Mac Mini M1 , Dell display issues

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mmaarriioo Author

Level 1

5 points

Mac Mini M1 , Dell display issues

My new Dell Display (U3219Q) does not work well with my Mac Mini M1 (MacOS 11.6):

Wrong YPbPr Color Signal (not RGB), when change manually to RGB wrong colors
Not able to update Dell Firmware via USB-C connection (Display is recognized in System Settings)
Dell Display Manager does not run (Access allowed in System Settings)
USB-Hub does not work (USB upstream port connected)

With my old Macbook (MacOS 11.6, Intel) everything works (except RGB Colors), so the issues are related to the M1.

Updated Dell Monitor Firmware with MacBook, but still not working with Mac Mini M1.

Mac mini, macOS 11.2

Posted on Dec 7, 2021 4:26 AM

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Answer 1

mmaarriioo Author

Level 1

5 points

Dec 8, 2021 2:12 AM in response to mmaarriioo

I reseted the display (set Display/Response Time: fast) and changed USB-C Port on my Mac Mini, now the USB Hub works.

Only 3 of 4 issues remains.

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Answer 2

hcsitas

Level 6

13,964 points

Dec 7, 2021 4:41 AM in response to mmaarriioo

Direct USB-C to USB-C for monitor to Mac connections don’t work very well because monitors are clueless on what’s connected, a power-hungry MacBook or power re-buffing desktop Mac. Additionally, Dell openly disclaims supporting Mac connections i.e. you’re on your own for both support and also firmware upgrades.

To workaround Dell’s dodgy engineering and support, I would connect the monitor’s USB C to the mini’s USB-A port using suitable C-A adapter/cable to enable hub functions. For video, connect HDMI-HDMI with a cable not longer than 5’. For firmware upgrades, use a free Windows laptop/PC when available (no rush).

Good luck!

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Answer 3

Dec 7, 2021 4:48 AM in response to mmaarriioo

USB-C based displays get messed up when they are connected to a device that does not get powered from the display like desktops.

Best solution would be to run video via HDMI to the display (or USB-C to DisplayPort) using only certified cables and just set up the USB-C interface as just a hub.

BTW, Dell being a very PC centric house, only verify that their devices work with PCs and from many posts here in the past more often than not can careless if they work with a Mac or not.

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Answer 4

nfilipek

Level 1

78 points

Dec 7, 2021 1:46 PM in response to mmaarriioo

Take a look at this video and read all comments and you find answer how to do RGB mode on Dell display. I have also a Dell and out of box my connected as YPbPr and after modifying it connects as RGB. I see no difference in picture quality or colour but now on Dell it says RGB. It is working on Monterey too.

https://youtu.be/Z1EqH3fd0V4

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Answer 5

mmaarriioo Author

Level 1

5 points

Dec 7, 2021 5:35 AM in response to hcsitas

Thank you for your reply.

Tried the HDMI connection (1m cable) and USB-A connection. Same issues as with USB-C.

I dont think it is Dells engineering fault, the Intel Macs are not affected from this problem. It looks like the Rosetta 2 environment on the M1 has a problem with DDC/CI, other display manufactures are reporting same problems.

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Answer 6

mmaarriioo Author

Level 1

5 points

Dec 8, 2021 1:53 AM in response to nfilipek

Thank you for the link. I already knew it, it is "hack" to force the Mac Output to RGB. But this does not help as the RGB Colors are wrong on my Dell Display. Same issue with my old Dell Display 2515H. Other users reporting the same problem, but not all Dell Display models are affected. I can live at the moment with YPbPr Color Profile (it is sharp) , but dont know if I ever can color calibrate the display without RGB mode.

The other issues (mainly the USB Hub problem) are far more troublesome. I found other user reports from last month with same issue USB Hub on Dell Display not working wit Mac Mini M1.

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