LG UltraFine 5K - Owners Thread

[Corrode]

So after waiting for a while for the LG 32UD99 4k displays, I finally decided I need to pull the trigger on some monitors. While there are plenty of other 4k solutions out there, I require sharp text for spreadsheets and databases that I have open simultaneously along with good image quality. So I picked up a couple of these Ultrafine's after looking at a bunch of reviews online. I am going to use them on an Ergo LX dual arm mount (really nice mount) so the stand is of no importance. I don't mind the plastic construction as an aluminum design would probably have been too heavy for the mount.

I have seen lots of very positive reviews online about picture quality, etc. And most recommend the monitor overall with a few caveats. If used with a later 2016 15" tbMBP, I gather that this should work pretty well. Now I am seeing all these user reports about problems and was hoping a lot of them were solved, but lots of suggestions that this is a poor quality monitor with lots reporting hardware failures. Are any of you actually happy with your Ultrafines? Or are they basically all doomed after a few months. At $2600 for two not including taxes, it's a pretty sum to pay for crap displays...

.... Concerned

I am quite happy with mine and I use it for work as a part-time photographer. None of the "issues" have really bothered me but I did go through three of these before being happy with my fourth.

I plug it in. It turns on. It works.

I don't even have issues with the volume control that many have mentioned.

 

[dyn]

Pretty good review by Linus.

I agree with him in that the PQ is stunning.

Just be sure to skip the Tech Quickie part because that information is not correct at all. 5k displays need 2 DisplayPort streams which Thunderbolt 3 provides. This is per Thunderbolt controller, not per machine. The MBPs with 4 Thunderbolt ports use 2 of those Thunderbolt controllers (each controller has max 2 Thunderbolt ports) and thus are capable of driving two 5k displays (obviously you'd also need a GPU that can do this). Apple wisely used a Thunderbolt controller for each side of the notebook. Thus when you want to connect 2 5k displays you need to connect one to the left (consuming the 2 DisplayPort streams on that controller) and one to the right (consuming the 2 DisplayPort streams of the other controller).

It's all in the Thunderbolt 3 standard and Apple is simply using 2 of Thunderbolt 3 controllers providing a max of 4 DisplayPort streams. There is no special Apple sauce or Apple magic, it's all on Intels Thunderbolt 3.

That's what you get when doing your homework is also a quickie

Btw, the rest of the video is definitely worth the look!

 

[apsoto]

I've also recently been having webcam issues. It randomly disconnects and the webcam is no longer available. Does not appear in the System Information app either.

Disconnecting/Re-connecting the display from the laptop sometimes fixes it.

I called LG about this, only thing they can tell me is send it in for repair. I spoke with a local LG Repair person and they told me since it's under warranty he'd just repair the whole board.

I've already sent this thing in for repair for the Wifi issue....what a pain for a very pricey display.

I have a weird issue with my screen...everything works perfectly, except the webcam and FaceTime!

I use my 5K mostly with my Mac in Clamshell, so everything is going through the monitor. When I do a FaceTime call, I am using the monitor's webcam, mic and terrible speakers (using external speakers makes a lovely echo).

After about 5 minutes, suddenly the microphone goes on mute, and the people can't hear me anymore on the other end. The only way to solve this is to just disconnect the screen and use my laptop.

Can anyone suggest a fix? Or had this issue as well?

Will

 

[jonmyers]

Greetings, I'm an American digital product designer based in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. I live in Sketch most days. It's my first time posting in here. Go easy on me.

I came in looking for answers and now I have more questions. :/

I have the new MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2016), 2.7 i7, 16GB Ram, Radeon Pro 455, 1TB storage, and two of these LG Ultra Fine 5K displays.

I'm running into a few issues.

Bluetooth Interference

I'm using the Magic Mouse 2 as my primary mouse. Additionally, I have an older trackpad adjacent to the left. I actually have two MM2 mice. They both get intermittent tracking/ lag issues, which are maddening. I have air cans to clean the inside. Additionally, I have proper mouse pads - and I still get the lag issues that come and go.

Finally, I have tried fixing the issue by deleting the preferences files.

I still get the lag.

I started suspecting the issue was the LG displays - and tried using the mice with the laptop, and couldn't reproduce the lag.

Is there any verdict on whether or not the LG displays cause interference with Bluetooth accessories and are there any remedies?

The Plugin the Displays to the Laptop, Sleep/ Wake Ritual

My previous, primary workstation was an iMac5K with a Thunderbolt. It was pleasant to work on, and I loved it. You could... sit down, tap a key on the keyboard, the machine would wake up - and wallah, you could get to work.

In contrast, getting the MBP/ LG5K workstation going is agony.

I work with the MBP in clamshell mode whilst powering the two displays. The MBP/ LG5K workstation doesn't just - "wake up" when you tap the keys.

You must go through the ritual of dragging open the MBP, unpluggin the LG5K USB-C connectors, and then try and plug them in at nearly the exact same time.

Same goes - if you walk away for an extra long coffee break.

You must go through this open the laptop, unplug the displays and plug them in ritual, again.

⏱ Is there a way to maintain my energy settings so I can put the MBP/ LG5K workstation to sleep without having to go through this setup ritual?

It's extremely time-consuming, breaks your concentration and flow, and is annoying.

--

Thank you

---

Ohh, my current setup in case another source of interference is spotted.

 

[scott_donald]

I don't have any of those issues.... ^^^^^

I am up to date with fresh install a couple weeks back...

 

[shareef777]

Greetings, I'm an American digital product designer based in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. I live in Sketch most days. It's my first time posting in here. Go easy on me.

I came in looking for answers and now I have more questions. :/

I have the new MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2016), 2.7 i7, 16GB Ram, Radeon Pro 455, 1TB storage, and two of these LG Ultra Fine 5K displays.

I'm running into a few issues.

Bluetooth Interference

I'm using the Magic Mouse 2 as my primary mouse. Additionally, I have an older trackpad adjacent to the left. I actually have two MM2 mice. They both get intermittent tracking/ lag issues, which are maddening. I have air cans to clean the inside. Additionally, I have proper mouse pads - and I still get the lag issues that come and go.

Finally, I have tried fixing the issue by deleting the preferences files.

I still get the lag.

I started suspecting the issue was the LG displays - and tried using the mice with the laptop, and couldn't reproduce the lag.

Is there any verdict on whether or not the LG displays cause interference with Bluetooth accessories and are there any remedies?

The Plugin the Displays to the Laptop, Sleep/ Wake Ritual

My previous, primary workstation was an iMac5K with a Thunderbolt. It was pleasant to work on, and I loved it. You could... sit down, tap a key on the keyboard, the machine would wake up - and wallah, you could get to work.

In contrast, getting the MBP/ LG5K workstation going is agony.

I work with the MBP in clamshell mode whilst powering the two displays. The MBP/ LG5K workstation doesn't just - "wake up" when you tap the keys.

You must go through the ritual of dragging open the MBP, unpluggin the LG5K USB-C connectors, and then try and plug them in at nearly the exact same time.

Same goes - if you walk away for an extra long coffee break.

You must go through this open the laptop, unplug the displays and plug them in ritual, again.

⏱ Is there a way to maintain my energy settings so I can put the MBP/ LG5K workstation to sleep without having to go through this setup ritual?

It's extremely time-consuming, breaks your concentration and flow, and is annoying.

--

Thank you

---

Ohh, my current setup in case another source of interference is spotted.

When were your 5Ks purchased. If they're original units, then they need the shielding installed (open a case with LG for each one). The interference would definitely impact bluetooth as well as WiFi. I've had the shielding installed and my bluetooth issues went away. On a related note, my plugging in/out issues have seemingly disappeared on their own. I recall still having those issues while on 10.12.4, but the stopped having issues before I upgraded to 10.12.5. I continue to see no issues now. No clue why the issues went away, but I'm happily using my setup now.

 

[bppog]

I have a weird issue with my screen...everything works perfectly, except the webcam and FaceTime!

I use my 5K mostly with my Mac in Clamshell, so everything is going through the monitor. When I do a FaceTime call, I am using the monitor's webcam, mic and terrible speakers (using external speakers makes a lovely echo).

After about 5 minutes, suddenly the microphone goes on mute, and the people can't hear me anymore on the other end. The only way to solve this is to just disconnect the screen and use my laptop.

Can anyone suggest a fix? Or had this issue as well?

Will

Yes I have exactly the same issue audio cuts out when using FaceTime no matter what audio option is selected

 

[shareef777]

Just be sure to skip the Tech Quickie part because that information is not correct at all. 5k displays need 2 DisplayPort streams which Thunderbolt 3 provides. This is per Thunderbolt controller, not per machine. The MBPs with 4 Thunderbolt ports use 2 of those Thunderbolt controllers (each controller has max 2 Thunderbolt ports) and thus are capable of driving two 5k displays (obviously you'd also need a GPU that can do this). Apple wisely used a Thunderbolt controller for each side of the notebook. Thus when you want to connect 2 5k displays you need to connect one to the left (consuming the 2 DisplayPort streams on that controller) and one to the right (consuming the 2 DisplayPort streams of the other controller).

It's all in the Thunderbolt 3 standard and Apple is simply using 2 of Thunderbolt 3 controllers providing a max of 4 DisplayPort streams. There is no special Apple sauce or Apple magic, it's all on Intels Thunderbolt 3.

That's what you get when doing your homework is also a quickie

Btw, the rest of the video is definitely worth the look!

Personally, I think the layout was a mistake. They should have had the two rear ports use one controller and the two front ports use the other. This way users could of plugged in the 2 5K displays on one side of the MBP should they have chose (or still oppose ends as today, just offset to ensure using both controllers). Additionally, this would have made vertical dock setups viable (and hence freeing up desk space).

 

[forgery]

An FYI to anyone thinking about buying one. I heard this from my CDW rep (via the LG sales team) when I asked if he could order one for me:

The Apple Ultrafine Models in question are Apple Store Exclusive. The Ultrafine Models use Thunderbolt3 connectivity. We are planning the launch of a commercial version with 3 year commercial warranty in July.​

 

[dyn]

Personally, I think the layout was a mistake. They should have had the two rear ports use one controller and the two front ports use the other. This way users could of plugged in the 2 5K displays on one side of the MBP should they have chose (or still oppose ends as today, just offset to ensure using both controllers). Additionally, this would have made vertical dock setups viable (and hence freeing up desk space).

The layout isn't a mistake, doing it your way would be a mistake as it goes entirely against physics which you are never going to win. This is a high speed data connection which you can't run over long lengths when using copper. The layout they have chosen is defined by that aspect. Having the two ports on 1 side connect to the same controller means the shortest distance which is key.

 

[Porkchop Sandwich]

Can you rotate your LG 5K? ..as in portrait mode? If so, please share what computer you are using with your 5K monitor.

 

[Porkchop Sandwich]

2017 15" MBP ($2799 off the shelf config)

While using the LG 5K I have no option to rotate the display via the display settings. If I disconnect the 5K and use the laptop on its own, I am able to gain the rotate (portrait) option via Command + Option. Portrait mode works fine using the same monitor with my 2014 13" rMBP.

Also, while using the 5K and the laptop in clamshell mode I use a wired keyboard (Matias). The Matias has three USB ports. I use several external hard drives and they all function normally while plugged into the Matias (which is plugged into the 5K via Apple dongle). I have one problematic hard drive. It's a MBP ssd that was salvaged from a 2013 rMBP that took a swim (dramatic hyperbole) and gave up the ghost. It is in an OWC enclosure. When connected to the Matias, no joy. If I connect straight to my new laptop (via aforementioned Apple dongle) it is detected and works just fine.

Any ideas?

*I use the cable supplied with the LG 5K to connect to the new laptop. The previously mentioned 2014 rMBP that I used with this monitor was connected with a TB cable > Apple dongle > 5K display. Everything worked flawlessly (portrait mode & external drive detection through the Matias keyboard)

 

[radus]

Until now there is no way to get the LG 5k in portrait mode using MacOSX. OSX is not able to handle 5k MST in portrait mode. I doubt the will implement it.

Windows 10 Pro downscales it to 4k and supports portrait mode in 4k MST.

 

[Porkchop Sandwich]

Until now there is no way to get the LG 5k in portrait mode using MacOSX. OSX is not able to handle 5k MST in portrait mode. I doubt the will implement it.

Windows 10 Pro downscales it to 4k and supports portrait mode in 4k MST.

Thank you for the explanation radus, that certainly explains why the 2014 laptop will allow for portrait mode while the 2017 will not (4K vs 5K). Ah-well the new MBP + LG 5K is superb even if the nicety of that option is not available.

BTW - I have had zero issues with the 5K display and the new MBP 15" outside of the few minor idiosyncrasies that I have whined about (knock on wood). It is one of the dreaded monitors manufactured in December. I really, really like the monitor.

 

[mcpryon2]

An FYI to anyone thinking about buying one. I heard this from my CDW rep (via the LG sales team) when I asked if he could order one for me:

The Apple Ultrafine Models in question are Apple Store Exclusive. The Ultrafine Models use Thunderbolt3 connectivity. We are planning the launch of a commercial version with 3 year commercial warranty in July.​

Interesting. Best Buy has it and I was thinking about getting it there since you can get the 4-year BB replacement warranty for $50. It only having one year from Apple with no AppleCare option stopped me from getting it there. Normally I don't get extended warranties but this seems like a volatile device.

 

[Brookzy]

Greetings, I'm an American digital product designer based in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. I live in Sketch most days. It's my first time posting in here. Go easy on me.

I came in looking for answers and now I have more questions. :/

I have the new MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2016), 2.7 i7, 16GB Ram, Radeon Pro 455, 1TB storage, and two of these LG Ultra Fine 5K displays.

I'm running into a few issues.

Bluetooth Interference

I'm using the Magic Mouse 2 as my primary mouse. Additionally, I have an older trackpad adjacent to the left. I actually have two MM2 mice. They both get intermittent tracking/ lag issues, which are maddening. I have air cans to clean the inside. Additionally, I have proper mouse pads - and I still get the lag issues that come and go.

Finally, I have tried fixing the issue by deleting the preferences files.

I still get the lag.

I started suspecting the issue was the LG displays - and tried using the mice with the laptop, and couldn't reproduce the lag.

Is there any verdict on whether or not the LG displays cause interference with Bluetooth accessories and are there any remedies?

The Plugin the Displays to the Laptop, Sleep/ Wake Ritual

My previous, primary workstation was an iMac5K with a Thunderbolt. It was pleasant to work on, and I loved it. You could... sit down, tap a key on the keyboard, the machine would wake up - and wallah, you could get to work.

In contrast, getting the MBP/ LG5K workstation going is agony.

I work with the MBP in clamshell mode whilst powering the two displays. The MBP/ LG5K workstation doesn't just - "wake up" when you tap the keys.

You must go through the ritual of dragging open the MBP, unpluggin the LG5K USB-C connectors, and then try and plug them in at nearly the exact same time.

Same goes - if you walk away for an extra long coffee break.

You must go through this open the laptop, unplug the displays and plug them in ritual, again.

⏱ Is there a way to maintain my energy settings so I can put the MBP/ LG5K workstation to sleep without having to go through this setup ritual?

It's extremely time-consuming, breaks your concentration and flow, and is annoying.

--

Thank you

---

Ohh, my current setup in case another source of interference is spotted.

Did you make any progress with this?

 

[MacGizmo]

Not to get off topic... but isn't it funny how amazing in hindsight the Apple LCD screens were. They were overpriced and not very flexible when it came to adjustments... but they just worked. The screen looked great. The build quality was unmatched, and the built-in iSight cameras worked flawlessly.

I'll be very curious what the new "pro" displays will look like and cost when Apple releases them in the next year or so.

 

[craig1410]

Not to get off topic... but isn't it funny how amazing in hindsight the Apple LCD screens were. They were overpriced and not very flexible when it came to adjustments... but they just worked. The screen looked great. The build quality was unmatched, and the built-in iSight cameras worked flawlessly.

I'll be very curious what the new "pro" displays will look like and cost when Apple releases them in the next year or so.

I think there's a slight rose tint to your eye wear there to be honest.

I don't know too much about previous generations of Apple display but the 27" Thunderbolt Display had significant problems. I don't recall what the problems actually were now but they were enough to discourage me from buying one. If I recall correctly the problems were with the USB ports and audio and Apple were routinely swapping out the interfaces boards. Unfortunately I know of at least one person (a well known podcaster) who had his interface board swapped more than once and the issue came back.

Anyway, as the (happy) owner of two LG 5K displays, it seems that this sort of thing is just to be expected with external displays whether they be made by Apple or another vendor. And as with previous generations of displays, you quickly get to know the limitations and either choose to return the display or live with it depending on how it affects you.

 

[jimthing]

^^ Good answer Craig. Although, I have the previous 27" Cinema Display (the miniDP version, not the Thunderbolt 1 version), and it has always worked pretty well. But yes, both have had a issues, so it's likely a spin-of-the-dice thing.
The 27"s from Apple are looking a bit dated now though, so it'll sure be interesting what Apple's new ones will look like... space grey anyone, lol!
[doublepost=1499151570][/doublepost]Just thought I'd mention here, that the new 2017 MBP's graphics chips are essentially re-badged versions with virtually identical speeds of the ones in the 2016 MBP's. So anyone expecting superior graphics performance between the two (especially in regards to using the LG 5K's) is likely to not notice any difference whatsoever.

The only real difference is 10bit HARDware 4K encoding/decoding, AFAICT. I'm not a video maestro, so don't know much about this in real terms, but my (limited) understanding is that this is likely not important for 99% of users who edit video, for a number of years yet.

 

[tomislavf]

According to Apple, hardware accelerated HVEC encoding and decoding will be available in the 2016 MBP as well.

The LG 5K will run faster on the MBP 13" with macOS High Sierra since the macOS interface will be accelerated on the GPU by using Metal 2.

 

[jimthing]

According to Apple, hardware accelerated HVEC encoding and decoding will be available in the 2016 MBP as well.

The LG 5K will run faster on the MBP 13" with macOS High Sierra since the macOS interface will be accelerated on the GPU by using Metal 2.

Really, I'm sure you're likely right, but do you have a source or two for these points?

On the hardware acceleration issue, I thought that was a Kaby Lake thing only; be great if the Skylake 2016 models did though, haha!

Presumably on the Metal 2 issue, that is because the 13" models don't have discrete graphics in them, so rely on the integrated performance alone?

 

[tomislavf]

It's all in the WWDC keynote. If you watch when they announce hardware accelerated HVEC it says "MacBook Pro (Late 2016) on the slide.

Same thing for UI on Metal 2.

 

[dops]

Really, I'm sure you're likely right, but do you have a source or two for these points?

On the hardware acceleration issue, I thought that was a Kaby Lake thing only; be great if the Skylake 2016 models did though, haha!

Presumably on the Metal 2 issue, that is because the 13" models don't have discrete graphics in them, so rely on the integrated performance alone?

That is an really interesting information.
I currently have the MBP13 Late 2016 Touch Bar with maxed i7 Specs with the LG5K display and I am really hating it.
Once connected to the screen, the whole UI becomes sluggish. Firefox for example is a nightmare, it pushes the CPU to 100% and everything feels super slow.
Also other apps are really slow, like MS Outlook 2016. If the screen is disconnected the laptop is fine and all apps run reasonably fast (of course MS Outlook 2016 is still slower than Apple Mail but it is much faster).

I am really thinking about switching to the new Kaby Lake models, with another 13" maxed out Spec..I honestly do not care about the lost money as it is really a pain working with it. Does nobody else notice this so far? I have copied my Mac OS X Sierra but do not really believe that a fresh reinstall will help.
It is more like you wrote that the current UI is not rendered by the GPU hardware but by the CPU instead. Combined with "not so efficient" Mac apps like Firefox it is really a nightmare.

The other alternative of course is to sell the LG 5K screen...really disappointed about this setup as I spent more than 4000 USD for it.. ;(

Edited: Corrected typo in Macbook model.

 

[dipan]

That is an really interesting information.
I currently have the MBP13 Late 2013 with maxed i7 Specs with the LG5K display and I am really hating it.
Once connected to the screen, the whole UI becomes sluggish. Firefox for example is a nightmare, it pushes the CPU to 100% and everything feels super slow.
Also other apps are really slow, like MS Outlook 2016. If the screen is disconnected the laptop is fine and all apps run reasonably fast (of course MS Outlook 2016 is still slower than Apple Mail but it is much faster).

I am really thinking about switching to the new Kaby Lake models, with another 13" maxed out Spec..I honestly do not care about the lost money as it is really a pain working with it. Does nobody else notice this so far? I have copied my Mac OS X Sierra but do not really believe that a fresh reinstall will help.
It is more like you wrote that the current UI is not rendered by the GPU hardware but by the CPU instead. Combined with "not so efficient" Mac apps like Firefox it is really a nightmare.

The other alternative of course is to sell the LG 5K screen...really disappointed about this setup as I spent more than 4000 USD for it.. ;(

How are you running the LG 5K Display with Thunderbolt 3 on a 2013 MBP13? Forget about not having a dedicated GPU, but the hardware doesn’t support 5K Thunderbolt 3 anyway? See the Apple website under LG Ultrafine:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT206587

I’m really curious as to how you have it connected? Or maybe you meant 2016 MBP13?

 

[dops]

How are you running the LG 5K Display with Thunderbolt 3 on a 2013 MBP13? Forget about not having a dedicated GPU, but the hardware doesn’t support 5K Thunderbolt 3 anyway? See the Apple website under LG Ultrafine:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT206587

I’m really curious as to how you have it connected? Or maybe you meant 2016 MBP13?

Ouch, of course I meant Late 2016..it the first OLED touch bar 13" inch Pro with maxed out specs..sorry.