LG UltraFine 5k monitor connected to my laptop makes it WARM

[bobo_97]

I have a LG UltraFIne 5k monitor. I connect it to my macbook pro via a usb-c cable. It also charges my laptop. If I leave it over night then my laptop is warm and I can hear it working (even thou I see nothing in the Activity Monitor). If I disconnect the screen and leave the laptop only then in the morning it is cool and fine. Any idea why the monitor makes the computer so warm and work so much?

 

[leman]

Using an external monitor activates the dedicated GPU (or, if you have the 13", puts your GPU into a higher power state).

 

[Fishrrman]

As leman said, the computer is doing considerably more "work" with the external display attached.
It's going to get warmer.

 

[bobo_97]

As leman said, the computer is doing considerably more "work" with the external display attached.
It's going to get warmer.

Thanks guys. I guess I just need another power cable and swap them between use.

 

[kohlson]

Connecting an external monitor can mean your laptop is working harder than just sitting there. Keep in mind that just rending to 5K is work, but depending on selected resolution, additional graphics processing may be required.

You said that it's warm overnight. That may be something different, like Time Machine and/or Power Nap.

 

[pubmsu]

I also observe this but I just sleep the laptop while attached to the 5K. Sometimes it doesn't go to sleep or wakes up somehow and find it warm in the morning. I don't have wake for network access or Bluetooth devices can wake machine options checked.

 

[bab5139]

Mine does the same thing. When I start getting notifications in the morning it then wakes the monitor to show those notifications which activates the monitor for a little bit contributing to the work load. I haven't tried using a power adapter connected to no monitor but that defeats the purpose. I am still looking for the magic settings "go to sleep until i wake you"