Oops, sorry. You're right. When I said "you" in
#12 , I meant
manny88.
Sorry I didn't explain my setup very well. I have a gaming PC running Windows 7 with a 1080ti. The gfx card has 3 x 1.2 displayports and 1 x 2.0 hdmi port. The PC was already connected to my monitor via displayport, and the PC HDMI port was already in use connected to my 120hz 1080p TV. However I only use my gaming PC at 1080p on my 4k monitor anyway, because scaling in Windows 7 sucks, and gaming at 1080p with ultra graphics is better than gaming at 4k imo. So I got an old HDMI splitter from the garage, which only supports HDMI 1.4 anyway, and split the HDMI port (mirror it) to my 4k monitor and TV. HDMI 1.4 supports 120Hz at 1080p anyway, so it suits my needs perfectly. I can game at 120Hz on my TV at 1080p, and 60Hz at 1080p on my 4k monitor. I then use the newly freed displayport on my monitor to connect my Macbook up.
Which MacBook, and is there any lag?
I tried 4Kp60 my 2017 Core m3 MacBook and didn't notice any significant lag, but I only tested it a few times for fun, as I don't use the MacBook with an external monitor.
Yeah boi. This thing is buttery smooth. I finally could test the full power of this Macbook today, as I got the final piece of my puzzle, a USB 2 switcher/hub to switch my mouse and keyboard and devices at the click of a button.
This one:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/UGREEN-Selector-Computers-Sharing-Keyboard-Black/dp/B01MXXQKGM
So I did a SuperDuper smart backup on my 500GB Sandisk USB-C SSD (partitioned to 250GB), using the USB-A adapter that came with it. Finished in 9m40s. Obviously it depends how much has changed on my system since the last backup, but I think it will be fine for me using USB 2 speeds for smart backups. And this switcher requires no power, though you can connect a 5V adapter via micro-USB for more power hungry devices or charging, but as long as it works with my Sandisk SSD and mouse and keyboard, that's all I need it for.
But I think people underestimate how great this Macbook (& CPU) is. I'm running Windows 7 in Parallels Desktop, 1.75GB RAM, 256MB VRAM, in Coherence mode. Runs buttery smooth for what I need it to do, mainly the Office 2016 apps, as I prefer the Windows versions.
But it doesn't stop there. I've attached a pic where I've opened 23 apps, this is while it's running on the internal display and external display at 60hz. AND IT'S STILL RUNNING BUTTERY SMOOTH, EVERYTHING, the entire MacOS and the VM, opening apps and using them, listening to Spotify. It's incredible! And the CPU is not any higher than 60c, averaging around 50c. I'm not sure how the MacOS (I'm on Catalina 10.15.4) and this m3 CPU does it. I think the internal SSD probably makes a huge difference.
Don't underestimate the 2017 Macbook, even the base model with the m3 CPU and 8GB of RAM. It really is running stupidly buttery smooth, it's unbelievable.
My dream was to use Macbook like a desktop/mac mini, but with the added benefit I can take my work with me without the hassle of files being left on a desktop computer or having to rely on iCloud to sync, oh and it's silent, light, and the perfect portable screen size.
This is definitely a machine I'll be keeping and paying for battery replacements in the future.
Last note, I know everyones needs are different, especially for heavy processing. But I wouldn't put it past this Macbook to be able to handle it well but just take more time. But in my opinion all the other benefits outweigh this, at least in my case. FREAKING BUTTERY SMOOTH with 23 Apps open, Parellels VM in coherence, and running on 4k external and internal at 60Hz. I wish I could take a video right now to show you I'm not hyping how smooth it's running, but I won't bother going that far.
Also attached a pic of my setup. Note if it weren't for my PC, the wires under my desk would be pretty much non existent. Also the photo doesn't capture the colours/clarity of the screens, they aren't washed out.
That's my review lol.
