Mac Mini (2018) connection to monitor

Question

Mac Mini (2018) connection to monitor

Hi

I have a new Mac mini and currently have it connected to my monitor using the USB-C cable supplied with the monitor. It all appears to be working fine but I wondered if using HDMI cables would work just as well (i.e. is there a performance difference between all of the connection options?) The main reason I ask is that I want to move the Mac Mini to a different location in the office and I can't seem to be able to find a long enough USB-C cable to use, although longer HDMI cables seem to be more readily available.

I hope that makes sense.

Many thanks in advance.

Regards

Doug

Mac mini 2018 or later

Posted on Sep 1, 2019 11:25 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Malcolm J. Rayfield

Level 7

23,065 points

Sep 2, 2019 3:23 PM in response to doug from stratford upon avon

If the display has extra USB ports, you will need to use the USB-C connection for those extra ports to work. When the computer is not close to the display, those extra USB ports are useful for keyboards, USB memory sticks, optical drives, phones, etc.

DisplayPort offers no advantage, and requires a USB-C tp DisplayPort adapter. The adapter has to be one rated at 4K 60Hz. Most aren't.

The 2018 HDMI port can handle 4K displays.

Mac mini - Technical Specifications - Apple

"HDMI 2.0 display video output

Support for one display with 4096-by-2160 resolution at 60Hz"

You do need the correct HDMI cable.

https://www.hdmi.org/consumer/finding_right_cable.aspx

Look for a "Premium High Speed Cable" or "Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable" label and 4K 60Hz.

They are available in lengths up to 100 ft, but the longer ones don't support HDR (High Dynamic Range).

https://www.monoprice.com/Search/Index?keyword=hdmi%20cable&categoryPath3_uFilter=HDMI%20Cables&rows=100&TotalProducts=44

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Answer 2

Sep 1, 2019 11:27 PM in response to doug from stratford upon avon

The 2018 Mac mini uses HDMI 2.0 so can get high resolution from its HDMI port, with the right cable.

A high quality HDMI cable can run a 4K display, but a lot of HDMI cables only work up to 1920 x 1080. Look for a cable with the HDMI High Speed Logo

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Answer 3

Sep 2, 2019 11:11 AM in response to Malcolm J. Rayfield

Hello Malcolm

Many thanks for your reply. I have seen these these HDMI cables advertised, albeit with a slightly different name but I suppose it amounts to the same thing. In your opinion, would it be better to connect to the monitor using these cables or the USB-C? Would the image quality etc. be better with a particular one? I also have a display port connection but I am assuming this is older technology so haven't really factored that in. I could do if advice recommends it though!

Many thanks.

Regards

Doug

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Answer 4

Sep 4, 2019 5:27 PM in response to Malcolm J. Rayfield

Hello Malcolm

Thanks again for your great advice.

Not that I will be using them (I have bluetooth peripherals generally) but I didn't realise that the 2 USBs on the monitor would not work without the USB-C being connected (I've just had a look at the manual and have seen all the scenarios with regards to connections).

So, in summary, it will be best to use HDMI 2 (I do now and it all appears ok) but to ensure that I have the correct cables, especially when I buy longer ones because of the hardware position in the room.

Incidentally, the link you have sent with regards to cable identification is great. Thanks. Also, I wish we had somewhere like Monoprice in the UK!

Thanks for all of your help.

Regards

Doug

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Answer 5

Sep 4, 2019 7:57 PM in response to doug from stratford upon avon

Don't worry if the desired cable length doesn't support HDR. Apparently the Mac mini doesn't support it anyway.

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Answer 6

Sep 5, 2019 10:24 AM in response to Malcolm J. Rayfield

Many thanks.

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Mac Mini (2018) connection to monitor

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