Late 2009 Mac Mini random video loss issue

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Late 2009 Mac Mini random video loss issue

I recently picked up a used Mac Mini (system info below) with a fresh install of El Captain & it’s exhibiting a very annoying video loss issue that I’d very much like to remedy.

It doesn’t matter whether I’m on Safari or Chrome, Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, etc but only happens during video playback & is completely random. Some nights it runs flawlessly, others it can happen as much as every couple of minutes. The screen goes black but content is still running as I can hear the audio. Typically swiping left or right then back again with 4 fingers on my trackpad takes care of it but other times, I’m pressing every key on the keyboard & trackpad until it finally comes back. Surfing the net or just sitting idle, no issue. I bought it specifically for watching online content so this is driving me up the wall.

Trackpad & keyboard are the newer versions & have plenty of charge. Energy saver/screen sleep mode turned off.

The display is a 60” Vizio led tv connected via Belkin HDMI-thunderbolt cable. I have run my MBP 13” & 21.5” iMac with El Captain, Sierra & Mojave through the same cable to the same display with zero issues. Well, occasionally & recently Netflix or Amazon won’t play the video stating the cord doesn’t meet certain specs but I simply switch thunderbolt ports, refresh window & problem is solved.

I have done a fair amount of research & tried a few things but nothing took. Don’t really trust YouTube “Pro’s” so trying my luck here.

Thank you in advance for any & all help/suggestions. I greatly appreciate it.

Mac Mini late 2009

El Captain 10.11.6

Processor: 2.53 GHz intel core 2 duo

Memory: 8 GB 1067 MHz DDR3

Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce 9400 256 MB

478 GB free of 499 GB

Display: 60” Vizio E601i-A3

Posted on May 9, 2019 8:06 PM

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Answer 1

K Shaffer

Level 8

36,022 points

May 10, 2019 7:56 PM in response to ArcotRamathorn

Could be the video chip (shares system memory with graphics) has insufficient capacity, with

this configuration is inadequate to supply signal the display. IF you have a standard display of

closer specification for testing purposes, that may be helpful to determine baseline adequacy.

• Mac mini (Late 2009) specs - from mactracker database application

Introduced October 2009

Discontinued June 2010

Model Identifier Macmini3,1

Model Number A1283

EMC 2336

Order Number MC238LL/A (2.26 GHz), or MC239LL/A (2.53 GHz)

Graphics Memory: 256 MB of DDR3 SDRAM shared with main memory

(Memory may vary depending on graphics needs. Minimum graphics memory usage is 256 MB.)

Display Connection 1 - Mini-DVI, 1 - Mini DisplayPort

A standard display and adapter specification for this configuration can use Dual-Link DVI.

External Resolution:

Up to 1920 by 1200 pixels (DVI/VGA) or 2560 by 1600 pixels (dual-link DVI)

To test with supported display and adapter cable is recommended to troubleshoot this issue.

Because display in use is not exactly an Apple standard, hard say how other peripherals work out.

This may (or not) be where 'loss issue' comes into play; Mac video output may not sustain display.

{..You may need to use a wired USB keyboard & mouse for troubleshooting use, w/ settings..}

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Late 2009 Mac Mini random video loss issue

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