Running a 3840x2160 monitor in "More Space" mode.

[Glmnet1]

I just bought a 2018 MBP with a LG-27UK650 (didn't buy the usb-c version in order to save about $200 that I will use toward an eGPU later on which will work with a single cable for display and charging etc.)

I love the "More Space" scaled option on the internal screen, everything is big enough and I have plenty of space. On the 4k monitor I don't see the scaled options. This is what I have instead:

I can only choose 3840x2160 not scaled 2560x1440 not scaled or 3840x2160 scaled to 1920x1080 where everything is too big and it cancels the main advantage of having a 4k screen.

I tried holding the option key to have more resolution options and I even installed Retina DisplayMenu but I can't find a scaled option somewhere in between. I'm thinking an output of 3840x2160 with everything scaled like 2880x1620 would be perfect.

I'm currently using a cheap usb-c to hdmi adapter which I thought would do the job but apparently I need a usb-c to DisplayPort for 60hz. Could it also be the reason why I'm not seeing more scaled options?

Thank you for your help!

 

[Glmnet1]

Just installed Windows 10 with Bootcamp and scaling works perfectly on the LG (full resolution with 150% scaling) I’m glad to know it’s not a hardware limitation but I’m a little disappointed in macOS... hopefully someone here can show me how to do it, if possible.

 

[xraydoc]

You should be able to access the HiDPI modes with the Retina Display app or SwitchRes (or similar utilities).

I'll let you know more in a couple days - my 27UK650-W is supposed to be delivered tomorrow. I'll connected it to my MBP and let you know what kind of options pop up for me.

Also, you definitely should get a different USB-C to HDMI adapter that will support 60Hz at 4K -- you definitely should be able to find many that do, but not all will as you've discovered. Apparently yours does not. Or get a DisplayPort adapter...

 

[Glmnet1]

You should be able to access the HiDPI modes with the Retina Display app or SwitchRes (or similar utilities).

I'll let you know more in a couple days - my 27UK650-W is supposed to be delivered tomorrow. I'll connected it to my MBP and let you know what kind of options pop up for me.

Also, you definitely should get a different USB-C to HDMI adapter that will support 60Hz at 4K -- you definitely should be able to find many that do, but not all will as you've discovered. Apparently yours does not. Or get a DisplayPort adapter...

I should have updated this thread. I did get the Moshi displayport adapter and with it the options I was looking for appeared it’s also running at 60hz which is noticeably better.

On the other hand the scaled resolutions affect performance and even simple things like opening the app launcher is choppy. Anyway, it seems my eyes got used to the full 4k so I’m using that I’m afraid of causing eye fatigue like that but for now it seems better than on my old low res mbp.

 

[xraydoc]

The odd scaled resolutions will take a performance hit, but shouldn't be too bad with the laptop display closed. Running both, however, will definitely impact performance.

You could try forcing the dGPU on (presuming you're using a 15" MBP). That should help, too. The integrated GPU will definitely have trouble running two retina displays.

 

[Glmnet1]

The odd scaled resolutions will take a performance hit, but shouldn't be too bad with the laptop display closed. Running both, however, will definitely impact performance.

You could try forcing the dGPU on (presuming you're using a 15" MBP). That should help, too. The integrated GPU will definitely have trouble running two retina displays.

I like having the laptop display as a secondary monitor, it’s really useful for my kind of work.

I’m on a 13in. Was thinking of getting an eGPU at some point which would obviously help. First things first though, I have to decide if I bring it back or keep it tomorrow...

 

[AdamA9]

I don't get the option to switch my monitor to 60Hz. Is that because I'm using a USC-C to HDMI lead? Do I need USB-C to DisplayPort?

 

[Glmnet1]

From what I understand you can't get 4k 60hz over HDMI. I think you need USB-C to DisplayPort.

https://support.apple.com/en-ca/HT206587

 

[xraydoc]

I don't get the option to switch my monitor to 60Hz. Is that because I'm using a USC-C to HDMI lead? Do I need USB-C to DisplayPort?

Depends on what Mac you're using and what kind of USB-C to HDMI adapter.
[doublepost=1535673157][/doublepost]

You should be able to access the HiDPI modes with the Retina Display app or SwitchRes (or similar utilities).

I'll let you know more in a couple days - my 27UK650-W is supposed to be delivered tomorrow. I'll connected it to my MBP and let you know what kind of options pop up for me.

Also, you definitely should get a different USB-C to HDMI adapter that will support 60Hz at 4K -- you definitely should be able to find many that do, but not all will as you've discovered. Apparently yours does not. Or get a DisplayPort adapter...

So to reply to my own post -

My LG 27UK850 was delivered today. Absolutely gorgeous picture. Razor sharp text at any scaled resolution.

The Displays control panel lists all the various scaled screen resolutions, including 1920x1080 [default], 2560x1440, 3008x1692 (my current setting), 3360x1890 and native 3840x2160. A bunch of other HiDPI resolutions are also listed on the optional listings (holding Option key and click scaled).

It runs at 60Hz on my Mac over USB-C. It'll carry audio over USB-C as well and the monitor provides 60W of power to the laptop.

Haven't tried it on my Mac over DisplayPort but my old Surface Pro 3 won't run it at 60Hz (limitation of the SP3, not the monitor).

I'm waiting on delivery of a 13.5" SurfaceBook 2, so I expect that will run the monitor nicely over USB-C as well.

Really stunning display. I'd love a second one but the 3008x1692 resolution gives me the perfect amount of space for two good-sized windows side by side, and with text that isn't too small. Besides, trying to keep the home office setup super clean for my wife. The single-cable solution for both my MacBook Pro and my coming SurfaceBook 2 will keep the wife happy.

The only negative I've found with the monitor so far is the stand. The legs I think come too far forward of the display itself and kind of get in the way a little. I'll probably add a monitor arm in the coming weeks to get the stand off the desk and float the monitor.

 

[AdamA9]

From what I understand you can't get 4k 60hz over HDMI. I think you need USB-C to DisplayPort.

https://support.apple.com/en-ca/HT206587

I'm sure I've seen people doing this. I could be wrong, as I cannot seem to find where I read it. If I did at all...

Depends on what Mac you're using and what kind of USB-C to HDMI adapter.

I have a 2018 13" MacBook Pro. I'm using one of these from my mac straight into the monitor. Amazon says it supports 4k@60Hz

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07B7LGK1F/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[xraydoc]

I'm sure I've seen people doing this. I could be wrong, as I cannot seem to find where I read it. If I did at all...



I have a 2018 13" MacBook Pro. I'm using one of these from my mac straight into the monitor. Amazon says it supports 4k@60Hz

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07B7LGK1F/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Can't comment on that particular cable, but your machine with the right adapter & HDMI cable should definitely support 4K 60Hz over HDMI.
However, I've always found HDMI to be a mess. DisplayPort is much simpler and more consistent, in my experience.