MacBook Pro 16" 2019 + Studio Display performance issue

[scheylon]

Hey everyone,

I bought months ago a Apple Studio Display that I've been able to find for a very cheap price, for my desk setup at the office. Although, I've been running into very difficult performance issues lately.

I've been using this MacBook for a long time, as I bought it when it was released in 2019. Besides the very old unchanged battery, the impact of OS updates, as well newer software versions – I would say the computer run pretty good for its age. To be exact here's the specs:
MacBook Pro 16-inch 2019
CPU: 2.6GHz Intel Core i7, 6 Cores
GPU: AMD Radeon Pro 5300M 4Go / Intel UHD Graphics 630 1536 Mo
RAM: 16 Go 2667 MHz DDR4
OS: Tahoe 26.3

My MacBook is plugged to the display from the left side and used in clamshell mode with an external Magic Keyboard and Magic Trackpad. The system is also very clean as I ran into problems and did a fresh manual install a month ago.

I'm a graphic designer using regularly Adobe InDesign, coupled with Illustrator, Photoshop and Figma. Lately, working on these software became impossible, to the point that I have to ask a colleague to open certain files for me.

I thought at first that my MacBook was the problem – it’s 7 years old right. But when I work without / or on another external monitor such as the DELL P2723QE (4K monitor) with both screens on (MacBook open), I don't have such problems: the files that are freezing when working on the Studio Display, are now opening and working smoothly.

I would like to know if anyone is familiar with such issues? I know the Studio Display is a very high resolution display that requires energy, although I don't understand the drastic difference of performance between those:
- 1 Studio Display 5k (+ Magic Trackpad & Keyboard)
- Dell-Display 4k + 1 MacBook Pro Screen Retina
As running the computer with one less screen (even if greater resolution) is supposed to be more efficient.

Is clamshell mode affecting the performance this much? (fans are running loud)
Does using external bluetooth devices (Magic Keyboard + Magic Trackpad) affects the performance? (mouse connection becomes very unstable on heavy performance load)
I would like to note that the performance issue became more noticeable since Tahoe.


I'm open for any hints or sharing any other system data.
Thanks for the help! 🙏

 

[JPack]

Have you tried lowering the resolution on the Studio Display?

 

[maflynn]

Are you trying to use 3 displays (the 5k, the 4k, and the MBP)?

I think you're asking a lot of a 7 year old GPU

The Studio Display has 14,745,600 pixels where as the 4k monitor only has 8,294,400 pixels, that's about a 78% increase. Driving both would probably asking a lot for your 2019 MBP.

 

[Bigwaff]

Have you tried forcing the use of the dedicated 5300M GPU? Open Settings > Battery and click Options. Disable Automatic graphics switching. This will use dGPU at all times.

 

[scheylon]

Are you trying to use 3 displays (the 5k, the 4k, and the MBP)?

I think you're asking a lot of a 7 year old GPU

The Studio Display has 14,745,600 pixels where as the 4k monitor only has 8,294,400 pixels, that's about a 78% increase. Driving both would probably asking a lot for your 2019 MBP.

No, I’m just trying to use one display: the Studio Display with my MacBook in clamshell mode.

I don’t think it’s too much to ask, even for a 7 years old GPU… Especially when it works fine when I use it open with a 4K dell display (2x screens)

 

[scheylon]

Have you tried forcing the use of the dedicated 5300M GPU? Open Settings > Battery and click Options. Disable Automatic graphics switching. This will use dGPU at all times.

Thank you for the tips

Yes I already did, as the Automatic graphic switching causes bugs and glitch’s with Adobe Software. It doesn’t seem to improve much

 

[scheylon]

Have you tried lowering the resolution on the Studio Display?

I could give a try, but doesn’t seem to be a viable long term solution.

I’m already using the « middle » setting that is set by default, and I found that the UI appears quite big already

 

[Bigwaff]

Thank you for the tips

Yes I already did, as the Automatic graphic switching causes bugs and glitch’s with Adobe Software. It doesn’t seem to improve much

Have you tried turning ON Displays have separate Spaces in Settings > Desktop & Dock > Mission Control settings?

 

[SDAVE]

It's most likely related to Tahoe tbh. Are you able to make a new temporary volume and install Sequoia to see if that issue is fixed for you?

I had a 2019 MBP here and was able to run 2-3 displays at 4k each.

Studio Display is 5k, so it may push the dGPU on the Intel MBPs a bit more.

If you are a graphic designer and do this full time, I highly suggest getting an M class MacBook asap, you will thank me later. Doesn't have to be the latest and greatest.

Also newest Adobe Suite is highly optimized for newer gen Macs so it won't run great on Intel.

 

[conmee]

When you use an external monitor in clamshell mode with the Intel MBPs, they will always use the dGPU unless you have a model without. Doesn't matter what the power settings are. I was using my 2019 16" MBP 64GB 2TB (5500M 8GB VRAM) on 26.2 with the ASD last month until I sold it in preparation for an M5 Pro. For now, I'm using my 2019 15" with AMD Vega 20 with 4GB VRAM (keeping it for use with Mojave and 32-bit apps and Bootcamp once I get a new M5 Pro next month hopefully) and plugged into the first TB3 port on the left side (closest to the display hinge). I'm using it to power my MBP and drive the ASD. Works perfectly. I'm also running at default resolution. System settings will warn that "scaled" (anything other than 2560x1440) will affect performance because even if you select a lower resolution, the OS/GPU are just going to work harder to scale everything but still have to push out 5K pixels (having said that, my 2019 MBP works fine even at scaled resolutions). So best to keep it at 2560x1440 (which itself is half the native resolution of the 5K ASD). I also have no problem running ASD with the 15" display open.

I run multiple VMs and use Affinity for photo editing. The fans spin up once I start editing photos or first booting VMs. But nothing gets bogged down or refuses to open.

Are you using the original braided black Thunderbolt cable that comes with the ASD? Do you have other items (drives, etc) plugged into the USB-C ports on the ASD? Seems strange your MBP gets bogged down just plugging into the ASD.

I seem to also recall that prior to using clamshell mode, I had to make sure to select the ASD as the Main Display in settings before closing the MBP. If it is mirrored or extended that will make extra work for the GPU.

Attaching my settings below if they help.

 

[ForkHandles]

Account vacated.

 

[scheylon]

Have you tried turning ON Displays have separate Spaces in Settings > Desktop & Dock > Mission Control settings?

Hello,
Just checked this morning, it's already on!

 

[scheylon]

When you use an external monitor in clamshell mode with the Intel MBPs, they will always use the dGPU unless you have a model without. Doesn't matter what the power settings are. I was using my 2019 16" MBP 64GB 2TB (5500M 8GB VRAM) on 26.2 with the ASD last month until I sold it in preparation for an M5 Pro. For now, I'm using my 2019 15" with AMD Vega 20 with 4GB VRAM (keeping it for use with Mojave and 32-bit apps and Bootcamp once I get a new M5 Pro next month hopefully) and plugged into the first TB3 port on the left side (closest to the display hinge). I'm using it to power my MBP and drive the ASD. Works perfectly. I'm also running at default resolution. System settings will warn that "scaled" (anything other than 2560x1440) will affect performance because even if you select a lower resolution, the OS/GPU are just going to work harder to scale everything but still have to push out 5K pixels (having said that, my 2019 MBP works fine even at scaled resolutions). So best to keep it at 2560x1440 (which itself is half the native resolution of the 5K ASD). I also have no problem running ASD with the 15" display open.

I run multiple VMs and use Affinity for photo editing. The fans spin up once I start editing photos or first booting VMs. But nothing gets bogged down or refuses to open.

Are you using the original braided black Thunderbolt cable that comes with the ASD? Do you have other items (drives, etc) plugged into the USB-C ports on the ASD? Seems strange your MBP gets bogged down just plugging into the ASD.

I seem to also recall that prior to using clamshell mode, I had to make sure to select the ASD as the Main Display in settings before closing the MBP. If it is mirrored or extended that will make extra work for the GPU.

Attaching my settings below if they help.

View attachment 2606486

View attachment 2606487

View attachment 2606489

Thank you for your detailed reply. I do use the original cable that is still intact and brand new. No other devices are plugged on, besides the wireless connection with keyboard and trackpad.
I have attached in comparison the same screenshots, as my settings are similar to yours.

 

[scheylon]

You bought this Studio Display at a bargain price?

Maybe that is the issue, the previous owner wanted shut of a defective monitor. Maybe your thunderbolt cable is defective.

There is no reason why your MacBook cannot run both monitors simultaneously.
I was running two monitors back in 2002 with no problems albeit not 5K, but this is old tech.

I’d consider buyinga new cable from Amazon, testing it and returning if it doesn’t help. Then maybe taking your setup to an Apple shop and asking them to investigate.

I actually bought it from a very close friend who just used it once or twice, then it stayed in the box for some times. Everything is brand new, as well the braided cable.

 

[scheylon]

Thanks everyone for the feedbacks. Looking at the stats from iStat Menu that I've reinstalled, and your comments – I think the computer is getting too old to run my current workflow. The AMD GPU is constantly running quite high with 99% vRam used.

I've opened again an Illustrator file this morning that was unusable before, and today it works – but then InDesign wasn't open (usually I at least have 1-2 big InDesign files open at the same time).
I think Tahoe + the latest Adobe software versions (it's been bad the past year with optimising), combined with my older hardware, is not good. Solution would be to get back to an older OS and software versions, but in my case it'll be difficult to do so because of workflow & compatibility.

I guess I will have to wait a bit and look for a new Mac with an Apple M Silicon. 🙏
I'll still ask apple for a hardware check whenever an appointment is available.

 

[psingh01]

I have the i9 with 5500m. My setup is a little different but to give an idea I’ve used it with a 4k tv + 2k Thunderbolt Display and lid open. I don’t generally experience slowdowns. I did once and a lot more when the video card went bad.

But if your fans are going off in clamshell mode then open lid and see if it helps cool it down. Try removing any build up of dust on the inside.

 

[Allen_Wentz]

You are correct when you say "I think the computer is getting too old to run my current workflow."

I had a similar workflow on an Intel MBP with 16 GB RAM, and driving external 4K displays worked, but was clearly a challenge to the MBP graphics. Whenever I plugged displays in after having been mobile it would take 10-20 minutes for displays to settle down. I upgraded to an M2 MBP with 96 GB RAM and now when I plug in displays after having been mobile they come up properly with multiple windows and resolutions in less than a minute. The 96 GB M2 MBP is a joy to use.

A couple of generic comments:
• Try another top quality cable and different TB ports even if you think the cable is perfect.
• Do not use clamshell mode. Heat exacerbates device issues and clamshell mode compromises heat removal. I like the MBP display and use it for palettes or whatever, but if you hate on the display for some reason just drop brightness to zero. But leave the MBP open to help allow heat to escape.
• 16 GB RAM is not adequate for your workflow. The Mac OS will force it all to "work" under 16 GB RAM, but it is sub-optimal and will be paging constantly to the SSD. IMO for our workflows max out the RAM when you upgrade your MBP. If funds are tight 64 GB will likely work well enough but with a shorter life cycle.
• Paging to the SSD is a bad thing, slowing operation, adding SSD cycles and adding heat. Check to make sure the SSD is substantially underfilled; IMO 50% and not to exceed 80% (but those are just my personal guidelines based on my experience, n=1).
• IMO for our workflows also buy the strongest graphics choice available when you upgrade your MBP. Along with RAM our primary computing challenge is the graphics.
• Be particularly diligent with backup when having any kind of anomalies with a computer setup.
• Expect "the performance issue became more noticeable since Tahoe." That is what has been happening for ~40 years now as new OS and app versions evolve, and it will be painfully obvious driving a graphics workflow with 16 GB RAM.

• OS/apps demands on RAM have increased every year for ~40 years. Folks who ignore that truism when they configure new Macs (that by definition only are used in the future) make poor configuration choices.

 

[ForkHandles]

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[Timpetus]

The biggest issue with Intel processors was always heat. Same with discrete GPUs. It sounds like it was working better with the 4K Dell display + built in MBP screen, which to me implies that having the laptop open helps it stay cool enough. Apple (and other mfgs) designs their laptops to work best when open. Clamshell mode basically adds a significant layer of glass and metal over half of the chassis surface area used for passive cooling, which is still a big factor even in laptops with cooling fans.

 

[conmee]

Based on this Adobe answer, it appears that you need an Apple Silicon device to drive a HiDPI monitor with InDesign (when setting Display Performance to High Quality in InDesign) which the ASD is.

I would test the following scenarios:

Clamshell+Dell 4K+InDesign High Quality Setting (this appears to work fine according to OP)

Clamshell+ASD+InDesign High Quality Setting (this appears to be a problem according to OP)

Clamshell+ASD+InDesign Typical Quality Setting

If the Typical Quality setting works with the ASD in clamshell mode, it looks like the GPU just isn’t sufficient for InDesgin High Quality Setting at greater than 4K.

 

[Allen_Wentz]

How can you possibly conclude that this capable machine is suddenly incapable?

What I actually said was that I agreed that "I think the computer is getting too old to run my current workflow." And the easy reason I make that conclusion is based on my personal experience with a very similar workflow outgrowing a very similar MBP with the same lame 16 GB RAM.

I did not state that "this capable machine is suddenly incapable." I said that driving external 4K displays worked, but was clearly a challenge to the MBP graphics and that Mac OS will force it all to "work" under 16 GB RAM, but it is sub-optimal. Note that "getting too old" is not a conclusion of "suddenly incapable."

My point is that what you call "this capable machine" is borderline for my workflow and IMO for the OP's similar workflow, not what I call a capable machine. And specifically I also experienced challenges with external displays.

That 16 GB Intel MBP is a capable machine for single-tasking non-graphics workflows, but for multi-tasking graphics multi-display workflows I agree when the OP states "I think the computer is getting too old to run my current workflow."

 

[Fravin]

Is there a way to change from 30bit colors to 24bit? This would drop cram usage.

Thank you for your detailed reply. I do use the original cable that is still intact and brand new. No other devices are plugged on, besides the wireless connection with keyboard and trackpad.
I have attached in comparison the same screenshots, as my settings are similar to yours.View attachment 2606534

 

[TechnoMonk]

2019 MBP was the worst mac i ever owned. My 64 GB RAM 2019 had fans going off and ran hot. I was ready to jump the ship but Apple redeemed with Apple silicon. I am impressed with those who have stuck to 2019 MBP for long.

 

[conmee]

2019 MBP was the worst mac i ever owned. My 64 GB RAM 2019 had fans going off and ran hot. I was ready to jump the ship but Apple redeemed with Apple silicon. I am impressed with those who have stuck to 2019 MBP for long.

My 2019 15" seems to behaved better than my 2019 16" did (both maxed out). There are videos online and threads on this site talking about ways to cool down the 5500M (the 5600M in 2020 apparently fixed - to the best of Apple's ability with Intel/AMD - the constant fans). I ran the 2019 16" in clamshell mode all the time and I'd get the fans on first boot, then they'd die down, then I'd get the fans if I opened Photos or anything graphical in nature and would tend to die down for a bit, and I'd get the fans for pretty much any game and they would stay running. But for my use case, which required x86 VMs until recently, I really didn't want to jump ship, so I lived with the fan noise.

Not that this is directly related to the thread topic, but I bought (and returned) an M5 MBP with 32GB and it pretty much significantly outperformed every benchmark I threw at it vs the 2019 16". Apple Silicon is truly "twice as fast" and often more so as the last fully loaded Intel MBP, across every workload - it even ran an older version of 3DMark in an ARM Windows 11 Parallels virtual machine and handily outperformed my 2019 MBPs running Parallels and x86 Windows. And the only time I got the fan to spin up on the M5 MBP was running 3DMark and Cinebench. The rest of the time it was silent. If I could have lived with a 14" display I would have kept it (and I would have kept it if the M5 came in a 16" version). But I am just too used to having a 16" display. The M5 MBP felt cramped by comparison, so really looking forward to a 16" screen and even greater performance once the M5 Pro MBP is available for purchase.

Here are some of my benchmark results from all three of my machines. Safe to say if OP is thinking about upgrading (like I am), M5 and soon to be released M5 Pro and M5 Max will not disappoint. 🙂

 

[SDAVE]

It's 100% Tahoe dude, get rid of it. It runs like butt on all Intel machines since they're considered EOL by Apple anyway. Test Sequoia on a separate volume and see how it will run much better. 2019 Intel is still a solid machine, except the fans run like crazy when doing anything intensive. It gets really hot especially in clamshell mode. Best is to dock it vertically on a desk with room around for it to breathe.

I have the 2019 here and barely use it, but I know it's intricacies really well and Apple did a good job cooling it, but the Intel chip is really inefficient and runs hot. The AMD chip also runs hot.