DP/USB-C/Thunderbolt 3/4 to HDMI 2.1 4k@120hz RGB4:4:4 10b HDR with Apple Silicon M1/M2/M3 now possible !

[ThatPineapple]

I have 4k@120hz working with a 14" M1 Max connected to a HP G2 Thunderbolt 3 dock using this adapter thanks to this post. Cheers!

 

[jakehilborn]

Has anybody gotten three 4k displays at 120hz working simultaneously on their M2 Max MacBook Pro?

 

[spinedoc77]

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 4k@60hz.

We found a solution to get more than this working!
This is a new fresh thread to talk about this, because the other one has over 46 sites now.

This how-too will be updated and are up to date.

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So basically things you'll need for 4k@120hz RGB 10bit HDR

PRIO: MacOS Ventura 13.2 or above is needed

1. 1.1.
   USB-C>HDMI 2.1 Cable Matters Adapter (CM Page) with Chip VMM6100 or VMM7100(better) - both works now!
   The new one is the 201388-A = VMM7100
   The old one is: 201388(GRY) = VMM6100
   View attachment 2190617
   
   (It can probably also work on another Adapters with Chip VMM6100 or VMM7100. No guarantee! U can test and report)
   
   VMM7100: (Plug&Play)
   Another adapters that seem to be working:
   USB-C>HDMI 2.1:
   Anker
   
   
   VMM6100: (EDID override needed)
   Another adapters that seem to be working:
   USB-C>HDMI 2.1:
   MOSHOU C-008 and MOSHOU C-006, MOSHOU C-006
   4XEM and 4XEM
   Noname
   
   1.2.
   DP>HDMI 2.1: VMM7100: (Plug&Play)
   CableMatters 102101
   Plz use Archive: CM Firmware 4k 120hz RGB VMM7100 ONLY DP to HDMI 2 1
   
   
2. HDMI 2.1 official cable with 48Gbps certified bandwidth ( KabelDirekt, UltraHDTV, AmazonBasic ) best is to use one under 2m or shortest u can!
3. Windows PC with USB-C DP capabilities.
   3.1. (only VMM7100) Using Parallels will only work when using MicrosoftStore VMMHIDTool (Don't forget to activate the USB ports of your Win Image and additionally activate the port every time up you boot the Win image)
4. Download CM_Firmware_4k_120hz_RGB_VMM7100.zip or CM_Firmware_4k_120hz_RGB_VMM6100.zip attached to this post, VMMTool64 for flashing firmware and correct firmware are included.
5. (only needed for VMM6100) BetterDisplay to extract/apply custom EDID
6. (only needed for VMM6100) AW EDID Editor to modify EDID

INFO:

Connecting this Adapters over an TB4 or TB3 Hub/Dock works also when its support Titan Ridge with HBR3 to source Mac

Working Docks/Hubs reported till now:
- i-tec
- Dell WD19TB
- ThinkPad Universal Thunderbolt 4 Dock 40B00135AU
- OWC Thunderbolt Hub
- CalDigit TS4 (also DP>HDMI2.1)
- Kensington SD5780T

(plz report if another Docks/Hubs work also)


Steps

1. Update the HDMI type to "PC" on your LG OLED to whichever port you are going to use. Also enable HDMI Ultra HD Color 4k Mode
2. Plug in cable matters adapter to a USB C port that supports DP on your Windows PC. The HDMI cable connected to the adapter will need to be connected to a tv/monitor for the next step.
3. Launch update tool and verify you have VMM6100 or VMM7100. Follow steps for the Firmware update attached to this post and are included in zip packages VMM6100 USB-C > HDMI, VMM7100 USB-C > HDMI or VMM7100 DP > HDMI. Use the correct firmware included in each zip package named: VMM6100_4kRGB120hz10b_V6_05_120.fullrom, VMM7100_4kRGB120hz10b_V7_02_112.fullrom or VMM7100_DP_to_HDMI_2_1_CM_7.02.112_MacOS 4K120Hz.fullrom
   3.1. (Optional) - Make backup of your firmware first
4. Once it's completed flashing, unplug and replug the adapter to verify your new firmware version is for the VMM6100: 6.03.002 and for the VMM7100: 7.02.112
5. (only needed for VMM6100) Plug the adapter back in your mac and follow the steps here to apply Custom EDID (Enable DP-Transportstream over HDMI) (An example DP-Transportstream with force RGB "DP_STREAM-RGB.zip" are attached in this post. Extract first)
6. (only needed for VMM6100) Activate "Auto Apply EDID" and "Config Protection" in BetterDisplay
7. Check if ure on 4:4:4 when 4k@120hz is selected > read here how to test

MONITOR WAKE PROBLEMS:

- Plz update to Ventura 13.4 or above
- Monitor not want to wake can be fixed with this settings in BetterDisplay:

View attachment 2190616
( On my side(VMM7100 with TB4 Dock) it works better when i switch of this function!! )

INFO about 8bit in BetterDisplay or SRX:

We believe that the 8-bit display in BetterDisplay may be due to a macOS bug. To ensure that the signal is actually 10-bit, please check the signal information on your monitor.

SUPPORT:

For those where this Tweak not work correctly, plz send information about ure Adapter, screenshot from BetterDisplay Display informations (first 3 sections), VmmDPTool firmware info and upload ure original and modified EDID plz. Thanks.

And if another guys can help here in support i will be happy. I have not that much time to do that alone. Thanks!


Credits

• @AironMan - Release first 4k@120hz 4:2:2 10b EDID solution with @stevemr123 , analysis why some people reach RGB4:4:4, found solution in combination in Hardware/Chip and special Firmware Version, postet first Firmware to reach 4:4:4 8b without the need of external Software with VMM7100 (outdated) , posted an Firmware where RGB4:4:4 4k@120hz 10b HDR is possible on VMM6100, knowledge USB-C/HDMI/DP protocols and devices, making this FAQ and continue support and update for this
• @stevemr123 - Release BetterDisplay with override EDID functionality and support in this, release first 4k@120hz 4:2:2 10b EDID Solution with @AironMan , in-depth knowledge USB-C/HDMI/DP protocols and devices
• @joevt - in-depth knowledge USB-C/HDMI/DP protocols and devices
• @Alan Spiegel and @hPandaa1 - Reported RGB4:4:4 10bit working on there Adapters and provided some informations about this Adapters to better understand what's going on
• @Djlild7hina for making the first version of this how-too
• PLZ support and buy BetterDisplay, because without them we do never found this solution! After @stevemr123 (BetterDisplay) and @AironMan testet some EDID "tweak" and got a working solution, @AironMan contact CM with all details informations so finally some month later we got a VMM7100 without EDID override needed!
• Also many thanks to CableMatters support in helping getting a new solution for the VMM7100, support them and buying their Adapters! Thanks to Grace an Andrew from CM support!

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So is this meant to work with 8gb RAM M2 Mac Mini's? The ones Apple neutered to upsell more customers. I've flashed the correct dongle (CM VMM7100) with the correct firmware and made sure the firmware was updated, but it's not working at all for me, the highest I can get on an LG CX series is 4k HiDPI 8bpc 60hz with HDR with the reflashed dongle, which is the same as any other vanilla dongle.

 

[thewanted]

Hi all,

I have a 14" MacBook Pro M1 Pro and an LG C2 42" and looking to get clearer text, and hopefully 4K 120Hz working.

I assume that VMM7100 is the better option? I’ve seen some posts in here where people were happy to get a VMM6100 which I’m confused by.

Is the AmazonBasics HDMI 2.1 cable sufficient?

Many thanks

 

[Zorast]

Hi all,

I have a 14" MacBook Pro M1 Pro and an LG C2 42" and looking to get clearer text, and hopefully 4K 120Hz working.

I assume that VMM7100 is the better option? I’ve seen some posts in here where people were happy to get a VMM6100 which I’m confused by.

Is the AmazonBasics HDMI 2.1 cable sufficient?

Many thanks

Use the VMM7100 the VMM6100 are an outdated chip version. Plz read the OP there are all informations.

 

[thewanted]

Use the VMM7100 the VMM6100 are an outdated chip version. Plz read the OP there are all informations.

Thanks I did order the Cable Matters USB-C --> HDMI adapter last night from Amazon UK. I'll edit this post when it arrives to let everyone know if it is the VMM6100 or VMM7100 model.

 

[lion.oiliest.0f]

Logged in to say thanks!

Anker adapter with the mentioned USBC firmware works. I flashed on a PC, plugged into M1 mac and adjusted to 120hz. Also works with my dock: Kensington SD5780T.

Tried two cable matters adapters, but did not work (returned).

Curious, have you tried the hdmi port that is on the sd5780t dock itself? I might get one if that works.

 

[bananataffy]

Question for Step 2 "Plug in cable matters adapter to a USB C port that supports DP on your Windows PC. The HDMI cable connected to the adapter will need to be connected to a tv/monitor for the next step.":

I have the Anker VMM7100 USB-C>HDMI 2.1 adapter and a Windows laptop with USB-C/DP port, but I don't have a 4K/120Hz monitor or TV yet. Will the firmware flash work if I connect the adapter to the laptop and an old non-4K/120Hz monitor? So I want to flash the adapter while it's connected to the USB-C port of the laptop, and to the HDMI 1.4 port of my old Dell monitor. Will this work?

Edit: Maybe I'm misunderstanding the process. So my main question is: Can I flash the Anker adapter without it being simultaneously connected to a TV or monitor? In other words, is the purpose of having the adapter connected to a TV/monitor while flashing only to confirm that it's been successfully flashed afterwards?

I just want to make sure I get this flashed ASAP without bricking it. I'm currently borrowing the laptop from someone just to flash this adapter, and I have to return it soon, before I receive my LG C2 TV.

 

[medbadrc]

Success! 120.0Hz. FIXED. 3840 x 2160P@120. RGB 10b 4L10.
As you suggested, I associated the USB (thunderbolt) port on my Mac M1 with Parallels. Then ran VMMHIDTool. I now have Firmware version: 7.02.112 installed in my VMM7100.
I had the Cable Matters adapter 201388-A connected to an LG OLED C2 during the flash process. Thank you.

It is also stable after shutting the monitor off and back on again. It remains RGB 10b 4L10. Prior to this latest flash, everytime that I recycled the monitor power I had to toggle the refresh rate using BetterDisplay to regain "444". That's no longer necessary.

Hi I have the same issue right now where I get the message that says spyder chip is not connected - I have the 6100 I believe. How were you able to associate the usb thunderbolt with your mac on parallel? I have the m1 macbook pro 14in.

Everytime I connect the cable matter adapter (that is connected to my tv) by default it just mirrors to my TV and I still get spyder chip is not connected when trying to run vimhddtool - if you can help it would really be appreciated

Cheers

 

[nephh]

Hello everyone, this is a very nice trick if it works ^^

Stupid question: does it also work on a Philips OLED TV or is it only compatible with LG OLED TVs?

I have the Philips 48OLED806 TV and a MacBook M1 Pro. The easiest method is to buy the Cable Matters USB-C to HDMI 2.1 adapter and flash it, as I understand it?

Sorry if this question has already been asked, I haven't read all the pages of the topic...

Thanks

 

[thewanted]

Thanks I did order the Cable Matters USB-C --> HDMI adapter last night from Amazon UK. I'll edit this post when it arrives to let everyone know if it is the VMM6100 or VMM7100 model.

It was 201388-GRY (VMM6100) 😢

I’ve done the firmware update, EDID update etc. and it still won’t do more than 4K30. No idea what I’m doing wrong.

 

[mikelxc]

I have this inland cable from micro center, it's also using the same chipset. And only has 4k 60hz on my M1 Max pro. Flashed the VMM7100 firmware and now the chip would show up in the mac's system information, but my laptop can no longer recognize the monitor

 

[medbadrc]

VMM7100 working 4K:120:10bitRGB:444 after firmware here.

Very pleased as I can update the 7100 via Parallels (Probably VMWare as well, but haven't tried?). My Windows computer doesn't have USB-C/DP to update the 6100, so that's another huge advantage for the 7100 and Mac users.

Hi I have the same issue right now where I get the message that says spyder chip is not connected - I have the 6100 I believe. How were you able to associate the usb thunderbolt with your mac on parallel? I have the m1 macbook pro 14in.

Everytime I connect the cable matter adapter (that is connected to my tv) by default it just mirrors to my TV and I still get spyder chip is not connected when trying to run vimhddtool - if you can help it would really be appreciated

Please if you can help. IM thinking of buying another adapter at this point

 

[devrimer]

dam, I have mbp 2018 15 inc with AMD 560x and I have benq EX3210U. and I bought that cable matters adaptor WMM7100. but I cannot get 120Hz on 4K. I got only in 2550x1440 120Hz or 144Hz. damm.

ps: I tested with latest firmware and that special version for mac. no solution for 4k 120Hz.

any help guys ?

btw I got this email from cable matters:


201388-A, 201362-A, 201398 macOS 4K@120hz Firmware Update Instructions

You may find the macOS firmware and firmware update instructions by following the link here:

Spyder_fw_USBC_CM_7.02.112forMac (201388).zip

1 file sent via WeTransfer, the simplest way to send your files around the world

we.tl

The firmware in the link above can be used with the following SKUs: 201388-A - 48Gbps USB-C® Adapter Supporting 8K Video https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MSWMXT4?ref=myi_title_dp

201362-A - USB-C to HDMI Adapter Cable

Cable Matters 48Gbps 8K USB C to HDMI 2.1 Cable 6 ft, Support 4K 240Hz and 8K 60Hz HDR - Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, USB4 Compatible with iPhone 16/15 - Max Resolution on Any MacBook is 4K 60Hz

Cable Matters 48Gbps USB C to HDMI Adapter Cable Supporting 4K 120Hz and 8K HDR - Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 Port Compatible - 6ft

www.amazon.com

201398 - Foldable USB-C to 8K HDMI Adapter in Black

Cable Matters USB C to HDMI 2.1 Adapter, Supports 4K@240Hz 8K@60Hz & HDR, Thunderbolt 4 Compatible for MacBook, iPad Pro, iPhone 16/15, 4K@60Hz on MacBook, Not Compatible with USB-C Monitors

Cable Matters Foldable USB-C to 8K HDMI Adapter in Black

www.amazon.com

Some notes to consider:

- The firmware update must be completed with a Windows computer that supports USB-C with DP Alt mode.

- After performing the update, some Windows computers will be limited to 1080P.

- To ensure that you have the best experience while using this new firmware with your Mac Device, please be sure to have the latest macOS version installed.

- This firmware is compatible with Mac Devices with M1 or M2 chipsets. Most Intel-based MacBooks can only output 4K@60hz.

- The MacBook Pro 2019 will output 4K@120hz with this firmware, but there is some no sound issue.

 

[leoyzen]

Dp DSC has been fixed in Sonoma 14 for delicated GPU (such as mbp 16 and hackintosh) but not for Apple silicon and Intel iGPU.
I can confirm it is working for my 6800xt hackintosh.
Also notable, it can achieve 110hz with a normal typec→hdmi 2.1 converter for my MPB 14 23 (M2 Pro) .

Here is allrez log of my hakcintosh build which dsc was enabled.

 

[damian.pereira]

Have you seen this?

How to Get 4K 120Hz With Mac [M Series]: A Cable Matters Exclusive Feature | Cable Matters Blog

Want to run your M Series MacBook at 4K 120Hz over HDMI? It’s now possible thanks to an exclusive feature of Cable Matters products. Read on to learn how.

www.cablematters.com

Cable matters apparently saw this thread and started offering official support for it, even offering custom firmware for more of their models. But there's no mention of this thread at all.

All of these are now supported:

Cable Matters has a custom firmware that is fit for the following five Cable Matters Products:

1. 48Gbps USB-C® Adapter Supporting 8K Video (SKU 201388-A)
2. USB-C® to 8K HDMI Cable (SKU 201362-A)
3. Foldable USB-C® to 8K HDMI Adapter in Black (SKU 201398)
4. USB-C® Multiport Adapter with HDMI (SKU 201310)
5. 48Gbps USB-C® to HDMI Adapter with 100W Power Delivery (SKU 201428)

It also does not speak of any dock being necessary at all, is this something new?

 

[cppguy]

Can I flash the Anker adapter without it being simultaneously connected to a TV or monitor? In other words, is the purpose of having the adapter connected to a TV/monitor while flashing only to confirm that it's been successfully flashed afterwards?

If you're not connected to a display, the flashing software simply won't launch, it won't be able to find the chip. You don't have to connect to a 120Hz TV, just any external HDMI display. It doesn't matter if it's OLED or TFT, 60Hz or 120Hz, HDR or SDR, as long as it can display HDMI, you should be good. But you won't be able to confirm the 10-bit HDR 120Hz without having access to such a device.

 

[djrobx]

MacBook Pro M1 Max + Dell WD19TB Docking Station was able to output 4K@120Hz on my LG C2 TV after updating the CM VMM7100 adapter firmware.

For someone accidentally flash the wrong firmware on the CM VMM7100 adapter (ex. DP to HDMI instead of Type-C to HDMI). You can recover it using VmmHIDTool from the Microsoft store.

I seriously thought I bricked my CableMatters USB-C adapter. Took me a bit to find this information as it's kind of hidden in the middle of the thread. The original post ought to be updated with a link to the USB->HDMI firmware somewhere near the picture of the adapter. I read it as "these three things, use this firmware".

Once I got the right firmware in there and unbricked it with the newer tool, my two LG C2s are running at 120hz beautifully! Really awesome stuff! Thanks for everyone that made this possible!

 

[dziku]

Hello everyone, this is a very nice trick if it works ^^

Stupid question: does it also work on a Philips OLED TV or is it only compatible with LG OLED TVs?

I have the Philips 48OLED806 TV and a MacBook M1 Pro. The easiest method is to buy the Cable Matters USB-C to HDMI 2.1 adapter and flash it, as I understand it?

Sorry if this question has already been asked, I haven't read all the pages of the topic...

Thanks

Yes. I'm getting 4k@120hz10bit with M1 Max + v7100 + Philips 907

 

[joevt]

It also does not speak of any dock being necessary at all, is this something new?

There's no logical reason why a dock should be necessary. Maybe there's a buggy power issue with direct connection without a dock? I'm too lazy to reread the thread.

 

[mtamtas]

i use paugge adapter. chipset is vmm7100 flash firmware in paralles. thanks a lot. result 120hz-4k-rgb 10b 4L10

Paugge 8K 60Hz 4K 144Hz 4K 60Hz HDR Thunderbolt4/3 USB C to Hdmi Cable - CHD21-PRO

Paugge 8K 60Hz, 4K 144hZ, 4K 120Hz, 4K 60Hz HDR USB C to Hdmi 2.1 Cable Model Name: CHD21-PRO * USB C Male to HDMI Male Converter Cable * Thunderbolt 4 and Thunderbolt 3 Port Compatible * USB C Displayport 1.4 (Backward compatible DP 1.2 and DP 1.1) * Hdmi

www.paugge.com

 

[mtamtas]

i want to use all this information in my county is that okey ? @AironMan

 

[randallphoto]

I struggled for a while to get this to work and it came down to the HDMI cables I was using, even ones listed as HDMI 2.1 certified or '8k'.

14" Macbook Pro M1Pro
LG C2 42" OLED
Anker 518 USB-C to HDMI cable. Flashed this successfully in Windows.

First cable I tried was the Amazon basics 8k cable. With this I could get 4k120, but only in 4:2:2 8b, and even then only about 50% of the time. Otherwise green screen or snow pulses.

Second cable I tried was a cablematters certified HDMI 2.1 cable and that got me a bit closer, every once in a while I'd see 4k120 RGB 10b, but again with occasional green screen or snow pulses.

Now I'm using the Anker 2M HDMI 2.1 certified cable and I've tried rebooting, sleep, turning screen off, changing inputs, etc and I get solid 4k120 RGB 10b 4L10 HDR every time.

So if you're having weird issues or inconsistencies, try a different cable and make sure it's certified HDMI 2.1. The anker one seemed to work best for me.


Also, I have a caldigit TS3+, and it will not do 4k120 with the adapter plugged into it, it would drop to 1440p120 every time I tried. Maybe some day there will be a dock/cable where I can get 4k120 10b 4:4:4 and still have enough bandwidth for my 10gbe adapter.

 

[magbarn]

I have 4k@120hz working with a 14" M1 Max connected to a HP G2 Thunderbolt 3 dock using this adapter thanks to this post. Cheers!

Which HP G2 dock are you using?

 

[ThatPineapple]

Which HP G2 dock are you using?

120W HP G2 Thunderbolt 3