M1 MBP & LG 34 inch ultra wide 5K2K

[darwinjob]

Please can someone help me!

I have the LG ultra wide 34WK95U with M1 macbook 2021, and it was working breeze in clamshell mode in the correct 5160x2160 resolution. This was all up until I connected the M1 macbook pro to my samsung TV via HDMI.

Since doing so, thereafter, I then tried to plug in my laptop via thunderbolt to my LG monitor in clamshell, and the resolution was all strange. I then tried to play around with different resolutions to find one that was appropriate as 5160x2160 was no longer showing in my display settings. i then landed on a resolution that was clearly incompatible with the monitor, which turned the macbook to sleep and the display went black saying "no signal. Since that day, my M1, MacBook Pro has never worked in clamshell mode with my monitor. I have updated the Mac to the latest software Ventura, yet still whenever I try to plug in my laptop with the thunderbolt in clamshell mode, the monitor screen will flicker on for half a second (in a weird stretched out resolution) and then turn off and say "no signal" as the laptop goes back to sleep.

Since clamshell mode no longer works with my MacBook Pro on my LG monitor, I am forced to use the laptop as a mirroring display. However, I am now no longer able to even use the 5160x2160 resolution as when I click on display settings the best resolution available is 3440x1440 (See attached).

Can someone advise what has gone on? I can only assume that when I plugged it into the Samsung, it affected some settings within the Mac and it has meant I can no longer use clamshell, or ever use the correct resolution with any other monitor. I just don't get it?

Hi

I made it work with 34WK95U on MacBook Air M1 Ventura 13.1 in clamshell mode with 5160x2160 resolution over Thunderbolt connection. I had exactly the same symptoms you describe: in clamshell mode, the monitor screen will flicker on for half a second (in a weird stretched out resolution) and then turn off and say "no signal" as the laptop goes back to sleep.

The steps:

1. Reset your monitor to the factory defaults using the display menu. In the monitor menu make sure that DisplayPort is set to 1.4 version (factory default is 1.2) - this is required for 5160x2160 resolution.
2. Connect the monitor to your Mac using Thunderbolt cable. The monitor will be detected as LG Ultrawide 5k with the maximum resolution 5160x2160. Set the monitor as “extended primary” display. Now if you close the lid you will be back to the “no signal” issue. But the monitor is actually alive, it’s just set to incompatible resolution for some reason (thanks to LG or Apple, or both).
3. Don’t close the lid. What you need now is a computer with a software capable of remotely logging into your Mac. I used another Mac and Apple Remote Desktop so the further steps assume that software (teamviewer or whatever should work too).
4. In the settings enable the remote management of your Mac.
5. Try to remotely login from another computer. If successful closed the lid.
6. The monitor will go black but you should be able to see the desktop in the Remote Desktop. You already guessed what will happen next, right?
7. Go to the screen settings and set the proper resolution. The monitor should go live now.

You don’t need to repeat these steps every time. From now on the monitor should behave as expected. The only downside I noticed is the time it takes to wake up Mac - could be around 10 seconds - you might need to press keyboard or mouse buttons several times. Also, you might not want the one to one 5160x2160 mode - the text is too small, I prefer to use HiDPI mode.

Let me know if you need more instructions or screenshots.

Best regards
D

 

[Rokeyz]

Did you manage to figure it out? I get this then it just crashes

View attachment 2036232

I've also tried to connect my MBP 14 with HDMI then a separate cable to update but no luck...

I have the exact same problem as yours, I've gone through all posts since July seems no one mentioned how to update the monitor on Mac, I'm stuck in LG OnScreen crashing every time I clicked the "Run" button.

MacbookPro 14" M1 2021, run on Ventura 13.0.1
I tried both ways the software suggested, and both cases crashed.

1: USB-A (USB-C Adapter on Mac) to USB-B (Monitor)
2: USB-A (USB-C Adapter on Mac) to USB-C (Monitor)

I have some questions for those who went through these:

1. Were you able to update the firmware on Mac, or you updated it on a PC
2. After the update, are you able to use a single thunderbolt cable with Macbook M1 to reach 3840 x 1620 HIDPI, or even higher resolution? Currently, I'm using a Display Port to USB-C cable plus a power cable to get 3840 x 1620 HIDPI

Really appreciate anyone who could help!

 

[ac1califas]

I experience limited resolution options with my MBA-M1 - using the LG 5kx2K but it works on the Display port.

However, if I use the provided Thunderbolt cable (I assume its a thunderbolt cable) then the LG monitor only flashes on for a second and then off, but I can't configure it in the Display settings of my MBA because the LG only flashes on for a second and disappears. This makes the USB-C unusable.

Using DisplayPort does work well, but with the limited resolution options that are documented in this thread.

Is this situation better with the newer Macbook Pro-M1 MAX (I assume the M1 PRO MAX does not have the same hard limit as the regular M1); or is it better to wait for the yet-to-be-released Macbook Pro-M2 MAX?

 

[Rokeyz]

I experience limited resolution options with my MBA-M1 - using the LG 5kx2K but it works on the Display port.

However, if I use the provided Thunderbolt cable (I assume its a thunderbolt cable) then the LG monitor only flashes on for a second and then off, but I can't configure it in the Display settings of my MBA because the LG only flashes on for a second and disappears. This makes the USB-C unusable.

Using DisplayPort does work well, but with the limited resolution options that are documented in this thread.

Is this situation better with the newer Macbook Pro-M1 MAX (I assume the M1 PRO MAX does not have the same hard limit as the regular M1); or is it better to wait for the yet-to-be-released Macbook Pro-M2 MAX?

Were you able to update the monitor on Mac? or were you experiencing the same as I descript above?

Wondering if it's possible to get the monitor software updated on Mac.

 

[ac1califas]

Were you able to update the monitor on Mac? or were you experiencing the same as I descript above?

Wondering if it's possible to get the monitor software updated on Mac.

I did not update the LG monitor via the Macbook Air-M1. Also, I am not trying to get clamshell closed to work (although it does work with the Dispalyport). For my set-up, I keep the MBA M1 open suspended on an arm mount next to the LG 34BK95U that is also suspended on separate arm mount.

The problem I experience is if I connect the LG monitor with the provided USB-C(Thunderbolt I assume?) cable then the LG monitor will only flash on for a second in a weird stretched-out mode and immediately go dark and doesnt think it is connected to the source (MBA M1) anymore - but the MBA M1 screen is on and the MBA1 is funcioning. This process repeats every minute or so. However, I am not able to ever adjust the resolution of the LG using the Display settings in the MBA System Settings since it only sees the LG for 1 second - when the LG flashes on in the weird stretched out mode. It is not on long enough for me to adjust the resolution. WHen the LG display goes dark, the the Display setting on the MBA does not see the LG monitor anymore. This strangle keeps cycleing through every minute or so.

But if I use DisplayPort cable instead, the LG monitor works great. Except of course I am limmitted the resolutions that have been documents 5120 X 2160 (text is too small but sharp), and the next size is 3008 x 1269, but then the text is a little too large (although still sharp). I can live with 3008 X 1269 - because it is sharp, but I would prefer if it worked similarly using the supplied USB-C/Thunderbolt cable. But right now, that option is completely unusable.

 

[ac1califas]

I did not update the LG monitor via the Macbook Air-M1. Also, I am not trying to get clamshell closed to work (although it does work with the Dispalyport). For my set-up, I keep the MBA M1 open suspended on an arm mount next to the LG 34BK95U that is also suspended on separate arm mount.

The problem I experience is if I connect the LG monitor with the provided USB-C(Thunderbolt I assume?) cable then the LG monitor will only flash on for a second in a weird stretched-out mode and immediately go dark and doesnt think it is connected to the source (MBA M1) anymore - but the MBA M1 screen is on and the MBA1 is funcioning. This process repeats every minute or so. However, I am not able to ever adjust the resolution of the LG using the Display settings in the MBA System Settings since it only sees the LG for 1 second - when the LG flashes on in the weird stretched out mode. It is not on long enough for me to adjust the resolution. WHen the LG display goes dark, the the Display setting on the MBA does not see the LG monitor anymore. This strangle keeps cycleing through every minute or so.

But if I use DisplayPort cable instead, the LG monitor works great. Except of course I am limmitted the resolutions that have been documents 5120 X 2160 (text is too small but sharp), and the next size is 3008 x 1269, but then the text is a little too large (although still sharp). I can live with 3008 X 1269 - because it is sharp, but I would prefer if it worked similarly using the supplied USB-C/Thunderbolt cable. But right now, that option is completely unusable.

UPDATE: I sort of 'fixed' the Thunderbolt situation I was experiencing (see prob description in prev post) by powering up the Macbook Air M1 in "safe mode" and then connecting the LG monitor, and when it began to cycle through the same problem (flash on and go dark and Display Settings on MBA not able to see the LG monitor long enough to adjust settings) I held down the "command" key and "F1," and then I was able to see the display settings for the LG, and I made sure to set to "default" resolution. I un-mirrored the displays, and they worked.

I rebooted the MBA, and now the Thunderbolt cable works just like the display port cable. In other words, using the Thunderbolt, I get 5120 X 2160 (text is too small but sharp), and the next size is 3008 x 1269, but then the text is a little too large (although still sharp). I can live with 3008 X 1269 - because it is sharp. So Thunderbolt and Display port cables give the same sharp image at the same resolutions. However, Thunderbolt is better because it is better for cable management since the thunderbolt powers the MBA and I can use the extra USB ports on the monitor. Oh, and not sure it was needed, but I set the Display port to 1.2 instead of 1.4.

Other than the limited resolution options (due to Macbook Air M1), I like the monitor. The colors are great, plus I need a bright monitor because the home office has windows everywhere and I have a lot of sunlight in the room. Most large monitors have more limited brightness and get washed out. Plus, the colors really are great - I can match the MBA monitor.

I do not use it in the clamshell-closed mode, so I did not compare the Thunderbolt v Displayport cable on that. Also, I haven't experienced "wake-up" issues - it seems fast and stable. I will likely update later after more time to compare.

 

[Rokeyz]

UPDATE: I sort of 'fixed' the Thunderbolt situation I was experiencing (see prob description in prev post) by powering up the Macbook Air M1 in "safe mode" and then connecting the LG monitor, and when it began to cycle through the same problem (flash on and go dark and Display Settings on MBA not able to see the LG monitor long enough to adjust settings) I held down the "command" key and "F1," and then I was able to see the display settings for the LG, and I made sure to set to "default" resolution. I un-mirrored the displays, and they worked.

I rebooted the MBA, and now the Thunderbolt cable works just like the display port cable. In other words, using the Thunderbolt, I get 5120 X 2160 (text is too small but sharp), and the next size is 3008 x 1269, but then the text is a little too large (although still sharp). I can live with 3008 X 1269 - because it is sharp. So Thunderbolt and Display port cables give the same sharp image at the same resolutions. However, Thunderbolt is better because it is better for cable management since the thunderbolt powers the MBA and I can use the extra USB ports on the monitor. Oh, and not sure it was needed, but I set the Display port to 1.2 instead of 1.4.

Other than the limited resolution options (due to Macbook Air M1), I like the monitor. The colors are great, plus I need a bright monitor because the home office has windows everywhere and I have a lot of sunlight in the room. Most large monitors have more limited brightness and get washed out. Plus, the colors really are great - I can match the MBA monitor.

I do not use it in the clamshell-closed mode, so I did not compare the Thunderbolt v Displayport cable on that. Also, I haven't experienced "wake-up" issues - it seems fast and stable. I will likely update later after more time to compare.

That's great to hear!

By using Display Port, I can always get the right resolution, I guess 3360 × 1418 and 3840 × 1620
are what you are looking for. But I need the power cable all the time, so I figured the software can let me just use one Thunderbolt cable.



My Macbook Pro M1 uses just Thunderbolt cable will not give me any right HiDPI resolution(the last attached screenshot) I'll try to get into the safe mode as you did to see if I'm lucky or not. Anyway, thanks for your sharing!

Update: Just tried safe mode, not working for MBP, same as normal, I guess I have to find a friend who owns a PC to get the monitor updated.

 

[ac1califas]

Has anyone tried this monitor (34LG 5kx2k Ultrawide) with the MacBook Pro M1-MAX? vs M1-PRO. I am wondering if the Max supports more resolutions (HiDPI that shows sharp text, not fuzzy or pixilated).

 

[ac1califas]

I am going to buy the just-released MacBook Pro 14" Max-M2. I assume that it can handle this LG 5Kx2K ultrawide. I do like the monitor's picture quality a lot. The only issue is the limited resolution options I get on my current Macbook Air M1 - I am assuming Ill get better options with the new M2-MAX MB-Pro 14"

 

[grmlin]

I am going to buy the just-released MacBook Pro 14" Max-M2. I assume that it can handle this LG 5Kx2K ultrawide. I do like the monitor's picture quality a lot. The only issue is the limited resolution options I get on my current Macbook Air M1 - I am assuming Ill get better options with the new M2-MAX MB-Pro 14"

unless they messed it up yes! That's how I use it atm

 

[ac1califas]

unless they messed it up yes! That's how I use it atm

View attachment 2144133

Thanks. That's great. That is a better resolution option than what I currently see with the Macbook Air M1. I assume with the new MacBook PRO 14" M2-MAX, I will be able also to connect an LG4K monitor and the LG5Kx2K Ultrawide (LG HDR 5K). But that is a lot of screen space and not a deal breaker. I'm mostly interested in getting better use of the LG HDR 5K as you are showing in the screenshot. Thanks again.

 

[anthonymoody]

@ac1califas note that that 3840 x 1620 is the highest you can get in HiDPI with an M1 Pro or Max on these 5k/2k widescreen monitors. All higher resolutions (all the way up to native) are *not* HiDPI. 3840 x 1620 is what I use on my 40" with an M1 Pro Max.

It'll be interesting to see if the M2 Pro/Max can somehow go higher than this in HiDPI.

 

[kikote]

@ac1califas note that that 3840 x 1620 is the highest you can get in HiDPI with an M1 Pro or Max on these 5k/2k widescreen monitors. All higher resolutions (all the way up to native) are *not* HiDPI. 3840 x 1620 is what I use on my 40" with an M1 Pro Max.

It'll be interesting to see if the M2 Pro/Max can somehow go higher than this in HiDPI.

It is also the maximum you can get with the M1 Ultra...

 

[anthonymoody]

It is also the maximum you can get with the M1 Ultra...

That's interesting. I would guess that that bodes ill for the M2 P/M/U being able to do more, but that's over my pay grade technically.

 

[ac1califas]

@ac1califas note that that 3840 x 1620 is the highest you can get in HiDPI with an M1 Pro or Max on these 5k/2k widescreen monitors. All higher resolutions (all the way up to native) are *not* HiDPI. 3840 x 1620 is what I use on my 40" with an M1 Pro Max.

It'll be interesting to see if the M2 Pro/Max can somehow go higher than this in HiDPI.

Thanks that would work for me. That resolution is better than what I get with the MacbookAir-M1. I currently get 5120 X 2160, and the text is too small - although sharp - I can't use this. The next size (the one I am using) is 3008 X 1269 but the text is too big. The text is also sharp, but I lose a lot of screen real estate. I think 3360 × 1418 OR 3840 × 1620 would both work and be preferable to what I get on the MBA-M1.

 

[grmlin]

Thanks that would work for me. That resolution is better than what I get with the MacbookAir-M1. I currently get 5120 X 2160, and the text is too small - although sharp - I can't use this. The next size (the one I am using) is 3008 X 1269 but the text is too big. The text is also sharp, but I lose a lot of screen real estate. I think 3360 × 1418 OR 3840 × 1620 would both work and be preferable to what I get on the MBA-M1.

I also used Windows with this monitor and everything smaller than the 3840 resolution would be too small to me. 3840x1620 is already fairly small. I always have to zoom into my screen when screensharing with people that use normal monitors lol

 

[jdoll021]

Hello all. Thought I’d hit up this thread again before bothering MR at large. I pulled the trigger and bought the LG 34” 5k2k ultrawide. Nice display! I also have a 27” LG 4k on order (if LG ever pulls its head out of its @$$ long enough to ship it). I’m planning on running those two together with a 24” HP 1080p I got from work (positioned vertically). Ultimately I’d like to replace the 24” with something higher rez but options seem to be limited.

So, my question is this: Is it worth the extra money to buy the LG 24” 4k Thunderbolt Display or should I buy a 1440p monitor instead? Keep in mind that it would be vertical.

Btw - I will be running a mixed ecosystem: windows pc from work and (ultimately) the new MBP M2 Max, so no ASD(s) for me.

 

[ac1califas]

I have the LG 34" Ultrawide 5Kx2K, and I now have the MacBook 14" M2 PRO-MAX - attached is a screenshot of the resolutions that look sharp - text is not pixelated nor fuzzy. You have many options to choose from.

I use it in 3840 X 1620 because it provides more real estate, but the text is comfortable.

The image and text are also sharp at the 5120 X 2160 resolution, and this provides even more real estate, but the text is too small to be comfortable.

My previous MacBook Air M1 was not able to provide so many different resolution options with sharp text that was not pixelated or fuzzy. [I also have an extra LG 4K display that I might try to add to see how that looks, but I feel I have enough screen space already. ]

 

[jdoll021]

I have the LG 34" Ultrawide 5Kx2K, and I now have the MacBook 14" M2 PRO-MAX - attached is a screenshot of the resolutions that look sharp - text is not pixelated nor fuzzy. You have many options to choose from.

I use it in 3840 X 1620 because it provides more real estate, but the text is comfortable.

The image and text are also sharp at the 5120 X 2160 resolution, and this provides even more real estate, but the text is too small to be comfortable.

My previous MacBook Air M1 was not able to provide so many different resolution options with sharp text that was not pixelated or fuzzy. [I also have an extra LG 4K display that I might try to add to see how that looks, but I feel I have enough screen space already. ]

You should totally go for adding the extra 4k. I just got my extra 27” LG 4k (basically the same vertical dim as the 34” uw) and it’s amazing with both screens! Now the 24” 1080p only feels out of place. 😆

I was thinking of running that resolution when I get my MBP. Not sure how it compares, but I have my work pc scaled at 150% and it’s a great balance of screen real estate and sharp images. I’m hoping 3840 x 1620 will be good too.

As for what I posted above, I might abandon the dock station idea and just directly plug the screens into the laptops. It seems to be the only way to run more than two high resolution displays since thunderbolt docks can’t handle the throughput.

 

[ChrnoXIII]

hi there! ive spent the last 2 hours reading through this thread and its 2am lol... im beginning to get confused and frustrated

simple question - i just purchased an M2 air (on its way). found out it couldn't support 2 monitors. was hoping to upgrade from 27" 1440p + 24" 1080p to an LG 34" 5k2k ultrawide.
would prefer air due to portability (i know i know its "only" 200g) but open to returning it (and upgrading to M2pro).
i also just dont feel like i need to pay an extra 1k... just to have the M2pro base spec to play nice with a monitor..

if i run the LG 5k2k monitor - my only options for HiDPI is to create dummy screen right? i can't just set a HiDPI res like i can with my current 27" monitor. whats the downside of creating the dummy screen?

would love to hear more opinions. otherwise it feels like a 1.5k compromise..

 

[Pressure]

hi there! ive spent the last 2 hours reading through this thread and its 2am lol... im beginning to get confused and frustrated

simple question - i just purchased an M2 air (on its way). found out it couldn't support 2 monitors. was hoping to upgrade from 27" 1440p + 24" 1080p to an LG 34" 5k2k ultrawide.
would prefer air due to portability (i know i know its "only" 200g) but open to returning it (and upgrading to M2pro).
i also just dont feel like i need to pay an extra 1k... just to have the M2pro base spec to play nice with a monitor..

if i run the LG 5k2k monitor - my only options for HiDPI is to create dummy screen right? i can't just set a HiDPI res like i can with my current 27" monitor. whats the downside of creating the dummy screen?

would love to hear more opinions. otherwise it feels like a 1.5k compromise..

You could also opt for an actual 5K display or the 6K Apple Display Pro XDR.

 

[ChrnoXIII]

You could also opt for an actual 5K display or the 6K Apple Display Pro XDR.

yea it would be great to have a bit more space i guess. more similar to two monitors which is why im looking towards 21:9 as a monitor type

so why cant i just set the HiDPI mode in better dummy. something about the horizontal resolution being limited for M1/M2 base chip

 

[anthonymoody]

yea it would be great to have a bit more space i guess. more similar to two monitors which is why im looking towards 21:9 as a monitor type

so why cant i just set the HiDPI mode in better dummy. something about the horizontal resolution being limited for M1/M2 base chip

Yes. The issue is that the process of displaying HiDPI is first rendering the resolution at 2x in both dimensions. The computation power to do this in a "base" M1/M2 chip is something higher than 7680 (2 * 3840) but lower than 8020 (2 * the next higher resolution of 4010 * 1692).

THAT SAID, IIRC someone in this thread or one of the other threads about these widescreen 5k/2k monitors claims that they got 3840 x 1620 HiDPI working with a base M2 Air. But best to track down that poster and confirm. Sorry I don't know offhand who it was. Note I could *not* get it working on an M2 Air, though that was in a prior MacOS release.

 

[grmlin]

For me this would be just too much of a compromise and I would either get one or more different monitors or a MacBook Pro. My setup has to work, I don't want to waste my time fiddling around with community/external fixes

 

[jdoll021]

@ChrnoXIII, I agree with @grmlin. I’m getting a MBP M2 Max for the same reason, I don’t want to mess around with “hacks” or workarounds and just want to have my three displays working with the laptop out of the box. If you want to put in the time and effort, then you can do as @anthonymoody suggests and peruse this or some of the other ultrawide threads for workarounds.

That said, I have the LG 34” 5k2k ultrawide and I’m loving it so far. I haven’t had a chance to try it out on a MBP yet, but I’ll update when I give it a shot. However, there are some people on this thread who have used it solo with an MBA or used it with an MBP and have loved it. A few even said they didn’t notice a difference between their 27” retina iMacs.