Cable Matters Firmware Update Tool [4k@120hz on macOS]

Cable Matters released a firmware update tool for 8K HDMI Cables and Adapters. These updates resolve several compatibility and performance issues.

      This firmware update tool can also be used to update compatible products to enable 4K@120 on macOS.

Applies to

This firmware update tool applies to the following Cable Matters products:

Resolved Issues and Relevant Applications

These firmware updates resolve several compatibility and performance issues.

It can also be used to update the products below to enable 4K@120 with macOS:

Firmware Update Instructions

Note: To complete the firmware update, the Cable Matters adapter must be connected to the host and the monitor, with the monitor on and functioning.

1) Download and install the dotnet to drive this program. The download link is as follows: https://dotnet.microsoft.com/en-us/download/dotnet/thank-you/runtime-6.0.33-windows-x64-installer

2) Click Here to download the firmware update tool.

3) Unzip the firmware update tool, open the folder, and double-click to run the CMIFirmwareUpdate.exe application. Then a cmd command window will pop up, wait for 5-10 seconds and the corresponding prompt will appear.

The cmd window will have different prompts for different products and current software versions. Once the program detects the product, one of two scenarios will occur. 

          1. The firmware will update automatically after opening, without the need for any user input. This will occur with the SKUs below: 

201075, 201085, 201071, 201371, 201070, 201370, 201056, 201557, 201306, 201307, 201098B - These products are not capable of 4K@120hz on macOS, so the Windows FW update will install.

          2. You will receive the Prompt "Are you trying to upgrade the firmware for the device to be used on MacOS? (y/n)”.

This will occur with the SKUs below: 

201392, 201398, 201588, 201362A, 201388A, 201388B, 201328, 201428, 102101, 102103, 101109, 101101, 201562, 201310

2a) Replying with "y" will update the latest macOS FW automatically, to enable 4K@120hz on macOS.

2b) Replying with "n" will update the latest Windows FW automatically.

If the firmware in your product is already the latest version, you will be notified of such, and instructed to contact the Cable Matters customer support team at support@cablematters.com for further assistance.

Once the firmware update is complete, the Cable Matters product should be power cycled, by disconnecting it from the host and power, then reconnecting it.

Firmware Update Troubleshooting and Notes

  1. A Windows laptop that supports DP Alt Mode over the USB-C is required to flash the firmware.
    • If you don’t have access to a Windows computer that supports USB-C with DP Alt mode, please try it by using Parallels with Windows running (on Mac). [Excluding 201310]
  2. There could be some unforeseen compatibility issues after flashing the custom macOS firmware.
  3. After performing the macOS update, the adapter may be limited to 1080p with some Windows computers.
  4. To ensure that you have the best experience while using the macOS firmware, please be sure to have the latest macOS version installed on your Mac device.
  5. The macOS firmware is compatible with all M1/M2/M3 Macs including MacBook Pro, Mac Mini, MacBook Air, etc. Most Intel-based MacBooks can only output 4K@60hz with this firmware.
  6. The MacBook Pro 2019 will output 4K@120hz with this firmware [excluding 201310], but there is sometimes a sound output issue.
  7. Please revert to the regular firmware if the custom macOS firmware causes any problems.
  8. If an error message appears when first starting the program, ensure the program is running as an Administrator and check that the video adapter is connected to a display and the host computer’s video port.

Article ID: 147
Last updated: 26 Sep, 2024
Revision: 40
HDMI -> Adapters -> Cable Matters Firmware Update Tool [4k@120hz on macOS]
https://kb.cablematters.com/index.php?View=entry&EntryID=147