Fix HiDPI On 4K External Display With M4 Max

by TheNnagam 45 views

Having trouble getting HiDPI to work on your external 4K display after upgrading to an M4 Max? You're not alone, guys! Many users, especially those who rely on tools like waydabber or BetterDisplay, have faced similar issues. This article dives deep into the problem, explores potential solutions, and keeps you updated on possible future updates.

Understanding the HiDPI Issue on M4 Max

HiDPI, or High Dots Per Inch, is crucial for achieving crisp and clear visuals on high-resolution displays. When it works correctly, your Mac renders the user interface at a higher resolution and then scales it down to fit your screen, resulting in sharper images and text. However, with the M4 Max, some users have found that they can't enable HiDPI on their 4K external displays, or the resolution reverts to a lower setting like 3168x1782. This can be super frustrating, especially if you're used to the crystal-clear experience of a HiDPI display.

One of the primary reasons users opt for external 4K displays is to enhance their visual workspace, whether it's for graphic design, video editing, or simply enjoying a more detailed and immersive experience. The inability to activate HiDPI defeats this purpose, leading to a blurry or pixelated display that strains the eyes and reduces productivity. For professionals who depend on accurate color representation and fine details, this issue can be a significant impediment. Moreover, the problem extends beyond mere aesthetics. The scaling algorithms that macOS employs for non-HiDPI displays can introduce lag and artifacts, further degrading the user experience. This is particularly noticeable in applications that require smooth animations and precise mouse movements.

Tools like waydabber and BetterDisplay are designed to provide more control over display settings, allowing users to force HiDPI mode and create custom resolutions. These tools often work by creating virtual displays or modifying the display's EDID (Extended Display Identification Data) to trick the system into enabling HiDPI. However, changes in the M4 Max's display drivers or hardware architecture may render these methods ineffective, leading to the issues reported by users. In some cases, the system might recognize the display as capable of HiDPI but fail to maintain the setting after it's applied, reverting to a lower resolution. This behavior suggests that the problem might be related to how the M4 Max handles display scaling or communicates with external monitors.

Possible Solutions and Workarounds

Let's explore some potential fixes and workarounds that might help you get HiDPI working on your 4K external display with your M4 Max. Keep in mind that what works for one person might not work for everyone, so be prepared to experiment a bit.

  1. Check Display Connection: Make sure you're using a high-quality cable (like DisplayPort or HDMI 2.0 or later) that supports 4K resolution at 60Hz. A faulty or outdated cable can limit the available resolutions and prevent HiDPI from activating.
  2. macOS Display Settings:
    • Go to System Preferences > Displays.
    • Try different scaling options. Sometimes, simply switching between "Default for display" and "Scaled" can trigger HiDPI mode.
    • Hold the Option key while clicking on "Scaled" to reveal additional resolution options. Look for a HiDPI resolution (e.g., 1920x1080 @ 2x).
  3. BetterDisplay Settings:
    • If you're using BetterDisplay, ensure it's updated to the latest version. Developers often release updates to address compatibility issues with new hardware.
    • Experiment with creating a custom resolution in BetterDisplay. Try a resolution that's double your desired HiDPI resolution (e.g., 7680x4320 for a 3840x2160 HiDPI display) and see if that forces the system to enable HiDPI.
    • Check BetterDisplay's settings for options related to mirroring or creating virtual displays. While you mentioned mirroring a virtual screen resulted in bad FPS, it might be worth revisiting with updated settings or a different configuration.
  4. waydabber Settings:
    • Similar to BetterDisplay, make sure waydabber is up to date.
    • waydabber allows you to override the display's EDID. Exercise caution when using this feature, as incorrect settings can cause display issues. However, it might be worth exploring if other methods fail.
    • waydabber also has options for creating dummy displays, which can sometimes help force HiDPI mode on the external display.
  5. Resetting Display Preferences: Sometimes, macOS can get confused with display settings. Try resetting your display preferences by deleting the following files (back them up first!):
    • /Library/Preferences/com.apple.windowserver.plist
    • /Library/Preferences/ByHost/com.apple.windowserver.*.plist
    • Restart your Mac after deleting these files. macOS will recreate them with default settings.
  6. SwitchResX: SwitchResX is a third-party utility that provides advanced control over display resolutions and settings. It might offer options that BetterDisplay and waydabber don't. However, it's a paid application, so consider whether the potential benefits outweigh the cost.

Advanced Troubleshooting

If the above solutions don't work, you might need to dive a bit deeper. Here are some more advanced troubleshooting steps:

  1. Check Console Logs: Open the Console application (found in /Applications/Utilities) and look for any error messages related to display or graphics drivers when you try to enable HiDPI. This might give you a clue as to what's going wrong.
  2. System Information: Go to System Information (also in /Applications/Utilities) and check the Graphics/Displays section. Make sure your external display is recognized correctly and that the correct resolution and refresh rate are listed.
  3. EDID Override: As mentioned earlier, waydabber allows you to override the display's EDID. You can also use other tools like SwitchResX to do this. However, proceed with caution, as incorrect EDID settings can cause display issues. Only attempt this if you're comfortable with advanced troubleshooting.
  4. macOS Updates: Make sure your macOS is up to date. Apple often releases updates that include bug fixes and improved hardware compatibility. A recent update might address the HiDPI issue you're experiencing.
  5. Contact Apple Support: If all else fails, reach out to Apple Support. They might be able to provide more specific guidance or escalate the issue to their engineering team.

Potential Future Updates

It's essential to stay informed about potential updates from both Apple and the developers of tools like waydabber and BetterDisplay.

  • macOS Updates: Keep an eye on macOS updates. Apple often includes fixes and improvements related to display compatibility and performance in its updates. Check the release notes for any mentions of HiDPI or external display issues.
  • waydabber and BetterDisplay Updates: The developers of waydabber and BetterDisplay are typically quick to respond to user feedback and release updates to address compatibility issues. Make sure you're using the latest versions of these tools and check their websites or forums for announcements about upcoming updates.

Community and Forums

Don't underestimate the power of community! Forums and online communities dedicated to macOS and display technology can be valuable resources for finding solutions and sharing experiences.

  • Reddit: Subreddits like r/mac and r/hackintosh often have discussions about display issues and troubleshooting tips.
  • Apple Support Communities: The official Apple Support Communities forums are a great place to ask questions and get help from other users.
  • GitHub: Check the GitHub repositories for waydabber and BetterDisplay. You might find discussions about similar issues and potential solutions.

Conclusion

Dealing with HiDPI issues on an external 4K display after upgrading to an M4 Max can be a real headache, but don't lose hope! By systematically trying the solutions and workarounds outlined in this article, staying informed about potential updates, and engaging with the community, you'll increase your chances of getting your display looking crisp and clear again. Good luck, and happy troubleshooting!