Mac Mini starting resolution

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Mac Mini starting resolution

Hi,

I have a new 2018 Mac Mini on macOS 10.15.3

I only have 2 external displays: have an old Dell with max 1680x1050 60hz resolution, and a HDTV.

The Mac Mini seems to be outputting resolution too high for the Dell. I can set the resolution from my HDTV, but after setting the Mac Mini resolution and powering down to move it to my workspace, the setting gets lost.

How do I set a resolution and keep it set on start?

I know the external display works: I moved the Mac Mini and Dell close to the HDTV and swapped the connection to the Dell after setting it lower on the HDTV. The problem is I can't see video signal after turning off the Mac Mini and moving it.

Posted on Jul 11, 2020 1:46 AM

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Answer 1

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den.thed

Level 10

82,414 points

Jul 12, 2020 8:36 AM in response to sycowboy

You're welcome.

Yea' HDMI can be problematic in that respect.

What other inputs does that old Dell provide?

VGA, DVI, DisplayPort, HDMI)

Personally I would

Try choosing a different "aspect ratio" using the Dell Display Menu.
Try using a Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to DVI or DisplayPort cable instead of HDMI.
Consider getting a newer Display that supports DisplayPort and/or Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C).

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Answer 2

den.thed

Level 10

82,414 points

Jul 11, 2020 8:08 AM in response to sycowboy

Moving back and forth, unplugging and plugging in a different size monitors is confusing to both the Mac Mini's display preference and you.

Option 1. Decide on which setup you want to use, reset the NVRAM and leave it setup on that one monitor.

Option 2. Use a different connection for each of the monitors. For example plug the TV into the HDMI port and the old Dell into one of the Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) port using a Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) adapter or cable.

see > Connect multiple displays to your Mac mini (2018) - Apple Support

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Answer 3

sycowboy Author

Level 1

8 points

Jul 12, 2020 7:54 AM in response to den.thed

Thanks for the suggestions.

I tried resetting the NVRAM, it didn't work, same message on my Dell: video signal is out of range, please switch to 1680x1050 60hz.

I had to use my HDTV to do the initial setup, I didn't have a DVI to HDMI cable at the time (for the Dell screen). I tried setting a low 720p resolution on the Mini via HDTV, then moving it and plugging in the Dell: no luck.

Any other ideas?

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Answer 4

sycowboy Author

Level 1

8 points

Jul 13, 2020 2:13 AM in response to den.thed

It's working!

Connecting the Dell to the Mac Mini via DVI to HDMI cable, and then a Thunderbolt 3 adaptor fixed it--strange, I don't know why the HDMI port wouldn't detect the right signal.

Thanks for that suggestion.

I'm shopping around for a new monitor, but in the meantime this ancient Dell is all I've got for the Mini.

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Answer 5

den.thed

Level 10

82,414 points

Jul 13, 2020 5:05 AM in response to sycowboy

That is good news, you're welcome.

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Mac Mini starting resolution

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