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starmy

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Jan 26, 2024
1
0
I'm trying to connect my 2019 Macbook Pro 13" to my Dell S2721QS monitor, 4k 60Hz, with an HDMI cable (that goes into a USB-C hub). I got the 60hz working with a display port cable that goes directly from the laptop to the monitor (doesn't connect through the hub at all) but I was wondering if anyone has done this with an HDMI cable instead. I only get 30hz right now through an HDMI cable. Mac Support recommends their USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter but the description says it supports 4k 60z starting at the 2020 Macbook Pro. I'm mostly curious because I'm trying to keep all my cables tidy through a hub and save Thunderbolt space! One of my slots doesn't work so I'd lose the space of another one if I have to use one for the monitor and another one for power, which is needed for clamshell mode.
 

arw

macrumors 65816
Aug 31, 2010
1,198
943
No matter the USB-C to HDMI hub, you might be out of luck.
The description of the linked Apple Adapter says 2020 13-inch Macbook Pro with four Thunderbolt 3 ports which may be a hint to the Intel 10th gen CPU.
I have the 2020 13-inch Macbook Pro with two Thunderbolt 3 ports that features the same Iris 645 GPU as your 2019 model with an Intel 8th gen CPU.

I have the Belkin INC009 USB-C hub that is 4K @60Hz capable and works as described with my 2019 16-inch MacBook Pro with dedicated GPU.
With the same hub, my 2020 13-inch Macbook Pro with two Thunderbolt 3 ports is limited to 4K @30Hz.

Perhaps a custom timing with SwitchResX can override the limitation or it is indeed a hardware restriction.
 
Last edited:

arw

macrumors 65816
Aug 31, 2010
1,198
943
Ok, surprising update:
Although my USB-C hub only worked at 4K@30Hz for the Iris 645, a dedicated USB-C to HDMI cable does offer 4K@60Hz.
I don't know why that makes a difference or if the stream is somehow of inferior quality / compressed.
 

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