Connecting to external monitor via Virtual Screen struggles to solidify connection on newer MacBook Pro (M4 Pro chip)

[reubennn]

First off, I want to say BetterDisplay has changed my life. It is such an amazing product.

Context

I am running a Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 OLED (https://www.samsung.com/au/monitors/gaming/odyssey-oled-g9-g95sc-49-inch-240hz-curved-dual-qhd-ls49cg954sexxy/). I connect it to my Macbook via a Display Port -> Thunderbolt Type C (USB C) with 8K 60Hz, 4k 240Hz (https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B09M38CXZ3/)

I have associated a Virtual Screen to enable HiDPI (at native 5120x1440). This has fixed issues to do with grainy text.

Everything was working fine on my 2021 Macbook Pro (M1 chip). No issues whatsoever.

Issue

I recently upgraded to a new 2024 Macbook Pro (M4 Pro) chip). I have set up an identical configuration. The display looks even more incredible with even smoother movement.

The issue is that when I first turn my computer on from sleep, it seems like it keeps trying to connect to the monitor and fails. I can see the screen change on the built-in display like it normally does just before connecting to an external display. It does not have success connecting initially. The issue is its like it "resets" and reverts back to the built in display. It attempts to reconnect an arbitrary amount of times (generally about 5-10 times). If I have BetterDisplay open, I can see the physical G9 display appear for a second and then disappear as the screen goes into a fit. Sometimes it will eventually connect, other times I will physically disconnect and reconnect (trying different ports) and repeat the process until it can connect to the G9.

[waydabber]

Hmm. Does this only happen when a virtual screen is connected?

[reubennn]

@waydabber I just ran a test and it seems that it is able to connect OK when the Virtual screen is disabled.

[waydabber]

Hmm. I am not sure what might be the problem honestly on wake. Apple Silicon Macs historically have a hard time dealing with mirrored virtual screens and sleep/wake. :( There are some sleep related settings you might want to try toggling to see if that helps.