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LG UltraFine 5K - Owners Thread
- Thread starter iBrooker
- Start date
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The original 5K panel was developed under the directions of Apple to go into the late-2014 iMac.
LG developed their own Ultrafine version using a Realtek (Taiwan) video controller chip* to replicate the iMac's video controller chips. This only works at 5K using Thunderbolt cabling.
Since that date the technology has remained static, and the wider computer display world has moved on to 5K/2K non-retina wide-screen technology.
The only technological development in this field is that Realtek and the Chinese monitor makers have developed new firmware for a 4K/120Hz Realtek video controller chip** to allow LG's 5K panel to be driven at full 5K by DisplayPort and alt-mode USB-C.
This is the basis of the DIY conversion of old 5K iMacs into monitors, well discussed in this section of the forum.
So if you want a new 5K Ultrafine, with USB-C/DP inputs, it could have been developed by LG at any date since about 2019 just by switching controller chips.
So I think there is zero chance of LG taking an interest in retina 5K monitors except to continue churning out the panel (more or less identical to the 27" iMac panel + 100 nits) used in the Apple Studio Display.
Will we get a 5K all-singing mini-LED/high refresh rate replacement?
That depends entirely on Apple funding the R&D/manufacture of the panel, as no one else will see the slightest commercial reason to fund this.
* Realtek RTD-2799-CG
** Realtek RTD-2718Q
LG developed their own Ultrafine version using a Realtek (Taiwan) video controller chip* to replicate the iMac's video controller chips. This only works at 5K using Thunderbolt cabling.
Since that date the technology has remained static, and the wider computer display world has moved on to 5K/2K non-retina wide-screen technology.
The only technological development in this field is that Realtek and the Chinese monitor makers have developed new firmware for a 4K/120Hz Realtek video controller chip** to allow LG's 5K panel to be driven at full 5K by DisplayPort and alt-mode USB-C.
This is the basis of the DIY conversion of old 5K iMacs into monitors, well discussed in this section of the forum.
So if you want a new 5K Ultrafine, with USB-C/DP inputs, it could have been developed by LG at any date since about 2019 just by switching controller chips.
So I think there is zero chance of LG taking an interest in retina 5K monitors except to continue churning out the panel (more or less identical to the 27" iMac panel + 100 nits) used in the Apple Studio Display.
Will we get a 5K all-singing mini-LED/high refresh rate replacement?
That depends entirely on Apple funding the R&D/manufacture of the panel, as no one else will see the slightest commercial reason to fund this.
* Realtek RTD-2799-CG
** Realtek RTD-2718Q
The LG UltraFine 5K served its purpose. I continue to use them, but I am very glad Apple Studio Display now exists. I hope Apple continues to make these monitors for a long time and does NOT use pulse-width modulation (PWM) at all in the future.
Heads up to anyone upgrading to macos Sequoia, i installed the beta RC and my 27MD5KA-B is not playing nice with my m2 mac mini. Cam is not working and the lg software manager says there is an update, im pretty sure i was already in the latest version but it seems it went back to its original firmware?
Im not sure whats going on. “The update” has failed to complete multiple times, I already tried enabling rosetta and it still fails.
Ill try to report it to apple and LG
Im not sure whats going on. “The update” has failed to complete multiple times, I already tried enabling rosetta and it still fails.
Ill try to report it to apple and LG
I have a Mac Studio M2 and have installed the RC, all seems to be working ok. And no update available in the LG Software Manager for me. I have another UltraFine 5k on my other computer, I was going to update to the RC tomorrow but this makes me hesitant!
So after like 10 reboots and like 20 failed "updates" i decided to unplug the monitor from both the Thunderbolt cable and the power cord, i went to have lunch and left it alone for like an hour, when i got back I plugged it in and rebooted the mac mini once again.
The webcam is now being detected again and the LG manager is no longer prompting an update:
Im pretty sure thats the same monitor version i had before updating to Sequoia, i dont think LG released a new update, I have no idea what happened but im glad i have my camera back.
Good Luck!
I picked up 2 of these from FB marketplace for $500 total, a steal. I have one paired with Apple Studio Display, while the other is my wife's new monitor. I'm having trouble getting to 2880x1620 hidpi mode as that is what I use with Apple Studio Display. Has anyone done that resolution? I am on Mac Mini M2. On a side note - 2560x1440 works perfectly fine on hidpi which Apple Studio can match too, just that I prefer slightly larger 2880x1620 mode.
288x1620 works fine on mine (on Sonoma).
You might want to do a firmware update on them if they are older, I've had a few problems over the years which were resolved after an update.
You might want to do a firmware update on them if they are older, I've had a few problems over the years which were resolved after an update.
I did the firmware update yesterday but no luck with getting the 2880x1620 hidpi. I also have pro version of BetterDisplay and even that couldn't get the hidpi mode, it can get the lowdpi which isn't eye pleasing. I am on Sequoia, unsure if that has anything to do here.
27MD5KL-B
So an interesting observation. On M1 MacBook Pro 16", the 2880 hidpi resolution appears without any issues along with the same on Studio Display. On M2 Mac mini, it does't. So it looks like something in M2 is preventing the 2880 hidpi resolution to show up. Anyways, for now my problem is solved as I am switching from Mac mini M2 to MB Pro.
Hi
Please help with LG UltraFine 5K
how can I connect devices with an HDMI cable? Is there a recommended adapter?
example Xbox Series S and Raspberry PI
Please help with LG UltraFine 5K
how can I connect devices with an HDMI cable? Is there a recommended adapter?
example Xbox Series S and Raspberry PI
Just have to find a USB-C to HDMI adapter that supports 5K, I'd imagine.
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Wouldn't it be HDMI to USB-C.
Also the USB-C option only supports 4K, you need thunderbolt for 5K.
I don't think any 27MD5KL supports DSC. It requires Thunderbolt 3 for 5K60. USB-C is limited to 4K60 (or 5K39 with custom timing).
You need Thunderbolt for 5K60 on LG UltraFine 5K displays.
5K39 might be possible with just USB-C (the second LG UltraFine 5K - not the first LG UltraFine 5K). The LG UltraFine 5K won't accept higher than 600 MHz pixel clock.
Any HDMI 2.0 to DisplayPort adapter might be able to get 4K60.
Only HDMI 2.1 to DisplayPort adapters can do > 4K width.
The Club-3D CAC-1336 is a HDMI 2.1 with USB 2.0 to USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode adapter. I haven't tried it with an LG UltraFine 5K display.
https://insights.club-3d.com/thread/cac-1336-operation/
For this solution you must have at least the 2019 model revision that accepts USB-C input. You can then buy a HDMI to USB-C adapter (it is extremely important that it is this and not USB-C to HMDI (as most are)). You can then connect direct. It works ok - not perfectly. I could only get it to work at 4K - I think 5K is only supported with a Thunderbolt cable. It worked with sound, but there was no way to adjust volume or brightness. I’m sure there is likely to be a better solution, but mine was a cheap fix that worked at a passable level for a few weeks while I awaited delivery of a new computer.
FWIW: I bought a new Mac mini (10-core M4, 24GB RAM, 512GB storage) today, and it works flawlessly with my LG UltraFine 5K monitor.
I just ordered what seems to be a newer model from BH Photo Video.
LG UltraFine 27MD5KLB-B - It's on sale right now for $849 and seems to come with a 3 year warranty instead of the 1 year.
I'm happy to see LG has not given up on it and still sells these despite them no longer being in Apple Stores directly. If you think about it, same 5K display as the Studio Display, works with macOS (including keyboard shortcuts), 500nits brightness, camera, speakers & USB-C ports for (when it's on sale for $849 currently, $750 LESS than Studio Display at full price not including another $149 for AppleCare, and new model comes with 3 year warranty included).
LG UltraFine 27MD5KLB-B - It's on sale right now for $849 and seems to come with a 3 year warranty instead of the 1 year.
I'm happy to see LG has not given up on it and still sells these despite them no longer being in Apple Stores directly. If you think about it, same 5K display as the Studio Display, works with macOS (including keyboard shortcuts), 500nits brightness, camera, speakers & USB-C ports for (when it's on sale for $849 currently, $750 LESS than Studio Display at full price not including another $149 for AppleCare, and new model comes with 3 year warranty included).
There seems to be another new model...
LG UltraFine 27MD5KLB-B - Being sold currently on BH Photo Video. Not sure if it's a 2024 model or just a variant of the 2022 refresh. But it comes with a 3 year warranty instead of 1 year now...
27MD5KL-B = 27MD5KL actually.
The 2022 model is 27MD5KLP(-B) (out of stock in Europe)
If anyone's interested or wants a spare replacement original LG 5K 2m Thunderbolt 3 cable, I have one listed in the MR Marketplace here:
LG 5K UltraFine - original LG Thunderbolt 3 2m cable
Thanks! ;-)
--> SOLD
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Are these monitors on par with the Apple monitors?
I’m switching from a Windows computer to the Apple M4 mini and trying to research what I need before ordering everything. This is starting to drive me crazy.
I've had an older version of the 27" LG 5K and I now have an Apple Studio Display.
The panel might be the same or similar, but the Apple Monitor would still be hands down better overall. It's just put together better. It's lighter, looks better, has better speakers, a somewhat better cam, and takes up less space.
Unfortunately, the deals on the ASD seem to have all expired, but there are refurbs available right now:
Refurbished Accessories - Display
Save up to 15% on refurbished Display from Apple Online Store. All products includes a 1-year warranty. Free delivery and returns.
www.apple.com