Unable to connect via USB-C on 2018 Mac Mini. Works on MacBook Pro 2016 (using the same USB-C cable) but says "no cable connected" for the Mini.
Connects to Mac Mini via HDMI 2.0 port just fine, but direct USB-C to USB-C connection does not work.
Anyone else have this monitor up and running with their 2018 Mac Mini using only a USB-C cable?
Mac mini 2018 or later
This sounds like an inability of the NEC to negotiate power delivery i.e. both insisting on a power source (charging) role. The Mac Mini likely will not accept anything other than source, the MacBook otoh, is only too happy to be charged.
The monitor has no setting to disable power delivery without disabling the entire port. I would therefore follow-up with NEC, hopefully it’s as simple as a firmware upgrade. In the meanwhile, your workaround isn’t too bad: HDMI for MM and Thunderbolt for MacBook.
All the best.
Worth a shot but many reported problems with sleep/wake and little possibility of fixing from Apple (both DP/mini DP and DVI connectors are legacy in Apple’s world). I would stick to your current setup whilst trying to wake NEC.
From the manual
https://www.necdisplay.com/documents/UserManuals/EA271U_UserManual-EN.pdf
try:
Make sure USB FUNCTIONALITY is set to ON or AUTO.
also
3840 x 2160 (60 Hz) resolution with USB-C connection
If the image of 3840 x 2160 (60 Hz) is displayed with USB-C connection, please set USB2.0 in USB SETTING (see page 18).
NEC has noted that some higher resolution DisplayPort signals, HDMI signals, or signals via USB-C, can occasionally become
unreliable. The typical symptom is that no image is displayed or the image is corrupted. The described OSD menu option offers
additional firmware processing for DisplayPort signals to optimize the native resolution support and therefore improve signal
reliability
I’m using displayport to usb-c cables for a pair of Dell U2715h monitors with my 2018 Mac mini with no problems at all.
Apple is a member of VESA and their usb-c/TB3 ports comply with the full DisplayPort standards, which by design are wholly backwards compatible with Displayport and miniDP connectors.
USB-C => Displayport would be better than HDMI=>HDMI for MacMini?
Yes, but that’s probably causing the problem in negotiating power delivery. There’s no option to keep USB functionality without power delivery.
If it was not set to AUTO set it to AUTO
It works with his/her MacBook Pro 2016, didn’t you read that? This is not an easy one.
But was it set to AUTO when the MBP was connected to the monitor?
Shouldn't make a difference in this case, but worth a shot.
Mac Mini 2018 + NEC EA271U
