wait almost an year for new modes to hit the market here
 
I want to use the display as primary display for my 13" ntbMBP (clamshell mode) and gaming on my Xbox One S, so even though I love the 5K display it only has TB3 ports which is pushing dongle life a bit too far imo.

This LG seems like the best solution for me so I'm really hoping I don't run into many issues when I receive it -_-

Should I wait for new models? This LG was announced at CES and we're only getting in Portugal now... I'd probably have to wait almost an year for new modes to hit the market here

You may be OK with it, my issue has been powering the 15" which has a higher wattage requirement to the 13"
 
Quite a while since my last post. I thought I'd post an update.

So, I couldn't get the LG screen to charge my then MBP T/Bar so I returned it. I then started having some issues with the MBP itself the bluetooth kept dropping out so keyboard and magic pad wouldn't function - this was a daily occurence. So, that went back too!

I really liked the 15", but I thought I try the other end of the price range before replacing it, and opted for the 13" without touchbar. I have to say, I am surprised how good it is given it's specification - there are some intensive rendering tasks it takes a little more time to do, but given it's half the price of the 15" and far lighter it's proving itselt well.

So, back to the screen. I picked up a cheap as chips HP to fill the gap, it's a FHD screen but picture quality is no where near as good as the MBP. I kept looking for USB C monitors and finally found the Philips USBC 25" screen for under £300.

I've been using it for a day now and I am really pleased with it. It's not 4K, but it is a great resolution and pic quality straight out of the box. USB C is working, laptop is charging, and I have lots of other ports that run from the bottom of the screen rather than the back so I can plug in my USB 2/3 devices too.

I personally think that this Philips screen is a great match for the new MBP.
 
Quite a while since my last post. I thought I'd post an update.

So, I couldn't get the LG screen to charge my then MBP T/Bar so I returned it. I then started having some issues with the MBP itself the bluetooth kept dropping out so keyboard and magic pad wouldn't function - this was a daily occurence. So, that went back too!

I really liked the 15", but I thought I try the other end of the price range before replacing it, and opted for the 13" without touchbar. I have to say, I am surprised how good it is given it's specification - there are some intensive rendering tasks it takes a little more time to do, but given it's half the price of the 15" and far lighter it's proving itselt well.

So, back to the screen. I picked up a cheap as chips HP to fill the gap, it's a FHD screen but picture quality is no where near as good as the MBP. I kept looking for USB C monitors and finally found the Philips USBC 25" screen for under £300.

I've been using it for a day now and I am really pleased with it. It's not 4K, but it is a great resolution and pic quality straight out of the box. USB C is working, laptop is charging, and I have lots of other ports that run from the bottom of the screen rather than the back so I can plug in my USB 2/3 devices too.

I personally think that this Philips screen is a great match for the new MBP.


Just to play devils advocate, my 15" works perfectly with the LG 27UD88-W and bluetooth keyboard / mouse / speakers. Charges and all.
 
  • Like
Reactions: nikster0029
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.