Can using external monitor with IMac cause latency/lagging issues?

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Level 1

4 points

Can using external monitor with IMac cause latency/lagging issues?

I recently got a 2024 24 inch IMac to replace my 2020 27 inch IMac. Initially I was ok with the downgrade in monitor size, but I've really come to miss the bigger monitor size. I'm curious - if I were to get an external monitor to use for video (specifically something in the $200-$400 price range), could this cause any latency/lagging issues if I'm using a wired connection? The most demanding things I do on my computer are watch movies and do music production (some real instruments, some virtual instruments and effects, and sometimes I'll use a MIDI controller for the virtual instruments). I don't do any gaming. Audio is irrelevant for my question because I'll be listening to audio through my IMac's built in speakers or my external speakers. I'm just concerned about video.

iMac (M4)

Posted on Aug 26, 2025 5:04 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Terra_Blade

Level 1

36 points

Aug 27, 2025 9:16 PM in response to silogen53

An external monitor with your 24” iMac should be totally fine. Wired connection = basically zero lag for movies or regular apps.

Just make sure the cable’s decent and the monitor supports the resolution you want. For $200–$400, you’ll find plenty that work smoothly. The iMac handles external screens really well, so don’t stress about it.

Go for it—you’ll get more screen space without any noticeable slowdown.

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Answer 2

Allan Jones

Level 9

76,688 points

Aug 28, 2025 11:19 AM in response to silogen53

You could have "under-appreciated" results if you use a USB-C charging cable instead of a Thunderbolt cable. These Apple articles may help:

Use USB-C cables with Mac - Apple Support

About the Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) Cable - Apple Support

If your external display is dark or low resolution - Apple Support

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Answer 3

Rudegar

Level 10

179,136 points

Aug 27, 2025 1:22 PM in response to silogen53

no

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Answer 4

Fyrdyn

Level 1

8 points

Aug 28, 2025 5:09 PM in response to silogen53

I don't think so. Aside from the most feeble MacBooks of 10 years ago, any Mac can easily drive multiple displays.

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Answer 5

Fyrdyn

Level 1

8 points

Aug 28, 2025 5:12 PM in response to Allan Jones

I think any cable, if it works at all, will be good enough. The quality of cable is more to do with USB throughput rather than DisplayPort or HDMI, which is important here.

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