Is Thunderbolt Important For A Monitor?

[PGB1]

Hello All!
I apologize if this is in the wrong forum section.

I'll buy soon a small MacBook Air or Pro & use it with a 24 or 27" non-Apple external monitor. When monitor shopping, I noticed that those equipped with Thunderbolt connections were substantially more expensive than those without. I've read many articles saying it is a must for any Mac computer to avoid lag & others that say to skip it unless one does video editing or detailed graphic art. So, I'm conflicted.

I use the computer for writing documents, spreadsheets, on line research, e-mail and once in a while a You Tube video. I also do relatively simple CAD drawings. Photo editing is done, but fine detail isn't necessary, nor visible to by eyesight. No video editing is done, nor is print-art graphics. (Artist I am not)

Does Thunderbolt sound worth the extra cost for my uses?
Do any of you have monitors that you enjoy using with the Mac?

Thanks For Helping me choose this monitor. I appreciate how people share their experience & knowledge here.

 

[Raz0rEdge]

Lot of marketing BS there..

You definitely need a gold plated hyper-fast shiny cable..

You'll be fine with the umpteen display connector types that have been around for a while. HDMI, DVI are fine..DisplayPort/miniDisplayPort is also fine..

They are all fine. They'll all work..

The TB connector on the MBA/MBP ends up translating to the other display types without any problems.

So find a monitor that fits your budget and you can connect it to the Macbook with the right adapter and it will function fine.

 

[Randy B. Singer]

Does Thunderbolt sound worth the extra cost for my uses?

No, not even a little bit. The connection from your Macbook to your monitor is going to be a digital one. Whether that connection is via DisplayPort, HDMI, or Thunderbolt, with some caveats, the performance is all going to be identical. It's just ones and zeros, all standards can convey that in full quality (assuming that you have to proper cables and adapters for the job). So, it's just fine to go with what has become the standard for computer monitor connections (and televisions), which is HDMI.

The biggest caveat is that the USB-C ports in your new Macbook are really Thunderbolt ports. So it's important to get an adapter (USB-C to HDMI) to connect your Macbook to your monitor that supports Thunderbolt, and thereby offers the best possible performance,. This one is inexpensive and has been proven to work well:

Anker USB C to HDMI Adapter (4K@60Hz), PowerExpand+ Aluminum Portable USB C Adapter, for MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iPad Pro, Pixelbook, XPS, Galaxy, and More (Compatible with Thunderbolt 3) up to 4K@60Hz resolution
$18
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07THJGZ9Z/?tag=macforums0e4-20

You will also need an HDMI cable that is HDMI 2.0 compliant or better of the necessary length. Something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TDH11BJ/?tag=macforums0e4-20

Do any of you have monitors that you enjoy using with the Mac?

Currently a 27-inch monitor is the sweet spot in the market for size vs. price.

These monitors are currently great deals:

YEYIAN ODRAZ 27” IPS Panel HDR 4K UHD Slim Bezel PC Gaming Monitor 3840x2160, 1 Billion Colors, Low Blue, 300cd/m2, 1000:1, 60Hz, 5ms, 16:9, 178°, G-Sync, FreeSync, DP/HDMI/USB, Speakers, VESA, Tilt
$220
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09HN6XSYS/?tag=macforums0e4-20

ASUS VP28UQG 28" 4K/UHD 3840x2160 1ms DP HDMI Adaptive Sync/FreeSync Eye Care Monitor
$255
tps://www.amazon.om/dp/B074PK4R2H/ (outdated link removed)

If you are on a budget, and you would be happy with a slightly lower spec monitor (which will still look great), currently this monitor is a screaming deal:

Hewlett Packard Hp 27m 27-inch Monitor, IPS Full HD (1920 x 1080) Micro-Edge Monitor, HDMI, VGA, 60hz 5ms
$151
Robot or human?

Note that if you get a monitor that doesn't have speakers built-in, you may want to get external speakers to use with your Macbook while it is connected to your external monitor. In fact, you may prefer to have external speakers, because the speakers that are usually included inside monitors usually suck. These speakers are relatively inexpensive and excellent:

Logitech Z313 2.1 Multimedia Speaker System with Subwoofer
$60
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002HWRZ2K/?tag=macforums0e4-20

Also, if you get a Macbook that doesn't have many USB-C/Thunderbolt ports, you may need a couple more. This hub will fix that:

Plugable USB-C Hub 7-in-1
$30
[URL code="true"]https://www.amazon.com/Plugable-Multiport-Compatible-Chromebook-Thunderbolt/dp/B08BLXG7C1/[/URL]
DO NOT use the HDMI port in this hub to connect to your monitor. Use the adapter that I referenced above and connect that directly to the USB-C/Thunderbolt port in your Macbook to connect to your monitor.

I hope this helps.

 

[PGB1]

Thanks Ashwin & Randy B. Singer for the very helpful advice. I very much appreciate it.

Thanks Randy B. Singer for the very helpful links. Very helpful. I was quite lost after monitor searching. these links really help.

I'll certainly keep this thread available while I shop as a reminder to nuke-out the marketing hype that's so cleverly presented.

On behalf of my wallet, Thanks Again!

Paul

 

[Seeking Answers]

Call LG before you buy a monitor for your MBP. I am using 2 LG monitors (32UN880) and they told me NOT to use the USB-c to USB-c connectors because they do not play well with MBP M1 2020. One monitor will not turn on.
Use HDMI to HDMI instead.

 

[Raz0rEdge]

Since LG worked very closely with Apple to create the UltraFine series, I'm a little surprised that they'd say not to use that cabling. Also, most computers only have one HDMI connector, so you're absolutely going to be use TB for additional monitors.

 

[Seeking Answers]

Since LG worked very closely with Apple to create the UltraFine series, I'm a little surprised that they'd say not to use that cabling. Also, most computers only have one HDMI connector, so you're absolutely going to be use TB for additional monitors.

Yes, I am using 2 HDMI connectors now. One goes directly into the MacBook M1 Pro, and the other HDI cable goes into the MacBook Pro via an Anker dongle with a USB-C connector....not a Thunderbolt connector. The Anker dongle has an HDMI input. I plugged the HDMI cable into that, then into the HDMI input on the back of the other monitor. Both cables are HDMI to HDMI. Each one feeds into the back of each monitor. Should I be using a dongle that is TB connected instead?

 

[Raz0rEdge]

You can use as many or as little adapters as you want. The MBP has a single HDMI connector (the older versions had none) and the USB-C connector is a TB port that can be translated to USB-3, HDMI, DVI, miniDP, DP, etc.

So if you use a dongle to go from USB-C to HDMI female and then an HDMI male-to-male cable to connect to the monitor, you can accomplish the same thing with a USB-C(TB)->HDMI cable. If the first setup works, the second setup should work just as well as long as the cable is good.

There's nothing special about a pure HDMI cable that makes it somehow better than the other connectors.

 

[Randy B. Singer]

Call LG before you buy a monitor for your MBP. I am using 2 LG monitors (32UN880) and they told me NOT to use the USB-c to USB-c connectors because they do not play well with MBP M1 2020. One monitor will not turn on.
Use HDMI to HDMI instead.

Are you sure that you fully understood what they told you?

The problem that I'm seeing (often several times a week) is that those "USB-C" ports on a MBP are actually Thunderbolt 3/4 ports. As is the "USB-C" input on those high-end monitors.

If you attach such a monitor to your MBP using an ordinary USB-C to USB-C cable, the monitor may not work. What you need is a USB-C to USB-C adapter cable that supports Thunderbolt 3/4. You can also use a USB-C/Thunderbolt 3/4 to HDMI 2.x adapter cable.

 

[Seeking Answers]

Thank you Randy, RazOrEdge and Ashwin!

You inspired me to dig deeper into understanding the differences between USBC and USBC TB, as related to my issues. Thank you for clarifying!

My LG 32UN880 monitors do NOT have TB inputs in the back. I was using the USBC-USBC cables that came with the monitors. So.... I see that I am underutilizing my MBP16 features by not using monitors and cables with TB capabilities.

Two Questions:

1. I am guessing that there is no advantage to using TB cables if there is no TB input on the LG monitors. Or is there?

2. These LG monitors are returnable. Speaking from a PERFORMANCE mindset, is there anything of value to be gained if I swipe out my LG monitors for Apple Studio Displays? (The FaceTime camera and upgraded internal speakers are irrelevant to me)

Thank you so much for your help! You are terrific resources with answers that are so difficult to find. I appreciate your time and effort in helping me!

Cheers to all of you!

 

[Randy B. Singer]

1. I am guessing that there is no advantage to using TB cables if there is no TB input on the LG monitors. Or is there?

If you are correct that the USB-C input on your monitor doesn't support Thunderbolt (and I find it a bit hard to believe), then I would instead use a Thunderbolt 3/4 to HDMI adapter to connect to the HDMI input of the monitor to get best performance. Something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08BZKCB7V/?tag=macforums0e4-20

2. These LG monitors are returnable. Speaking from a PERFORMANCE mindset, is there anything of value to be gained if I swipe out my LG monitors for Apple Studio Displays? (The FaceTime camera and upgraded internal speakers are irrelevant to me)

Well, when you are talking about an Apple Studio monitor, you are talking about a very high-end $1,600 monitor. Do you really need such an expensive monitor? I can point you to a similar 4K monitor for a fraction of the price, and only a very few folks would even be able to notice the difference in picture quality. Are you a graphics professional? Otherwise, I think that you are just looking to throw money away needlessly.

Have a look at this monitor:

ASUS VP28UQG 28" 4K/UHD 3840x2160 1ms DP HDMI Adaptive Sync/FreeSync Eye Care Monitor
$255

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[Randy B. Singer]

My LG 32UN880 monitors do NOT have TB inputs in the back.

I just checked on LG's Web site. Your LG 32UN880's USB-C input ports support "DisplayPort Alternate mode". Mac's support that enhanced display mode via Thunderbolt. So, yes, if you want the best performance, you need cabling that supports Thunderbolt.

 

[pm-r]

Are you a graphics professional? Otherwise, I think that you are just looking to throw money away needlessly.

Apple just loves those kind of users!!!


- Patrick
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[ferrarr]

Apple just loves those kind of users!!!


- Patrick
=======

Don't be silly, every merchant loves them.

 

[PGB1]

I apologize for abandoning this thread that I created. I don't receive notification e-mails from Mac-Forums sometimes and I usually forget to check (scatter brain).

The hub that Randy B. Singer linked looks like it will solve all of my "how do I plug of these things into the new comptuer?" questions without breaking the bank. (I saw some that will do the same, but will break the bank.) The linked monitors also look reasonable & are far more monitor for the money than those I found on my own.

Is there any disadvantage to going through a hub or dock with a monitor? As is the case with most things, articles say that it isn't a problem and articles say it is a problem.

 

[Randy B. Singer]

The hub that Randy B. Singer linked looks like it will solve all of my "how do I plug of these things into the new comptuer?" questions without breaking the bank. ...

Is there any disadvantage to going through a hub or dock with a monitor? As is the case with most things, articles say that it isn't a problem and articles say it is a problem.

Going back and looking through this thread, the only actual hub that I've recommend is the one from Plugable. I hope that you noticed that I specifically told you NOT to use that hub's HDMI port to attach your Mac to your monitor. That hub only supports 4K @ 30Hz. Your Mac's Thunderbolt ports, and the USB-C/Thunderbolt to HDMI adapters that I've mentioned in this thread, can support 4K @ 60Hz, and that's what you want.

 

[PGB1]

Thank You Randy B. Singer for clarifying. I appreciate it.
We're leaning toward MacBook Air M2. Apple's specification sheet says: (2) Thunderbolt 3, USB 4, USB 3.1.

Since it also has a MagSafe, for the best signal to the monitor; the hub will plug into one USB and the monitor, with adapter, to the other. Ethernet will go to the hub, as will Time Machine and any temporary items (such as a SD card or phone).

Did I get it correct?

 

[Randy B. Singer]

Did I get it correct?

Yes, that sounds perfect!

This might be obvious, but make sure that you purchase any hubs, adapters, and monitors from sources that have excellent return policies, and that you also purchase using a credit card that has an excellent reputation for being willing to intervene if you have any problems with goods that you purchase with it (like an American Express card.)

That way, if any of the things that you purchase don't like working with each other, you can easily return them and try something else.

Good luck!

 

[PGB1]

Thanks Again Randy B. Singer. Finally all this confusion is starting to line up in my technology phobic brain.

Good point about the credit card. We've had painless results with American Express and Citi Visa for the rare vendor dispute. (Citi Visa wins for items with a warranty due to the 2 year extension. )

Thanks Again Everyone! for alleviating much of the confusion that I have making this giant leap from 2007 to 2020. (Closed Captioning: Sigh of relief)

Paul

 

[pm-r]

. (Closed Captioning: Sigh of relief)

In case you need one.


And more:

sigh of relief emoji - Google Search

- Patrick
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