2nd 27" monitor for 2019 5k 27" iMac - What to look for?

[KevinwhoswitchedfromPC]

Hi guys,

I've done a bit of a search on these forums, but I walked away realizing I don't understand monitors and needed to start my own thread.

I'm looking for a 2nd monitor for my 2019 27" iMac that is VESA mount compatible, but more importantly scales the same way as my iMac. I want windows to stay the same size when I move them between monitors.

I unfortunately do not have the basic knowledge required here, so I apologize if this is completely entry level questioning. I purchased a Dell U2720Q thinking it would work perfectly, however my order got cancelled so I took it as a sign.

I assumed I simply needed a 4k monitor, but what I'm gathering from the other threads is that I actually need something with a 2560x1600 resolution.
Is this what I should look for? 2560x1600? Would a 3840 x 2160 monitor not work as well? Is it a waste to buy a 4k 3840x2160?

For instance, I've looked at the BenQ PD2700U which is 3840 x 2160 4K. There is also the 2700Q, which is a 2560 x 1600 2K. I can't understand if there is a benefit/detriment to purchasing the 4K.

And is there a major benefit to USB C vs HDMI or Displayport?

Sorry for asking so much, I'm completely clueless here.

If it helps, I'm looking to spend below $800. This is simply a second display for office stuff and the occasional hobby photoshop work, not for gaming or anything like that. So any suggestions would also be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

 

[jerwin]

Do you dual boot into windows? I've got a 1080p monitor along side my imac 5k. MacOS handles this with ease, windows has proplems. The easiest solution would be a 5k monitor, of the same size as the imac-- and at the same height.

This is my arrangement-- it's definitely not ideal. However, I can drag windows and move my mouse cursor between monitors, and it's seamless-- aside from the imac's rather thick bezel.

The smaller screen is my 1080p screen.

 

[theluggage]

I've done a bit of a search on these forums, but I walked away realizing I don't understand monitors and needed to start my own thread.

The perfect match would be a 5k display, but they are expensive and there are only a few to choose from.

The cheap option would be a 2560x1440 display: that will make windows, icons etc. the same physical size as on the iMac, but with half the resolution - which will look a bit soft/pixelated alongside the 5k iMac, but I’m sure you will survive (it’s still better than regular HD).

Best compromise, though, would be a “4K” 3840x2160 display, and set it to scaled “looks like 2560x1440” mode (which is a misleading description used by MacOS) - what you get then is a 5k image “downsampled” to 4K and the result is just very slightly “soft” compared to real 5k, but far better than 1440p or 1600p. Seriously - unless you have super bionic vision or obsessively indulge your buyer’s remorse with A/B comparisons, you‘ll soon forget about it. Forget any past experiences of running standard def. displays at non-native resolutions- this is far better. Scaled mode does put some extra load on the GPU/VRAM, but an iMac won’t break a sweat - and it takes seconds to switch

of course, a cheap 4K display probably won’t match the iMac in terms of colour reproduction, but there’s no easy solution to that.



Interface-wise: just get the appropriate cable and it shouldn’t be a problem. I’d go for DisplayPort - USB-C is just DisplayPort at heart and you might be paying a premium for docking features that you don’t need. HDMI needs an active DisplayPort to HDMI converter cable - not necessarily a problem but something else to go wrong. I wouldn’t agonise over the interface, and plenty of displays include at least 2 out of the 3.

When buying an adapter cable, to be on the safe side, look for one that explicitly lists support for 2017 or later iMac. I use the Pluggable USB-C to DisplayPort cable.

Finally - although it is nicer to have matched displays, the Mac copes perfectly well with mixed resolution/mixed scale displays.

 

[azentropy]

Yeah, there really is just one 5K option and it is pricey and the availability has been limited. I finally decided to go with the Dell U2720Q for my 2020 13" MBP. I run it in 2560x1440 (2x retina mode) even though it of course isn't full 2x and have been pretty happy with it. Apple's scaling over the years has gotten better - it is definitely clearer than my previous true 2560x1440 display. But I don't do much graphics work. One of the reasons I chose it over some other options was that it had USB-C, which is perfect for connecting and also powering the MBP. You wouldn't get that benefit hooking it to the iMac. There are some coupons for it to get it for $522, also AMEX might have a Dell offer that is still good (like $129 back on $599 purchase). Check out Slickdeals.

Oh I did have it hooked up to my 2019 iMac for a bit just to check it out, and it looked good next to it. Makes the iMac look huge because of the bezel difference but it is really adjustable stand so it was easy enough to line up.

 

[KevinwhoswitchedfromPC]

The perfect match would be a 5k display, but they are expensive and there are only a few to choose from.

The cheap option would be a 2560x1440 display: that will make windows, icons etc. the same physical size as on the iMac, but with half the resolution - which will look a bit soft/pixelated alongside the 5k iMac, but I’m sure you will survive (it’s still better than regular HD).

Best compromise, though, would be a “4K” 3840x2160 display, and set it to scaled “looks like 2560x1440” mode (which is a misleading description used by MacOS) - what you get then is a 5k image “downsampled” to 4K and the result is just very slightly “soft” compared to real 5k, but far better than 1440p or 1600p. Seriously - unless you have super bionic vision or obsessively indulge your buyer’s remorse with A/B comparisons, you‘ll soon forget about it. Forget any past experiences of running standard def. displays at non-native resolutions- this is far better. Scaled mode does put some extra load on the GPU/VRAM, but an iMac won’t break a sweat - and it takes seconds to switch

of course, a cheap 4K display probably won’t match the iMac in terms of colour reproduction, but there’s no easy solution to that.



Interface-wise: just get the appropriate cable and it shouldn’t be a problem. I’d go for DisplayPort - USB-C is just DisplayPort at heart and you might be paying a premium for docking features that you don’t need. HDMI needs an active DisplayPort to HDMI converter cable - not necessarily a problem but something else to go wrong. I wouldn’t agonise over the interface, and plenty of displays include at least 2 out of the 3.

When buying an adapter cable, to be on the safe side, look for one that explicitly lists support for 2017 or later iMac. I use the Pluggable USB-C to DisplayPort cable.

Finally - although it is nicer to have matched displays, the Mac copes perfectly well with mixed resolution/mixed scale displays.

Thank you SO much! This answers absolutely everything I needed to know!

4K "3840x2160" it is. I wasn't even aware I could set the scaling to look like 2560x1440, which was where so much of my confusion was. From what I can tell, the BenQ model I mentioned has some designer quality color display, so hopefully it will do the trick.

And I will get the USB-C to display port cable as suggested.

Thank you again, this has really helped me out in a big way!!
[automerge]1592486760[/automerge]

Do you dual boot into windows? I've got a 1080p monitor along side my imac 5k. MacOS handles this with ease, windows has proplems. The easiest solution would be a 5k monitor, of the same size as the imac-- and at the same height.

The smaller screen is my 1080p screen.

I do not dual boot, but I appreciate the answer! 5K is out of the question, simply because of price.

Yeah, there really is just one 5K option and it is pricey and the availability has been limited. I finally decided to go with the Dell U2720Q for my 2020 13" MBP. I run it in 2560x1440 (2x retina mode) even though it of course isn't full 2x and have been pretty happy with it. Apple's scaling over the years has gotten better - it is definitely clearer than my previous true 2560x1440 display. But I don't do much graphics work. One of the reasons I chose it over some other options was that it had USB-C, which is perfect for connecting and also powering the MBP. You wouldn't get that benefit hooking it to the iMac. There are some coupons for it to get it for $522, also AMEX might have a Dell offer that is still good (like $129 back on $599 purchase). Check out Slickdeals.

Oh I did have it hooked up to my 2019 iMac for a bit just to check it out, and it looked good next to it. Makes the iMac look huge because of the bezel difference but it is really adjustable stand so it was easy enough to line up.

Thank you for your reply! I am going to go with the BenQ model I mentioned unless the Dell I originally ordered gets back in stock with my supplier.

 

[theluggage]

4K "3840x2160" it is. I wasn't even aware I could set the scaling to look like 2560x1440

Here's the setting you need (in Mojave. at least - they may have gratuitously moved things around in Catalina...)

(NB: image downsized for web - not a representation of image quality!)

 

[KevinwhoswitchedfromPC]

Here's the setting you need (in Mojave. at least - they may have gratuitously moved things around in Catalina...)

View attachment 925000
(NB: image downsized for web - not a representation of image quality!)

Thank you again for your help, this has made this entire process so much easier and I really appreciate it!

If you don't mind my asking, is there any discernible difference between a USB C to Displayport vs a USB C to HDMI? I have the latter on hand, but if it's worth getting a displayport cable I'll do so.

Thanks!

 

[theluggage]

If you don't mind my asking, is there any discernible difference between a USB C to Displayport vs a USB C to HDMI? I have the latter on hand, but if it's worth getting a displayport cable I'll do so.

Look up the specs for the HDMI cable you have and check it supports 4k@60Hz - if it works there shouldn't be any difference - but, obviously, don't let a $20 cable influence your choice of $800 display!

 

[KevinwhoswitchedfromPC]

Look up the specs for the HDMI cable you have and check it supports 4k@60Hz - if it works there shouldn't be any difference - but, obviously, don't let a $20 cable influence your choice of $800 display!

Got it! Thank you once more for everything!!!!!

 

[KevinwhoswitchedfromPC]

Look up the specs for the HDMI cable you have and check it supports 4k@60Hz - if it works there shouldn't be any difference - but, obviously, don't let a $20 cable influence your choice of $800 display!

Works like an absolute charm.

Thank you again for everything! I went with the BenQ PD2700U. Colors all match up, the scaling is perfect, and I couldn't be happier.