I just got my 2012 Mac Mini yesterday (mid range model) and have already noticed three instances where the video would blink out for about a half second, and then come right back. This happend twice already when I'm connected to a Apple 23 inch LCD monitor via the included HDMI-DVI adapter and once when I'm connected via HDMI to my Samsung LCD TV. Anyone else noticing this happening on their Mac Minis? Thanks.
Mac mini, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.2)
Concur with AC, this is likely a hardware problem in the GPU logic itself (not firmware, manufacturing defect, nor OSX related). The issue appears to be very reproducible-- 5-10 minutes after wake, blank screen. The problem surfaced on Win/Linux PC's in June-- no fix from Intel in two releases of MRC code. Fast forward 5 months, Mac Mini's on OSX show same problem. No fix from Intel, no fix from Apple. So, it's not O/S, not mobo, not manufacturing, not firmware-->> it's HARDWARE related to a faulty HD4000 GPU. This issue was also present in the HD3000 GPU, and Intel still has not fixed it in the HD4000.
I worked in the chip industry as a supplier to Apple (not Intel), and every version of silicon we released had issues. The game is this: you hope your customer doesn't find out the issues that don't have a workaround in firmware, because then you start a very expensive process -> redesign the chip, spin it, test it, manufacture another run at the foundry, and fab and replace new mobo's--> a process that costs millions. Everybody remember Intel's Sandy Bridge chipset design error issue found by Tom'sHardware that Intel first tried to brush off, then was forced into a recall that cost $700MM?
http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=6030
Everyone is foolish to think Apple or Intel will admit this is a hardware issue because EVERY Mini out there will require a new mobo with a redesigned GPU. Intel is probably pushing Apple and the other OEM's to hold off until they can get Haswell out in the spring. Apple is in danger of becoming the Dell of the 2003-05 era, by continuing to sell faulty hardware with a known cap issue claiming their mobo's weren't affected. http://spectrum.ieee.org/tech-talk/computing/hardware/dell-tried-to-hide-bad-cap acitors-problem
If you can live with the issue, keep your Mini, but its resale value will fall when this issue becomes well-known. I returned my 2012 Mini 2.6 after 10 days and bought a 2011 refurb Mini with Radeon GPU. No problem. Wake up folks, return it, and save that hard-earned cash to buy another day. Good luck!
I hate to say it, but anyone who wants some kind of compensation is probably in for disappointment because you all held on to your (broken) mac minis rather than telling Apple you mean business by getting your money back.
As long as Apple has followers who don't stick up for their consumer rights then they will continue with a shoddy product like this in the full knowledge that people will moan but do nothing about it. They've still got your money so who cares if the masses aren't happy!
Sadly, I can see their point.
Sam.
I have this same problem. Late 2012 MacMini hooked up HDMI HDMI to brand new Samsung 27" S27B350. The monitor looks terrible, all washed out and blurry fonts. Occasionally blanks out. And after a few hours of use, it starts flashing and has to be shut down for a few minutes before it comes back to being at least tolerable.
I'm crossing my fingers for 10.8.3
Thanks slothinker. Too bad about the results of the OS X update. Really, nearly 5 months since the Late 2012 MM came out and still dealing with this. I read somewhere that the next MM is due "4th quarter" (financial quarter) and I guess I'm waiting until then.
So ... after using 10.8.3 for a few days I'm happy to report that the problems I had rousing the Mac Mini from Sleep mode are greatly reduced. In fact, if yesterday/today is any, I'd say the problems are resolved. Hope so!!
(For those who don't religously follow my postings 🙂 I have a late 2012 Mac Mini w/ Fusion drive, 8 gigs ram. Two monitors: Apple 24" and HP w2207 using DVI connection in Portrait mode.)
Glad I found out about these problems. I was about to buy a £1000 worth of Mac mini for photo editing. Based on the contents of this thread, and a ton of others, I've decided not to give Apple any of my money.
Pity as it is excellent for photo editing, fair zips through the processes. I use mine with an Eizo monitor as my main connected by MDP/DVI and Formac monitor connected by HDMI/DVI and have no issues.
Phil
My late 2012 i7 2.3 is working beautifully which by what some people are claiming here is impossible. My conclusion therefore is that there is something wrong with me as I can not find anything wrong with the computer. YMMV.
The bottom line is that I'm not paying £1000 for something which may or may not work. I've read enough threads on these issues to understand that there's a fair chance that it won't work properly. I'm not risking it.
I have had no problems with my Mac Mini since buying the second one. No washed out picture and no snowy or blinking monitor. I use the DVI connector but had no problems on a 64 inch HTML TV either. So no idea why some people's Mac Mini's aren't working while others are. Tis a strange world.
The bottom line is that there's more than a fair chance it will work properly. In case it does not you have 15 days to take it back and get your money refunded. But it is your money and your call. I am just letting you know that you might be missing out on a great computer.
I was planning on buying a Dell Ultrasharp U2312HM, initially using the HDMI-to-DVI converter, and adding a miniDP to DP cable later. If Apple can promise that I won't have any problems with this setup then I'll buy it. But they can't. And refund laws in the UK are pretty awful. If you buy online you get 7 working days to return for a refund. If you buy in-store, you get NO refund rights. It's rather frustrating because it does look like it would be the ideal photo editing machine for me, but in all honesty I can't take the chance.
Sorry if this pops anyone's bubble, just bought a second Mac Mini yesterday. My wife was wanting me to move the PC from upstairs where it is hooked to the TV (and slow and annoying) to the bedroom so she could have easier access to it without fighting the TV away from the kids.
WIth this issue seemlingly resolved, I was glad to buy another. Apple rocks. I'm never going back to PC.
I see some success stories, but for many, the quality of Apples' customer service on this matter was appalling. That's not to say their customer service is bad because it is generally very good, but in this situation, they dropped the ball big time.
Don't get me wrong, I am more than happy with my macbook pro which I just hook up to my 24" samsung syncmaster monitor when at my desk but I would never buy a 2012 mac mini again. The 2011 one with the Radeon graphics served me very well with no problems.
I look forward to see what comes out this year, but I certainly wouldn't buy one until I was sure none of this nonsense was going to happen again!
Hi FOLKS,
Great thread. Am taking the plunge this week and getting me a Mac Mini (I have had to be pried away from my old 2008 24' iMac)
I am looking at getting one of these monitors.
http://amzn.to/Yub7lg
http://amzn.to/YubcFA
http://amzn.to/104HeHz
So does anyone have any expeeirence of any of those specific models, if not what would you recomend?
Thanks a million
@ Paul Mcdaid - I have the Asus hooked up to my new Mac Mini 2012. I have not had any issues at all, in fact hooked up to this and my 55" Samsung no issues for me. Maybe I am one of the lucky ones.
Hope that helps.
Mac Mini 2012 video blinking out
