MP 6,1 Studio Display with Mac Pro 2013 any tips and hints?

[12557]

Hey Crew,

yeeeeee I bought me an Studio Display for my loved Mac Pro 6.1 12 Core 128 GB RAM. It works like a charme!

Now I want to know from you are there any things I need to know? Best Resolution? Is there a work around to use the Facetime Camera etc? Are you using an external grapic card? What I need to know? Ah I am working on Monterey ofc!

Thank you soooo much!

Kindest regards from Munich Germany!

Matthias

 

[Bigwaff]

I bought me a Studio Display for my loved Mac Pro 6.1 12 Core 128 GB RAM. It works like a charme!

How did you connect the Studio Display to the “trash can” Mac Pro 6.1 ?

 

[12557]

Hey I am connecting the Display with the original Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB‑C) auf Thunderbolt 2 Adapter. I the best choice?

I am running it now on 2880x1620 is the the best resolution? I am using that menu. Or are there hidden features like HZ and other resolutions?



thank you so much!

 

[brofkand]

Does the display run at the native 5K resolution?

 

[12557]

awww nebie question how can i check that? is it 5120 x 2880?

i think i can set up about 3800 or so

 

[jb310]

I don't think that model of Mac Pro supports the full 5K resolution of the Apple Studio Display... it's not even listed as being fully compatible with that display:

Studio Display - Technical Specifications - Apple Support

support.apple.com

 

[12557]

The highest is 3200x1800 ist nearly 4K right? Is there a hack or work around to push it to 5K and or activate the camera? With a other adapter or something. Normal somebody of the community starts pogromming something

 

[Bigwaff]

I don't think that model of Mac Pro supports the full 5K resolution of the Apple Studio Display

It does not. TB2 supports 1x 4K @ 60 Hz or 2x 1440p @60 Hz

 

[12557]

Sorry what does that mean?

 

[Bigwaff]

Sorry what does that mean?

It means even though you have a 5K 60 Hz display (Apple Studio Display), your 2013 Mac Pro only has Thunderbolt 2, which does not have the bandwidth to support a 5K display over Thunderbolt. You are limited to 1x 4K display @ 60 Hz (Apple Studio Display but only 4K @ 60 Hz) or 2x 2K displays @ 60 Hz (Apple Thunderbolt Display). Mac Pro 2013 only supports 5K displays which support dual-DisplayPort cable (which aren't manufactured any more because single-cable Thunderbolt 3 .. Apple Studio Display.. is current technology). You have to purchase a used dual-DisplayPort cable supported 5K display to get 5K out of the 2013 Mac Pro. Something like this...

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1081827-REG/dell_up2715k_27_5k_5120x2880_computer_monitor.html/specs

 

[AlexMaximus]

Actually, there is something you can do. You should be able to run your new Apple display via an external eGPU. You can find most information about how to set up an eGPU on this link below:

eGPU.io | External Graphics Card Community

egpu.io

Most of your questions will be answered in this specific question.

Now most people drank the Apple Cool-Aid and will tell you, TB2 is not bandwidth. But its not entirely true if you work with the right setup. The real problem is not really the bandwidth, its Apple Software that does not permit it or Apple that does not want you to use the eGPU. According to my research there is a big difference between the "Apple-blessed" eGPU's and the Non-Apple-blessed ones.
Since this whole eGPU Hype is already gone and prices are very low, you may want to consider to go the Apple blessed route. This is mainly either a BlackMagic eGPU (RX580 or Vega56) or the Sonnet Puck systems (RX5500 or RX5700).
According to my sources, the Apple Software problem is more severe than the bandwidth problem.
Since the Vega56 is different and has a regular Display port compared to the smaller version, I would advise to either go with the Vega56 or with a Sonnet Puck version. The Sonnet most likely will be a bit faster because its newer. But I am sure the Vega would look nice besides a 2013 MP6.1. It would be best to do some research for people that have this exact setup and see if you can ask them how it worked for them. The mentioned cable above is very important. I think those are the tow ingredients that will work best. An Apple blessed eGPU and the cable from BigWaffle.

 

[12557]

First of all is 3200x1800 4K? That is the maximum what I can out of the settings on my Mac?

You have to purchase a used dual-DisplayPort cable supported 5K

Ah really how does it looks like on one side two TB2 on the other one? and than it works? Can't find any of that cables on the web do you?

Now most people drank the Apple Cool-Aid and will tell you, TB2 i

Alex very interesting! Thank you sooooooo much for that background infos!


And there is nothing about the FaceTime camera the doesn't work with MP 6.1? No work awwround?


Tank You guys!

 

[AlexMaximus]

Regarding that camera, - this is another example of Apple software (and it’s walled garden) that doesn’t permit you to use it “In the Name of programmed Product obsolescence“.
What I would try is this:
See if you can reach out to Sonnet & OWC / Calldigit … customer support and ask them if the Apple software lock can be removed if you plug in your TB3 cable from your Apple Studio Display into their Dock first and then to your MP6.1. This might help, because a dock can usually split all signals into its separate ones(Video, Data & Audio). Maybe also a simple dongle or adapter can do the trick.
I’d take your MP to an Apple Genius Bar or better an Apple Premium reseller (Gravis) to try out different docks and dongles to see which one disable that Apple software requirement.
Another thing to mention on the eGPU is this. Keep in mind that you always need to use the eGPU (in-line) between your MP and your display. This way it forces MacOS to utilize it. If you just use the eGPU parallel, your benefit will nbe next to nothing. That’s also the reason why only the Vega56 might work compared to the cheaper version, because it works like a dock.

 

[CWallace]

First of all is 3200x1800 4K? That is the maximum what I can out of the settings on my Mac?

4K is officially 3840 x 2160 as it applies to computer displays.

Ah really how does it looks like on one side two TB2 on the other one? and than it works? Can't find any of that cables on the web do you?

What you would need is a 5K monitor that has two DisplayPort 1.2 inputs. These would be circa-2015 models like the Dell UP2715K, HP Z27q or Iiyama PROLITE XB2779QQS. Each DP 1.2 input drives one half of the monitor so you would need two DP 1.2 to USB-C cables and plug each cable into a TB2 port on your 2013 Mac Pro and the DP 1.2 ports on the monitor.

 

[12557]

4K is officially 3840 x 2160 as it applies to computer displays.




What you would need is a 5K monitor that has two DisplayPort 1.2 inputs. These would be circa-2015 models like the Dell UP2715K, HP Z27q or Iiyama PROLITE XB2779QQS. Each DP 1.2 input drives one half of the monitor so you would need two DP 1.2 to USB-C cables and plug each cable into a TB2 port on your 2013 Mac Pro and the DP 1.2 ports on the monitor.

No no no I will stay with the Studio Display!

3840 x 2160

Ok so it is not 4K? But I can't get more right?

Regarding that camera, - this is another example of Apple software (and it’s walled garden) that doesn’t permit you to use it “In the Name of programmed Product obsolescence“.
What I would try is this:

Thank you sooo much for all your infos but I stay just with the adapter

 

[CWallace]

Ok so it is not 4K? But I can't get more right?

My guess is "no" if that is the highest resolution macOS is offering.

 

[12557]

Sure?

 

[12557]

Hey guys I think now I know everything so thank you very much!

I have just tried to connect my new display to my new MacBook Air M2. The default is 2560 x 1440 and when I switch to maximum 5120 x 2880 everything is super small. Am I too stupid or are there more setting options? I would also like to see which refresh rate is used. And even at a resolution of 2560 x 1440, the picture seems super sharp to me, much sharper than on my old Thunderbolt display, but isn't the sharpness due to the 4 or 5 K? I don't understand it

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

 

[Bigwaff]

macOS use HiDPI scaling by default. This the “looks like” 2560x1440. It use all 5K pixels but double up interface elements (it actually 4x pixel per real pixel). This why everything so sharp. It called “retina”.

Mac external displays for designers and developers, part 2

Since writing about Mac external displays in 2016, not much has changed. LG, Dell, Samsung, and other display makers have either never catered for the specs many Mac designers and developers want, or they’ve reluctantly produced products that have been short-lived or compromised.

bjango.com

 

[12557]

Ok long story short, i dont need to use 4k or 5k resolution to get crispy clear right? I can stay on 2560 x 1440? Or do i have to use 5K and the scale? How can in so that. Sorry fro being that stupid hahhahah

 

[Bigwaff]

Ok long story short, i dont need to use 4k or 5k resolution to get crispy clear right? I can stay on 2560 x 1440? Or do i have to use 5K and the scale?

With Studio Display, it will use 5K when select “looks like” 2560x1440. This “default for display” with Studio Display. More reading -

Scaling on macOS | i-tec

i-tec | Manufacturer of branded IT accessories

i-tec.pro

Choosing a monitor for your Mac in 2023

Some will be fine, others will try to kill your eyes

darkghosthunter.medium.com

 

[mattspace]

Ok long story short, i dont need to use 4k or 5k resolution to get crispy clear right? I can stay on 2560 x 1440? Or do i have to use 5K and the scale? How can in so that. Sorry fro being that stupid hahhahah

What you're seeing is most likely 2560x1440 @ 1.5x (4k), upscaled to the 5k panel - akin to plugging a standard-definition VCR into an HD television, rather than the display's "native" display mode of 2560x1440 @ 2x (5k).

It will mostly look the same, unless you get up really close, or if you're doing pixel-exact design work, because the uneven remainders of half a pixel can make UI elements "dance" at small scales.

 

[12557]

Okay, i am working as a graphic designer so in need it pixel perfect but am I wrong I don't have any influence to the scaling right?

 

[pischu12]

I wonder if this adapter is bi directional - ie letting you input two ( thunderbolt 2 to display port cables ) to put out one thunderbolt 3 output for higher resolution ( ie 5K ....)

OWC Thunderbolt Dual DisplayPort Adapter for 4K, 5K, and 8K Displays

Connect up to two 8K displays through just one Thunderbolt port. Experience higher resolutions, faster refresh rates, and multichannel audio formats.

www.owc.com

 

[12557]

does that work?