Thunderbolt Hub with Ethernet for Big Data Transfers Recommendation?

[mjt57]

OWC 11-Port Thunderbolt Dock for M1 and Intel Macs and Thunderbolt 4 (USB 4) PCs

Add three Thunderbolt ports, 4 USB ports, along with Ethernet, audio, and card reader functionality to your Thunderbolt-equipped Mac or Thunderbolt 4 PC.

eshop.macsales.com

Ships mid-January. Best dock I know.

This dock has an ethernet port, I see. How would it go if I had the ethernet plugged into the Mac Mini M1 and one into the port as well? Could I double network transfer rates?

My Synology NAS has two ethernet ports which can be connected to an appropriate switch. It would be useful for me as well as the OP, perhaps?

 

[pldelisle]

Could I double network transfer rates?

It will work, but it won't double transfer rate. You need a managed switch on the other end compatible with either Etherchannel or 802.3ad Link Aggregation. Many different profiles are available but it won't make you a bigger pipe. The Mac could answer to more requests (as CPU power is there) before saturating the link, but you won't have 2 gbps magically.

I have a server with 802.3ad configured to the switch, and the Synology also having 3 of 4 LAN ports on LAG, but it doesn't really go faster since I'm usually the only client of the NAS. If the NAS would have several clients over the LAN, then yes, LAG would be useful since load is spread across multiple LAN adapters. Otherwise, it's just a nice to have.

 

[Chancha]

I never had an issue transferring large files on my last MacBook Pro with an ethernet dongle.

You could try using your NAS's web based panel to access and upload the same files as a test, if it craps out at roughly the same places during the transfer then you can confirm it is network / hardware related.


If yours is a Synology, in DSM you can even try this:
in macOS, System Pref > Sharing > File Sharing > enable a certain folder to be shared via SMB and put your video files in
in DSM > File Station > Mount Remote Folder > CIFS, find your mac shared folder
then copy the video files over all down on DSM, thus eliminating almost any involvement on macOS side since the Mac only acts as a server.

Either way your gut feeling of the dock being the caput is probably correct anyway. For my use case, I have dedicated 10Gbe cabale TB3 docks / adapters for when transferring large media files to and from my NAS. The RJ45 ports on cheaper hubs and docks always seem to be a compromise since they are intended for consumer mixed usage.

 

[guitarguy316]

This is less M1 related and more related specifically to the TS3+ dock:

I've finally managed to get a triple 4K/60 HDR display set up working via HDMI, but using two TS3+ docks. The first fail was picking up a Sonnet Thunderbolt-3 to dual HDMI convertor from Amazon. The fail there was that one of the HDMI ports on it just flaked the hell out. It wouldn't keep a live HDMI connection up no matter what I tried. And in looking closely at the connector on the device, I can see it's a bit damaged. So I decided to use that convertor with one of the HDMI connectors vs both of them. I'll get to that in a moment.

I mistakenly tried this StarTech DP to HDMI convertor to get HDR HDMI from the dock's DP1.2 port. Another fail. I may have just gotten a bad adapter, but it also couldn't keep a live HDMI connection running. And yes I tried all three of my displays and several different HDMI cables. It was the convertor. I've since thrown it into the electronics recycling bin because it's garbage.

After which, I contacted the folks at CalDigit's tech support. Everything I was reading was telling my DP1.2 can't be converted to HDMI and retain its HDR. I bounced that off of them, and the tech said, "Uh, no, that's not true. Have you tried this adapter from UpTab?" I hadn't, and figured since its description said, "will only work properly with a DP1.4 host port" that it wouldn't work. CalDigit offered to send me one free of charge, and they did. BAM. Instant HDR from the TS3+'s DP port. It worked perfectly. So I bought a second one.

At present, I'm driving one of my displays from the half-broken Sonnet Thunderbolt-HDMI convertor, from one of the dock's Thunderbolt ports. The other two displays are powered off each dock's DP port. All three are showing HDR.

BTW I can't say enough good things about the folks at CalDigit. Apparently the CTO was so interested in my question that he's the one who authorized sending me that adapter.

So if I just want want 4K 60hz hdr monitor, can I do undying with caldigit display Port or do I need adapters?

 

[jasonmvp]

So if I just want want 4K 60hz hdr monitor, can I do undying with caldigit display Port or do I need adapters?

I'm not sure I follow exactly what you mean, but let me take a swing at it. The DP1.2 port on the TS3+ will do HDR. If your display has an available DP port on it, you should be fine. Mine doesn't, which is why I needed to convert it to HDMI.

 

[guitarguy316]

I'm not sure I follow exactly what you mean, but let me take a swing at it. The DP1.2 port on the TS3+ will do HDR. If your display has an available DP port on it, you should be fine. Mine doesn't, which is why I needed to convert it to HDMI.

The LG UL600 has both DP and HDMI, so I could use either. I realistically won't be using HDR most of the time but would be nice to be able to turn it on for a movie/youtube videos.

 

[leman]

Is there any reason why it has to be a wired transfer? Any reasonably performant modern WiFi router (fully your budget btw) should be able to saturate the available bandwidth of an average NAS, unless you have an enterprise-level setup. For large transfers, the NAS is going to be the limiting factor anyway. I have no problems copying 50-60 GB over WIFI to my Synology, just takes a couple of minutes.

 

[pldelisle]

Is there any reason why it has to be a wired transfer? Any reasonably performant modern WiFi router (fully your budget btw) should be able to saturate the available bandwidth of an average NAS, unless you have an enterprise-level setup. For large transfers, the NAS is going to be the limiting factor anyway. I have no problems copying 50-60 GB over WIFI to my Synology, just takes a couple of minutes.

A wire is always faster and more stable, whatever the wifi technology you use.

 

[mkitchen]

Is it possible that the M1 goes into sleep and it is this that is breaking the transfer?

Nah, I am on the computer when the error comes in.

 

[joevt]

Updated my HDMI + HDR list at #21 with notes about the Cable Matters 201388 firmware update to support HDR output.

One thing I noticed in Catalina with HDMI output (using a Radeon Pro W7500 connected to a Mac mini 2018) - The Billions of Colors option in SwitchResX only changes the pixel depth of the framebuffer. It does not necessarily change the pixel format of the output signal.

HDR requires 10bpc, so HDMI 2.0 4K60 will definitely use 4:2:0 chroma subsampling in that case and a chroma sub sampling image will definitely show the problem. https://www.rtings.com/tv/learn/chroma-subsampling

If you disable HDR, then macOS may output 4:4:4 8bpc even if you have the framebuffer pixel format set to Billions of Colors.

There exists EDID override scripts to disable 4:2:0 in case macOS chooses 4:2:0 when 4:4:4 is desired and available.
https://gist.github.com/adaugherity/7435890
https://gist.github.com/joevt/32e5efffe3459958759fb702579b9529

 

[joevt]

Updated my HDMI + HDR list at #21 with notes about the Club-3d CAC-1085. A firmware update allows selecting HDR modes in macOS.
One interesting note about macOS BigSur 11.5.2 and HDMI 2.0 is that selecting a 4K 60Hz CVT-RB timing (133kHz 533MHz) will choose 8bpc RGB while choosing HDMI timing (135kHz 594MHz) will choose 10bpc 4:2:0. You can see the difference with a chroma sub sampling test image (look at the red on blue or blue on red text). Of course, HDR requires 10bpc so selecting HDR will force 4:2:0.

 

[Monstieur]

I have the Cable Matters 201388-GRY on the old firmware. My 2019 MBP with Radeon 5300M can run only up to 4K 60 Hz 8-bit RGB SDR with the EDID override on my LG CX.

4K 120 Hz 8-bit RGB requires DisplayPort 1.4 without DSC but I do not have a 120 Hz option at all on Big Sur.
4K 120 Hz 10-bit RGB requires DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC.

It seems like my MBP does not run above DisplayPort 1.2 bandwidth.
4K 60 Hz 10-bit RGB requires DisplayPort 1.2 without DSC so I should be able to run HDR with the new firmware. I don't currently have a HDR option.

 

[joevt]

I have the Cable Matters 201388-GRY on the old firmware. My 2019 MBP with Radeon 5300M can run only up to 4K 60 Hz 8-bit RGB SDR with the EDID override on my LG CX.

4K 120 Hz 8-bit RGB requires DisplayPort 1.4 without DSC but I do not have a 120 Hz option at all on Big Sur.
4K 120 Hz 10-bit RGB requires DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC.

It seems like my MBP does not run above DisplayPort 1.2 bandwidth.
4K 60 Hz 10-bit RGB requires DisplayPort 1.2 without DSC so I should be able to run HDR with the new firmware. I don't currently have a HDR option.

Use Boot Camp to update the firmware?
Retest using Catalina?
Use SwitchResX to check frequency range limits and timings?
Use AGDCDiagnose to check the connection, DSC support, DSC enable, for each test.

Check the override. You can try adding the following to see if it makes a difference. Try adding the following (probably only changes things in Big Sur or maybe it's only for the XDR?):

    <key>DisplayPort</key>
    <dict>
        <key>DisableDSC</key>
        <integer>0</integer>
        <key>DisableFEC</key>
        <integer>0</integer>
    </dict>

I am unsure if macOS supports > HDMI 2.0 timings for HDMI 2.1 displays.

 

[Monstieur]

I am unsure if macOS supports > HDMI 2.0 timings for HDMI 2.1 displays.

macOS should see only a DisplayPort device with the adapters, not HDMI.

I updated the firmware on both my CAC-1085 and 201388-GRY to the latest versions. I see a HDR setting in macOS but only on the default EDID which runs at 4:2:0. If I use the EDID override to get RGB, it's limited to 8-bit and there's no HDR setting.

The adapters are also detected only as DisplayPort 1.2 devices, which explains the lack of 4K 120 Hz. SwitchResX maxes out at 3840x2160 60 Hz and 2560x1440 120 Hz.

* 4: [DP 1.2 4 x HBR2] Status: [4 x HBR3 7777] caps [features 0x101141b, p_encoding 0xd] DVI/HDMI Branch OUI:144-204-036 SYNAa? [083-089-078-065-097-000] HW Version: 16 FW Version: 6.3

Radeon MacBooks do support native DisplayPort 1.4 monitors at 4K 120 Hz 8-bit RGB without DSC, so the issue seems to be only with the adapters.

What Mac do you use to see [DP 1.4 4 x HBR3]?

 

[joevt]

macOS should see only a DisplayPort device with the adapters, not HDMI.

There's a ton of information in the DPCD registers. Some of those registers indicate that the adapter is for HDMI (as in the line you quoted). macOS could do different behaviour because of that or because of any info it gets from DPCD or EDID or its overrides or its defaults or its settings.

I updated the firmware on both my CAC-1085 and 201388-GRY to the latest versions. I see a HDR setting in macOS but only on the default EDID which runs at 4:2:0. If I use the EDID override to get RGB, it's limited to 8-bit and there's no HDR setting.

HDR requires 10bpc. If your override removes 4:2:0, then you cannot do HDMI 2.0 4K 60Hz 10bpc. You could try 30Hz though.

The adapters are also detected only as DisplayPort 1.2 devices, which explains the lack of 4K 120 Hz. SwitchResX maxes out at 3840x2160 60 Hz and 2560x1440 120 Hz.

Notice that your adapter is using HBR3 which is not possible for DisplayPort 1.2.
The DPCD has a separate section for DisplayPort 1.4 information. In the first section, the adapters indicate DisplayPort 1.2 in register 00000h and max link rate HBR2 in register 000001h. But in the DisplayPort 1.4 section at 002200h, it indicates DisplayPort 1.4 and 002201h indicates max link rate is HBR3. The set link rate (HBR3 in your case) is at 00100h.

Radeon MacBooks do support native DisplayPort 1.4 monitors at 4K 120 Hz 8-bit RGB without DSC, so the issue seems to be only with the adapters.

I suspect the issue is with macOS driver. Maybe we need a pixel clock patch to get beyond the HDMI 2.0 limit into the DisplayPort 1.4 range.
I do not have a HDMI 2.1 device to test, and there doesn't exist yet an HDMI 2.1 to DisplayPort 1.4 adapter (but there is a chip for that purpose)
https://insights.club-3d.com/thread/hdmi-2-1-to-usb-c-displayport-1-4-alt-mode/

What Mac do you use to see [DP 1.4 4 x HBR3]?

In my table, I changed the DP 1.2 text to DP 1.4 for adapters that support DP 1.4 (as indicated by the register at 002200h).

 

[Monstieur]

There's a ton of information in the DPCD registers. Some of those registers indicate that the adapter is for HDMI (as in the line you quoted). macOS could do different behaviour because of that or because of any info it gets from DPCD or EDID or its overrides or its defaults or its settings.

Can this be overridden by editing the EDID further?

HDR requires 10bpc. If your override removes 4:2:0, then you cannot do HDMI 2.0 4K 60Hz 10bpc. You could try 30Hz though.

Windows can do HDR fine on 8-bit RGB with dithering. There's no visible difference as even flagship HDR monitors like the Predator X27 are 8-bit + FRC anyway. If Apple supported 8-bit RGB with dithering, HDR would be usable on many 4K 120 Hz monitors.

Do you know if the native HDMI 2.1 port on a Radeon 6600XT would work at 4K 120 Hz with an eGPU? I assume using the adapter on an eGPU's DisplayPort 1.4 output would still link only at DisplayPort 1.2 like the internal GPU.

 

[Monstieur]

I connected the CAC-1085 through a HyperDrive GEN2 18-port TB3 dock's DisplayPort output and I still get 4K 60 Hz RGB. This means it is in fact using DisplayPort 1.4 with HBR3 as the dock has only 2 lanes available for DisplayPort instead of 4 on the MacBook.

So it is indeed a timings limitation on macOS when it recognizes the end display as HDMI.

 

[joevt]

Can this be overridden by editing the EDID further?

Can't override DPCD. One thing I would like to try is override EDID by using a kext to patch the EDID reading routine. By patching the EDID at this lower level, we can do some interesting things that can't be done with the normal macOS EDID override method. If that could be done for EDID then it could be done for DPCD.

Windows can do HDR fine on 8-bit RGB with dithering. There's no visible difference as even flagship HDR monitors like the Predator X27 are 8-bit + FRC anyway. If Apple supported 8-bit RGB with dithering, HDR would be usable on many 4K 120 Hz monitors.

8+FRC means the GPU is transmitting 10 bpc.
Can you show a situation where you can choose 8bpc in Radeon Software or Nvidia Control Panel or whatever and still be in HDR? (Windows Display -> Advanced Settings will show the bpc and HDR/SDR setting in the same dialog).

Do you know if the native HDMI 2.1 port on a Radeon 6600XT would work at 4K 120 Hz with an eGPU? I assume using the adapter on an eGPU's DisplayPort 1.4 output would still link only at DisplayPort 1.2 like the internal GPU.

I don't recall seeing an HDMI 2.1 port working at greater than HDMI 2.0 bandwidth in macOS. I don't have an RDNA2 card to test. Should ask in the 6800/6900 threads.

I connected the CAC-1085 through a HyperDrive GEN2 18-port TB3 dock's DisplayPort output and I still get 4K 60 Hz RGB. This means it is in fact using DisplayPort 1.4 with HBR3 as the dock has only 2 lanes available for DisplayPort instead of 4 on the MacBook.

So it is indeed a timings limitation on macOS when it recognizes the end display as HDMI.

Two lanes of HBR3 is not sufficient for all HDMI 2.0 modes such as 4K 60Hz 594MHz 8bpc 4:4:4. Check the AGDCDiagnose output to see if DSC is enabled. If it's not, then you're either using 4:2:0 (this should appear in the AGDCDiagnose output as well) or you could be using a CVT-RB timing of 533 MHz (the timing can be seen in SwitchResX or AGDCDiagnose for some GPUs).

Actually, on my Mac mini 2018 with W5700 eGPU, if I choose 533 MHz then macOS chooses 8bpc 4:4:4 but if I choose 594 MHz then macOS chooses 10bpc 4:2:0 even though 8bpc 4:4:4 is still possible (4 lanes HBR3 for the adapters) and preferable.

macOS does do dithering in some situations. A 10 bpc image may show banding in QuickView in the Finder but may be dithered in Preview.app. The framebuffer can be 10bpc while the output format is 8bpc. macOS shows the framebuffer pixel depth but not the output pixel depth. The output pixel depth will appear in the AGDCDiagnose output.

 

[joevt]

Updated my list at #21 with update for Club-3d CAC-1080 DisplayPort 1.4 to HDMI 2.0b adapter which supports HDR with firmware update.

 

[Pallish]

Just to add some notes here. I've tried a 6900 XT using Club-3d CAC1085 DP1.4 to HDMI2.1-adapter connecting from the DP-port to a LG CX 48" and regardless of what I do, it still is limited to 4K 60 Hz, so there's no difference than just using the regular HDMI-port on the 6900 XT. Sadly, there doesn't seem to be a way to get 4K 120 Hz on a HDMI-device (TV) in macOS.

 

[Monstieur]

8+FRC means the GPU is transmitting 10 bpc.
Can you show a situation where you can choose 8bpc in Radeon Software or Nvidia Control Panel or whatever and still be in HDR? (Windows Display -> Advanced Settings will show the bpc and HDR/SDR setting in the same dialog).

Yes, the monitor can be run in 8-bit RGB mode while Windows runs at 8-bit RGB with dithering. HDR is fully supported. When you turn on HDR, Windows runs at 8-bit RGB with dithering. When you turn off HDR, it's just 8-bit RGB.

This is the preferred way to run HDR at 4K 120 Hz on DisplayPort 1.4 non-DSC monitors like the Predator X27. This monitor is 8-bit + FRC so there is no point in sending it a native 10-bit signal - might as well do dithering at the source and run a higher refresh rate with the extra bandwidth. 10-bit RGB is supported only at 98 Hz and the monitor would be doing FRC anyway, which is a waste of bandwidth when the OS supports dithering.

Two lanes of HBR3 is not sufficient for all HDMI 2.0 modes such as 4K 60Hz 594MHz 8bpc 4:4:4. Check the AGDCDiagnose output to see if DSC is enabled. If it's not, then you're either using 4:2:0 (this should appear in the AGDCDiagnose output as well) or you could be using a CVT-RB timing of 533 MHz (the timing can be seen in SwitchResX or AGDCDiagnose for some GPUs).

I'm running 4K 60 Hz 8-bit RGB with the EDID patcher and the default timings of the CAC-1085 / Cable Matters adapter. This works with just 2 lanes available through a Thunderbolt dock. I'll have to double check but I don't recall seeing DSC enabled. It's probably using reduced blanking.

macOS does do dithering in some situations. A 10 bpc image may show banding in QuickView in the Finder but may be dithered in Preview.app. The framebuffer can be 10bpc while the output format is 8bpc. macOS shows the framebuffer pixel depth but not the output pixel depth. The output pixel depth will appear in the AGDCDiagnose output.

Unfortunately macOS doesn't allow you to enable HDR with a 8-bit RGB signal though. Windows presents a higher bit-depth framebuffer to all games & applications and transparently dithers down to 8-bit RGB with HDR enabled.

 

[desert0616]

Instead of a second dock (if the first dock has enough ports for you), you could use a less expensive Thunderbolt to Dual HDMI or DisplayPort adapter.

If your 4K 60Hz displays have DisplayPort input, then you should use that to allow 10bpc without chroma subsampling (HDMI 2.0 4K 60Hz is limited to 8bpc without chroma sub sampling or 10bpc with chroma sub sampling). But I guess if your display only has one DisplayPort input and it's already taken by another PC, then HDMI is your only choice (unless there's also USB-C input).

For HDR, I tried many adapters connected to a Alpine Ridge base Thunderbolt 3 device. Only a few support HDR.

Capability Flags:
    Intel GPU: features   0x1000a p_encoding 0x9 (3 features and 2 pixel encodings)
      AMD GPU: features 0x101001b p_encoding 0xd (6 features and 3 pixel encodings)

Notes:
    Information taken from AGDCDiagnose output.
    In all cases where DisplayPort is used, the device is "DVI/HDMI Branch", except in the case of an MST hub where only the info for the MST hub is shown.

No HDR:
- Club 3D CAC-1070 (DisplayPort 1.2 to HDMI 2.0 UHD)                                      [DP 1.2     4 x HBR2] OUI:000-028-248 Parade Technologies, Ltd.   176GB0 [066-048] HW: 16   FW: 7.30
- Plugable usbc-hdmi                                                                      [DP 1.2     4 x HBR2] OUI:000-028-248 Parade Technologies, Ltd.   176GB0 [066-048] HW: 16   FW: 7.30
- Delock 62735 (mini DisplayPort to HDMI 2.0) Parade PS176                                [DP 1.2     4 x HBR2] OUI:000-028-248 Parade Technologies, Ltd.   176GB0 [066-048] HW: 16   FW: 7.85
- OWC Thunderbolt 2 Dock HDMI port (limited to HDMI 1.4)                                  [DP 1.2     4 x HBR ] OUI:000-080-182 GOOD WAY IND. CO., LTD.     DB9001 [048-049] HW: 128  FW: 7.54
- StarTech TB32HD2 (limited to HDMI 1.4) Parade 181HDMA1                                  [DP 1.2     4 x HBR ] OUI:000-080-182 GOOD WAY IND. CO., LTD.     HDMI_A [095-065] HW: 128  FW: 7.54
                                                                                          [DP 1.2     4 x HBR ] OUI:000-080-182 GOOD WAY IND. CO., LTD.     HDMI_B [095-066] HW: 128  FW: 7.54
- Club 3D CAC-1080 (DisplayPort 1.4 to HDMI 2.0b)                                         [DP 1.4     4 x HBR2] OUI:000-096-173 MegaChips Corporation       MC290? [048-009] HW: 20   FW: 11.116 (11.116.009)
- Club 3D CAC-1085 (DisplayPort 1.4 to HDMI 4K120Hz) (see new FW below)                   [DP 1.4 DSC 4 x HBR3] OUI:000-224-076 REALTEK SEMICONDUCTOR CORP. Dp1.2? [050-000] HW: 0    FW: 0.0 (0.09)
- Startech DVI DisplayPort 1.2 to DVI Dual Link) (no picture)                             [DP 1.2     4 x HBR ] OUI:144-204-036 Synaptics, Inc VMM2326      SYNA?? [000-000] HW: 16   (2.19.000)
- Club 3D CAC-1510 (DisplayPort 1.2 to DVI Dual Link HDCP-ON or HDCP-OFF)                 [DP 1.2     4 x HBR ] OUI:144-204-036 Synaptics, Inc VMM2320      SYNA#  [035-032] HW: 16   (2.33.102)
- CalDigit SOHO (DisplayPort 1.4 to HDMI 2.0b with MST hub)                            
    (the OUI is for the MST hub - OUI for HDMI converter is unknown)                      [DP 1.4 DSC 2 x HBR3] OUI:144-204-036 Synaptics, Inc VMM5210      SYNAR? [082-016] HW: 16   (5.05.202)
- Apple Mini DisplayPort to DVI adapter A1305 requires DisplayPort Dual Mode (DP++) (OUI for HDMI converter is unknown)
    1) DP++ provided by HP Thunderbolt Dock G2 (the OUI is for the MST hub)               [DP 1.4     4 x HBR3] OUI:144-204-036 Synaptics, Inc VMM5333      SYNAS3 [083-051] HW: 16   (5.04.005)
- Cable Matters 201388 USB-C to HDMI 2.1 Adapter (see new FW below)                       [DP 1.4 DSC 4 x HBR3] OUI:144-204-036 Synaptics, Inc VMM6100      SYNAa? [097-000] HW: 16   (6.03.002)

HDR:
- Club 3D CAC-1080 (DisplayPort 1.4 to HDMI 2.0b)                                         [DP 1.4     4 x HBR2] OUI:000-096-173 MegaChips Corporation       MC2910 [049-048] HW: 20   FW: 11.116 (11.116.009_HDR)
- Club 3D CAC-1085 (DisplayPort 1.4 to HDMI 4K120Hz)                                      [DP 1.4 DSC 4 x HBR3] OUI:000-224-076 REALTEK SEMICONDUCTOR CORP. Dp1.4? [052-000] HW: 32   FW: 130.0 (1.07)
- Cable Matters 201388 USB-C to HDMI 2.1 Adapter                                          [DP 1.4 DSC 4 x HBR3] OUI:144-204-036 Synaptics, Inc VMM6100      SYNAa? [097-000] HW: 16   6.03.123
- Apple Mac mini 2018 HDMI 2.0b (MegaChips MCDP2920A4 DP 1.4 to HDMI 2.0b)                [DP 1.4     4 x HBR2] OUI:000-016-250 Apple, Inc.                 pHDMIf [073-102] HW: 20   FW: 2.25
- Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter A2119                                          [DP 1.4 DSC 2 x HBR3] OUI:000-016-250 Apple, Inc.                 cHDMIb [073-098] HW: 1    FW: 255.193
- Apple Mini DisplayPort to DVI adapter A1305 requires DisplayPort Dual Mode (DP++) 
    2) DP++ provided by AMD RX 580 DisplayPort port (colors are wrong, no DisplayPort info)
- AMD RX 580 HDMI 2.0 port (no DisplayPort info)
- AMD RX 580 DisplayPort using DisplayPort Dual Mode to HDMI cable (supports 597 MHz and HDR) (no DisplayPort info)

What's really strange is the CAC-1080 and CAC-1085 did not show an HDR option in Displays preferences panel even when the adapters were connected to an AMD RX 580. This is in Big Sur. Needs more investigation (see Update2 below).

One thing I learned is that the AMD RX 580 supports DisplayPort Dual-Mode 2.0 (I had to fiddle with my DisplayPort to HDMI passive dual mode cable a bit though - I know it's dual mode because the cable would not work from non-dual mode DisplayPort ports - which includes all USB-C/Thunderbolt ports). https://www.newegg.ca/p/N82E16886944084

Another thing I learned is that the Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter A2119 supports DSC which means it can do 4K 60Hz 594MHz 8bpc with DSC instead of 4:2:2 or 4:2:0. 10bpc must still be done with 4:2:2 or 4:2:0 but doesn't need DSC in that case.

Update 1:
- Cable Matters 201388 has a firmware update (requires Windows or BootCamp to apply) to add HDR support. https://kb.cablematters.com/index.php?View=entry&EntryID=147
Update 2:
- CAC-1085 has a firmware update (1.07 - requires Windows or BootCamp to apply) that enables selecting HDR in macOS. E-mail club-3d support to get the update.
Update 3:
- CAC-1080 has a firmware update (11.116.009_210303_HDR - requires Windows or BootCamp to apply) that enables selecting HDR in macOS. E-mail club-3d support to get the update.

Hi @joevt , do you have any ideas that how will cac-1085 work under rx6800 + LG C1 + macos.

I was wondering if there is any way to fully power LG C1 under 4k120hz 10bit 444 in macos? Will this adapter can achieve that? Thanks.

 

[joevt]

Hi @joevt , do you have any ideas that how will cac-1085 work under rx6800 + LG C1 + macos.

I was wondering if there is any way to fully power LG C1 under 4k120hz 10bit 444 in macos? Will this adapter can achieve that? Thanks.

I don't have a HDMI 2.1 display to test so I can't say.
4K120 10bpc 4:4:4 or RGB requires DisplayPort 1.4 DSC to be supported. It might have a better chance of working in Catalina than Big Sur or newer macOS versions.

 

[desert0616]

Just to add some notes here. I've tried a 6900 XT using Club-3d CAC1085 DP1.4 to HDMI2.1-adapter connecting from the DP-port to a LG CX 48" and regardless of what I do, it still is limited to 4K 60 Hz, so there's no difference than just using the regular HDMI-port on the 6900 XT. Sadly, there doesn't seem to be a way to get 4K 120 Hz on a HDMI-device (TV) in macOS.

Thanks for reporting this.

When you are using 69xt+cac1085, can you get 4k60hz 10bit 444 or just 8bit 444 or 10bit 420 (which can also be supported by hdmi version 2.0)?

 

[desert0616]

Instead of a second dock (if the first dock has enough ports for you), you could use a less expensive Thunderbolt to Dual HDMI or DisplayPort adapter.

If your 4K 60Hz displays have DisplayPort input, then you should use that to allow 10bpc without chroma subsampling (HDMI 2.0 4K 60Hz is limited to 8bpc without chroma sub sampling or 10bpc with chroma sub sampling). But I guess if your display only has one DisplayPort input and it's already taken by another PC, then HDMI is your only choice (unless there's also USB-C input).

For HDR, I tried many adapters connected to a Alpine Ridge base Thunderbolt 3 device. Only a few support HDR.

Capability Flags:
    Intel GPU: features   0x1000a p_encoding 0x9 (3 features and 2 pixel encodings)
      AMD GPU: features 0x101001b p_encoding 0xd (6 features and 3 pixel encodings)

Notes:
    Information taken from AGDCDiagnose output.
    In all cases where DisplayPort is used, the device is "DVI/HDMI Branch", except in the case of an MST hub where only the info for the MST hub is shown.

No HDR:
- Club 3D CAC-1070 (DisplayPort 1.2 to HDMI 2.0 UHD)                                      [DP 1.2     4 x HBR2] OUI:000-028-248 Parade Technologies, Ltd.   176GB0 [066-048] HW: 16   FW: 7.30
- Plugable usbc-hdmi                                                                      [DP 1.2     4 x HBR2] OUI:000-028-248 Parade Technologies, Ltd.   176GB0 [066-048] HW: 16   FW: 7.30
- Delock 62735 (mini DisplayPort to HDMI 2.0) Parade PS176                                [DP 1.2     4 x HBR2] OUI:000-028-248 Parade Technologies, Ltd.   176GB0 [066-048] HW: 16   FW: 7.85
- OWC Thunderbolt 2 Dock HDMI port (limited to HDMI 1.4)                                  [DP 1.2     4 x HBR ] OUI:000-080-182 GOOD WAY IND. CO., LTD.     DB9001 [048-049] HW: 128  FW: 7.54
- StarTech TB32HD2 (limited to HDMI 1.4) Parade 181HDMA1                                  [DP 1.2     4 x HBR ] OUI:000-080-182 GOOD WAY IND. CO., LTD.     HDMI_A [095-065] HW: 128  FW: 7.54
                                                                                          [DP 1.2     4 x HBR ] OUI:000-080-182 GOOD WAY IND. CO., LTD.     HDMI_B [095-066] HW: 128  FW: 7.54
- Club 3D CAC-1080 (DisplayPort 1.4 to HDMI 2.0b)                                         [DP 1.4     4 x HBR2] OUI:000-096-173 MegaChips Corporation       MC290? [048-009] HW: 20   FW: 11.116 (11.116.009)
- Club 3D CAC-1085 (DisplayPort 1.4 to HDMI 4K120Hz) (see new FW below)                   [DP 1.4 DSC 4 x HBR3] OUI:000-224-076 REALTEK SEMICONDUCTOR CORP. Dp1.2? [050-000] HW: 0    FW: 0.0 (0.09)
- Startech DVI DisplayPort 1.2 to DVI Dual Link) (no picture)                             [DP 1.2     4 x HBR ] OUI:144-204-036 Synaptics, Inc VMM2326      SYNA?? [000-000] HW: 16   (2.19.000)
- Club 3D CAC-1510 (DisplayPort 1.2 to DVI Dual Link HDCP-ON or HDCP-OFF)                 [DP 1.2     4 x HBR ] OUI:144-204-036 Synaptics, Inc VMM2320      SYNA#  [035-032] HW: 16   (2.33.102)
- CalDigit SOHO (DisplayPort 1.4 to HDMI 2.0b with MST hub)                            
    (the OUI is for the MST hub - OUI for HDMI converter is unknown)                      [DP 1.4 DSC 2 x HBR3] OUI:144-204-036 Synaptics, Inc VMM5210      SYNAR? [082-016] HW: 16   (5.05.202)
- Apple Mini DisplayPort to DVI adapter A1305 requires DisplayPort Dual Mode (DP++) (OUI for HDMI converter is unknown)
    1) DP++ provided by HP Thunderbolt Dock G2 (the OUI is for the MST hub)               [DP 1.4     4 x HBR3] OUI:144-204-036 Synaptics, Inc VMM5333      SYNAS3 [083-051] HW: 16   (5.04.005)
- Cable Matters 201388 USB-C to HDMI 2.1 Adapter (see new FW below)                       [DP 1.4 DSC 4 x HBR3] OUI:144-204-036 Synaptics, Inc VMM6100      SYNAa? [097-000] HW: 16   (6.03.002)

HDR:
- Club 3D CAC-1080 (DisplayPort 1.4 to HDMI 2.0b)                                         [DP 1.4     4 x HBR2] OUI:000-096-173 MegaChips Corporation       MC2910 [049-048] HW: 20   FW: 11.116 (11.116.009_HDR)
- Club 3D CAC-1085 (DisplayPort 1.4 to HDMI 4K120Hz)                                      [DP 1.4 DSC 4 x HBR3] OUI:000-224-076 REALTEK SEMICONDUCTOR CORP. Dp1.4? [052-000] HW: 32   FW: 130.0 (1.07)
- Cable Matters 201388 USB-C to HDMI 2.1 Adapter                                          [DP 1.4 DSC 4 x HBR3] OUI:144-204-036 Synaptics, Inc VMM6100      SYNAa? [097-000] HW: 16   6.03.123
- Apple Mac mini 2018 HDMI 2.0b (MegaChips MCDP2920A4 DP 1.4 to HDMI 2.0b)                [DP 1.4     4 x HBR2] OUI:000-016-250 Apple, Inc.                 pHDMIf [073-102] HW: 20   FW: 2.25
- Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter A2119                                          [DP 1.4 DSC 2 x HBR3] OUI:000-016-250 Apple, Inc.                 cHDMIb [073-098] HW: 1    FW: 255.193
- Apple Mini DisplayPort to DVI adapter A1305 requires DisplayPort Dual Mode (DP++) 
    2) DP++ provided by AMD RX 580 DisplayPort port (colors are wrong, no DisplayPort info)
- AMD RX 580 HDMI 2.0 port (no DisplayPort info)
- AMD RX 580 DisplayPort using DisplayPort Dual Mode to HDMI cable (supports 597 MHz and HDR) (no DisplayPort info)

What's really strange is the CAC-1080 and CAC-1085 did not show an HDR option in Displays preferences panel even when the adapters were connected to an AMD RX 580. This is in Big Sur. Needs more investigation (see Update2 below).

One thing I learned is that the AMD RX 580 supports DisplayPort Dual-Mode 2.0 (I had to fiddle with my DisplayPort to HDMI passive dual mode cable a bit though - I know it's dual mode because the cable would not work from non-dual mode DisplayPort ports - which includes all USB-C/Thunderbolt ports). https://www.newegg.ca/p/N82E16886944084

Another thing I learned is that the Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter A2119 supports DSC which means it can do 4K 60Hz 594MHz 8bpc with DSC instead of 4:2:2 or 4:2:0. 10bpc must still be done with 4:2:2 or 4:2:0 but doesn't need DSC in that case.

Update 1:
- Cable Matters 201388 has a firmware update (requires Windows or BootCamp to apply) to add HDR support. https://kb.cablematters.com/index.php?View=entry&EntryID=147
Update 2:
- CAC-1085 has a firmware update (1.07 - requires Windows or BootCamp to apply) that enables selecting HDR in macOS. E-mail club-3d support to get the update.
Update 3:
- CAC-1080 has a firmware update (11.116.009_210303_HDR - requires Windows or BootCamp to apply) that enables selecting HDR in macOS. E-mail club-3d support to get the update.

Hi @joevt , I was confused about the extra power port on CAC-1085. Why it is required compared with other adapters using the same chip. And if CAC-1085 is the best choice on the market now. Thanks.