Many problems with M2 MbPro and external LG monitor

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Level 1

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Many problems with M2 MbPro and external LG monitor

Thought I would post this as a warning to others considering the jump to their first M-based Mac.

I've got a new M2 MacBook Pro (14 inch) running latest version of Ventura and have confirmed some annoying issues with connecting to an LG 32UN880-B:

1) The Mac loses the USB-C connection if I reboot. The only work-around for now is to disconnect the LG from power and then power it back up. I confirmed this w/ Apple Tech support today.

2) The sound out from the LG is terrible -more so with some applications such as Spotify. If I connect my external speakers directly to the MacBook Pro, all sounds good. Again, If I rely on the USB-C connection to the LG and then sound cable from the LG to the speakers, sound output from Spotify is very distorted / crackling, while other apps like YouTube seem to sound ok.

This LG is not a Thunderbolt connection, so it seems like we've got some issues with the USB-C connectivity on this puppy. Charging via the LG 60 watt connection over the USB-C seems to work fine, so that is one saving grace.

MacBook Pro Apple Silicon

Posted on Feb 19, 2023 06:42 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Grant Bennet-Alder

Level 10

138,677 points

Feb 19, 2023 07:59 AM in response to mwarner712

USB-C cables required to run this high-end display need to be at least USB-C 3.1 certified, and UNDER 1 meter in length. if a USB logo is present, it should be USB SuperSpeed+ or SuperSpeed++.

The cables "shipped in the box" are often 'lowest bidder' cables, and may not support what is required to be trouble-free at top resolutions on a Mac.

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Answer 2

Feb 19, 2023 08:30 AM in response to mwarner712

mwarner712 wrote:

Well, this monitor was running flawlessly when connected to a 2018 MacBook Pro (also latest Ventura), and given the behavior that I can replicate, it does not seem like a cable issue.

Do you cables actually meet the standard I articulated above?

If not, you will need better cables.

Later versions of Hardware and MacOS are more demanding, and are starting to ask the display to report any receive errors caused by marginal cables.

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Answer 3

mwarner712 Author

Level 1

12 points

Feb 19, 2023 09:00 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Cannot tell if the LG supplied cable really meets those specs, so I will get one that does and report back. Can you point me to any official statement on cable length from Apple? Terrible to hear that this is limited to such short lengths if truly a limitation.

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Answer 4

mwarner712 Author

Level 1

12 points

Feb 21, 2023 11:55 AM in response to mwarner712

Just tested this with very short certified USB-C display cable and get the same result. Have a case open with Apple but have not heard back from them. Here's hoping it is a software issue and not hardware on these new machines.

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Answer 5

Mar 11, 2023 07:11 AM in response to mwarner712

Yep I just went from a 2018 MacBook Pro on Ventura to a 2023 M2 MacBook Pro 16" running latest version of ventura as well. I am using an LG 42" display (43UD79-B). Worked flawlessly for several years now on the 2018. First thing I noticed in system settings under General, the display shows up as an LG Ultra HD Display and to the right it says 27-inch (3840 x 2160). However I have the same problem but even on youtube. Crackling popping, if I go into sound and set the output to my MacBook pro internal speakers it sounds fine, if i flip it to the LG, i get a little pop noise.

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Answer 6

mwarner712 Author

Level 1

12 points

Feb 19, 2023 08:24 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Well, this monitor was running flawlessly when connected to a 2018 MacBook Pro (also latest Ventura), and given the behavior that I can replicate, it does not seem like a cable issue.

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Answer 7

Mar 11, 2023 07:15 AM in response to stickman46

So basically to fix my issue, I have to unplug the LG, reboot the MacBook pro, then re-connect the USB and now it works. It is not a cable issue.

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Many problems with M2 MbPro and external LG monitor

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