I'm looking at purchasing a new M3 Max MBP. One of the main reasons I'm leaning towards the M3 over comparable M1/M2 chips is the HDMI 2.1 output allowing me to get 120hz on my 48" LG CX OLED TV/monitor. Is there any way to get 120hz on the M1/M2? If I were to switch to a different monitor in the future with USB-C input instead of HDMI, what are my options for higher refresh with M1/M2/M3?
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Choosing M3 over M1/M2 for HDMI 2.1? (4k 120hz LG OLED)
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The M1 (and therefore M2) can output 144+Hz 4K via USB-C - I’m using this myself with a 32” 144Hz 4K display, connected via USB-C and Apple's own Thunderbolt 4 cable.
You can apparently get high refresh rates via HDMI on an M1 if you use a USB-C to HDMI adaptor, but it requires finding a specific adaptor then flashing it in Windows to support the throughput - there's a thread on this forum somewhere if you search for it.
The MBP M3 Max has HDMI 2.1 so as you say, you'll avoid this issue.
The added benefit of connecting via USB-C is you can get power output to the MBP, if that is important. With USB-C on my MBA, I've been able to get rid of any additional cables.
You can apparently get high refresh rates via HDMI on an M1 if you use a USB-C to HDMI adaptor, but it requires finding a specific adaptor then flashing it in Windows to support the throughput - there's a thread on this forum somewhere if you search for it.
The MBP M3 Max has HDMI 2.1 so as you say, you'll avoid this issue.
The added benefit of connecting via USB-C is you can get power output to the MBP, if that is important. With USB-C on my MBA, I've been able to get rid of any additional cables.
The issue is my main monitor (LG 48" OLED) only has HDMI and not Displayport, so it sounds like I'd have to use the USB-C to HDMI adapter you mentioned. I own an adapter that I've used before but I think the one I have is limited to 60hz and it gets VERY hot at the HDMI side so I don't use it often for extended periods. I'll take a look to see what else is available but the whole flashing it in windows thing makes me think it's better to just opt for HDMI 2.1 on the M3. I've been tempted by the M1 Max deals at B&H recently but this issue has been holding me back and leaning towards the M3 to simplify things.
A big yes.
There is a thread dedicated for this particular issue right here on this forum.
DP/USB-C/Thunderbolt 3/4 to HDMI 2.1 4k@120hz RGB4:4:4 10b HDR with Apple Silicon M1/M2 now possible !
WARNING 31.10.23: macOS Sonoma 14.1 and newer breaks HDR with HiDPI 4k@120hz 4:4:4 and beyond. We are looking for a solution. NOTE: To ensure proper credit for this solution, kindly reference this thread when sharing. Thanks! Apple limited HDMI-Transportstream over USB-C/TB/DP to maxed...
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and yes you can get 4k/120hz with M1 or M2 mac with the anker usb-c to hdmi 2.1 adapter.
you will need to update the firmware on the adapter and you will get 4/120hz RGB out of the box. No configuration needed.
with M2, you can either use a direct hdmi-hdmi 2.1 cable or use usb-c to hdmi 2.1 adapter. I use the usb-c to hdmi adapter with my M2 mac mini as it gives RGB with no additional software needed like betterdisplay. with hdmi-hdmi 2.1 cable you will need betterdisplay to get RGB otherwise it will default to YCBCR with OLED TVs. your choice.
High refresh rates actually make a difference to the macOS UI (same in Windows too). I've just gone from a 60Hz 4K display to a 144Hz 4K display and the difference is quite noticeable.
Doesn't make anything faster or easier to use or objectively better in any functional way, but it does look very nice.
Once you use 120hz , you cannot go back to 60hz.
It makes all the difference in user experience. Be it winblows or macOS/Linux.
On a 48" TV, I would argue it makes no difference other than gaming. I have the 42" LG C2, and it’s handles watching movies and games fine. But for your normal workflow, the Studio Display is a much nicer option (even at 60hz and SDR).
Why do you think it makes no difference on a 48" display? Are there certain size displays that you think it makes a difference? I've become accustomed to faster refresh on most of my devices and with the new M3 chips offering hdmi 2.1, I can finally take advantage of 120hz on my display like I do on my Windows PC and every other device. I may also do some gaming on my Mac, albeit limited unless more games become compatible.
IDK why nobody else is mentioning this, but the M2 MBP has HDMI 2.1: https://www.macrumors.com/2023/01/17/new-macbook-pro-features-hdmi-2-1-port/
Interesting. I wonder if people thought it wasn't because the M2 Air didn't support it? All the discussions have seen have alluded to the M3 series being the first with HDMI 2.1 and 4k 120hz. Strange. I'm not sure if this changes anything for me as I haven't seen any good deals on the M2 series, only the M1 Max.
I've been using a M1 Max MBP 16 with a USB C to HDMI 2.1 adapter for my LG C2 48" for about 6 months now. It does work, but it does have sleep issues (I have to sometimes unplug and plug it back in to work) Other than that it's been great. I'm like you and have been spoiled with fast refresh displays. For the ridiculous price that Apple charges for the Studio display, it should have promotion standard.
Yes , it has hdmi 2.1 and you can use it. The hdmi 2.1 port will give you YCBCR by default and macOS does not give you the option to change to RGB. For some TV/Monitors people prefer RGB over YCBCR.
You could use something like betterdisplay to get RGB or you could use a USB-C to HDMI 2.1 Adapter to get RGB out of the box by default. No extra software needed.
For me personally i have test YCBCR and RGB over the hdmi 2.1 port , but the USB-C to HDMI 2.1 give a better output. I don't know why that is , but for some weird reason USB-C RGB output on my Sony A95L is better in terms of color and brightness compared to RGB over HDMI 2.1 port. I have tried fiddling with all kinds of settings on the TV and i preferred the USB-C over the HDMI 2.1.
When I connect LG C3 to Macbook with HDMI port directly, when Macbook is in sleep, LG C3 will show "No Signal" and turn off by itself after some time.
But when I connect LG C3 to Macbook through Cable Matters 201310 hub, when Macbook is in sleep, LG C3 still receives signal and shows black screen, it will not let LG C3 turn off by itself after some time.
Is it an issue with my setting?
But when I connect LG C3 to Macbook through Cable Matters 201310 hub, when Macbook is in sleep, LG C3 still receives signal and shows black screen, it will not let LG C3 turn off by itself after some time.
Is it an issue with my setting?