[Tested] Intel Macs can actually drive Studio Display XDR at 5k 120Hz with variable refresh rate and have full daisy chain capabilities too
By SwiftMaker840 · QUESTION · About MacBook Pro M4
I was a bit sad when Apple display XDR came out. It is the only glossy 5k 120hz monitor whereas my max outed i9 5600M MacBook Pro is no longer in the official supported device list. Among the old “unsupported” windows league there are already people who already getting 5k 120Hz non-VRR (foreshadowing cough cough) by plugging apple XDR display to their PC via DP2.1 port in their gleaming 5090. However on the other hand, “obsoleted” Intel Mac seems to be forgotten among the Mac league for which the apple XDR display is supposed to target in the first place. Nevertheless to see how far my TB3 Intel Mac can push with its weeny 40Gbps bandwidth I snatch it from its comfy TB3 dock and have it come along on my Apple Store pilgrimage.
I started by carefully unplugging a Mac studio, suspense arose like forever (15ish seconds) and when I doubted why am I even trying it’s no even going to light up like 5 times, boom, it lit up and the setting shows 5k 120hz with VRR (variable refresh rate) on. I then promptly followed up by crucially transplanting another studio diaplay’s cable. The result completely blowed my mind, it goes to show that my puny TB3 controller managed to drive at not 4k120hz, not 5k60hz, rather, VIA A SINGLE TB5 CABLE, one ASD 2026 and one ASD XDR 2026 daisy chained together as apple intended on the latest apple silicone chips, something even M-Ultra Mac can’t achieve (at least officially)! Quote from apple’s tech spec (https://www.apple.com/studio-display-xdthis community/)
>Mac models with M1, M1 Pro, M1 Max, M1 Ultra, M2, and M3 support Studio Display XDR at up to 60Hz. All other Studio Display XDR features are supported.
More thrillingly, both monitors running at their finest performance—5k 120Hz WITH VRR (variable refresh rate) for ASD XDR and 5k 60Hz for ASD. 5090 (or windows) get roasted in this round.
I don’t have other Intel Mac, but considering the same T2 chip, 2019 Intel Mac Pro or even other weaker Intel Macs might be able to pull the same result.
I am no expert on displayport protocol, bandwidth, DSC, thunderbolt controller, VRR etc. so please don’t hesitate share your technical thought on how does apple get to pump 5k120hz+5k60hz with only TB3’s 40Gbps bandwidth.
(Ignore those black dots on photos since my iphone is as old as my MacBook :/)
264 upvotes · 4 comments
Comments (4)
EagerOwl7486: If you look at:
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DisplayPort#Refresh\_frequency\_limits\_for\_common\_resolutions](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DisplayPort#Refresh_frequency_limits_for_common_resolutions)
Then you can see that DP 1.4 technically allows to run 5k@240hz with DSC so 5k@120hz + 5k@60hz
EpicPulse839: My understanding is that being unsupported has little to do with whether a device can drive the display or not.
It is regarding the Spatial Audio, center stage, and other software features of the Studio Display, and whether Apple will release software updates to ensure that these features work pro
CosmicByte7712: What about spacial audio and the built in camera with center stage? It’s not just the display.
SwiftMaker840: I'm confused. Didn't Apple say that the new studio display xdr doesn't work with older Mac hardware than the m4 series?
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