Scaled Resolution on an external 4k monitor

[semihat]

I recently purchased a new MBP and a new LG 4K external display. The monitor is 27" and I found that I needed to use scaled resolution of 2560 x 1440 to be productive.

Under system report, the OS is showing the resolution as 2560 x 1440 rather than 4k. Is that the scaled resolution or the actual resolution the monitor is now running at?

Since I need to be at 2560 x 1440, is there even a point in having this 4k display? Should I return it and get something cheaper?

Thanks.

 

[Fishrrman]

Can the display also run "in 4k" (i.e., in HiDPI mode)?

If it can, I'm guessing that you're telling us that you -prefer- 2560x1440?

IF that's the case, the choice whether to return it or not is yours to make.

We can't make it for you.

 

[HenryAZ]

I recently purchased a new MBP and a new LG 4K external display. The monitor is 27" and I found that I needed to use scaled resolution of 2560 x 1440 to be productive.

Under system report, the OS is showing the resolution as 2560 x 1440 rather than 4k. Is that the scaled resolution or the actual resolution the monitor is now running at?

Since I need to be at 2560 x 1440, is there even a point in having this 4k display? Should I return it and get something cheaper?

Thanks.

4k does not scale well to 2560x1440. That would be a 5k monitor to scale that resolution well. To run at true 4k, you will need a minimum of a 32" monitor, otherwise some screen elements get too small. Many can be adjusted within the UI of each program, but some will still be small. I use a 32" at 4k, and have made most things work, but sometimes I have to lean forward and use the reading part of my bifocals. I think 36"-40" is going to be the sweet spot for true 4k, with a good (high) pixel density.