External UHD Monitor - at my wits end

[foulmouthedleon]

I won't bore you all with too many details, but here are the basics:

MacBook Pro 11,5 (high end 15" with two graphics cards)
LG 27UD68 UHD Monitor with a maximum resolution of 3840 x 2160 @ 60hz.

I've tried this setup using a HDMI 2.0 cable (high speed/4K rated). No dice. Went to Best Buy and got this:
http://bit.ly/2e2oKYi

I am able to run at the higher resolution, but a lower refresh rate (30hz). Likewise I'm able to run it at 1080P at 60hz. But I want the "best of both worlds" and what I know this monitor is capable of - 3840 x 2160 @ 60hz.

So...what do I need to do to get this to work here? I'd like to avoid any third party apps like SwitchResX or anything like that, but if that's what it comes to then I'll do it.

I have to imagine that it's something I've done wrong or am not doing. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[JTToft]

Quit HDMI. It's nothing but a big bother.

Get a simple Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort cable, and you're set.
https://www.amazon.com/Cable-Rankie...=8-4&keywords=mini+displayport+to+displayport

 

[pastrychef]

Yup, JTToft is correct. As you can see, your MacBook Pro doesn't support 3840x2160@60Hz over HDMI:
Using 4K displays and Ultra HD TVs with your Mac - Apple Support

Use a Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort cable with one of your Thunderbolt ports and you should be fine.

 

[croco_dile]

Yep, you need HDMI 2.0 to have 4K @ 60Hz, which none of Apple notebook offers.

 

[foulmouthedleon]

OK, I ordered that cable so let's hope that does the trick. I assume, if I were to take this monitor back, and get one with a mini display port, the Apple Thunderbolt cable would do the trick as well?

At any rate, thank you for the help.

 

[pastrychef]

I assume, if I were to take this monitor back, and get one with a mini display port, the Apple Thunderbolt cable would do the trick as well?

I don't know. I've never tried that...

 

[JTToft]

OK, I ordered that cable so let's hope that does the trick. I assume, if I were to take this monitor back, and get one with a mini display port, the Apple Thunderbolt cable would do the trick as well?

At any rate, thank you for the help.

- It did at one point. But I've seen reports that Thunderbolt cables no longer work for pure DisplayPort connections when using Sierra.

You're welcome.

 

[foulmouthedleon]

This worked, by the way. Even getting higher resolutions (not sure if it's b/c my model has two graphics cards or not) at 60hz. This would have been helpful information to have prior to purchasing the monitor, but I have no one to blame but myself. And the idiots at Best Buy.