MBA M1 & Samsung 49” G9 - or other 5120x1440 monitors

[My macrumours username]

Hi,

I’ve got a 2020 MacBook Air M1, 8Gb, 8 core and want a new monitor. I keep getting drawn to the Samsung G9 super ultra wide 49“ 5120*1440 pixel displays and am wondering whether and how well the MBA and the Samsung work together.

im also likely to have to buy a new hub, the Samsung doesn‘t recharge laptops via the usb connection, and I use a usb C based external disk for Time Machine. So, any recommendations to make all this lovely kit work together.

thanks.

 

[Newfiejudd]

Hi,

I’ve got a 2020 MacBook Air M1, 8Gb, 8 core and want a new monitor. I keep getting drawn to the Samsung G9 super ultra wide 49“ 5120*1440 pixel displays and am wondering whether and how well the MBA and the Samsung work together.

im also likely to have to buy a new hub, the Samsung doesn‘t recharge laptops via the usb connection, and I use a usb C based external disk for Time Machine. So, any recommendations to make all this lovely kit work together.

thanks.

I would watch some honest reviews of the G9. I have one and got lucky with the lottery, although so many haven't. Form other reviews I have seen I would suggest the 38" LG monitor as it had better connectivity with Macs.

LG 38" UltraWide Curved Monitor - 38WN95C-W | LG USA

Discover the LG 38" UltraWide Curved Monitor that features G-SYNC® Compatibility and QHD+ Nano IPS Display. Find reviews, specs, and more for 38WN95C-W.

www.lg.com

 

[omnimax]

Are you looking at the NEO or non-NEO G9? I have a non-Neo G9 + various Macs and the M1 MBA will drive it just fine, it's still less pixels than 4k. Just remember to use a USBC to DP cable instead of HDMI if you care about 120hz. Regarding the panel lottery, seems to be more of an issue with the NEO G9s. Ppl have been having more luck with the non-Neo ones. Recommend you buy from a place that has a solid return policy/support.

From what you're describing, you may want to invest in a TBT3/4 capable dock. Forums seem to say good things about Caldigit docks.

Another note - 5k/1440p will look a worse if you're used to retina displays. It's trading screen real estate for PPI.

 

[Newfiejudd]

Are you looking at the NEO or non-NEO G9? I have a non-Neo G9 + various Macs and the M1 MBA will drive it just fine, it's still less pixels than 4k. Just remember to use a USBC to DP cable instead of HDMI if you care about 120hz. Regarding the panel lottery, seems to be more of an issue with the NEO G9s. Ppl have been having more luck with the non-Neo ones. Recommend you buy from a place that has a solid return policy/support.

From what you're describing, you may want to invest in a TBT3/4 capable dock. Forums seem to say good things about Caldigit docks.

Another note - 5k/1440p will look a worse if you're used to retina displays. It's trading screen real estate for PPI.

I have the non Neo and QC issues remain pretty bad on this unit as well. There has been a new firmware update (1013.0) recently that has helped with the screen flicker and other issues I was having with my M1 max and 240hz. The Neo on the other hand from I have read is a mess with firmware. I'm happy with my monitor although for Mac use I would still recommend the LG monitor over the G9 as they are at similar price points, plus the LG has PD at 96w and a direct TB connection with 144hz on an IPS panel.

49" G95T Curved DQHD, 240Hz, QLED Monitor | Samsung Support UK

49" G95T Curved DQHD, 240Hz, QLED Monitor. Solutions & Tips, Download Manual, Contact Us. Samsung Support UK

www.samsung.com

 

[My macrumours username]

Thanks @omnimax and @Newfiejudd - I’ll take a look at the LG options. I wonder how well the Dell and Philips models work?

 

[dominicperry]

MBA M1 will not run a Samsung 49" monitor at full 5120x1440 resolution. In fact, I think 3008x846 is the maximum it will display. Ask me how I know

 

[My macrumours username]

MBA M1 will not run a Samsung 49" monitor at full 5120x1440 resolution. In fact, I think 3008x846 is the maximum it will display. Ask me how I know

…how do you know?

….

 

[sifpilsen]

My old MacBook Air 2017 maxed out at about 3.5K on Samsung 49', tech specs says max 3840 by 2160. The newer M1 should be able to go higher according to tech specs.

My own experience was that Apples USB-C to HDMI had two versions, only reaching 30Hz on the older one. So check adapters, or cables.