Which of these monitors will have the least performance impact MBP 5500M 8GB?

[jyyz]

I have been trying to select a new monitor for my 16" MBP i9 2.4 32RAM 5500M 8GB. There seems to be something "wrong" with every monitor I finally settle on. I intend to use the MBP in clamshell largely due to necessity: I don't have a huge work area.

In terms of performance, will it be more taxing for my MBP to drive the 5K LG 27MD5KL display scaled to 1440p, or a Benq PD2720U 4K display scaled to 1440p? In the case of the LG there are so many more pixels to render, in the case of the Benq less pixels, but more scaling impact.

I have had a rough start to the year with computer issues, so I am looking for as positive an experience here as possible. If anyone using the above monitors with a comparably spec'd MBP can share their experience I would greatly appreciate it.

 

[frou]

Any AMD Navi GPU such as yours is a pretty powerful unit. Even super weak GPUs (e.g. the Intel 630 used in the Mac Mini) can do okay in those scenarios.

With the LG 5K (5120x2880 pixels, 2560x1440 points) there wouldn't be any "resampling" aka scaling happening at all. It's pretty much the most suited monitor for Macs in terms of resolution and density. There are questions about reliability though.

 

[jyyz]

I have just read a lot of negative feedback about this MBP with external monitors. Thanks for chiming in!

 

[ght56]

This is a hit or miss, unfortunately, so my best advice is buy from a company with a good return policy. Some users have reported success with the Dell U2720Q/QM on the 5300/5500M in clamshell mode. I have two of these, but I have a 5600M GPU (I got rid of my 5500M model for the very reason you are worried about as I constantly use multiple displays with the clamshell open and this issue became very problematic.)

 

[jyyz]

I guess I’ll try it out and see then. Thanks for your input.

 

[likegadgets]

I have the same MBP with the AMD Radeon Pro 5500M 8 GB. I had been using dual 5K LG 27 Ultrafine. The LG's are mediocre (I had the 1st generation, shielding issues, image retention, sound would sometimes go out, etc). I replaced them with Apple's XDR 32". I also used the Apple XDR at the same time as one of the LG's (one on each side of the MBP). The MBP had no issues driving both monitors. I know, the XDR is way more expensive than 2 LG's - but what a difference.....

 

[jyyz]

I have the newer (current) model LG5K on order, should get it today. Will trying it out and see. Hoping that the newer version of the LG5K is more reliable than the earlier ones. If you were able to run two 5Ks, then I'm hopeful my one should work decent enough.

 

[likegadgets]

I have the newer (current) model LG5K on order, should get it today. Will trying it out and see. Hoping that the newer version of the LG5K is more reliable than the earlier ones. If you were able to run two 5Ks, then I'm hopeful my one should work decent enough.

One should work just fine (two also work fine). The LG has a beautiful screen - would be a great monitor if it wasn't so buggy (look at the LG 5K owner's thread for the multiple problem reports) and if LG would have a decent support and repair policy, which they do not. While in Warranty and return period you will be fine. Afterwards, LG nowadays refuses to repair this monitor and sends you to independent repair shops that have no clue what to do. Yet, some report they have trouble free units. Good luck with yours.

 

[jyyz]

One should work just fine (two also work fine). The LG has a beautiful screen - would be a great monitor if it wasn't so buggy (look at the LG 5K owner's thread for the multiple problem reports) and if LG would have a decent support and repair policy, which they do not. While in Warranty and return period you will be fine. Afterwards, LG nowadays refuses to repair this monitor and sends you to independent repair shops that have no clue what to do. Yet, some report they have trouble free units. Good luck with yours.

Thank you for the tips! I have been reading through that thread, and have waffled back and forth on getting the LG5K. FWIW I don't feel 100% with my selection based on what I have read. Then there are those that really praise it. Hopefully I'll just get a trouble free unit, and all will be good.

 

[jyyz]

Okay so just got the LG5K... I was expecting to be super disappointed. Wow, it's looking pretty sharp! I have the MBP in clamshell and it's running smooth and quiet! So far I'm loving this thing!