Mac mini (Late 2018) Core i5 3.0 GHz - SSD 256 GB - 8GB

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Mac mini (Late 2018) Core i5 3.0 GHz - SSD 256 GB - 8GB

My Mac mini (Late 2018) Core i5 3.0 GHz - SSD 256 GB - 8GB is having problems recognizing my HDMI type A ( standard) VIZIO TV monitor display. ( I know! I know…it’s all I have at the moment) and I can’t get the Apple Icons and other Apple functions to display properly. I’ve tried looking up Home Recording forums ( I’m a musician) in the past on the issue and messed around with the display slightly. I know there’s a way to fix this in the display. I’ve tried 2 other monitors with a HDMI TYPE A adapter to DP and it wouldn’t recognize the computer monitor using a “Bi-directional” adapter in which I bought for this very fact. Does anyone out there have any and/or other suggestions?

Mac mini, macOS 14.4

Posted on Apr 3, 2024 5:01 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

den.thed

Level 10

96,822 points

Apr 3, 2024 8:13 AM in response to MacMiniLate2018

HDMI TV's make poor displays, plus Mac's do not like cheap long HDMI cables.

Test a short 3' premium certified HDMI cable and disable computer sleep.

Adapting from the Mac's HDMI port to DisplayPort is sketchy.

If your monitor(s) have DisplayPort input, then you need a USB-C to DisplayPort cable.

for some examples > https://www.amazon.com/s?k=usb-c+cable+to+display+port

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Answer 2

den.thed

Level 10

96,822 points

Apr 3, 2024 9:42 AM in response to MacMiniLate2018

You're welcome.

Yes Mac's can be finicky when it comes to using cheap poorly made cables and adapters.

Cheap cable may work for a time, then either they fail or they no longer work after a macOS update.

If the external display has HDMI input, then you want a short premium certified HDMI cable.

If the external display has DisplayPort input, then you want a short high quality USB-C to DisplayPort 1.4 cable.

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Answer 3

Apr 3, 2024 9:02 AM in response to den.thed

Hello den.thed,

Thanks a BUNCH on your feedback sir! I’m basically new to the Apple world and some technical aspects of computer music,etc. So, the DP to USB-C adapter you sent a link from Amazon should work connected to the Thunderbolt inputs…correct? I’ve heard that these machines can be “finnicky” in regards to recognizing connections and I’m not sure how true that is but I’m going to try your suggestion. I just ordered the adapter and will let you know in a few days the end results.

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Mac mini (Late 2018) Core i5 3.0 GHz - SSD 256 GB - 8GB

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