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Frustrated trying to hook up external Monitor to new MacBook Pro

T

twgolf

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Original poster
Dec 26, 2016
24
14
Have the new macbook pro with touch..
Purchased a new Ultra HD 4K LG monitor and was excited to use it as an external display.....

Went to apple store in Detroit and nobody seemed to know what I need.
I was advised to purchase a USB C to thunderbolt 2 dongle.

(Is USB C Also called thunderbolt 3?? Is Thunderbolt 2 display port???)

Either way the Monitor take a display port but not a thunderbolt 2 which is also a mini display I guess.

Was also advised at apple store to not use HDMI as it wont support 4k on the monitor.

I have this monitor:

http://www.lg.com/us/monitors/lg-27UD68-W-4k-uhd-led-monitor

can somebody please help me?? Also live 2 hours away from the store so I'm not going back - Have to purchase online....

So tempted to return this macbook pro - disappointment after disappointment.
 
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twgolf said:
(Is USB C Also called thunderbolt 3?? Is Thunderbolt 2 display port???)
Click to expand...
In short: No & no.

USB-C is a connector/cable that can be used to transport any protocol. Thunderbolt 3 and USB3.1 (both Gen 1 and 2) now use it as its default connector/cable.

Thunderbolt 1, 2 and 3 are not DisplayPort but they can transport that protocol across the line. Thunderbolt 3 uses the USB-C connector but Thunderbolt 1 and 2 use the mini-DisplayPort one.

The display you bought uses HDMI or DisplayPort so you need a USB-C to HDMI or DisplayPort adapter but beware that this has to be one that uses HDMI 2.0 else your 4k display won't run at 60Hz (meaning: it'll run at 30Hz which will be slow, you'll see choppiness with animations, dragging windows, etc.). The Apple one mentioned above doesn't do this, it'll only drive the display at 30Hz.
 
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twgolf said:
I noticed that monitor. Cant I use the cable that comes with the laptop? That is so much money for a cable.
This is the most frustrated I've ever been with technology ever.
Click to expand...

27UD88-W does come with a USB-C cable you can use. The cable that comes with the MacBook Pro is for charging.

Don't give up this is amazing setup :)
 
twgolf said:
I noticed that monitor. Cant I use the cable that comes with the laptop? That is so much money for a cable.
This is the most frustrated I've ever been with technology ever.
Click to expand...


You knew what you were getting into - either be willing to buy the cables you need or return it and look for another notebook. A USB-C to DisplayPort cable is what you need. Don't go HDMI, don't return your monitor, just buy that and be done. http://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=12908 This is a $2000+ computer and I presume your monitor was over $500 as well. $30 for a cable that will work forever isn't unreasonable.

Buy a couple USB-C to USB-A adapters from Apple while they're $9, too - then you're done.
 
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fs454 said:
You knew what you were getting into - either be willing to buy the cables you need or return it and look for another notebook. A USB-C to DisplayPort cable is what you need. Don't go HDMI, don't return your monitor, just buy that and be done. http://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=12908 This is a $2000+ computer and I presume your monitor was over $500 as well. $30 for a cable that will work forever isn't unreasonable.

Buy a couple USB-C to USB-A adapters from Apple while they're $9, too - then you're done.
Click to expand...

I actually had no idea what I was getting into it. And that cable isn't avail.
 
the made for apple LG monitors are getting decent reviews but I want something with a few more connections than just USB C
 
twgolf said:
I noticed that monitor. Cant I use the cable that comes with the laptop? That is so much money for a cable.
This is the most frustrated I've ever been with technology ever.
Click to expand...

Yes you can use the cable that comes with the LG 27UD88-w monitor. It works great. It will power the 13" MBP. it powers my 15" when not doing much, but I usually have the power cable plugged in since I am usually drafting or using Adobe apps when I need an external.
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twgolf said:
Will a USBC to HDMI work and send 4k?
Click to expand...
Most USB-c to HDMI adaptors will do 4K @ 30hz. Or you can find an adaptor that does 4K @60hz but you will need to also get a HDMI 2.0 cable that supports it. If that works for you then use HDMI on the monitor you have. As some have suggested the USB-c to DisplayPort will do 4K @ 60hz
 
lets say I didnt need 4K right now, could a HDMI adaptor work at 1080p or a higher res?
 
OP:

The display you have now has both HDMI 2.0 and Displayport 1.2 inputs.

From the Mac, you will need either a "displayport/usb-c to displayport" cable,
OR
A "displayport to HDMI 2.0" adapter (and a high-speed HDMI connecting cable between the adapter and the monitor's HDMI 2.0 input). The adapter should have a usb-c connector at "the Mac end".

If you want the display to run at 4k @ 60hz, you're going to have to spend the money for the right cables to do it.
No way around this.

If you use the HDMI 2.0 port, DON'T scrimp on the HDMI connecting cable. Cheap ones may not have the bandwith to support 4k @ 60hz.

Aside:
Can one get full 4k @ 60hz via displayport 1.2?

OP might have to go with the displayport to HDMI 2.0 adapter to get it.

Take a look at this and read the reviews:
https://www.amazon.com/Club3D-Type-...eywords=displayport+to+hdmi+2.0+adapter+usb-c
 
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