What cable should I use to connect my MacBook Pro M4 Pro to a Dell U3417W UltraWide monitor for the highest visual quality?

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Level 1

20 points

What cable should I use to connect my MacBook Pro M4 Pro to a Dell U3417W UltraWide monitor for the highest visual quality?

Hello,

I have a MacBook Pro M4 Pro and a Dell U3417W UltraWide monitor (circa 2016). What cable would provide the highest quality visual on this monitor? It appears the monitor is not HDR capable.

U3417W Monitor Specs:

https://i.dell.com/sites/csdocuments/Product_Docs/en/dell_ultrasharp_34_curved_monitor_u3417w_product_spec_sheet.pdf

DisplayPort 1.24 (HDCP 1.4), mini-DisplayPort 1.2 (HDCP 1.4), DisplayPort-out with MST (HD 1.4), 2 x HDMI 2.0 (HDCP 1.4), 4 x USB 3.0 downstream ports (2 at the side including 1 BC1.2 charging at 2A max, 2 at the bottom including 1 BC1.2 charging at 2A max), 2 x USB 3.0 upstream ports, 1 x Analog 2.0 audio line out (3.5 mm jack) ports

Blessings

MacBook Pro (M4 Pro, 2024)

Posted on Dec 18, 2025 9:08 AM

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Answer 1

Phil0124

Level 10

216,950 points

Dec 18, 2025 10:02 AM in response to Moriah7474

Either a Thunderbolt 5 / USB-C to HDMI adapter or a Thunderbolt 5 / USB-C to Mini-Display Port or USB-C to Regular DisplayPort air even USB-C to HDMI adapter will work equally well.

The monitor supports the same image quality, refresh rate and resolution regardless of what port you use.

click here ➜ Ugreen USB-C to Display Port 1.4 Braided Cable - Amazon.com

or here ➜ Acer USB-C to Display Port Cable - Amazon.com

or here ➜ Ugreen USB-C to HDMI Cable Braided - Amazon.com

You want to stay away form Apple's Thunderbolt 3/4/5 to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter as that is specifically for Thunderbolt displays and won't work with Mini-Display Port displays like the one you have.

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Answer 2

Moriah7474 Author

Level 1

20 points

Dec 18, 2025 10:15 AM in response to Phil0124

Wow. Thank you! Merry Christmas!

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