Monitor connection to Mac Mini M2

I've been using a Thunderbolt display (LG 24" UltraFine) with my Mac mini for several years with no problems. The Mac ignores the power from the display. The display's USB ports work and the Mac can control the brightness.

The sole advantage of using Thunderbolt to connect a 3rd party monitor to a mini is a single cable, but it can cause mystery issues because the monitor can’t tell if what’s connected is a power hungry laptop or power-rebuffing mini.

Separately, for video, HDMI is way better and reliable because that’s its only purpose in life (unlike the shared Thunderbolt bus).

I would avoid. If you need monitor USB hub functions, connect the monitor’s C port to the mini’s USB-A port. Likewise if the monitor comes with built-in webcam.

I can confirm from my own experience that it will. Make sure you don’t manual-sleep the mini and energy saver settings are exactly as shown here:

Otherwise, the mini will Sleep. Awaking it, I’m told, involves renegotiating power delivery which can cause it to hang because the monitor won’t play.

Disabling Sleep itself loses you nothing - just make sure that for regular operation the sole energy-hogging Display switches off on timer, and shut the mini for long absences and overnights. M2 power-up is almost instant - I dare say faster than waking, so no downside whatsoever.

FYI, I reverted to HDMI after I found the mini going sluggish after several hours of using Microsoft Word, which fixed it.

Mileage varies depending on what’s connected, monitor manufacturer, the mini’s energy saver settings and how busy the USB ports are. Additionally, the designed-for-Apple $$$ LG has no option for connecting the monitor other than with Thunderbolt, which IMO, makes it too much of a standout monitor and might explain why it’s been discontinued https://www.lg.com/ae/consumer-monitors/lg-24MD4KL-B.

You are welcome.