Mac mini M-1 with USB-c to DVI only allows lower resolution than USB-c to DP or HDMI

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Level 1

5 points

Mac mini M-1 with USB-c to DVI only allows lower resolution than USB-c to DP or HDMI

I have a 2020 M-1 Mac Mini hooked up to an MSI MAG341 monitor with a USB-C to DP cable, and I was getting 3440 X 1440 resolution. a couple weeks ago the DP input on the monitor started acting up and then gave out(yes I tested the cable it works with another monitor). I got a USB-C to DVI cable, but I can't get higher than 1920 x 1080. Monitor specs say it will display 3440 x 1440 with DVI. is this a limitation of the Mac? or did I get the wrong cable? or is there a setting I need to change?

Mac mini, macOS 14.4

Posted on Apr 23, 2024 5:30 PM

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Answer 1

den.thed

Level 9

77,254 points

Apr 23, 2024 6:25 PM in response to sethcromley

The new Mac mini's do not do well with cheap display cables.

Get a short High Speed USB-C/Thunderbolt 4/3 to DisplayPort 1.4 cable.

for example > https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CSJQY34N/ref=sspa_dk_detail_4?

Or optionally.... switch to using a short High Speed Premium Certified 2.1 HDMI cable.

example > https://www.amazon.com/Ultra-Highwings-48Gbps-Braided-Cable-4K/dp/B08NX5CZTF/ref=sr_1_4?

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Answer 2

Apr 28, 2024 4:09 PM in response to sethcromley

Is that a single-link DVI adapter or a dual-link one? Likewise for any separate cable.

Single-link DVI adapters are cheaper and much more common than dual-link ones. But they are limited to a maximum resolution of 1920x1200 pixels (or is it 1920x1080?). This is a DVI limitation, not a Mac one.

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Answer 3

MartinR

Level 6

19,193 points

Apr 30, 2024 10:48 AM in response to sethcromley

sethcromley wrote:

... a couple weeks ago the DP input on the monitor started acting up and then gave out ...

That would seem to indicate a problem with the monitor, not the cable or the Mac. Check the settings in the monitor and if necessary have it checked by a technician.

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Answer 4

ZintainUSA

Level 5

6,397 points

May 2, 2024 4:21 PM in response to sethcromley

I would imagine that it is because of the DVI input. Doesn't that monitor support HDMI? If your DP port is bad and you're not getting the results you want with the DVI, try an HDMI signal. I am pretty sure that if you use the HDMI cable you'll see that you'll get the resolution back that you are looking for.

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Answer 5

Rudegar

Level 10

170,820 points

Apr 24, 2024 4:33 AM in response to sethcromley

single link dvi max out at 1920 x 1200

dual link support 2560 x 1600

never heard about a dvi that supported as high as 3440 x 1440

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