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Currently getting increasingly frustrated with my 5K widescreen LG monitor for an assortment of reasons.

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by David Elder

Dani AI

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Useful, practical notes that build on the thread (especially ’s sleep/wake + USB-hub keyboard problem and ’s cable/DP suggestion).

Buying checklist (what “reliable” really means)

  • Warranty & support: longer, regional warranties and easy RMA/advance-replacement matter more than marketing.
  • Hub and port architecture: prefer monitors that document a separate “USB upstream”/powered-hub path or provide a dedicated upstream cable; integrated hubs that rely on fragile firmware are the common failure point.
  • Firmware policy and downloads: vendors that publish firmware updates and release notes fix more hardware-edge bugs.
  • Testability and return window: try to buy where you can test sleep/wake and USB-hub behavior before the return window closes.
  • Build and power design: external power brick vs internal PSU, user-replaceable cables, and VESA options affect long-term serviceability.

Quick isolation steps to reproduce and diagnose

  1. With the keyboard disconnected from the monitor, plug it straight into the laptop. If it never drops, the monitor’s hub is implicated.
  2. Swap every cable one at a time (different USB-C/Thunderbolt/DisplayPort, different upstream cable). Cheap/old cables cause odd failures.
  3. Try the monitor on another computer (or try a different monitor on the same computer) to see whether the problem follows the monitor or the system.
  4. Search the monitor OSD for “USB hub,” “deep sleep,” “power saving,” or DP version and try toggling them (note: lowering DP version can change behavior but may affect max resolution).
  5. Update monitor firmware and host OS, then retest. Use a small powered USB hub as a diagnostic workaround if you need the keyboard functional immediately.

When to escalate

  • Collect a concise repro script, macOS version, monitor firmware and serial, cable types, and screenshots or short video. Provide those to support/RMA. If the hub is flaky and firmware/setting changes don’t help, insist on exchange or repair. If you rely on a hub for critical input devices, plan to use a direct connection or a powered hub as a long-term workaround.

Recommended Answers

All 11 Replies

Member Avatar for rproffitt

Tell me a little more. I find that so many electronics develop issues after a few years.

Just yesterday Mary had me looking at her rig (laptop with 27 inch display) which the monitor was off. Turns out the power pack was unplugged. A little rearrangement and cord management cleared that up. While I was there the speakers were buzzing. Moved the USB connection to the nifty new USB 3.0 hub and that cleared up.

Recently a cranky display at the office was tracked down to the display cable (HDMI.) The user was adamant it wasn't the cable because the cable worked on other displays. Changed cables, all better.

Finally I'm reading the LG 5K has to be on recent Apple computers, I can't write the entire list but 2017 this, 2019 that, along with current versions of Apple's OS.

Given the number of times I find a cable issue, new display cables are always brought along on the service call.

Member Avatar for Dani

I currently have two LG 5K monitors. One works fine with no issues. The other fails to turn on at least 10% of the time when bringing my macOS (2021-generation M1 Max) laptop out of sleep. Now the latest issue, that happened twice this week, is the keyboard that is connected to one of its USB ports just randomly stops working. Every time it glitches, the only way to fix it is to physically unplug the monitor's power cable from the outlet. Disconnecting and reconnecting from/to the laptop doesn't work, nor does turning the laptop off and then back on, or switching inputs.

Truth be told, and you will really adore this, is you messaged me earlier today asking if I tried ChatGPT-4 yet. So I asked ChatGPT what a good question for a hardware forum would be, and it suggested I ask what are some reliable brands for computer monitors. It turned out that I had just, moments earlier, had my keyboard randomly stop working and was still cursing my monitor, so I decided I'd ask the question.

commented: AI enabled mind reading? +0
commented: You could try resetting your SMC, NVRAM or PRAM. I would guess the power state of the USB is not enough. Connect to laptop, external powered USB Hub. +1
Member Avatar for jwenting

Iiyama and MSI haven't let me down yet. Had 1 Iiyama fail on me last year, after nearly 10 years.

Member Avatar for rproffitt

Over in the Apple forums, found this: "I set the LG monitor from dp1.4 to dp1.2. all problem solved."
This is in some menu in the LG.

Member Avatar for pritaeas

Samsung is my brand of choice.

Member Avatar for bijutoha

I'm using a 27-inch HP EyeEase monitor, which can always have a low blue light setting on, which may be conducive to sleep. Its standout features are the 178-degree viewing angle and 99% sRGB color gamut. In addition to being thin and having clever cable management, it also includes a micro-edge display on all sides.

Member Avatar for jwatson

Acer, LG and Samsung are best in Computer Monitors. Try from these three.

Member Avatar for Dani

Yup, it's an LG that is causing issues.

Specifically, my LG UltraFine 5K has no issues, but my LG HDR widescreen 5K has constant issues.

I'm not sure what changing from DP 1.4 to DP 1.2 has to do with plugging in a USB keyboard. Also, I don't think DP 1.2 supports 5K resolution, which is the whole point of the display.

Edited by Dani
Member Avatar for rproffitt

Dell wrote "NOTE: 5K x 3K displays require systems equipped with DUAL Thunderbolt 2.0 (DisplayPort 1.2 capable) ports to operate the 5K x 3K display at optimal resolution." And there's more out there about this.

Sorry Dani, these are settings I know to try but make no claim I know why these problems exist at all. My background in digital video recorders did have me work with protected video links (that's HDMI for most) and we found so many implementations that were supposed to be backwards compatible (they lied.) So you know to try the setting and see if it clears it up.

However, once in a while a client won't accept that this is a possible cure. Your only choice is to send them back to the makers.

Member Avatar for pcbugfixer

G'day Folks,

I believe the question was "What are some reliable brands for computer monitors?" so I don't know what some of the other answers in reality had to do with the question!

The answer from my point of view is simple;
Bothe the BENQ (search “benq monitor” on google) ["https://www.benq.com/en-au/monitor.html"] available in 24" and 27" and LG Monitors ["https://www.lg.com/au/it-monitors?gclid=EAIaIQobChMImPHC4oOS_gIVD8SWCh324QEOEAAYASAAEgLXUPD_BwE"] I have found more than reliable with clear images and easy on the eyes.

My 24" BENQ is 10+ years old and I'm looking at it now while typing this reply.

LG and BENQ I find have a comparitive range to choose from to suit your needs.

I trust that answers your question, obviously there are others; however these are the brands I recommend to my customers.

Regards
Roger Hass / PC-Bug Fixer now in Tanilba Bay NSW 2319 Australia

Edited by pcbugfixer
commented: The LG appears reliable but there's an issue with Apple and coming out of standby. Still reliable! +17
Member Avatar for David Elder

I have been using DELL monitors along with a View Sonic.

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