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ljt

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Sep 6, 2011
5
1
Minneapolis, MN
Just wondering if anyone has tried to use the display adapter from TB2 to TB3 to connect the LG Ultrafine 5K display. What are the results? I know that 5K isn't possible, but is it a decent upgrade from a Thunderbolt 27" display?
 

Samuelsan2001

macrumors 604
Oct 24, 2013
7,729
2,153
Just wondering if anyone has tried to use the display adapter from TB2 to TB3 to connect the LG Ultrafine 5K display. What are the results? I know that 5K isn't possible, but is it a decent upgrade from a Thunderbolt 27" display?

don't pay for a 5k you can't use, just get a 4k monitor.
 
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Samuelsan2001

macrumors 604
Oct 24, 2013
7,729
2,153
That is a different matter entirely, I don't know how well it will work and it may not work at all, you may be better off getting both the new laptop and screen together and making do with what you have until you do so.
 

Patcell

macrumors 6502a
Aug 8, 2016
634
302
Bergen County, NJ
Just wondering if anyone has tried to use the display adapter from TB2 to TB3 to connect the LG Ultrafine 5K display. What are the results? I know that 5K isn't possible, but is it a decent upgrade from a Thunderbolt 27" display?
Bring your computer into an Apple Store... they will let you try it out. I imagine it will work, just scaled to 4K. This is how they have the 2013 Mac Pro machines connected on display in the Apple Stores; thunderbolt 2 to thunderbolt 3 adapter to the LG Ultrafine 5K display. Does not run at 5K but looks decent. I imagine the 2015 Pro would be capable of similar results.

I would not think it would be worth the asking price of the Ultrafine 5K if not taking advantage of the native display resolution though...
 

Freyqq

macrumors 601
Dec 13, 2004
4,038
181
There's an Apple store I visited once with a Mac Pro running a 5k LG, which also has TB2. It runs at 4k scaled and looks a little grainy because it's not at native res.

For reference, I have a late-2013 15" rMBP and bought a 24" 4k, which works great.
 
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Briax

macrumors member
Mar 11, 2011
43
22
Yes, you can run it using the thunderbolt adapter no problem. I've tested it with my 15" 2015 model with the dGPU.
 

Natzoo

macrumors 68020
Sep 16, 2014
2,016
646
may be getting a 2017 this year
Wait for the 2018, the 2017 models are like the 2016, with keyboard failure and maybe other issues such as popping. Just get apple care, if you get the 17 or even the 18.
 

TiggrToo

macrumors 601
Aug 24, 2017
4,205
8,838
Wait for the 2018, the 2017 models are like the 2016, with keyboard failure and maybe other issues such as popping. Just get apple care, if you get the 17 or even the 18.

Trust me, I always get AppleCare! :)
 

Briax

macrumors member
Mar 11, 2011
43
22
It works just fine. I have 2 LG 5K which I tested with the MacBook Pro 2015 (dGPU) and it worked fine. You will not get the full 5K resolution though, so it might look a bit blurry. If I were you I would go for a good 4k panel (27-28) and set it to 1440p - it looks really good and is probably the closest to the true 5k experience.
 

ljt

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Sep 6, 2011
5
1
Minneapolis, MN
I ended up getting a refurbished LG Ultrafine 5K. It is definitely an upgrade to the Thunderbolt display. Yes, it’s not 5K, but the difference is real and much easier on the peepers (Especially since I have an iMac with 5K resolution sitting right next to it). The fit/finish are fine. Brightness isn’t quite up to par with the iMac, but for a 2015 mbp with an underpowered radon graphics card it’s way above my expectations. And I have the 5K capability in play for a mbp upgrade in 6-12 mos.

So to sum it up, I don’t know if I’d pay retail for the LG Ultrafine. But a $749 refurb seems to fit the bill and clarity I’m seeking for now.
 
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snappywan

macrumors newbie
Apr 20, 2022
1
0
I didn't seem to find any conclusive information on this, but was able to test myself.

I can confirm that the Early 2015 Macbook Pro 13" can drive the LG Ultrafine 5K at 4k resolution and the camera/mic works. You need to use the Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 adapter and the Thunderbolt 2 cable.
 
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