LG UltraFine 5K - Issues/bugs

[azntaiji]

I'm about 3 days in now. Several annoying issues, wanted to see if anyone here is experiencing this:

1. Major CPU lag, intermittent - checked activity monitor, and kernel_task was using something like 300% CPU. This only happens when connected to the 5K, and it randomly fixes itself.
2. Often, when in clamshell mode and disconnecting my MBP from the USB-C cable (so that I can use it as a laptop), I get a black screen when opening the MBP (but the touchbar works). I have to hard restart the whole MBP for the screen on the MBP to work properly again.
3. Bootcamp - clamshell mode doesn't work for me. Am I doing something wrong here, or is it not supported? Current periphs setup is wired Apple keyboard and wireless Logitech mouse (w/ USB dongle), both connected to the rear of the 5K display.

I really think this monitor is beautiful, and I bought so that I can use my 15" MBP as my primary computer, replacing my customac rig... but the issues are kind of annoying. Also trying to get anything but an Apple product connected to this display is a hassle or almost impossible (i.e. if I want to occasionally connect my now-headless customac that I'm now using as as server to the 5k display, good luck with that...). Thinking about getting the LG 27UD88-W, I just wish it had more USB-C charge power.

 

[dreamvillian]

After the recent software updates worked out many of the bugs (especially sleep/wake) and I got a desk mount for the display (to fix the wobble) I can finally say I'm very pleased with it and will be keeping it. It's been said before, but this is the best looking screen I've ever seen. Period.

Only remaining issue is I sometimes need a hard restart after unplugging my laptop, but I don't unplug very frequently so not a huge issue right now. Still needs to be fixed though...

 

[inmotionnow]

Yep can confirm. The issue seems to occur when brightness adjustment stuck in a loop blocking other operations. So far only disconnect display and then disable night shift fix the issue. However, it doesn't look like to be a problem that is 100% reproducible.

Thanks for the note. I'm opting to disable Nightshift for the time-being. Just a shame since I mainly updated to the new beta to test this function.

 

[azntaiji]

I was able to replicate and document my problem earlier, which seems to have worsened (screen glitches). I don't have these problems when just using the MBP by itself. Below are videos - anyone have ideas? I'm guessing glitches could be a faulty USB-C cable, but would a fault cable also cause the CPU to spike?

Video 1: MBP connected to 5K display in clamshell mode after about an hour of use. CPU usage skyrockets, kernal_task using 4--500%+. Audio cutting out from Spotify. At this point, the experience is extremely laggy.

Video 2: Opening the MBP, both the 5K display and MBP display show a lot of glitches including artifacts/lines, and screen flickers. Then I disconnect the USB-C cable

Video 3: Showing that CPU usage and kernal_task goes back to normal after disconnecting.

 

[Corrode]

Thanks, I like to be thorough!
I too have a maxed out 2016 13" TB, i7 16GB. Lightroom is great standalone on the laptop, but once connected and docked with the LG display, performance drops by at least half. I got this monitor mainly to use with LR so it's a big let down. Had no issues on the Thunderbolt display.

Can you try the camera issue and let me know your findings?

My colors are fine, but it is substantially slower editing images on the 5K display when the MBP lid is closed, vs on the MBP directly without the LG display attached. Really slows down workflow and defeats the whole purpose for an external display. This is with Lightroom 6.8.

Ok all, I ran the OS update, connected the new replacement, and so far, all issues seem to be eliminated except for the slow speed in Lightroom, it's still slow, in fact I find it even slower now which is very disappointing.

I just got my replacement and the colour is much closer to that of my MBP so I'm happy. A couple things made me think that the first display I got was opened already. First, there was far more styrofoam shedding than this new one, so maybe it had been removed, then put in the box again. The tape on the cover was cleaner, as my first might've had it removed then replaced. Finally, there are plastic ties on the Thunderbolt cable that weren't present on my first display. Why would those be included in one box and not another?

Regarding Lightroom, I've decided that I can't use the Secondary Display mode, even with a 460, because it's so slow. It's a full one to two second catch up on any edits I make in Develop mode. This isn't Apple or LG's fault. It seems to be Lightroom, because I can use a single display on the 5k and it's nice a snappy, updating in real time. Lame, Adobe.

 

[Loge]

https://9to5mac.com/2017/01/30/lg-ultrafine-5k-display-router-disconnecting/

9to5Mac is reporting on the issue of nearby routers causing issues with this display. I think some of you have already discovered this, but the article has an official acknowledgement from LG confirming the problem.

and they are working on a fix, right?

 

[Weaselboy]

and they are working on a fix, right?

I'm not sure how you could fix that short of redesigning the internal shielding of the monitor, which would require replacing the whole thing. Unless it turned out to be just bad shielding in the cable, in which case a new cable could be shipped to owners.

 

[Loge]

I'm not sure how you could fix that short of redesigning the internal shielding of the monitor, which would require replacing the whole thing. Unless it turned out to be just bad shielding in the cable, in which case a new cable could be shipped to owners.

I meant that they would fix it in new models; those who have one already would expect a replacement if it can't be fixed any other way.

 

[mctrials23]

I wonder if this is why the current estimates on shipping are 6-8 weeks.

 

[Weaselboy]

I wonder if this is why the current estimates on shipping are 6-8 weeks.

Are you in the US? I'm in California and it shows I can get one delivered by tomorrow if I order now. So looks like they are still moving them out.

 

[Brookzy]

I wonder if this is why the current estimates on shipping are 6-8 weeks.

It seems to only be 6-8 weeks on the UK store. It's in stock in the States.

(N.B. the UK dates for third party products are always way off. My LG 4K was estimated for 5-7 weeks and it arrived after 12 days. I've ordered accessories listed at 7-10 weeks that have arrived two days later. The estimates for Apple-branded stuff are more realistic though.)

 

[mctrials23]

Are you in the US? I'm in California and it shows I can get one delivered by tomorrow if I order now. So looks like they are still moving them out.

Nope UK. I guess they don't think this is an issue that would result in a recall of the actual display then. Either that or they are just assuming that it doesn't affect that many displays/hopefully the ones that have an issue are not being used near routers.

 

[Dukat]

I just got my replacement and the colour is much closer to that of my MBP so I'm happy. A couple things made me think that the first display I got was opened already. First, there was far more styrofoam shedding than this new one, so maybe it had been removed, then put in the box again. The tape on the cover was cleaner, as my first might've had it removed then replaced. Finally, there are plastic ties on the Thunderbolt cable that weren't present on my first display. Why would those be included in one box and not another?

Regarding Lightroom, I've decided that I can't use the Secondary Display mode, even with a 460, because it's so slow. It's a full one to two second catch up on any edits I make in Develop mode. This isn't Apple or LG's fault. It seems to be Lightroom, because I can use a single display on the 5k and it's nice a snappy, updating in real time. Lame, Adobe.

My replacement just arrived.

The cable came inside a plastic bag, no twist ties.
The cables that came with my first monitor were secured by 4 fancy plastic pieces that had a separate grove for each loop of cable.

Also unlike my first monitor, they were nice enough to stick an energy star sicker on the screen.

Far less styrofoam shedding than the first time as well. I think they had difficulty packing them initially, now they've gotten it down.

The power cable is incredibly loose. There is no snap at all when plugging it in. Far worse than the last one.

On a white screen the left side is cooler than the right. Not a big difference but there is a barely visible delineation down the center.

*update*
No sleep/wake issues

 

[Brookzy]

LG seem to be engaging in their own #alternativefacts!

Lost a lot of respect for these guys, who each state things that are basically untrue!

• Marques thinks it's "aesthetically nice", apparently. Yet in his own video he bemoans the fivehead
• UrAvgConsumer loves the integration - I guess being able to adjust the brightness of dual screens with one keyboard, a functional ambient light sensor, and a volume scale that works, don't count as integration!
• Austin thinks it looks like it was designed for the MacBook Pro - a "cohesive package" in fact. Hmm
• Jonathan loves the speakers. Deary me...

This matters because if LG thinks all these are good things, then the poor volume scale, sleep/wake issues, and brightness control uselessness, aren't going to be fixed in a firmware update any time soon, as I was hoping and expecting they would be.

 

[azntaiji]

^ lol

 

[PTVMan]

I'm having issues with the screen flickering off/on for a few seconds - it happens every few minutes or so. Purchased from Apple in December, delivered in January. Just spoke to LG and they are offering that I send it to them for replacement/repair. I'd rather not be without my monitor for an undetermined period. Would it be better to have Apple replace it?

 

[Dukat]

I'm having issues with the screen flickering off/on for a few seconds - it happens every few minutes or so. Purchased from Apple in December, delivered in January. Just spoke to LG and they are offering that I send it to them for replacement/repair. I'd rather not be without my monitor for an undetermined period. Would it be better to have Apple replace it?

If you're still in your return period and say it's defective, Apple will give you a free shipping return label and send a next day replacement (although they will probably wait until they receive your return). I would think doing it through Apple will be much faster than LG.

Instead of shipping mine back I returned it to an Apple store, then ordered a new one which went out 2-day shipping, 3 day total turnaround.

 

[azntaiji]

I'm having issues with the screen flickering off/on for a few seconds - it happens every few minutes or so. Purchased from Apple in December, delivered in January. Just spoke to LG and they are offering that I send it to them for replacement/repair. I'd rather not be without my monitor for an undetermined period. Would it be better to have Apple replace it?

Have you tried a different cable?

 

[Macintosh IIcx]

I'm having issues with the screen flickering off/on for a few seconds - it happens every few minutes or so. Purchased from Apple in December, delivered in January. Just spoke to LG and they are offering that I send it to them for replacement/repair. I'd rather not be without my monitor for an undetermined period. Would it be better to have Apple replace it?

I kind of having the same issue starting to appear. First the 5K will go blank, then the MBP screen, then they will both turn on again. It seems like a fake sleep issue of sorts, but weird that the MBP screen is going blank too.

Didn't have the issue the first week. Will see if it persist, but don't have another cable to check with.

Quality Assurance is less than impressive to say the least.

 

[MikeNielsen]

Hey guys!

I've read through this thread. I got my LG UltraFine 5K about a week ago and I applied the latest update which removed most of the issues for me. However, the LG will still blank out/flicker intermittently, almost like it's going on power down quickly and then coming back. Yesterday I received a Belkin Thunderbolt 3 to test out if it was cable related, but the issue persists.

Just to be clear, I'm not seeing the issues people have reported from routers interfering. I'm only seeing very quick blank out/flicker on the LG screen. My Macbook (15" w/ Radeon Pro 460) does not seem affected by this at all.

I've been in talks with Apple, and they've referred me to LG here in Denmark - however, LG in Denmark do not official sell monitors here so they can't assist. I'm going back to Apple today to see if they can exchange the screen for a new or at least help diagnose further what the issue is.

 

[fpenta]

I'm about 3 days in now. Several annoying issues, wanted to see if anyone here is experiencing this:

1. Major CPU lag, intermittent - checked activity monitor, and kernel_task was using something like 300% CPU. This only happens when connected to the 5K, and it randomly fixes itself.
2. Often, when in clamshell mode and disconnecting my MBP from the USB-C cable (so that I can use it as a laptop), I get a black screen when opening the MBP (but the touchbar works). I have to hard restart the whole MBP for the screen on the MBP to work properly again.
3. Bootcamp - clamshell mode doesn't work for me. Am I doing something wrong here, or is it not supported? Current periphs setup is wired Apple keyboard and wireless Logitech mouse (w/ USB dongle), both connected to the rear of the 5K display.

I really think this monitor is beautiful, and I bought so that I can use my 15" MBP as my primary computer, replacing my customac rig... but the issues are kind of annoying. Also trying to get anything but an Apple product connected to this display is a hassle or almost impossible (i.e. if I want to occasionally connect my now-headless customac that I'm now using as as server to the 5k display, good luck with that...). Thinking about getting the LG 27UD88-W, I just wish it had more USB-C charge power.

I have number 2 issue (when in clamshell mode and disconnecting my MBP from the USB-C cable I get a black screen when opening the MBP). Is it a MacBook Pro problem or LG problem?

 

[Macintosh IIcx]

Hey guys!

I've read through this thread. I got my LG UltraFine 5K about a week ago and I applied the latest update which removed most of the issues for me. However, the LG will still blank out/flicker intermittently, almost like it's going on power down quickly and then coming back. Yesterday I received a Belkin Thunderbolt 3 to test out if it was cable related, but the issue persists.

Just to be clear, I'm not seeing the issues people have reported from routers interfering. I'm only seeing very quick blank out/flicker on the LG screen. My Macbook (15" w/ Radeon Pro 460) does not seem affected by this at all.

I've been in talks with Apple, and they've referred me to LG here in Denmark - however, LG in Denmark do not official sell monitors here so they can't assist. I'm going back to Apple today to see if they can exchange the screen for a new or at least help diagnose further what the issue is.

Hi Mike....

Please report what you find out as I live in Denmark too. I'm still trying to troubleshoot whether there are specific circumstances when the screens turns off so I will wait a bit before requesting an exchange. Not convinced that the issue is a hardware fault just yet.

BTW I have no router nearby either.

 

[azntaiji]

I have number 2 issue (when in clamshell mode and disconnecting my MBP from the USB-C cable I get a black screen when opening the MBP). Is it a MacBook Pro problem or LG problem?

I think LG or Thunderbolt related... because when I connect it to other displays (like a TV) I don't have this problem.

 

[iBrooker]

LG seem to be engaging in their own #alternativefacts!

Lost a lot of respect for these guys, who each state things that are basically untrue!

• Marques thinks it's "aesthetically nice", apparently. Yet in his own video he bemoans the fivehead
• UrAvgConsumer loves the integration - I guess being able to adjust the brightness of dual screens with one keyboard, a functional ambient light sensor, and a volume scale that works, don't count as integration!
• Austin thinks it looks like it was designed for the MacBook Pro - a "cohesive package" in fact. Hmm
• Jonathan loves the speakers. Deary me...

This matters because if LG thinks all these are good things, then the poor volume scale, sleep/wake issues, and brightness control uselessness, aren't going to be fixed in a firmware update any time soon, as I was hoping and expecting they would be.

I LMFAO when I saw them labelled as 'Tech Experts'.

 

[fpenta]

I think LG or Thunderbolt related... because when I connect it to other displays (like a TV) I don't have this problem.

I think I solved the problem setting the resolution of the MacBook Pro to "default".
Will continue to test. Are you using a resolution that is not the "default" one?