Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

LG 27" USB-C PW for MacBook Pro 16"

I

iserna

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Nov 2, 2021
2
1
Hi I have a LG 27UL850 W 27 monitor with a power delivery of 60W connected via USB-C to a MacBook Pro 16 with M1Pro.

When I connect the Mac to the monitor I see a message that says that the computer is not charging but after a few minutes I see that this message is no longer there and the computer is charging.

I am afraid if this could be bad for the Mac and I should always charge it with the Magsafe or I can charge it calmly via USB-C even if the monitor only contributes a maximum of 60W.

Thanks !
 
  • Like
Reactions: haruhiko
It will charge more slowly than the 140w charger, naturally.
Worst case scenario, it will slowly discharge under load.
Shouldn’t hurt the machine, though, back in the day I charged my 15” 2013 retina off of a 45w MagSafe adapter from a MacBook Air a few times. Machine was fine but that poor brick was HOT.
 
I think it depends on your computer’s actual energy consumption. If it’s sitting there doing nothing special I think probably 60W is sufficient to charge it. If it’s under heavy load of course it won’t be enough.

I have the 27UL850 too and it’s good for what it costs (I got it under US$500).
 
I have the same monitor (great choice), and it does charge fine. If you're just browsing the web, watching videos, and editing docs or some photos, it will charge at medium to slow speeds. If you do more CPU/GPU intensive tasks, you might hit an equilibrium where the battery % doesn't budge (you are charging as fast as you're draining), or a really slow battery drain. It might also be a good idea to use the HDMI connection instead of USB-C, as USB-C will constantly charge your battery and can negatively impact longterm battery health and longevity.
 
It is very convenient to have a single cable connected to the mac so I am very happy with being able to charge the Mac from the monitor even if it is slow. Thanks for the reply!
 
GnrlyMrly said:
Does anyone know how to adjust the brightness on the UL27850 from your keyboard or from within Mac OS?
Click to expand...

I have both the 27UK850 and 27UN850 (they look identical and I'm pretty sure they are different serials because I bought them a year apart) and the keyboard screen brightness only controls the brightness of my MacBook Pro monitor.
 
  • Like
Reactions: GnrlyMrly
TSE said:
I have both the 27UK850 and 27UN850 (they look identical and I'm pretty sure they are different serials because I bought them a year apart) and the keyboard screen brightness only controls the brightness of my MacBook Pro monitor.
Click to expand...
Ah, same here. Are you able to control the brightness of the LG monitor from Control Center? Or do you have to do it manually using the button on the monitor?
 
GnrlyMrly said:
Ah, same here. Are you able to control the brightness of the LG monitor from Control Center? Or do you have to do it manually using the button on the monitor?
Click to expand...

Just tried it - cannot control brightness through software. Need to use physical monitor buttons, which is actually really easy to do and well designed by LG.
 
  • Like
Reactions: GnrlyMrly
TSE said:
I have both the 27UK850 and 27UN850 (they look identical and I'm pretty sure they are different serials because I bought them a year apart)
Click to expand...
Are there any advantages of getting the newer 27UN850 over the 27UK850? I am looking at getting one and it’s a $50 difference. Worth the upgrade or save the money and get the UK? Planning to use with MacBook Pro.
 
Pavlvs said:
Are there any advantages of getting the newer 27UN850 over the 27UK850? I am looking at getting one and it’s a $50 difference. Worth the upgrade or save the money and get the UK? Planning to use with MacBook Pro.
Click to expand...

I had them right next to each other and literally couldn't tell the difference. Functionally they were identical. Design wise they were identical. I would save the $50 with whichever one is cheaper.
 
  • Love
Reactions: Pavlvs
TSE said:
I had them right next to each other and literally couldn't tell the difference. Functionally they were identical. Design wise they were identical. I would save the $50 with whichever one is cheaper.
Click to expand...
Thank you so much! This is exactly the answer I was looking for. The specs seemed so close. I didn’t really feel like spending more if they are practically the same panel.

My main concern was people talking about the washed out colors and the possible issues with the USB C and MacBook Pro (display not waking after sleeping). I wasn’t sure if the newer one was better.
 
TSE said:
I had them right next to each other and literally couldn't tell the difference. Functionally they were identical. Design wise they were identical. I would save the $50 with whichever one is cheaper.
Click to expand...
Do you know if the USB A ports in the back transfer at the same speeds for external HDs? I noticed a review of the 27UK850 with slow transfer speeds. If not, no worries. Thanks!
 
TSE said:
Just tried it - cannot control brightness through software. Need to use physical monitor buttons, which is actually really easy to do and well designed by LG.
Click to expand...

FYI - the app MonitorControl can give you native brightness / contrast controls.
 
Pavlvs said:
Do you know if the USB A ports in the back transfer at the same speeds for external HDs? I noticed a review of the 27UK850 with slow transfer speeds. If not, no worries. Thanks!
Click to expand...

Yes. Very slow transfer speeds and low power output. Really should be used as a last resort for any USB hub functionality.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Pavlvs
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back