Connect monitor using USB C or HDMI?

Question

Connect monitor using USB C or HDMI?

Hi –

I have an M1 Mac Mini connected to a 27inch LG monitor. I've been using USB C to connect it and it's worked fine so far. However I read somewhere that connecting my monitor via USB C can cause damage – although I'm not sure to what, the USB C port, Mac or monitor – so I'm wondering whether I should use HDMI instead? I've tested HDMI and it seems to work fine (although there are one or two fewer resolution choices but that's fine as I run mine in "looks like" 1440). The only thing which is annoying is I use the app MonitorControl which lets me adjust the brightness using my Apple keyboard function keys (previously I had to use the LG monitor's OSD). With USB C, I could also control contrast and the sound but with HDMI I can control brightness only (a known issue with MonitorControl). Using HDMI also frees up a USB C port of the Mini and a USB C port on the monitor's hub so it would be an advantage in that respect. I'm just not sure if it's true that connecting via USB C can damage the Mini?

Thanks

Mac mini, macOS 12.1

Posted on Jan 28, 2022 4:34 AM

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Answer 1

hcsitas

Level 6

13,970 points

Jan 28, 2022 5:56 AM in response to Justanothergeordie

Direct USB-C to USB-C for monitor to Mac doesn’t work very well because monitors are clueless on what’s connected, a power-hungry laptop or power rebuffing desktop. Over time this can lead to strange behaviors including making the monitor’s usb hub useless and even busting the mini’s USB C port, although a macOS fix now prevents that from happening.

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’.

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Answer 2

hcsitas

Level 6

13,970 points

Jan 29, 2022 12:37 PM in response to Justanothergeordie

Worth a shot, if it’s a later model monitor, it should keep the hub powered even if the monitor’s turned off. Be sure to not sleep the mini - check “Prevent…” in Energy Preferences and uncheck everything else. You can leave the display off time as is, unrelated to Sleep.

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Answer 3

Jan 29, 2022 9:56 AM in response to hcsitas

Sorry to sound stupid but are you suggesting I connect the monitor using USBC to USBA with an adapter AND HDMI to HDMI fro video? I've just changed from USBC to USBC to HDMI to HDMI and it seems to be working the same....?

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Answer 4

Jan 29, 2022 10:18 AM in response to hcsitas

I'm wondering if it's worth it – the hub has 2 x USB A and 1 x USB C ports. I'm guessing I couldn't plug 2 x external hard drives (with their own power supply) in? If that may cause problems, I think I'll leave it.

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Answer 5

Jan 28, 2022 4:48 AM in response to Justanothergeordie

I have this question too!

Mac mini m1 and LG32UN880-B Monitor.

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Answer 6

Jan 28, 2022 4:50 AM in response to DimitriOS4

I forgot to add it's an LG 27UP850.

Thanks

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Answer 7

hcsitas

Level 6

13,970 points

Jan 29, 2022 10:11 AM in response to Justanothergeordie

The USB-A part is only if the monitor comes with a built-in hub and you want to use it. Otherwise HDMI-HDMI is fine.

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Answer 8

Jan 29, 2022 10:16 AM in response to hcsitas

Okay great thanks for the help. So to clarify, the USB C from the Mini would be connecting and powering the hub in the monitor?

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Answer 9

hcsitas

Level 6

13,970 points

Jan 29, 2022 12:34 PM in response to Justanothergeordie

If you mean the USB-A from the mini converted to monitor USB C, yes. Not powering, that the monitor does, but otherwise providing full hub functionality.

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Connect monitor using USB C or HDMI?

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