MacBook Pro with Thunderbolt 3 monitor question

[anson42]

I have a late 2016 MBP w TouchBar and Thunderbolt 3 ports. I'm considering the purchase of a Thunderbolt 3 monitor like the Samsung CJ791 that other MBP owners have used with much success. While I'm familiar with clamshell mode with my MBP powered by the power brick, does clamshell mode work equally well with the single TB3 cable to monitor scenario? i.e. the monitor is powering the MBP while the MBP is driving the monitor. The CJ791 can power up to 85W through the TB3 connection which makes it a nice companion to the MBP but I need to make sure clamshell mode works.

Thanks! When I get a chance, I'll probably take my MBP to a shop that has the CJ791 on display to test it out in person. I've never used a curved monitor before so I figure I better look at one before buying something like that.

 

[Painter2002]

I personally use my 2017 MBP with 2 25" 1440p external monitors connected via a Caldigit TS3 dock (using the TB3 port). I recently bought a Rain Mstand so I can use my MacBook Pro with the internal monitor open, but before that I used my MacBook Pro in clamshell mode when connected to the dock and monitors.

Personally it runs just fine in clamshell mode, and it doesn't run any hotter than it does with internal monitor open. You will like the setup if you are looking for a way to dock your computer and use a bigger screen.

As for the curved monitor aspect, I have used them in the past (2 Samsung 27" 1080p monitors), and while they are cool, they didn't provide an overly different experience from a traditional flat monitor. There is a slight improvement in viewing the outer edges of the monitor, but honestly its not a big enough difference for me to spend the extra on a curved monitor again in the future.

 

[anson42]

Thanks, Painter. I run my MBP in clamshell mode today but power is from the brick and the monitor is driven through an adapter from a different TB3 port, similar to your setup but with a single monitor. I'm curious how well clamshell mode will work if I'm using a TB3 monitor that also powers my MBP and drives the display all through a single TB3 cable. I have to assume Apple accounted for this scenario, one of the holy grails of the TB3 port, and I know there are folks out there who use a TB3 monitor in this manner but I haven't seen those folks comment on clamshell mode specifically. Cheers!

 

[Painter2002]

I can say it works perfectly awesome in my case. I using one TB3 cable connected from my MacBook Pro to the Caldigit TS3, I am able to run both 1440 monitors, two external drives, and charge my laptop all at once with no issues at all while in clamshell mode. It works just as well as it does when not in clamshell mode. I love the fact that I can do all this while only using one port on my machine.

Given that the monitor will basically act as a dock, you should have the same experience using a TB3 monitor as well. I have seen pictures of people using TB3 LG monitors in clamshell mode, and never heard anyone saying they have issues running it in that way.

 

[anson42]

You make a good point, you do only have one cable to your dock so the similarity is there. Thanks for sharing your experience!

 

[poorcody]

I've used a 2016 15" MBP with the LG 5K Ultrafine for over two years... works great. No issues being in clamshell mode. It's really nice having one cable when docking and undocking. The cable provides power, video, and connects to a USB-3 hub at the back of the monitor in my case. Only wish I didn't have to manually eject external drives when disconnecting.

 

[Painter2002]

Only wish I didn't have to manually eject external drives when disconnecting.

I feel your pain, I have to eject all drives when disconnecting from the Caldigit dock, but thankfully Caldigit has a small app you can put in the toolbar, and it will disconnect all drives at once when you use it.

 

[anson42]

Just want to confirm the experience you guys observed. Samsung temporarily dropped the price on the C34J791 by $100 so I jumped on the deal. My late 2016 MBP is working well in clamshell mode with this monitor. Love the single cable. I also have a USB-C network adapter that I leave plugged in to the other (15W) Thunderbolt port, works like a charm. Thanks again for the insights.