Mac Mini M2 kernel panics/pink screen with KVM & hub

Question

Level 1

4 points

Mac Mini M2 kernel panics/pink screen with KVM & hub

Hi all,

I have a Mac Mini M2 (2023) with 512 GB of SSD storage and 16 GB of RAM. I have the following attached to it:

A KVM Unit (for switching back and forth between it and my gaming PC) - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GKNPK274?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

A port/SSD expansion hub - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CR1WWSGN?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

It works great except for the fact that it frequently kernel panics and gets a pink screen followed by a restart. Is there a setting or software tweak/update I can apply? I'm on the latest release of Tahoe and I don't think this was an issue prior from upgrading to Tahoe. I would much prefer not to forfeit the KVM or expansion hub. Any help is much appreaciated. Thanks!

Mac mini, macOS 26.3

Posted on Mar 20, 2026 2:20 PM

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Answer 1

Mar 22, 2026 6:35 PM in response to sammyclams98

Satechi has been around for years, but it is always possible there could be something there.

However, the KVM is one of those "no name" brands.....so I would take that out of the equation first since it is most likely to be causing problems.

I agree with @den.thed regarding using high quality cables....make sure they are less than 1 meter in length.

It may help to see a couple of the Kernel Panic logs. You can find them at "/Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports".....if none are there, then check the "Retired" subfolder. Kernel Panic logs will have file names with "kernel" and/or "panic" in them. You will need to use the "Additional Text" icon which looks like a piece of paper on the forum editing toolbar to post them here.

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Answer 2

den.thed

Level 10

97,998 points

Mar 20, 2026 2:52 PM in response to sammyclams98

Lately macOS upgrades and updates have been notorious for breaking third-party hardware and software.

Another problem could be that 4K rated HDMI switch and the latest macOS update it is now requiring 8K rated switches and cables.

To report broken hardware and software to Apple.

Feedback - Mac mini - Apple

Feedback - macOS - Apple

In the mean time if your Display has multiple inputs..? Try connecting the Mac mini directly to the Display and use the Displays On-board Menu to select the Input Source.

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Answer 3

sammyclams98 Author

Level 1

4 points

Mar 20, 2026 4:43 PM in response to den.thed

Hey, thanks for your response!

I can definitely look into getting an 8k HDMI cable for sure! If that doesn't work, do you or anyone else know if there's a setting I can toggle/change on my Mac that could be triggering this?

Also I would prefer to plug my HDMI cables directly into KVM unit due to wanting to freely switch between it and my PC. I have two monitors.

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