What monitor can I drive from a usb-c port of an M1-based Mac mini.

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Level 1

8 points

What monitor can I drive from a usb-c port of an M1-based Mac mini.

I've just bought a new M1-based Mac mini.

I already have 1 Dell S2715H (27")monitor with HDMI input (1920 x 1080 at 60 Hz, capable of 480i, 480p, 576i, 576p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p).

I have an older 17" monitor with DVI input.

1) Can I use the older monitor via a usb-c dongle, preferably one that supports DVI and HDMI?

2) What specs should I look for in the dongle to ensure any new monitor I buy will fully use the capability of the usb-c port?

Mac mini 2018 or later

Posted on Aug 6, 2021 4:24 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

den.thed

Level 9

77,374 points

Aug 7, 2021 7:44 AM in response to Apple_Fixit

That adapter and other USB-C to DVI adapters like it, will work for the LG Flatron DVI monitor.

If and when you decide to buy a new monitor/display, then it will have HDMI or USB-C inputs and you will need to buy and use a different adapter or cable.

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Answer 2

den.thed

Level 9

77,374 points

Aug 6, 2021 5:13 PM in response to Apple_Fixit

You can use most any display from the M1's USB-C port that has VGA, HDMI, USB-C or DisplayPort input.

for a DVI display, you would need a USB-C to DVI adapter.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CCKTKXV/ref=sspa_dk_hqp_detail_aax_0?

for an HDMI display, you would need a USB-C to HDMI adapter.

https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Aluminum-Pixelbook-Compatible-Thunderbolt/dp/B07THJGZ9Z/ref=sr_1_3?

for a DisplayPort display you would need a USB-C to DisplayPort cable.

https://www.amazon.com/DisplayPort-uni-Thunderbolt-Compatible-More-Gray/dp/B075V27G2R/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?

for a USB-C display you would simply need a USB-C to USB-C cable.

https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Powerline-Durability-Including-Matebook/dp/B06Y25Y6WX/ref=sxin_13?

Note the above links to the Amazon adapters and cables are purely for example.

You can also purchase adapters and cables from local Electronics and Apple retailers

For more info on connecting displays to the M1 Mac Mini.

please see > https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-mini/connect-a-display-apd8e4fbbb97/mac

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Answer 3

den.thed

Level 9

77,374 points

Aug 7, 2021 7:17 AM in response to Apple_Fixit

What is the brand and model number of your monitor?

The USB-C to DVI adapter that I posted above will drive most older DVI monitors except the Cinema displays.

The USB-C to HDMI adapter that I posted above will drive any HDMI Display or HDMI TV up to 4K.

Again for more info on connecting displays to the M1 Mac Mini.

please study > https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-mini/connect-a-display-apd8e4fbbb97/mac

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Answer 4

Apple_Fixit Author

Level 1

8 points

Aug 6, 2021 9:20 PM in response to den.thed

Are all the USB-C display adaptors noted the same in terms of how well they can drive my display or do I need to find one with certain specs to ensure that I can drive my monitor to its full potential?

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Answer 5

Apple_Fixit Author

Level 1

8 points

Aug 7, 2021 7:28 AM in response to den.thed

I just checked and the second monitor is actually an LG Flatron W2052TQT, 18.8 in x 8.7 in x 15.9 in (20" diagonal), LCD monitor / TFT active matrix, 1680 x 1050, Horizontal Refresh Rate 83 kHz, Vertical Refresh Rate 75 Hz. It has DVI and VGA inputs.

If I buy an adaptor, I want to make sure it has specs that allow me to upgrade he LG to something at least as capable as the previously-noted Dell S2715H (27")monitor with HDMI input (1920 x 1080 at 60 Hz, capable of 480i, 480p, 576i, 576p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p).

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Answer 6

Aug 7, 2021 8:10 AM in response to den.thed

I have a similar question. My display is 1920p x 1080p, Samsung model BX2231, type B522WS (vintage 2010). It has two HDMI 1.x input ports. Will this display work with the Mac Mini M1 output port being HDMI 2.0? Does require any specific cables to bridge that difference?

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