Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 Unlock?

[radu.truica]

Hello, I have a Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 S32BG75 and, sadly, my refresh rate is capped at 60Hz. Is there a way to unlock it with my current configuration? I read on https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212232 that in order to use an Adaptive Sync external display with a Mac I need one of the following:

• Any of these Intel-based Mac models:
  • MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
  • MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019)
  • MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2020)
  • iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2020)
  • Mac Pro (2019) when used with any of these Radeon Pro MPX modules: W5500X, W5700X, W6800X, W6900X, or W6800X Duo

My system definition is iMac Pro (2017) and I was wondering if changing it to iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2020) would allow me to play Baldur's Gate 3 with a variable refresh rate (when it comes out on Mac, hopefully in a few days). Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[Edhawk]

No, do not change the system definition to an iMac.

Your IGPU isn’t supported so you need to use a System Definition for an iMacPro1,1 or MacPro7,1, with the discrete graphics card undertaking all the graphics processing.

If you use an iMac system definition macOS will expect an IGPU to be present and set to deal with Quick Sync (encoding/decoding) and other compute processing.

From the list of Apple systems that you posted only the MacPro7,1 (2019) is suitable in your use case.

Your RX 6900 XT is a desktop version of the Radeon Pro W6900X card. So it should work the same as the Pro card when used with the MacPro7,1 SMBIOS.

 

[radu.truica]

I changed my system definition to MacPro 7,1 but I still am only able to choose between 60Hz and 30Hz for the refresh rate of my monitor...

 

[Edhawk]

Which make and model of cable are you using to connect your Hack to the Samsung display?

If you are using a HDMI cable or adapter then you will never get the Adaptive Sync option to show in macOS. You need to be using a Thunderbolt, USB-C, or other DisplayPort-enabled cable.

 

[radu.truica]

I’m using a DisplayPort cable

 

[Edhawk]

I’m using a DisplayPort cable

Yeah, which one?
Is it one that came with the 4K Display?
Is it a DP1.4 cable?
I ask because older DP1.2 cables can't provide 165Hz refresh rate on a 4K display.

Just to confirm: You are running the DisplayPort cable from one of the DisplayOut ports on your RX 6900XT to the single DisplayPortIn connection on the Samsung display, correct? No adapters.

The User manual for your Samsung display states the following: (copy of English user manual attached below)



I assume you have set these options correctly in the displays OSD.

As your new Display lacks a Type-C or Thunderbolt connector using the Type-C connector from your RX 6900 XT is not an option, unfortunately.

 

[radu.truica]

The cable is connecting the video card to the monitor as you described above. The monitor works as expected in Windows.

 

[Edhawk]

But it only allows the 60Hz refresh rate in macOS, yes?

Can you post a screenshot showing the Display system settings pane from your setup.

Example of screenshot showing Display options, with all resolutions available shown.

 

[radu.truica]

Sure, here it is! My wife has my old build and an iMac 2017 system definition and she has variable refresh rate in her system settings. We are both running Ventura 13.5.2.

 

[radu.truica]

I just tried the DP cable from her system and it made no difference. I'll change my system definition to iMac for now and post the results here.