2012 Mac Mini monitor problem

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2012 Mac Mini monitor problem

My setup: I have a Mac mini (Late 2012) with a 2.3 GHz Intel Core i7 and 16 GB 1600 MHz DDR3 using macOS 10.13.3. I have an HP 2159m monitor connected with HDMI that is about 10 years old.

My problem: Lately the screen resolution has not matched the monitor when I start up. It seems to be a higher resolution than the monitor can take, so the edges of the Finder screen are cut off. The Dock, at the bottom, is cut in half, both sides are cut off, and the drop down menus are completely hidden.

At first I could go to the Display Preferences and change the screen preference and it would correct. Now it just stays wrong. I have changed cables, reset the monitor, and opened in SAFE mode to reset, with no change.

Any ideas? Is it the Mini, the OS, or the monitor?

Mac mini, macOS High Sierra (10.13.3)

Posted on Feb 12, 2018 8:06 PM

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Answer 1

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esgeographer Author

Level 1

4 points

Feb 14, 2018 9:19 PM in response to den.thed

The mini DisplayPort to HDMI didn't work, so it seems my problem is with the HDMI port on my monitor. I have now installed an HDMI to DVI cable and that is working. That was cheaper than a mini DisplayPort dongle, and I can continue to use my Thunderbolt port for a hard drive. Thanks again.

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Answer 2

den.thed

Level 10

91,618 points

Feb 13, 2018 9:04 PM in response to esgeographer

First try resetting the NVRAM, as per > How to reset NVRAM on your Mac - Apple Support

If that does not help?

Try Apple > System Preferences > Displays > hold the Alt (option) key > click the Scaled button > then select the proper Resolution.

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Answer 3

esgeographer Author

Level 1

4 points

Feb 13, 2018 10:08 PM in response to esgeographer

I was able to find an old VGA cable and a mini display port to VGA dongle and when I made this connection the monitor display setting works. The color seems to be less saturated (maybe just my eyes), but at least I get the full Finder Window. The problem seems to be related to the HDMI ports. Now, if I can figure out if it is the computer port or the monitor port. I tired changing the cable.

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Answer 4

den.thed

Level 10

91,618 points

Feb 14, 2018 5:26 AM in response to esgeographer

You're welcome!

The HP Pavilion 2159m Monitor looks like it has HDMI, DVI and VGA inputs.

If your does, then for sure try a Mini DisplayPort the DVI adapter and a DVI cable.

$25 from Kanex > http://www.kanex.com/iadaptdvi

$22 from NewEgg > Kanex iAdapt Mini DisplayPort to DVI-D Adapter Newegg.com

$18 at Amazom > Kanex Mini DisplayPort / Thunderbolt to DVI adapter

$8 from Walmart > Kanex Mini Displayport To Dvi - Walmart.com hmm... seems to good.

You do not have to go Kanex, there are plenty of other brands including the name brand Apple one.

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Answer 5

den.thed

Level 10

91,618 points

Feb 13, 2018 10:45 PM in response to esgeographer

Yea' HDMI is far more problematic than Display Port, DVI or even VGA.

Personally I have never had a single problem with dual DVI Samsung monitors on my 2012 Mac Mini.

(one is on an Apple HDMI to DVI adapter and the other is on a Kanex Mini DisplayPort to DVI adapter)

We also have had zero issues with dual DVI LG monitors on our 2010 Mac Mini.

(it also uses the same Apple and Kanex DVI adapters as the 2012 Mac Mini)

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Answer 6

esgeographer Author

Level 1

4 points

Feb 13, 2018 9:05 PM in response to den.thed

Thanks, but there is no change. Could it be the monitor, and if so, how can a check that?

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Answer 7

esgeographer Author

Level 1

4 points

Feb 13, 2018 10:04 PM in response to den.thed

Thanks, but there is no change. Could it be the monitor, and if so, how can a check that?

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Answer 8

den.thed

Level 10

91,618 points

Feb 15, 2018 7:12 AM in response to esgeographer

You're welcome!

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Answer 9

esgeographer Author

Level 1

4 points

Feb 13, 2018 10:51 PM in response to den.thed

Thanks! I will try the HP monitor with another MinI and HDMI to try to determine if it is the computer or the monitor port. However, I will also look for a Kanex mini display port to DVI adapter. At least now my computer is usable. Thanks again.

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2012 Mac Mini monitor problem

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