How to Get 60 Hz on A 4K Monitor Mac?

Best 4K Monitors for Mac to Buy in October 2025

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Dell 27 Plus 4K Monitor - S2725QS - 27-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) 120Hz 16:9 Display, IPS Panel, AMD FreeSync Premium, sRGB 99%, Integrated Speakers, 1500:1 Contrast Ratio, Comfortview Plus - Ash White

• ALL-DAY COMFORT WITH ≤35% BLUE LIGHT REDUCTION FOR EYE SAFETY.
• EXPERIENCE FLUID VISUALS WITH 120HZ REFRESH RATE AND 0.03MS RESPONSE.
• STUNNING 4K COLORS AND HDR FOR IMMERSIVE VIEWING AND VIBRANT DETAIL.

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$279.99 $299.99

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LG 27US500-W Ultrafine Monitor 27-Inch 4K UHD (3840x2160) HDR10 IPS Borderless Design Reader Mode Flicker Safe Switch App HDMI DisplayPort - White

• STUNNING 4K UHD WITH 1000:1 CONTRAST FOR VIVID IMAGERY.

• RICH HDR10 & 90% DCI-P3 FOR VIBRANT, LIFELIKE COLORS.

• CUSTOMIZABLE ONSCREEN CONTROLS FOR ENHANCED PRODUCTIVITY.

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$249.99

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BenQ MA270U 27” 4K 3840x2160 Monitor for MacBook® Pro/Air, Dual USB-C, 90W Power Delivery, Mac Color Match, USB Hub, Brightness & Volume Control on Mac, Height & Tilt Adjustable Stand, P3 Color Gamut

• VIBRANT P3 COLOR GAMUT FOR STUNNING VISUALS ON MACBOOKS.
• EXPAND DISPLAY EFFORTLESSLY WITH A SINGLE USB-C CONNECTION.
• CONVENIENT CONTROLS FOR BRIGHTNESS AND VOLUME FROM YOUR KEYBOARD.

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$499.99

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LG 27UP650K-W 27-inch Ultrafine 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) IPS Computer Monitor, 60Hz, 5ms, DisplayHDR 400, Reader Mode, Flicker Safe, HDMI, DisplayPort, Tilt/Height/Pivot Adjustable Stand, White

• EXPERIENCE VIBRANT 4K VISUALS WITH 95% DCI-P3 COLOR ACCURACY!
• ELEVATE GAMING WITH DYNAMIC ACTION SYNC AND BLACK STABILIZER TECH!
• CUSTOMIZE COMFORT EFFORTLESSLY WITH AN ADJUSTABLE ERGONOMIC STAND!

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$279.99 $309.00

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5

Dell S2722QC Monitor - 27 inch 4K USB-C , UHD (3840 x 2160) Display, 60Hz Refresh Rate, 8MS Grey-to-Grey Response Time, Built-in Dual 3W Speakers, 1.07 Billion Colors - Platinum Silver

• ULTRA-SLIM BEZEL & FAST RESPONSE: ENJOY UNINTERRUPTED, CRISP VISUALS.
• CUSTOMIZABLE ERGONOMICS: ACHIEVE THE BEST POSITION FOR COMFORT AND PRODUCTIVITY.
• ALL-IN-ONE USB-C CONNECTIVITY: SIMPLIFY YOUR SETUP WITH A SINGLE CABLE SOLUTION.

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$369.99

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SAMSUNG 32" UJ59 Series 4K UHD (3840x2160) Computer Monitor,VA Panel, HDMI, Display Port, Eye Saver/Flicker Free Mode, FreeSync, LU32J590UQNXZA, Black

• EXPERIENCE 4K CLARITY: ENJOY STUNNING UHD VISUALS AND SEAMLESS MULTITASKING.

• VIVID COLORS: A BILLION SHADES FOR TRUE-TO-LIFE IMAGES IN GRAPHICS AND GAMING.

• GAME-READY FEATURES: FREESYNC AND GAME MODE FOR SMOOTH, IMMERSIVE GAMEPLAY.

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$249.99 $339.99

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To get 60 Hz on a 4K monitor connected to your Mac, you need to make sure your Mac and the monitor are compatible with each other. Here are the steps to achieve this:

1. Check the hardware compatibility: Ensure that your Mac supports 4K resolution at 60 Hz. Older models may have limitations, so it's essential to verify technical specifications online or consult the Mac documentation.
2. Use the appropriate cables: Connect your Mac to the 4K monitor using an HDMI 2.0 or DisplayPort cable. These cables support higher refresh rates, allowing you to achieve 60 Hz at 4K resolution.
3. Adjust monitor settings: On your 4K monitor, access the display settings menu using the buttons or controls provided. Look for an option to switch the refresh rate and set it to 60 Hz. The exact steps may vary depending on the monitor model, so consult the user manual if needed.
4. Adjust Mac display settings: On your Mac, go to the Apple menu and select "System Preferences." Then, click on "Displays." In the Display preferences, hold down the Option key and click the "Scaled" button to reveal additional resolution options.
5. Select the appropriate resolution: In the scaled resolution options, choose a resolution that is 4K. Look for resolutions that mention "Retina" or include the term "Ultra HD." Selecting these resolutions should enable 60 Hz refresh rate.
6. Confirm the refresh rate: After selecting the appropriate resolution, click the "OK" button and exit the display settings. You can then verify if the 4K monitor is running at 60 Hz by navigating to the "Displays" preferences again. Look for a statement that confirms the refresh rate.

By following these steps, you can maximize your 4K monitor's capabilities and enjoy a smooth 60 Hz experience on your Mac.

How to adjust display settings for 60 Hz on a 4K monitor Mac?

To adjust the display settings for a 60 Hz refresh rate on a 4K monitor on a Mac, follow these steps:

1. Open the Apple menu and select "System Preferences."
2. In the System Preferences window, click on "Displays."
3. In the Displays window, you will see a list of connected monitors. Click on the 4K monitor you want to adjust.
4. In the selected monitor's settings, navigate to the "Display" tab.
5. In the Display tab, you should see a dropdown menu labeled "Refresh Rate" or "Display Refresh Rate." Click on the menu and select "60 Hertz" or "60 Hz."
6. Close the Display settings window, and the refresh rate should now be adjusted to 60 Hz on your 4K monitor.

Note: This process may vary slightly depending on your specific version of macOS or the monitor model.

How to troubleshoot resolution issues on a 4K monitor Mac setup?

If you are experiencing resolution issues on your 4K monitor Mac setup, you can try the following troubleshooting steps:

1. Check System Preferences: Go to the Apple menu and select "System Preferences," then click on "Displays." Make sure that the resolution is set to the recommended setting for your 4K monitor. If it is not, adjust it accordingly and see if the issue is resolved.
2. Update macOS: Ensure that you have the latest version of macOS installed on your Mac. Software updates often include bug fixes and improvements that can resolve display issues.
3. Check cable connections: Make sure that all cables between your Mac and the 4K monitor are securely connected. Sometimes, loose or faulty cables can cause resolution problems. Try disconnecting and reconnecting the cables to ensure a proper connection.
4. Reset NVRAM/PRAM: NVRAM (non-volatile random-access memory) or PRAM (parameter random-access memory) stores certain settings related to display resolution. Resetting NVRAM/PRAM can help resolve display issues. To do this, shut down your Mac, then turn it on and immediately press and hold the Option-Command-P-R keys until your Mac restarts and you hear the startup sound for the second time.
5. Test with another monitor or computer: If possible, connect your 4K monitor to another computer or connect a different monitor to your Mac. This will help determine if the issue is with the monitor or the Mac. If the problem persists with another monitor or computer, it indicates a hardware issue with the monitor itself.
6. Adjust scaling options: Depending on the Mac model and macOS version, you may have scaling options available in the Display settings. Experiment with different scaling options to see if it improves the resolution quality.
7. Reset display settings: In the Display settings, you can also try resetting the display settings to their default values. Click on the "Default for display" option to revert to the original settings and check if the resolution issue is resolved.
8. Contact Apple Support: If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it is recommended to contact Apple Support or the manufacturer of your 4K monitor for further assistance. They may be able to provide specific troubleshooting steps or guide you through the resolution process.

Remember to always check for software updates and ensure that your Mac and monitor are compatible with each other to avoid resolution issues in the future.

How to check the current refresh rate on a 4K monitor Mac?

To check the current refresh rate on a 4K monitor on a Mac, you can follow the steps below:

1. Click on the Apple menu located in the top-left corner of the screen.
2. From the drop-down menu, select "System Preferences."
3. In the System Preferences window, click on the "Displays" icon.
4. A new window will appear with display settings. Click on the "Display" tab.
5. In the Display tab, you should see the refresh rate listed next to "Refresh Rate" or "Screen." It will usually be shown as "60 Hz" for most 4K monitors.
6. If you have multiple screens connected to your Mac, ensure that you have selected the appropriate display from the top of the window to view its refresh rate.

Keep in mind that some monitors may have different refresh rate options based on their capabilities. If a higher refresh rate is available, you may adjust it by selecting a different option from the drop-down menu next to "Refresh Rate" or "Screen."

What cables are required to achieve 60 Hz on a 4K monitor with a Mac?

To achieve 60 Hz on a 4K monitor with a Mac, the following cables are typically required:

1. HDMI 2.0: A high-speed HDMI cable that supports the 2.0 specification is often used to achieve 4K resolution at 60 Hz. Ensure that both the Mac and the monitor have HDMI 2.0 ports.
2. DisplayPort: Many Macs have Mini DisplayPort or Thunderbolt 2/3 ports. You can use a Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort cable or a Thunderbolt 2/3 to DisplayPort cable to achieve 4K resolution at 60 Hz. Make sure that the monitor also supports DisplayPort.
3. Thunderbolt 3: If both your Mac and monitor have Thunderbolt 3 ports, you can use a Thunderbolt 3 cable to achieve 4K resolution at 60 Hz. Ensure that the monitor supports Thunderbolt 3.

Note: It's important to check the specifications and compatibility of your specific Mac model and monitor, as the required cables may vary depending on the device.

What might cause framerate drops when using a 4K monitor with a Mac?

There can be several factors that may cause framerate drops when using a 4K monitor with a Mac:

1. GPU Limitations: Macs with older or less powerful graphics processing units (GPUs) may struggle to handle the high resolution and demand of a 4K display, resulting in slowdowns.
2. Insufficient System Resources: Running resource-intensive applications or multiple processes concurrently can strain the Mac's CPU and RAM, leading to a decrease in framerate.
3. Outdated Software: If the operating system or graphics drivers are not up to date, compatibility issues may arise, causing performance problems when using a 4K display.
4. Incompatible Display Refresh Rate: If the Mac is unable to match the refresh rate of the 4K monitor, it can cause synchronization issues, resulting in framerate drops.
5. Overheating: When the Mac's temperature rises due to continuous heavy usage, it can activate thermal throttling to prevent damage, which can reduce performance and result in lower framerates.
6. Insufficient Connection Bandwidth: Using unsupported or low-quality cables, adapters, or ports may not provide enough bandwidth to transfer the high-resolution content effectively, leading to framerate drops.
7. Background Processes or Applications: Certain background processes or resource-intensive applications running in the background can consume system resources, affecting the overall performance and causing framerate drops.

To resolve framerate drops, consider upgrading your Mac's hardware if possible, ensuring software and drivers are up to date, reducing the number of open applications/processes, using high-quality cables and adapters, and monitoring system temperatures to prevent overheating.

How to determine if a 4K monitor is running at 60 Hz on a Mac?

To determine if a 4K monitor is running at 60 Hz on a Mac, follow these steps:

1. Connect the 4K monitor to your Mac using the appropriate cable (such as HDMI or DisplayPort).
2. Go to the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select "System Preferences."
3. In the System Preferences window, click on "Displays."
4. On the Displays tab, you will see the connected monitor(s) listed. Select the 4K monitor you want to check.
5. In the Display tab, you will find the information about your monitor, including the resolution and refresh rate.
6. Check under the "Refresh Rate" dropdown menu. If it shows 60Hz, then your 4K monitor is running at 60Hz.

If the refresh rate is lower than 60Hz or you cannot find the option to change it, it is possible that your monitor does not support a higher refresh rate or that your Mac's graphics card may not be capable of driving a 4K display at 60Hz.