M4Studio, Display connection, what should be the prefered type of connection ? HDMI, USB-C, TB, DP....in theory, and from reading of problems

[streetfunk]

Hello everybody,
my next M4Studio-max vs. display connectivity thread.

This time it´s entirely generic.
I´d like to understand the situation in regards to:
- What "should" be best in theory ?
- and sometimes even opposite: what´s your picture from your own experiences, or from reading online ?

HDMI, USB-C, TB, DisplayPort


i understand there are some different iterations of the tech. DP 1.2 vs. 1.4 for example.
If anybody has anything to post here, feel free to incloude that, or just leave open.
Cable quality IS an issue ! consider that point donne with this line



my main point is, in the past i thought USB-C should be best, but was problematic on the M1minis for example.
Now i´m more under the opinion from readings that the Display port is best. Yet i thought, DP is sorta outdated.
Well, TB migt be best now. but i have no TB displays.



i have now more cables and adapters here and need to start some fresh rejuggling and tests.
Vor example has my -right now- main display a coil whine when connected with USB-C.
i have no easy access to my displays. So i thought i´d better gather some more information first

 

[Varmann]

I had some the same questions.
I have a Studio max, and an Asus 48" display with HDMI 2.1 and DP 1.4. Since the Studio had a hdmi 2.1 as well, I believed that was the best option. Instead of using a converter from USB/TB to DP 1.4. But I am not sure.

But I feel satisfied with the 4k and 120Hz, i got from HDMI.

I have some of the same situation as you with loads of different old cables, with only a fraction of them actually marked with what versions they support.

 

[Fishrrman]

Fishrrman's "theory":

What is "best" is what works the best for YOU.

The connection should give you both an image that pleases you, and a Mac-to-display union that does all you need it to.

 

[Varmann]

Fishrrman's "theory":

What is "best" is what works the best for YOU.

The connection should give you both an image that pleases you, and a Mac-to-display union that does all you need it to.

Sure, but "best" contains many variables here. I can work fine with 60Hz, but 120 may have an edge during occasional gaming. Is HDR really necessary, or may it prove to have a use in the future? Is it important to gain some extra usb-ports? What cables do I need and how much are they? Which solution have least risk to run into different issues?

 

[streetfunk]

i did not say "best" in my header of the thread. The Topic IS clear

ok, i did say "best" in my post.
"Best" means here: the connection type with the highest chance that things will work good.
Good means here: working without any problems.

can we please focus _strictly_ on that very topic ?
Thanks !

 

[Varmann]

ok, i did say "best" in my post.
"Best" means here: the connection type with the highest chance that things will work good.
Good means here: working without any problems.

Yes, I understand that. But that is also one of the things that depend on most variables. Especially seeing it over a longer period of use.
It certainly depends on software drivers, both in MacOS and in the Display. Cables play a role, they might work fine, but one may be more prone to be affected by electric noise and magnetic fields, than another.

If there are some general guidelines, then I am not aware of them. I may make some guesses though...
- Interfaces that for long been supported by Apple have a higher chance to have stable drivers.
- The same goes for displays. A manufacturer that for long been providing Mac compatible displays could be expected to be a better choice.
- A solid number of good long term usage reviews and reputation as trustworthy providers.
- High quality cables are often a good choice.
- Same goes for cable length, keep it as short as possible. Avoid extra adapters.

For myself I use to add the following:
- Bleeding edge technology may be more prone to run into trouble.
- Better few but important features than a long list of things you will never use.
- Any display that wants to connect to the net is a no-no (pretty all that also functions as TVs).