Lee Sachs

Q: Mac Mini with dual monitors (Apple & Samsung)

I just read several conflicting and old posts on these boards in addition to an outright, "sorry it'll never work" from an Apple store genius so I'm going to pose the question again all fresh and new like. 

 

I have a Mac mini late 2012, 2.5 Ghz.  I also have a 20" DVI Apple Cinema display (1680x1050px). I would like to connect a Samsung Syncmaster 20" (1600x900px) and run it with desktop extended. 

 

The Apple Cinema display works fine of course.  The Samsung has both a DVI and a VGA port.  I suspect there's a way to do it, and maybe even take a slight performance hit.  I even saw some people say here that the Apple store has a cable for this or that.  Sorry I'm just not figuring this out for myself. 

 

Thanks in advance all....

Mac SE, P-book 160,MacMini,G3,G5,MBP, iPad, lots of boxes with lights and things, Mac OS X (10.5.8), ipad, desk, chair, lamp.....

Posted on Nov 14, 2012 8:26 PM

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Q: Mac Mini with dual monitors (Apple & Samsung)

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  • by BDAqua,Helpful

    BDAqua BDAqua Nov 15, 2012 10:36 AM in response to Lee Sachs
    Level 10 (123,855 points)
    Nov 15, 2012 10:36 AM in response to Lee Sachs

    Shouldn't be a problem!???

     

    HD Graphics 4000Integrated
    Details:This model has an Intel HD Graphics 4000 graphics processor that shares memory with the system.
    512 MB*512 MB*
    Details:*Apple quietly reports that with 4 GB of RAM installed, this model uses 512 MB of RAM for graphics. With additional RAM installed, more RAM may be reserved for graphics use.
    Dual Displays1920x1200*
    Details:*This model simultaneously supports 1920x1200 on an HDMI display or a DVI display using the included HDMI-to-DVI adapter and 2560x1600 on a Thunderbolt or Mini DisplayPort display or even a VGA display (with an optional Mini DisplayPort-to-VGA adapter, which is compatible with the Thunderbolt port).
    Dual/Mirroring*2560x1600*
    Details:*This model simultaneously supports 1920x1200 on an HDMI or a DVI display (using the included HDMI-to-DVI adapter) and 2560x1600 on a Thunderbolt or Mini DisplayPort display or even a VGA display (with an optional Mini DisplayPort-to-VGA adapter, which is compatible with the Thunderbolt port).

     

    http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/mac_mini/specs/mac-mini-core-i5-2.5-late-2 012-specs.html

  • by Lee Sachs,

    Lee Sachs Lee Sachs Nov 15, 2012 12:19 PM in response to BDAqua
    Level 1 (110 points)
    Nov 15, 2012 12:19 PM in response to BDAqua

    Thanks BD!  Question is what cabling do I need to get them both running off the Mini?

     

    Clearly, you could take over the job of Genius from the guy I talked to last night who said,

     

    "sorry, it'll never work.  how dare you.  you fool.  shame on you.  why did you even ask that question?  don't you know anything..." 

     

    (well he didn't say all that...but i bet he was thinking it)  ;-)

  • by BDAqua,

    BDAqua BDAqua Nov 15, 2012 12:57 PM in response to Lee Sachs
    Level 10 (123,855 points)
    Nov 15, 2012 12:57 PM in response to Lee Sachs

    How is the current display connected? Which port & adapter?

  • by Lee Sachs,

    Lee Sachs Lee Sachs Nov 15, 2012 1:19 PM in response to BDAqua
    Level 1 (110 points)
    Nov 15, 2012 1:19 PM in response to BDAqua

    Currently, from the Apple monitor, I have DVI out then I'm using the DVI to mini DVI adapter that came with the Mac Mini.  As I said, the Samsung has a DVI and VGA out. 

     

    Thanks!

     

    Lee

  • by BDAqua,

    BDAqua BDAqua Nov 15, 2012 1:30 PM in response to Lee Sachs
    Level 10 (123,855 points)
    Nov 15, 2012 1:30 PM in response to Lee Sachs

    Wait, now I'm confused, the 2012 Minis do not have DVI or Mini DVI !???

     

    Only HDMI port with HDMi to DVI adapter, & Thunderbolt/MiniDisplay Port.

     

    At the Apple Icon at top left>About this Mac.

     

    Then click on More Info>Hardware and report this upto but not including the Serial#...

     

    Hardware Overview:

     

      Machine Name:    Mac mini

      Machine Model:    PowerMac10,1

      CPU Type:    PowerPC G4  (1.2)

      Number Of CPUs:    1

      CPU Speed:    1.42 GHz

      L2 Cache (per CPU):    512 KB

      Memory:    512 MB

      Bus Speed:    167 MHz

      Boot ROM Version:    4.8.9f1

  • by Lee Sachs,

    Lee Sachs Lee Sachs Nov 15, 2012 2:10 PM in response to BDAqua
    Level 1 (110 points)
    Nov 15, 2012 2:10 PM in response to BDAqua

    Ah, yes you're right.  Just looking at the specs (not in front of my machine, but it's pretty clear here:specs_ports.jpg

    So my assumption/educated guess is that I'm using the adapter it came with: HDMI to DVI.  Sorry for the confusion.  Thanks for your help ... again!

     

    Lee

  • by BDAqua,

    BDAqua BDAqua Nov 15, 2012 3:41 PM in response to Lee Sachs
    Level 10 (123,855 points)
    Nov 15, 2012 3:41 PM in response to Lee Sachs