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Can the 2011 Mac Mini support 2560x1440 through HDMI port?

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omvs

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Original poster
May 15, 2011
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I currently have one of the Late 2009 Mac mini's with MDP and MiniDVI connectors. While the miniDVI can't normally support a LCD >1920x1200, I'm able to drive a QH270 at 2560x1440 using miniDVI->VGA adapter, and still cano hook up another high res display to the MDP port.

Unfortunately, I may have to replace the mini with a new model. It seems like the current version has Thunderbolt + HDMI. I assume I can hook up a MDP -> Dual-link converter on the Thunderbolt port, allowing me to use one display. But what I can't tell is if the HDMI port is limited to 1920x1200 - one search on the web suggests that it is compatible with HDMI 1.0 -> 1.4 devices, which should have enough bandwidth.

Anyone know one way or another?
 
philipma1957

philipma1957

macrumors 603
Apr 13, 2010
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Howell, New Jersey
I am not sure . I do ask if you are running from the hdmi port how are you going to hook it up to the monitor? with a hdmi to vga adapter? now if you are usa located just buy a mini from apple and attach the 2 monitors to the mini. if it works fine if not you have 2 week return policy. apple will pay for the return
 
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omvs

macrumors 6502
Original poster
May 15, 2011
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I don't think you can convert HDMI to VGA -- at least, without using some sort of expensive active adapter. I think the only affordable way to hook up VGA to the 2011mini is via MDP -> VGA adapter.

However, the version of the QH270 I have is the IPSMS, which has VGA, HDMI, and dual-link DVI-D inputs. A user online reported that the EQ276W can do 2560x1440 on HDMI & VGA, which is a very similar model except it also as display port (http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1696676).

I could buy & return a mini, though I'd feel kinda bad about returning it if it didn't work, since Apple explicitly says 1920x1200 through the HDMI port on their tech specs -- I'm just hoping that they're lowballing since very few monitors have HDMI input at 2560x1440.

I suppose my other option would be to ask if they minded if i brought in a display and tried hooking it up to one of their machines, though the monitor is kinda heavy and I am lazy! :)

Random aside: I did try hooking the monitor up to my macbook pro with a MDP->VGA adapter and a MDP->HDMI adapter. Neither worked above 1920x1080, even using switchresx to try and force a custom res. But the miniDVI -> VGA on the mac mini worked as soon as I hooked it up.
 
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philipma1957

philipma1957

macrumors 603
Apr 13, 2010
6,365
251
Howell, New Jersey
My guess is that it won't work.

funny that a 2009 mini can do what you want. sometimes old tech can be better then new.

if the 2012 mini comes with 2 t-bolt ports it may do what you want.
 
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terraphantm

macrumors 68040
Jun 27, 2009
3,814
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Pennsylvania
The hardware probably supports 2560x1440 through HDMI, but OSX doesn't seem to.

I have a retina MBP, and have a similar display (from Microcenter) connected via HDMI. If I boot into Windows, 2560x1440 works just fine. OSX refuses to show any options above 1920x1080. It seems to be treating the monitor as a TV, as most of the resolution options are things like 1080p, 1080i, 720p, etc..

I'm going to try switchresx when I get home tonight.
 
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terraphantm

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Jun 27, 2009
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Pennsylvania
BSoares said:
This is right. HDMI max is 1920 x 1200. You need DisplayPort or Thunderbolt to get anything higher than this.
Click to expand...

Wrong. HDMI 1.4 (which is what the mini has) can drive 4K resolutions. OSX doesn't allow this. However if you boot into Windows, 2560 (and presumably above) work fine. How do I know this? Because I'm typing this post on such a setup at this very second.

OSX seems to limit the HDMI frequency to 165MHz. So if I force the refresh rate to 40Hz via SwitchResX, 2560 works fine even in OSX. But the hardware is capable of running at 340MHz - I don't know why Apple disabled this capability.
 
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O

omvs

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May 15, 2011
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terraphantm said:
...

OSX seems to limit the HDMI frequency to 165MHz. So if I force the refresh rate to 40Hz via SwitchResX, 2560 works fine even in OSX. But the hardware is capable of running at 340MHz - I don't know why Apple disabled this capability.
Click to expand...

Excellent! So if I have to upgrade to the new mini, I can probably drive one display via HDMI and one via DP. Weird OSX is limiting it - but I can live with 40Hz at work.

I had done some experiments with the DP->HDMI and DP->VGA converters, and couldn't get either to do 2560x1440, even at 40hz or less. Now you got me wondering if OSX is locking it out - I'll have to try again under windows just for the heck of it.

On a side note, those EQ276W's are sweet for price (even with the crappy stand). My local microcenter sold out of their batch last week, but some new ones apparently just arrived and a few more of my coworkers are pondering purchases.

Thanks a ton terraphantm!
 
T

terraphantm

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Jun 27, 2009
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omvs said:
Excellent! So if I have to upgrade to the new mini, I can probably drive one display via HDMI and one via DP. Weird OSX is limiting it - but I can live with 40Hz at work.

I had done some experiments with the DP->HDMI and DP->VGA converters, and couldn't get either to do 2560x1440, even at 40hz or less. Now you got me wondering if OSX is locking it out - I'll have to try again under windows just for the heck of it.

On a side note, those EQ276W's are sweet for price (even with the crappy stand). My local microcenter sold out of their batch last week, but some new ones apparently just arrived and a few more of my coworkers are pondering purchases.

Thanks a ton terraphantm!
Click to expand...

Hmm, the DP -> HDMI cable *should* work - strictly going by bandwidth. The VGA adapter should actually be able to do 60Hz since RAMDACs typically run at 400MHz. It does appear OS X is limiting it. What version are you using? I'm using Mountain Lion.

Also FWIW - I suppose the 2560 working in Windows is a YMMV thing. Apple says the Mini is HDMI 1.4, so it *should* be able to do it. But who knows without trying I suppose. The VGA adapter at least should work under Windows. Even my mom's ancient Thinkpad is able to send 2560 over VGA.

And yeah, this monitor is pretty awesome for the price. Mine does not appear to have any dead pixels either!. Yeah the stand sucks and the OSD is fairly clunky... but I can live with that. I'll probably buy a nicer stand one of these days.
 
BSoares

BSoares

macrumors 6502
Jun 22, 2012
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terraphantm said:
Wrong. HDMI 1.4 (which is what the mini has) can drive 4K resolutions. OSX doesn't allow this. However if you boot into Windows, 2560 (and presumably above) work fine. How do I know this? Because I'm typing this post on such a setup at this very second.

OSX seems to limit the HDMI frequency to 165MHz. So if I force the refresh rate to 40Hz via SwitchResX, 2560 works fine even in OSX. But the hardware is capable of running at 340MHz - I don't know why Apple disabled this capability.
Click to expand...

Thanks. I learned something today. I thought that limitation was why DP appeared.
 
Outrigger

Outrigger

macrumors 68000
Dec 22, 2008
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terraphantm said:
Wrong. HDMI 1.4 (which is what the mini has) can drive 4K resolutions. OSX doesn't allow this. However if you boot into Windows, 2560 (and presumably above) work fine. How do I know this? Because I'm typing this post on such a setup at this very second.

OSX seems to limit the HDMI frequency to 165MHz. So if I force the refresh rate to 40Hz via SwitchResX, 2560 works fine even in OSX. But the hardware is capable of running at 340MHz - I don't know why Apple disabled this capability.
Click to expand...

wouldn't the monitor also has to support HDMI 1.4 in order for this to work?
 
T

terraphantm

macrumors 68040
Jun 27, 2009
3,814
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Pennsylvania
Outrigger said:
wouldn't the monitor also has to support HDMI 1.4 in order for this to work?
Click to expand...

Well, the monitor has to at least support receiving a 250MHz signal (I think that's what 2560x1440 @ 60Hz requires). The Korean displays (at least the one I have) do seem to support that frequency. OSX does not seem to allow the HDMI port to run at >165MHz.
 
M

maxfieldwm

macrumors newbie
Aug 4, 2012
6
0
omvs said:
Excellent! So if I have to upgrade to the new mini, I can probably drive one display via HDMI and one via DP. Weird OSX is limiting it - but I can live with 40Hz at work.

I had done some experiments with the DP->HDMI and DP->VGA converters, and couldn't get either to do 2560x1440, even at 40hz or less. Now you got me wondering if OSX is locking it out - I'll have to try again under windows just for the heck of it.

On a side note, those EQ276W's are sweet for price (even with the crappy stand). My local microcenter sold out of their batch last week, but some new ones apparently just arrived and a few more of my coworkers are pondering purchases.

Thanks a ton terraphantm!
Click to expand...

Hi omvs,

I'm trying to do the same thing as you. I'd like to hook up two 27" 2560x1440 Catleap monitors to a new Mac Mini.

I am thinking one Catleap (Q270) would be connected via MDP > MDP to Dual Link DVI adapter > DVI…

and the second Catleap (Q271) would be connected via HDMI 1.4 > HDMI 1.4

Ebay item #110914205130 states that the Q271 monitor "Supports HDMI 1.4a Ver 2560x1440 high resolution!"

It would be great if it's this easy, but as terraphantm said earlier, the hardware probably supports 2560x1440 through HDMI, but OSX doesn't seem to.

I'm considering giving it a shot. The Q271 has a VGA port, so if HDMI 1.4 > HDMI 1.4 it doesn't work… I think I'll buy a 2009 Mac Mini (after reading that you have dual 27's running on yours.)

I'm planning on stripping both of the shells from these displays, and hinging the two panels together with a piano hinge. This way I can fold them up, throw them into a large shoulder bag and carry them onto flights with me. (20 lbs. total)

Have you purchased a new Mac Mini yet? I'd be interested in knowing if you've learned any more on this subject.

Thanks!!
 
O

omvs

macrumors 6502
Original poster
May 15, 2011
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I tried terraphantm's trick of setting the display to 2560x1440x40Hz w/ switchresx, and managed to get OSX to work via single-link DVI (and HDMI on my home iMac). I'd expect the mini w/ ATI 6630M to act like my iMac. the rMBP and my old mini are nvidia machines. What I'm not sure is what the HD3000 model of mini would do - its *possible* it might allow >165MHz HDMI being a different driver, but hard to say without trying it.

NOTE: The 40Hz trick did NOT work with the QH270 - computer puts out a signal, but monitor won't lock on it. The EQ276W apparently is more tolerant, and didn't seem to have a problem until I messed with the timing a bit too much in an attempt to get >40Hz. I have no idea whether the Catleap will do <60Hz.... If you go that route, I'd suggest turning on screen sharing first and having another mac handy, because its a PITA otherwise - took me half hour friday to undo it on my machine, since the QH270 was set to my main screen, and I had trouble getting the SwitchResX panel on the functioning display.

I haven't purchased a new mini yet -- but that is my plan now rather than trying to get an older one. I have until thanksgiving, so I'm going to wait and see if a new version comes out -- maybe with dual-thunderbolt? :) If not, I'll just grab the 2011 version when time runs out.
 
T

The-Pro

macrumors 65816
Dec 2, 2010
1,453
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Germany
Makes sense that apple limits the VGA adapter and HDMI port. They sell the dual link DVI adapter for a reason, to make $100 extra. Real annoying especially because they don't work properly with displays from other manufacturers.
 
O

omvs

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Original poster
May 15, 2011
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The-Pro said:
Makes sense that apple limits the VGA adapter and HDMI port. They sell the dual link DVI adapter for a reason, to make $100 extra. Real annoying especially because they don't work properly with displays from other manufacturers.
Click to expand...

{rolling eyes}. Yeah, $100 price has nothing to do with the fact that it requires activity circuitry to demux the DVI links, and limited volume makes it hard to get chip prices down.

The only reason apple made the DP->dual-link adapter is so people with a ACD 30" could use it with newer macs. And it worked great for me for exactly that purpose -- as well as the other 4 monitors I've tested it with.
 
T

terraphantm

macrumors 68040
Jun 27, 2009
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Pennsylvania
omvs said:
{rolling eyes}. Yeah, $100 price has nothing to do with the fact that it requires activity circuitry to demux the DVI links, and limited volume makes it hard to get chip prices down.

The only reason apple made the DP->dual-link adapter is so people with a ACD 30" could use it with newer macs. And it worked great for me for exactly that purpose -- as well as the other 4 monitors I've tested it with.
Click to expand...

I don't think he's questioning the value of the adapter. But what he's saying is that Apple seems to limit the VGA and HDMI outputs on these computers. Both should be capable of 2560 and beyond. And under Windows they are. So something about the OSX driver prevents it. Whether it's deliberate or not is questionable. But the end result is we have to either use DP or use a DP->DL DVI adapter to get 2560 in OS X, even if our monitors support it over HDMI.
 
M

maxfieldwm

macrumors newbie
Aug 4, 2012
6
0
omvs said:
I tried terraphantm's trick of setting the display to 2560x1440x40Hz w/ switchresx, and managed to get OSX to work via single-link DVI (and HDMI on my home iMac). I'd expect the mini w/ ATI 6630M to act like my iMac. the rMBP and my old mini are nvidia machines. What I'm not sure is what the HD3000 model of mini would do - its *possible* it might allow >165MHz HDMI being a different driver, but hard to say without trying it.

NOTE: The 40Hz trick did NOT work with the QH270 - computer puts out a signal, but monitor won't lock on it. The EQ276W apparently is more tolerant, and didn't seem to have a problem until I messed with the timing a bit too much in an attempt to get >40Hz. I have no idea whether the Catleap will do <60Hz.... If you go that route, I'd suggest turning on screen sharing first and having another mac handy, because its a PITA otherwise - took me half hour friday to undo it on my machine, since the QH270 was set to my main screen, and I had trouble getting the SwitchResX panel on the functioning display.

I haven't purchased a new mini yet -- but that is my plan now rather than trying to get an older one. I have until thanksgiving, so I'm going to wait and see if a new version comes out -- maybe with dual-thunderbolt? :) If not, I'll just grab the 2011 version when time runs out.
Click to expand...

****omvs, thanks for your reply. I really appreciate it!!

"I tried terraphantm's trick of setting the display to 2560x1440x40Hz w/ switchresx, and managed to get OSX to work via single-link DVI {On what computer and what monitor?} and HDMI on my home iMac. {Confused, iMac's don't have HDMI ports, do they?}

You explained that you are able to use your QH270 on your 2009 Mac Mini using a miniDVI > VGA adapter. I don't understand… does your QH270 have a VGA input on it?

So, are you saying that you have had two 2560x1440 monitors hooked up at the same time to your 2009 Mac Mini? Can you explain what models the monitors were, and what adaptors were necessary for this? Was any software necessary to achieve this?

Does your 2009 Mac Mini have a NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics processor? How much memory does it have? What is the processor speed? Is it a Core 2 Duo?

It seems that I could run the monitor I currently have (Q270 Catleap) on a 2009 Mac Mini via MDP > MDP to Dual Link DVI adapter > DVI, and hook up a second monitor to the miniDVI port?

I currently have a macbook air/HD3000, can you think of anything I could do to test out the graphics card? It doesn't have a miniDVI port, just USB and MDP.

What about a USB > DVI, HDMI or VGA adapter?

Thanks again,

Max-
 
M

maxfieldwm

macrumors newbie
Aug 4, 2012
6
0
NEVERMIND THIS QUESTION>>>"I tried terraphantm's trick of setting the display to 2560x1440x40Hz w/ switchresx, and managed to get OSX to work via single-link DVI {On what computer and what monitor?} and HDMI on my home iMac. {Confused, iMac's don't have HDMI ports, do they?}

Sorry, I understand now that you tried both methods (DVI & HDMI) on your iMac.
 
M

maxfieldwm

macrumors newbie
Aug 4, 2012
6
0
omvs said:
{rolling eyes}. Yeah, $100 price has nothing to do with the fact that it requires activity circuitry to demux the DVI links, and limited volume makes it hard to get chip prices down.

The only reason apple made the DP->dual-link adapter is so people with a ACD 30" could use it with newer macs. And it worked great for me for exactly that purpose -- as well as the other 4 monitors I've tested it with.
Click to expand...

omvs, terraphantm, do you think it would be possible to run two 2560x1440 catleaps on the 2011 mac mini by using this: http://www.atlona.com/ATLONA-HDMI-MINI-DISPLAYPORT-TO-MINI-DISPLAYPORT-SCALER-AND-SWITCHER.html

One through the MDP, and the second through this HDMI to MDP scaler...?
 
C

Chippy99

macrumors 6502a
Apr 28, 2012
989
35
Interesting to find that HDMI 1.3 supports 2560x1600. I never knew that!

I wonder why Apple limit output to 1920x1200? And I wonder if you could patch the driver to get around this?
 
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O

omvs

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May 15, 2011
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