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Mac mini (mid 2011_High Sierra) restarts by itself periodically when monitor switched off only

Hi, my Mac mini (mid 2011_High Sierra) restarts by itself periodically.

I searched different sources, tried different options, including Safe mode restart, switched off everithing - the only reason I found is:

  • when macmini connected to the monitor and the monitor is switched off or use different input - restarts periodically (several times a day),
  • when monitor on (no sleep mode in monitor) - no problem.


Monitor connected through mini-dvi cable.


  • wi-fi, safe mode, power saving settings or other options have no influence on this.


What should I do?

Posted on Apr 17, 2020 6:44 AM

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Posted on Apr 17, 2020 7:34 AM

Try resetting the SMC, as per > How to reset the SMC of your Mac - Apple Support

and then the NVRAM, as per > Reset NVRAM or PRAM on your Mac - Apple Support


If those do not help, please tell

  1. What monitor you have?
  2. What other inputs it supports?
  3. What Mini DisplayPort to ??? cable you use?


Sounds like you need to use an active Mini DisplayPort to ??? adapter. That way the Mac Mini will aways see the adapter, instead of no monitor on the end of the Mini DisplayPort to ??? cable.

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Apr 17, 2020 7:34 AM in response to rustem224

Try resetting the SMC, as per > How to reset the SMC of your Mac - Apple Support

and then the NVRAM, as per > Reset NVRAM or PRAM on your Mac - Apple Support


If those do not help, please tell

  1. What monitor you have?
  2. What other inputs it supports?
  3. What Mini DisplayPort to ??? cable you use?


Sounds like you need to use an active Mini DisplayPort to ??? adapter. That way the Mac Mini will aways see the adapter, instead of no monitor on the end of the Mini DisplayPort to ??? cable.

Apr 17, 2020 9:14 AM in response to rustem224

You are confusing Mini DisplayPort and DisplayPort with Mini-DVI.

see > https://www.dell.com/en-us/work/shop/accessories/apd/210-agnk?gacd=9646510-1028-5761040-0-0&dgc=st&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIj6X-gOvv6AIVExvnCh2gJwzSEAAYASAAEgLqpvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds


The 2011 Mac Mini also has a Mini DisplayPort not Mini-DVI.


It is starting to sound like the Dell monitor has some feed back or crossover between it's Mini DisplayPort and DisplayPort input ports, which is causing a problem for the Mac Mini.


What happens when you switch to an HDMI cable between the Mac Mini and Dell monitor?

Mac mini (mid 2011_High Sierra) restarts by itself periodically when monitor switched off only

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