New LG UltraFine 4K with MacBook Pro (2015) and 60 Hz?

[johnscully]

Hi,

Apple mentions in the Compatibility-List for the new LG UltraFine 4K (23.7 inch) Macs with USB-C/Thunderbolt 3, but says that a MacBook Pro from 2015 (Thunderbolt 2) can rund the display with 30 Hz (instead of 60 Hz like the newer Macs). I've read from a user who was able to run his new LG UltraFine 4K in combination with a MacBook Pro from 2015 with 60 Hz. It is said that you need a Apple-Thunderbolt-2-cable and a "Thunderbolt 3 (USB‑C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter" (+ of course the Thunderbolt-3-cable which comes with the display) to achieve the 60 Hz when connected to a MacBook Pro (2015). Can anybody verify that?

Based on my experience Apples proclaimed restriction to 30 Hz on MacBook Pro (2015) is strange, because I can use any 4K/UHD-Display with a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixel with 60 Hz connected to my MacBook Pro from 2015. Since the LG UltraFine 4K has the exact same resolution, why shouldn't it be possible to use it with 60 Hz? I'm very interested in the display – but not with 30 Hz.

 

[troop231]

Hello, I'm actually running Dual 4K displays at 60Hz each on my 15" late 2013 rMBP without problems, so I would assume you would be more than ok!

 

[johnscully]

Yes, I also tested my 2015 MacBook Pro with a couple of UHD-Displays (3840 x 2160 pixel) and 60 Hz worked in all cases just fine. But the thing is: Apple says in a Support-Document (in german language) explicit, that Thunderbolt-2-Macs can run the new LG UltraFine 4K with just 30 Hz. In the same Support-Document in english language Apple says 60 Hz work not just with Thunderbolt-3-Macs, but also Thunderbolt-2-Macs. So Apple contradicts itself. Because of that I'm interested whether someone has already tested the combination of the new LG UltraFine 4K and a Mac with Thunderbolt-2-Ports.

 

[troop231]

Apple says things like that to make people think that they have to buy the newer machines. My 2013 rMBP technically isn't capable of doing dual 4K @ 60Hz according to Apple as an example..

 

[WhoMD]

I believe the discrepancy may be due to the difference in Thunderbolt/Displayport output v. HDMI output. My 2015 MacBook Pro has the following in its technical specifications:

• Dual display and video mirroring: Simultaneously supports full native resolution on the built-in display and up to 3840 by 2160 pixels on up to two external displays, both at millions of colors
• Thunderbolt digital video output
  • Native Mini DisplayPort output
  • DVI, VGA, dual-link DVI, and HDMI output supported using Mini DisplayPort adapters (sold separately)
• HDMI video output
  • Support for 1080p resolution at up to 60Hz
  • Support for 3840-by-2160 resolution at 30Hz
  • Support for 4096-by-2160 resolution at 24Hz