Mac Mini 2012 video blinking out

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!

So glad they're working on it and acknowledging it. Sorry if others are still having trouble.

http://9to5mac.com/2012/12/10/mac-mini-efi-firmware-update-1-7-released-addressi ng-hdmi-video-flicker-issues/

Of course the 10.8.2 update made no difference in the random HDMI video losses, but at least it unblocked the other Apple program updates that required 10.8.2.

Since Apple finally admitted there is a problem, I tried their new firmware:

About Mac mini EFI Firmware Update 1.7

This update addresses HDMI video flicker issues on Mac mini (Late 2012) computers and is recommended for all users.

So far, more than 24 hours now, I have not seen the video loss (black or snow screen) issue recur. I'm still using HDMI --> Apple adapter --> DVI --> new Asus PB238 DVI input.

After the EFI Firmware 1.7 update I also tried direct HDMI to HDMI (PB238 input) again, but the display quality is still poor. The color saturation is terrible and the edges of the text look jagged. On a the Lagom LCD test site I found a white saturation image that clearly shows the problem. On HDMI, none of the patterns above 200 are visible, but on the SAME monitor connected with HDMI to DVI adapter, all the patterns are clearly visible (except 254). I see there are already other threads on this topic, so I'll move to those for further discussion. And don't tell me to adjust the monitor or Mac OS X color settings, I've tried and just as others are reporting they don't help this issue. And I prefer to use HDMI over DVI because it carries the sound to my monitor without extra cables.

Just chiming in after reporting the problem. Updated with EFI Firmware Update 1.7 and like others the HDMI port works without the blanking &/or snow problem.

HDMI -> HDMI has washed out colors, HDMI -> DVI-D colors are beter but not as rich as Thunderbolt to DVI-D. HDMI -> DVI-D is completely usable for my purposes on this machine - email, browsing, documents, but I would not find it acceptable for photo or video work where color is important.

So in summation Apple has "solved" the blanking problem but failed to provide me with an HDMI port that provides good color which even the Intel 4000 is obviously capable of since you can see it on the Thunderbolt port. So - a machine that works but not a winner.

This is my last post from a Mac ever...

I bought one of the first (late 2012) Mac Minis when it became available. After 6 hours of installing software and moving files, I discovered random snowy screens. I decided to return my Mac Mini.

I waited patiently a few months until it was announced that there was a software update that would resolve the black and/or snowy screen issue. I made sure to buy it from the Apple's online store to receive one of the new patches. (To make double sure I custom configured the Mac Mini and even added Keynote. This ensures that you receive a Mac Mini from one of the last production runs.)

Indeed my current Mac Mini is from production week 52, 2012. Literally brand new. - No surprise, the new Mac Mini also came already with the new Boot Rom Version MM61.0106.B03 The first defective Mac Mini, displaying random coloured snow screens (especially after display sleep but not exclusively) had Boot Rom Version MM61.0106.B00

After spending time again on installing all software, moving all files, etc. I discovered that this brand new Mac Mini again displays the same issues I have encountered with my first one. Occasional snowy screens... Sometimes when surfing, sometimes, from sleep, etc.

I have even found a way to replicate it. When cycling my HP ZR2440w often enough - about 5 to 20 times, it comes back on with a snowy screen.

I was using the HDMI to DVI adapter, which came with the Mac Mini.

Not wanting to give up, I went to an Apple store to buy both a HDMI --> HDMI cable and a Mini Display port --> HDMI adapter. (After reading lots of the posts some people suggested that Mini Display port adapters work.)

None of the connections prevented the snowy screen. (Some of the connection variations only added washed out overexposed colours to make the whole experience even worse.)

I can tell you, don't waste anymore money trying to solve this. It will not. Those who claim that some different cable works, just don't know it yet... I think the new software update decreased the frequency of the blackouts or snowy screens but hasn't solved the problem. I personally think the graphic chip is totally flawed. It is a hardware problem. Don't wait for a new software solution either. It will not get any better.

Send your Mac Minis back as quickly as you can and get your money back. That is the only way to get out of this.

The Mac Mini is a major disappointment from Apple. They spend all their time rubbing their hands over iPad and iPhone sales, but totally forget where they came from... Apple has lost touch.

RIP Mac Mini (late 2012) Intel Core i7, 2,6 GHz, 16GB Ram

I have a mac mini (late 2012) with two monitors. When I had the Asus PB278 connected via mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort adapter at 2560x1440 and the Samsung E1920 connected via HDMI to DVI at 1366x768, the Asus would periodically go black for a second. Sometimes a few times a day, sometimes a few times an hour. It was annoying. I read through the message boards and tried different cables, reset PRAM/NVRAM/SMC, reinstalled OS X, called Apple support, etc. Finally, I connected the Asus via HDMI, which I was determined not to do since it drops the max resolution to 1080P and connected the Samsung via mini DP to DVI. It fixed the problem. Even though I'm not getting the maximum resolution from the Asus anymore, the 1080P actually looks better. The menus and icons are easier to read, photos and movies seem just as sharp, and the detail I needed for stock charts is there. Best of all, no more random blanking out of the screen.

Hi there

after lots of talks to several Apple Technicians, Support and Customer Care we have finally decided to exchange the Mac Mini to a new one.

Apparently the problem is only in some machines and might be a defect graphic card.

It has nothing to do which monitor you try.

Nothing to to with the ports because we see these problems with HDMI-DVI Adapter, HDMI-HDMI cable, and Thunderbolt-HDMI Adapters.

Also there is no difference between i5 and i7 machines.

Hopefully the new MacMini will be without fault...

cheers

Sheerkhan

Deckar, try pulling the top stick of RAM and see if it persists. I haven't had any problems since I did that, though it certainly isn't definitive. If we get more people trying it, we'll get an answer sooner.

The reasoning is in the link that soundx posted a few posts up. This is from an Intel rep, Sep 2012, regarding the Intel 4000 GPU:

"This issue is a BIOS issue specifically with the Memory Reference Code (MRC) version 1.4.0.0 or older. Please contact your system or motherboard manufacturer for a system BIOS update for your system or motherboard that includes MRC 1.5.0.0 or newer. If you have a system with 2 or more memory modules and are comfortable with removing all but one of them so that your memory is in single channel mode, try and remove all but one of them and the issue will go away. This can be used as a workaround until you are able to update your system BIOS from your system or motherboard manufacturer that includes MRC 1.5.0.0 or newer."

SMC

Shut down computer by going to the apple logo and hitting shutdown.

Unplug the mac mini power cord in the back for 15 seconds.

Plug it back in and wait 5 seconds before turning it back on.

*incase you would like to try it out..............http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964

Looks like like it's wide spread problem i have try all and the only fix i have found is to use the Thunderbolt port not the HDMI i'm using a MiniDisplay Port to DVI on my Samsung S27950D and so far so good not a black screen or a blink no snow and most defenatly no washed out colour as i was getting when using HDMI to HDMI or HDMI to DVIto me this looks like a driver problem that will be fixed by software update i don't think is a hardware problem as i have spend hours reading other forums trying to get to the bottom of this so what i did find was that with bootcamp and windows 7 the HDMI not problem with Linux same no problem however we are only getting it on Mac OSX 😟 for me the solution was a 3rd party $15 MiniDisplay port to DVI now all working great 🙂.

Received BTO 2.6 Mini today, ordered 11/02. After two hours experienced black screen for about 2 seconds using HDMI->DVI to a Dell U2211H monitor.

After reading Intel's forum, which has threads about this issue all the way back to June, I can't believe Apple QA did not know about the issue, and chose to ship anyway. Intel already released MRC 1.5 and 1.6 claiming to fix, and issue is still being reported in both the PC and Mac world. The fix depends on Intel, and I don't have much hope since they've been working on it five months already.

http://communities.intel.com/message/171244

I filed a report, but will probably take the Mini back in the return period and wait for a fix, or until Haswell is released next year.

Moral of the story to Apple -> stick with discrete GPU's in Desktop machines! The company is losing more on returns than if a dGPU had been offered that slightly reduced margins.

I really think you may be onto something with this one. Like some other people in this thread, I got my Mini to setup as an HTPC (with Plex, in my case).

I have the low-end, dual core i5.

I started out setting up my new Plex with changing out the stock RAM for two 8 GB DIMMs. I ran the system migration tool to move settings from my old Mini, did the Software Updates that were available (10.8.2, principal among them), then installed Plex Media Server and the OSX Plex client on it. All my media is stored separately on a ReadyNAS NV+. All the Mini does is serve up the content. Plex will sense if you have the media you are trying to catalogue on a network drive and prompts for credentials needed to access it so it will make sure the connections stay alive and mounted. Did that, and the drives are getting mounted and staying mounted after PMS launches. So far, so good.

However, once I set out to catalogue the various locations using Plex Media Manager, or play any of the videos it did manage to catalogue, I'd get a kernel panic, or something that looked like them within 30 to 60 minutes every time. The screen would get a bunch of colored boxes in various places over what was left of the image that was displaying, and the box would be completely inaccessible through VNC, ssh, ScreenSharing, pings, and anything I'd try. I'd also get the blank screens and snow. Unplugging and plugging the HDMI cables in again did nothing. It would actually produce the snow and screen blanking, post-kernel panic. Turning the LCD on and off again likewise did nothing.

I also tried looking through the Console for clues, but didn't see much that appeared to be related to this in any way. I had three instances of a Plex Media Server crash there, but nothing reflecting the volume of actual system failures I was experiencing. I also tried completely shutting off Spotlight indexing, in case that was interefing for some reason. Didn't help. Tried an SMC reset. No improvement.

I finally pulled the DIMM out of Bank 1 as your link suggested. I haven't had a kernel panic, HDMI dropout, snow/blank screen since, and it's now been nearly 18 hours where previously it was an hourly occurance.

So, BDAqua. I'm curious, can you explain maybe why having multiple RAM channels filled would maybe make all the difference? Is it some bad interaction between the dedicated VRAM, GPU, and paging out to system RAM when that gets maxed out during certain operations? I really don't understand the hardware and OS well enough to know down at that level and probably sound like an idiot.

I got on the phone with an Apple tech this moring and described all of this to him. We checked the health of the disk and did a permissions verify and all was right with the world there. He waited while I catalogued a large collection of TV shows on my NAS and it sailed right through. Before pulling the RAM in Bank 1, that would have gaurateed a crash a little less than half way through that operation.

Interestingly, entries in the Console have also calmed down in frequency quite a bit.

I'll allow that this may still be somehow be Plex related, but since pulling a DIMM seems to have completely resolved this issue, I'm leaning toward this being something more likely hardware- or OS-related.

Has anyone else out there tried removing the top-most stick of RAM (the one on top when you open the case) and met with success other than me?

I'm currently running a catalague on my NAS-based music library, which contains tens-of-thousands of small files and has been running for over two hours, and haven't noticed even the slightest hiccup. I'll report back here with the results. I can get all the way through that, and playback a bunch of video for, say, three or four days without issue, I think I'll be writing this up and posting my story to http://www.apple.com/feedback/

I'm also going cross-post this to the Plex forums and see what they have to say as well.

I'd be interested to hear from anyone else what they've tried and if it worked.

Thanks!

Folks, mine was doing the same thing with an Epson 5020UBe projector via HDMI. Blinking in and out non stop.

Even though my Mini came with the 10.8.2 update already installed, I installed this one over the top again and it fixed the issue!

http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1603

Please give it a go and report back.

You may consider a cabling problem. I cite from the Macintouch forum:

It sounds like the HDCP (DRM) handshaking is failing -- I've seen the same thing happen on TVs with Blu-ray players. It's unlikely changing adapters will make a difference, because an HDMI-DVI adapter is purely passive. (Mini-DP->DVI/VGA, on the other hand, is a totally different beast, because it's telling the DP port to output a completely different kind of signal.) That said, the fix might be really simple and cheap: try different cables. If you're going to get new cables anyway, I suggest dispensing with adapters altogether, and instead going on monoprice.com (for budget) or bluejeanscable.com (for top quality with good prices) and ordering cables that have HDMI on one end and DVI on the other. And get cables that are the shortest possible. The DVI signal (which is what HDMI uses) is really quite feeble and doesn't handle long cable runs well, and the HDCP handshaking is even less forgiving.

Folks, seriously. TRY THIS!

I had non stop blinking through HDMI.

I installed this update from Apple over the existing 10.8.2 version on my Mini and it fixed the issue!

http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1603

You have nothing to lose by giving it a try and reporting back.