Mac Mini M1 4K Monitor

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Mac Mini M1 4K Monitor

Hello. My M1 Mac mini arrived today. I was really excited as I purchased a Samsung 32'' 4k space monitor (an LS32R75) to be precise. I am however extremely disappointed. Fonts seem to be blurry, washed out, still readable of course, but just not sharp. Same goes with icons. It is reminiscent of a really old setup I had from 2009, a Mac mini and an Apple Cinema Display! This is a 4k monitor so I was expecting things to be sharp and crisp. I have it connected via HDMI (2.0). I was just wondering if anyone has experienced this problem? Should I try mini display from the monitor? I am a web designer so crispness is super important to me especially where fonts are concerned. Any help would be appreciated. I have tried different profiles in the display settings on my Mac and every conceivable profile on the Monitor. Thanks in advance!

Posted on Mar 31, 2022 10:03 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

woodmeister50

Level 7

21,021 points

Apr 1, 2022 5:18 AM in response to Community User

Are you using an HDMI Certified cable that is certified for 4K? If you are using the vendor supplied cable, they usually will give you the cheapest cable they can get away with. Stick with premium certified cables. A cable that is certified will have an obvious HDMI certification sticker on it.

Also, do you have any "auto" settings enabled in the display setup? Over the years I have generally found them to be a detriment. Disable them and stick with manually adjusting to taste. In addition, is there a "sharpness" setting in the display itself and have you played with that to see if it helps?

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Answer 2

tbirdvet

Level 6

17,108 points

Mar 31, 2022 10:59 AM in response to Community User

I agree not very sharp. Perhaps you need a 5k monitor like the LG 5K Ultrafine which is what I use with my Mac Mini M1. This is as sharp as my 27" iMac.

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Answer 3

tbirdvet

Level 6

17,108 points

Apr 1, 2022 5:00 AM in response to Community User

I agree but if you have changed the resolution and nothing is impacted not sure what the issue is unless you have some cable issue.

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Answer 4

Apr 1, 2022 1:22 AM in response to tbirdvet

This is a 4k monitor though. There is no way on earth it should look like that

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Answer 5

Apr 1, 2022 5:22 AM in response to woodmeister50

Thanks. I have ordered a new 4k certified cable which is arriving today so fingers crossed. It is showing that it is outputting 3820 x 2160 at 60 Hertz. I have attached a picture of a screenshot from iMessage. Awful. I am really hoping the cable fixes the problem!

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Answer 6

Apr 3, 2022 4:53 AM in response to Community User

Updated - Purchased a very expensive 4K HDMI Cable (btw I think the whole ''Gold certified HDMI 4K cable stuff is BS), but I tried it anyway. Still the same. So, ordered a USB-C (Thunderbolt 3) to Mini Display adaptor and it is better. Not to the point where I am 100% satisifed but there is a definate difference in sharpness, colours etc. Text still not very crisp but miles better than using a HDMI. I have to add though, I am coming from a 5K 27'' iMac so maybe my expectations where too high. Workable though.

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Mac Mini M1 4K Monitor

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