Mac Mini Display on Wide Screen Monitor is Stretched

Question

Mac-Mann Author

Level 1

10 points

Mac Mini Display on Wide Screen Monitor is Stretched

Just purchased this monitor:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TXM7K4T?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1

(Key Info: "Sceptre 30" Curved Gaming Monitor 2560 x 1080 Full HD Resolution. Response Time- 5ms GTG.Aspect Ratio: 21:9. DP Up to 200Hz Refresh Rate / HDMI 2. 0 Up to 120Hz Refresh Rate.")

I have a Mac Mini (Late 2012), with the following specs:

Mac mini (Late 2012) - Technical Specifications - Apple Support

(Key Info: "Support for up to two displays at 2560 by 1600 pixels, both at millions of colors. Support for 1080p resolution at up to 60Hz."

The problem is the display is stretched.

When I go to Display, I hold down the Alt/Option key, and have clicked on every option given to me along with changing the refresh rate to all options with each resolution option, but nothing makes it look normal, not stretched, or not pixelated if I go to just a standard width screen size, which I don't really want as I like the wider monitor, thus the purchase.

I have changed out the HDMI cables, all high quality with high transfer speeds and great connections.

I have restarted the computer.

I have put the computer to sleep mode for 60 seconds then woke it up.

I have made sure I updated software.

I have changed the settings in the physical monitor's menu to all available options along with the combinations previously mentioned.

I know it's not massively stretched, but it's enough to make me nauseous and crazy since I'm a little extra sensitive. And the sharpness is just blurry as all get out to me.

I know just enough about technology to get me into trouble, which is probably what is happening here. So any other suggestions that could help resolve this would be greatly appreciated!!!

I've attached several screenshots to show info and views. Hope it helps solve something!

[Edited by Moderator]

Mac mini, macOS 10.15

Posted on Jul 31, 2024 4:02 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Mac-Mann Author

Level 1

10 points

Aug 3, 2024 5:46 PM in response to den.thed

THIS DISPLAY PORT CORD SOLVED IT!!!

I didn't realize that the Apple Thunderbolt was the same as a Mini Display Port. Order a good one from Amazon, got it in this afternoon, plugged it in and everything on screen is perfect!!! Thank you!!

Now I'm going to try out a splitter/extender to hopefully allow me to have 2 Thunderbolt/Mini Display Port cords running from my Mac Mini to both monitors.

Wish me luck!!

Thanks again everyone!!!

Reply

Answer 2

BDAqua

Level 10

250,259 points

Jul 31, 2024 8:25 PM in response to Mac-Mann

Check OSD for Overscan. Underscan, etc...

On Screen Display Control (OSD) Quick Start, Picture, Color, System

Picture Presets Standard, User, Movie, Eco, FPS, RTS

https://www.sceptre.com/Monitors/UltraWide/C305B-200UN-30-Curved-Monitor-product1134category12category95.html

Reply

Answer 3

den.thed

Level 10

91,780 points

Aug 1, 2024 5:36 PM in response to Mac-Mann

A DisplayPort connection is better at offering odd and wide screen resolutions.

I would test that setup using a short USB-C to DisplayPort cable instead of HDMI.

for example > https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08B3SB5VC/ref=sspa_dk_detail_0?

Reply

Answer 4

den.thed

Level 10

91,780 points

Aug 4, 2024 7:27 AM in response to Mac-Mann

Mac-Mann wrote:

That's a bummer. :(

Does my basic issue, having one of the monitors plugged in through an HDMI which is resulting in the screen image being stretched, stem from the quality/capabilities of the HDMI cable? Or is the issue rooted in the Mac Mini not being able to achieve this? Or am I really off and it's the monitor's issue?

The 2012, 2014 Mac mini's are limited to one display from the TB/Mini DisplayPort and one from the HDMI port.

The M1 Mac mini's is also limited to one display from the ThunderBolt port and one from the HDMI port.

Those older Mac mini's have their limitations when it comes to newer dual and widescreen displays.

I'm just trying to decide if these monitor purchases should be returned, or if I can live with one monitor stretched and pixelated, or if I just need to try several different HDMI cables, or worst case scenario buy a new computer as soon as possible?

The 2018 Mac mini's and the latest M2 Mac mini's can run two displays from the Thunderbolt/USB-C ports.

Therefore can use two wide screen displays on ThunderBolt/USB-C to DisplayPort cables.

I know that's a wide question. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated!!!

No problem, also see > Connect a display to Mac mini - Apple Support

Reply

Answer 5

BDAqua

Level 10

250,259 points

Aug 1, 2024 1:32 PM in response to Mac-Mann

Have tried unchecking Movies or games, whatever like that?

Reply

Answer 6

Mac-Mann Author

Level 1

10 points

Aug 1, 2024 1:18 PM in response to BDAqua

Thanks for the reply!

I've played with any setting in the OSD that could have anything to do with display, and nothing.

Though I don't see an Overscan/Underscan option. I searched my Mac but nothing there either. Where else might I find that?

Reply

Answer 7

Mac-Mann Author

Level 1

10 points

Aug 3, 2024 6:20 PM in response to Mac-Mann

Okay now a slightly different problem....

It doesn't look like there is a Mac OS supported Mini Display Port to 2x Display Port extender/splitter.

Every single one I find online says it is not compatible with Mac OS.

But my other monitor that still has just an HDMI cable is still stretched. Only the one with the Mini Display Port to Display Port cable displays correctly.

Can anyone think of any work arounds? Links to products that might work would even be appreciated!!!

I just can't upgrade my Mac right now, so hopefully I can find a solution for under $100 USD.

Thanks for any input everyone!

Reply

Answer 8

Mac-Mann Author

Level 1

10 points

Aug 3, 2024 9:57 PM in response to den.thed

That's a bummer. :(

And remember I know only enough about technology to get me into trouble, so hopefully you won't mind another question :0)

Does my basic issue, having one of the monitors plugged in through an HDMI which is resulting in the screen image being stretched, stem from the quality/capabilities of the HDMI cable? Or is the issue rooted in the Mac Mini not being able to achieve this? Or am I really off and it's the monitor's issue?

I'm just trying to decide if these monitor purchases should be returned, or if I can live with one monitor stretched and pixelated, or if I just need to try several different HDMI cables, or worst case scenario buy a new computer as soon as possible?

I know that's a wide question. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated!!!

Reply