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Bob418

macrumors member
Sep 10, 2015
69
51
Singapore
I'm thinking about to buy the newly released Dell U4021QW 5K2K Curved monitor. But after reading this discussion, I'm getting hesitant.
 

itsphilgeorge

macrumors regular
Nov 22, 2020
127
83
I'm thinking about to buy the newly released Dell U4021QW 5K2K Curved monitor. But after reading this discussion, I'm getting hesitant.
At 40" you would be nearing a size that it would be usable to run the display at native resolution. It has a 140 PPI compared to the 163 PPI of the LG 34" 5K2K. May not be a terrible idea.

In my testing, the native resolution has worked well on the M1, but my eyes bleed.
 

theSeb

macrumors 604
Aug 10, 2010
7,466
1,893
none
I am super tempted by this Dell 5k2k option as well. I have this real want, not necessarily need, to upgrade my monitors, but there is nothing on the market that meets my convoluted needs. The 5k2k options look most compelling.
 

Bob418

macrumors member
Sep 10, 2015
69
51
Singapore
At 40" you would be nearing a size that it would be usable to run the display at native resolution. It has a 140 PPI compared to the 163 PPI of the LG 34" 5K2K. May not be a terrible idea.

In my testing, the native resolution has worked well on the M1, but my eyes bleed.
If macOS can do scaling like Win10, 125% scaling would be perfect for the Dell monitor. I hope Apple can address the scaling feature so we have more options when choosing Ultrawide monitor.
 
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kikote

macrumors member
Jan 20, 2009
97
256
Hürth, Germany
MBAIR M1 16GB/1TB , second beta of BigSur 11.3 is working better with the LG34 5K2K...
- max. resolution in HiDpi is still 3008x1269
- monitorcontrol still doesn´t work
but
in the last 24 hours I didn´t have any wake up issues anymore...
 

nikosl7

macrumors member
May 31, 2016
50
155
MBAIR M1 16GB/1TB , second beta of BigSur 11.3 is working better with the LG34 5K2K...
- max. resolution in HiDpi is still 3008x1269
- monitorcontrol still doesn´t work
but
in the last 24 hours I didn´t have any wake up issues anymore...
Thank you for monitoring the issue in the betas!
 
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itsphilgeorge

macrumors regular
Nov 22, 2020
127
83
MBAIR M1 16GB/1TB , second beta of BigSur 11.3 is working better with the LG34 5K2K...
- max. resolution in HiDpi is still 3008x1269
- monitorcontrol still doesn´t work
but
in the last 24 hours I didn´t have any wake up issues anymore...
Same here. Stability has improved. Functionality hasn't.

But - it means they are addressing issues. Which is positive.
 

avonord

macrumors regular
Mar 8, 2007
201
65
MBAIR M1 16GB/1TB , second beta of BigSur 11.3 is working better with the LG34 5K2K...
- max. resolution in HiDpi is still 3008x1269
- monitorcontrol still doesn´t work
but
in the last 24 hours I didn´t have any wake up issues anymore...
What's monitor control?

If you are talking about the LG onscreen control software, the latest version is running fine on 11.2.
 

kikote

macrumors member
Jan 20, 2009
97
256
Hürth, Germany
What's monitor control?

If you are talking about the LG onscreen control software, the latest version is running fine on 11.2.

no, I am not talking about the LG on screen control software... the 4.57 version works with the M1 an BigSur flwlessly...

monitor control is a great software to control the volume and the brightness of the monitor through your keyboard. It works perfectly with Intel Macs, but it is not working with the apple silicon Macs.
You can get more information about it on the following URL: https://github.com/MonitorControl/MonitorControl
 
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avonord

macrumors regular
Mar 8, 2007
201
65
no, I am not talking about the LG on screen control software... the 4.57 version works with the M1 an BigSur flwlessly...

monitor control is a great software to control the volume and the brightness of the monitor through your keyboard. It works perfectly with Intel Macs, but it is not working with the apple silicon Macs.
You can get more information about it on the following URL: https://github.com/MonitorControl/MonitorControl
Oh wow.. nice. Thanks, I didn't know this existed or needed for Intel Macs.
 

itsphilgeorge

macrumors regular
Nov 22, 2020
127
83
Update: I've now replaced every aspect of the configuration and tested it with two M1 machines and an Intel machine.

I have replaced the Thunderbolt 3 cables, tried DisplayPort, tried with and without a dock and tested every configuration between all machines. I have purchased DisplayLink docks and cables,

I have tested with Stable, Beta and Developer releases up until 11.3 Beta 2 and am continuing to experience issues.

Issues Identified up to macOS Big Sur 11.3 Beta 2:
  1. RESOLVED - Intermittent Reboots/Kernal Panics - Resolved as of 11.3 Beta 1.
  2. UNRESOLVED - DisplayPort 1.4 still appears to prevent detection and cause system instability. Continuing to use DisplayPort 1.2 for now on 11.3 Beta 2.
  3. UNRESOLVED - Issues when the monitor is turned off using Energy Settings in macOS. Configuration only works on the initial connection. Upon physical disconnection or sleep, the monitor either is no longer detected or is misidentified as a 4k monitor with only low-resolution options. Interestingly, when no image appears on the monitor, the M1 believes it is outputting a signal but the monitor does not receive a signal. Rebooting the monitor and disconnecting and reconnecting the cable does not resolve the issue. A reboot is required to continue using the machine.
  4. UNRESOLVED - Issues when the computer goes to sleep - See above. (Temporary workaround: Prevent Sleep - Terrible option). A reboot is required to continue using the machine.
  5. UNRESOLVED - Issue when the laptop is physically disconnected and reconnected - External Display does not display signal but is turned on by the machine. A reboot is required to continue using the machine.
  6. UNRESOLVED - Under no configuration is any scaled resolution of above 3008x1269 available other than native 5120x2160.
Given my testing and reading through a number of threads on here, and other forums. I'm confident in saying that all Apple M1 machines are unable to drive all external displays correctly at this stage.

It appears that if the external display is being used on the Default for Display setting then fewer issues may occur, which is why this issue isn't larger for the time being. I am unable to test that setting as the interface is unusably large.

It appears that in particular, people are experiencing issues when:
  1. The monitor physical resolution exceeds 4K.
  2. Resolution is physically UltraWide
  3. The monitor is configured to output using DisplayPort 1.4
  4. The monitor is physically connecting using Thunderbolt 3/4 cable or USB-C cable or Thunderbolt to DisplayPort adapter.
  5. The monitor is being operated using a non-standard scaled resolution rather than the default scaled or native resolution.
For the LG Ultrafine 5k and the LG Ultrawide 5K2K, most, if not all of these conditions are often met, meaning that many here will be experiencing the worst outcomes.

Despite this, I have observed versions of these issues being experienced even by XDR users. This is of particular significance as it suggests that Apple have implemented the external graphics support so poorly that it isn't working as required on its own hardware.

I understand this is first-generation hardware, but it is not fit for sale when it doesn't function on such fundamental levels as being able to reliably output a signal to a single external monitor.

What is worse, is that at this stage, I have communicated more about the issue than Apple, which is despicable.
 

Bob418

macrumors member
Sep 10, 2015
69
51
Singapore
Given my testing and reading through a number of threads on here, and other forums. I'm confident in saying that all Apple M1 machines are unable to drive all external displays correctly at this stage.
I've been using 3 monitors with my M1 Pro and my son's M1 Air with zero issues: 1 x FHD via HDMI adapter, 1 x 4K portable monitor via USB-C, plus the recently purchased Samsung CJ791 (3440 x 1440, 100Hz) Ultrawide curved via Thunderbolt 3. But I admit after reading other users' experiences, I'll be cautious to make decision to buy the new Dell u4021wq which I really feel tempted.
 

Lemon Olive

Suspended
Nov 30, 2020
1,208
1,324
Update: I've now replaced every aspect of the configuration and tested it with two M1 machines and an Intel machine.

I have replaced the Thunderbolt 3 cables, tried DisplayPort, tried with and without a dock and tested every configuration between all machines. I have purchased DisplayLink docks and cables,

I have tested with Stable, Beta and Developer releases up until 11.3 Beta 2 and am continuing to experience issues.

Issues Identified up to macOS Big Sur 11.3 Beta 2:
  1. RESOLVED - Intermittent Reboots/Kernal Panics - Resolved as of 11.3 Beta 1.
  2. UNRESOLVED - DisplayPort 1.4 still appears to prevent detection and cause system instability. Continuing to use DisplayPort 1.2 for now on 11.3 Beta 2.
  3. UNRESOLVED - Issues when the monitor is turned off using Energy Settings in macOS. Configuration only works on the initial connection. Upon physical disconnection or sleep, the monitor either is no longer detected or is misidentified as a 4k monitor with only low-resolution options. Interestingly, when no image appears on the monitor, the M1 believes it is outputting a signal but the monitor does not receive a signal. Rebooting the monitor and disconnecting and reconnecting the cable does not resolve the issue. A reboot is required to continue using the machine.
  4. UNRESOLVED - Issues when the computer goes to sleep - See above. (Temporary workaround: Prevent Sleep - Terrible option). A reboot is required to continue using the machine.
  5. UNRESOLVED - Issue when the laptop is physically disconnected and reconnected - External Display does not display signal but is turned on by the machine. A reboot is required to continue using the machine.
  6. UNRESOLVED - Under no configuration is any scaled resolution of above 3008x1269 available other than native 5120x2160.
Given my testing and reading through a number of threads on here, and other forums. I'm confident in saying that all Apple M1 machines are unable to drive all external displays correctly at this stage.

It appears that if the external display is being used on the Default for Display setting then fewer issues may occur, which is why this issue isn't larger for the time being. I am unable to test that setting as the interface is unusably large.

It appears that in particular, people are experiencing issues when:
  1. The monitor physical resolution exceeds 4K.
  2. Resolution is physically UltraWide
  3. The monitor is configured to output using DisplayPort 1.4
  4. The monitor is physically connecting using Thunderbolt 3/4 cable or USB-C cable or Thunderbolt to DisplayPort adapter.
  5. The monitor is being operated using a non-standard scaled resolution rather than the default scaled or native resolution.
For the LG Ultrafine 5k and the LG Ultrawide 5K2K, most, if not all of these conditions are often met, meaning that many here will be experiencing the worst outcomes.

Despite this, I have observed versions of these issues being experienced even by XDR users. This is of particular significance as it suggests that Apple have implemented the external graphics support so poorly that it isn't working as required on its own hardware.

I understand this is first-generation hardware, but it is not fit for sale when it doesn't function on such fundamental levels as being able to reliably output a signal to a single external monitor.

What is worse, is that at this stage, I have communicated more about the issue than Apple, which is despicable.

What baffles me about this post is: at the end of the day, even if it all worked, it still isn't that great of a display that you're trying to get to work...

We desperately need Retina quality standalone displays in multiple sizes and resolutions from Apple. I'm not messing around with any more displays and just sticking with my iMac until Apple comes up with something.
 
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the future

macrumors 68040
Jul 17, 2002
3,637
5,927
Despite this, I have observed versions of these issues being experienced even by XDR users.

Do you have a link to these reports?

What baffles me about this post is: at the end of the day, even if it all worked, it still isn't that great of a display that you're trying to get to work...

Well, beggars can‘t be choosers. The LG 5K2K is still the only game in town if you want an ultrawide display with high(-ish) DPI.

We desperately need Retina quality standalone displays in multiple sizes and resolutions from Apple.

Yes, we do, but we won‘t get them. If we‘re very, very lucky, we‘ll get 2 different sizes (same as the sizes of the redesigned iMacs), but I won‘t be surprised if there‘ll only be 1. Also, you can be 99,99% sure there will never be an Apple branded ultrawide; it‘s just too much of a niche product for Apple to bother with.
 
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crevalic

Suspended
May 17, 2011
83
98
What baffles me about this post is: at the end of the day, even if it all worked, it still isn't that great of a display that you're trying to get to work...

We desperately need Retina quality standalone displays in multiple sizes and resolutions from Apple. I'm not messing around with any more displays and just sticking with my iMac until Apple comes up with something.
This display is literally the best display available on the market in many ways and best display suitable for apple users, considering resolution and connectivity. Many people have used it with great success and no issues on their intel macs and PCs since release in 2018.

Apple can go ahead and make their own displays but what we actually desperately need is Apple not releasing buggy and broken computers. Like, seriously, basically all IO in M1 Macs is broken in some way.
 

Lemon Olive

Suspended
Nov 30, 2020
1,208
1,324
This display is literally the best display available on the market in many ways and best display suitable for apple users, considering resolution and connectivity.
:oops: It most definitely is not. If you wanted to qualify that by saying, "...for an ultra wide display"...then, OK. It's the least terrible ultra wide display for Mac users. That isn't saying much as all. 163 ppi is way too low for a Mac. Not when the standard for a Mac display for the last 8 years is 200 - 220 ppi.

Someone who uses a MacBook Pro display, or has used an iMac, can't realistically change to using a display such as this. It is a huge downgrade of the most noticeable kind. And that's if it even worked, which it doesn't appear to on M1 Macs, which is even more frustrating.
 
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mattiowa

macrumors member
Jul 23, 2006
33
9
Update: I've now replaced every aspect of the configuration and tested it with two M1 machines and an Intel machine.

I have replaced the Thunderbolt 3 cables, tried DisplayPort, tried with and without a dock and tested every configuration between all machines. I have purchased DisplayLink docks and cables,

I have tested with Stable, Beta and Developer releases up until 11.3 Beta 2 and am continuing to experience issues.

Issues Identified up to macOS Big Sur 11.3 Beta 2:
  1. RESOLVED - Intermittent Reboots/Kernal Panics - Resolved as of 11.3 Beta 1.
  2. UNRESOLVED - DisplayPort 1.4 still appears to prevent detection and cause system instability. Continuing to use DisplayPort 1.2 for now on 11.3 Beta 2.
  3. UNRESOLVED - Issues when the monitor is turned off using Energy Settings in macOS. Configuration only works on the initial connection. Upon physical disconnection or sleep, the monitor either is no longer detected or is misidentified as a 4k monitor with only low-resolution options. Interestingly, when no image appears on the monitor, the M1 believes it is outputting a signal but the monitor does not receive a signal. Rebooting the monitor and disconnecting and reconnecting the cable does not resolve the issue. A reboot is required to continue using the machine.
  4. UNRESOLVED - Issues when the computer goes to sleep - See above. (Temporary workaround: Prevent Sleep - Terrible option). A reboot is required to continue using the machine.
  5. UNRESOLVED - Issue when the laptop is physically disconnected and reconnected - External Display does not display signal but is turned on by the machine. A reboot is required to continue using the machine.
  6. UNRESOLVED - Under no configuration is any scaled resolution of above 3008x1269 available other than native 5120x2160.
Given my testing and reading through a number of threads on here, and other forums. I'm confident in saying that all Apple M1 machines are unable to drive all external displays correctly at this stage.

It appears that if the external display is being used on the Default for Display setting then fewer issues may occur, which is why this issue isn't larger for the time being. I am unable to test that setting as the interface is unusably large.

It appears that in particular, people are experiencing issues when:
  1. The monitor physical resolution exceeds 4K.
  2. Resolution is physically UltraWide
  3. The monitor is configured to output using DisplayPort 1.4
  4. The monitor is physically connecting using Thunderbolt 3/4 cable or USB-C cable or Thunderbolt to DisplayPort adapter.
  5. The monitor is being operated using a non-standard scaled resolution rather than the default scaled or native resolution.
For the LG Ultrafine 5k and the LG Ultrawide 5K2K, most, if not all of these conditions are often met, meaning that many here will be experiencing the worst outcomes.

Despite this, I have observed versions of these issues being experienced even by XDR users. This is of particular significance as it suggests that Apple have implemented the external graphics support so poorly that it isn't working as required on its own hardware.

I understand this is first-generation hardware, but it is not fit for sale when it doesn't function on such fundamental levels as being able to reliably output a signal to a single external monitor.

What is worse, is that at this stage, I have communicated more about the issue than Apple, which is despicable.
I feel awful for you as I have two M1s (an air and a pro) and two ultrafine monitors (a 4k and a 5k); I have had absolutely no issues with either computer hooked to either monitor.
 

Wolf1701

macrumors regular
Sep 16, 2006
222
228
Someone who uses a MacBook Pro display, or has used an iMac, can't realistically change to using a display such as this. It is a huge downgrade of the most noticeable kind. And that's if it even worked, which it doesn't appear to on M1 Macs, which is even more frustrating.

After two iMac retina I can assure you that one CAN realisticallly switch to this display and also be very happy (yes, with a good eyesight).
 
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crevalic

Suspended
May 17, 2011
83
98
:oops: It most definitely is not. If you wanted to qualify that by saying, "...for an ultra wide display"...then, OK. It's the least terrible ultra wide display for Mac users. That isn't saying much as all. 163 ppi is way too low for a Mac. Not when the standard for a Mac display for the last 8 years is 200 - 220 ppi.

Someone who uses a MacBook Pro display, or has used an iMac, can't realistically change to using a display such as this. It is a huge downgrade of the most noticeable kind. And that's if it even worked, which it doesn't appear to on M1 Macs, which is even more frustrating.
k
Please link a better tb3 display available on the market right now and please no 27" trash or the ridiculous Apple XDR display.

I'm sure you have this this display at home and speak from experience (like me and most others in this thread). I guess you'll just have to settle for a 16" display. More than that is way too big for a mac. And forget about ultrawides, those are too wide for a mac.
 
Last edited:
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itsphilgeorge

macrumors regular
Nov 22, 2020
127
83
What baffles me about this post is: at the end of the day, even if it all worked, it still isn't that great of a display that you're trying to get to work...

We desperately need Retina quality standalone displays in multiple sizes and resolutions from Apple. I'm not messing around with any more displays and just sticking with my iMac until Apple comes up with something.
This is literally the best 30"+ ultrawide/HiDPI monitor you can buy without going to the XDR as far as I'm aware.

If your point is that the range of options is insufficient, I agree with you. But relatively, the monitor is exceptional.
 

itsphilgeorge

macrumors regular
Nov 22, 2020
127
83
Do you have a link to these reports?



Well, beggars can‘t be choosers. The LG 5K2K is still the only game in town if you want an ultrawide display with high(-ish) DPI.



Yes, we do, but we won‘t get them. If we‘re very, very lucky, we‘ll get 2 different sizes (same as the sizes of the redesigned iMacs), but I won‘t be surprised if there‘ll only be 1. Also, you can be 99,99% sure there will never be an Apple branded ultrawide; it‘s just too much of a niche product for Apple to bother with.
Sure!

Pro Display XDR - Owners Thread

The link is to a specific post, but in general, people have reported issues.

To be clear - I think that Apple has built-in additional support for the XDR over third-party monitors. This unfortunately makes my point stronger, however, as that shouldn't be necessary.
 
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Lemon Olive

Suspended
Nov 30, 2020
1,208
1,324
k
Please link a better tb3 display available on the market right now and please no 27" trash or the ridiculous Apple XDR display.

I'm sure you have this this display at home and speak from experience (like me and most others in this thread). I guess you'll just have to settle for a 16" display. More than that is way too big for a mac. And forget about ultrawides, those are too wide for a mac.
I don't know how to respond to this. The only decent displays available for Mac users that meet acceptable standards are the 2 LG Ultra Fine displays, 24" and 27". They are Thunderbolt, and 200+ ppi. That's it. The market desperately needs better displays. And no I'll settle for a 27" iMac, which is what I use. Your comment is really confusing.

This is literally the best 30"+ ultrawide/HiDPI monitor you can buy without going to the XDR as far as I'm aware.

If your point is that the range of options is insufficient, I agree with you. But relatively, the monitor is exceptional.

You're right that it is "the best" ultra wide, which as I said, is not saying much. Yes, the market options are pitiful and woefully behind the built-in displays Apple has been creating for a long time. The 27" 5K display came out in 2014!

After two iMac retina I can assure you that one CAN realisticallly switch to this display and also be very happy (yes, with a good eyesight).

That's nice to hear, I just highly doubt I would feel the same. How would you feel with a display that was say 108 ppi?
 

Wolf1701

macrumors regular
Sep 16, 2006
222
228
That's nice to hear, I just highly doubt I would feel the same. How would you feel with a display that was say 108 ppi?

in fact I have one Acer X34a (109 ppi) and I clearly see the difference... I am very picky on monitor and I haved the same doubts. But the lower LG ppi (163) is not noticeable. Again, I am happy with this panel and I can enjoy the UW. But, hey, up to you: I don't sell monitors! ;)
 
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