Apple Mini Displayport to VGA using adpater to connect to Mac Mini M1

[Loyola]

Does anyone think that I might be able to connect a monitor to a Mac Mini M1 using Apple Mini Displayport to VGA and the item linked below?

StarTech.com 6in (15cm) DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort Adapter, 4K Video, DP to mDP Converter (Not compatible w/Thunderbolt)

The DP2MDPMF6IN DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort Adapter turns a mini DisplayPort (male) connector into a regular DisplayPort (male) connector making it easy to connect a mini DisplayPort-equipped monitor to a laptop that only provides a standard DisplayPort output (e.g. Apple Toshiba etc.).Primar...

www.amazon.com

It is a little bit of a challenge to totally figure our what is compatible. Based on looking at the tech specs I think it could work.

 

[pmiles]

Unfortunately there is a lot of questions regarding legacy devices and the M1 Macs. While the very same hardware with appropriate adapter has been shown to work on non-M1 Macs, the same hasn't necessarily held true for the M1 Macs.

So basically, you either have to try it yourself or find evidence of such a setup working on an M1 Mac.

What you can do is contact the manufacturer of said adapter to see if it has been tested on the M1 architecture. Can't hurt to ask.

I reached out to one of the manufacturers' of a Mini DisplayPort to USB-C adapter just the other day. While they said the adapter is compatible, I am still waiting to see someone with a similar set up and running first. Because it can be an adapter issue, a software issue (Big Sur), or a hardware limitation (M1 ports or chipset as a whole).

Based on the documents Apple has available, a VGA to USB-C adapter should work. Mileage will vary because there are a plethora of adapters out there and a plethora of devices. In my case, I'm trying to connect an Apple Display to the M1... which you would think would be more likely to be supported even if it's a discontinued model) because it's built to work with their existing architecture. Said setup work on non-M1 Macs, absolutely 100%, on the M1, no proof has been seen thus far. I am waiting on someone who was so kind as to offer to test the very device that I am trying to connect.

No guarantees that it will work, but at least some evidence one way or another.

 

[Loyola]

Unfortunately there is a lot of questions regarding legacy devices and the M1 Macs. While the very same hardware with appropriate adapter has been shown to work on non-M1 Macs, the same hasn't necessarily held true for the M1 Macs.

So basically, you either have to try it yourself or find evidence of such a setup working on an M1 Mac.

This is a little bit concerning because I am trying to keep the cost down moving from my 2010 iMac to a new Mac Mini. I see this as a 3 to 5 year option before getting a new iMac.

I plan to use two my 10 year old Dell Monitors and am trying not to buy new adapters since I already have 3. The Disaplayport to Mini Displayport adapter seemed like a cheaper solution. In addition to the adapter I mentioned I have a GE HDMI to VGA and a j5create VGA to USB 3.0. The GE HDMI to VGA should work. Getting a new adapter isn't that big of a deal since they aren't that expensive. I am guessing the monitors would work with the computer. If not it doesn't make sense to get one and I should just wait for the new iMac.

 

[Anonymous Freak]

Mac Mini doesn't have a mini DisplayPort port or a full size DisplayPort port - it has USB-C/Thunderbolt and HDMI.

Also, you're asking about an "Apple Mini DsiplayPort to VGA" then adapted to something else?

Just get a USB-C-to-whatever-your-monitor-has adapter, don't try to daisy-chain adapters. VGA adapters generally should always be direct to whatever the computer has, not through anything else.

Here's Apple's chart of what kind of adapters to get to what kind of displays:

Connect a display to Mac mini

Connect external displays to your Mac mini.

support.apple.com

 

[Loyola]

Mac Mini doesn't have a mini DisplayPort port or a full size DisplayPort port - it has USB-C/Thunderbolt and HDMI.

Also, you're asking about an "Apple Mini DsiplayPort to VGA" then adapted to something else?

Yes, I was trying to see if I could use the adapter in my original post to connect.

The reason I am asking is because the tech specs below make look like the Displayport would work.

Two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports with support for:

• DisplayPort
• Thunderbolt 3 (up to 40Gb/s)
• USB 3.1 Gen 2 (up to 10Gb/s}

 

[Fishrrman]

I would think you'd need a
USBc (Mini) to VGA (display) adapter.

Then, a standard VGA-to-VGA cable to connect to the input port on the display.

 

[Anonymous Freak]

But why use an adapter to an adapter? Just buy the cable or single-adapter you need. Connecting adapter-to-adapter can have all sorts of problems, especially when one of them is VGA. It might be that the mini DisplayPort-to-full DisplayPort adapter doesn't pass through the VGA signal to the mini DisplayPort-to-VGA.

If you're trying to plug in a VGA display, just get a USB-C-to-VGA. If you want absolute guaranteed compatibility, buy Apple's USB-C VGA Multiport Adapter - although any USB-C-to VGA should work, such as Monoprice's that is currently on sale for $11.

 

[Loyola]

But why use an adapter to an adapter? Just buy the cable or single-adapter you need. Connecting adapter-to-adapter can have all sorts of problems, especially when one of them is VGA. It might be that the mini DisplayPort-to-full DisplayPort adapter doesn't pass through the VGA signal to the mini DisplayPort-to-VGA.

If you're trying to plug in a VGA display, just get a USB-C-to-VGA. If you want absolute guaranteed compatibility, buy Apple's USB-C VGA Multiport Adapter - although any USB-C-to VGA should work, such as Monoprice's that is currently on sale for $11.

I was just trying to see if it was possible and cost effective. At this point I already have 3 VGA adapters and really didn't want a 4th unless I really need one.

If there was something like this that would work, it would make sense to spend $8 instead of $30. I know this is not for mini displayports, it was just an example.

Kanex USB-C to USB 3.0 Mini Adapter

The Kanex USB-C to USB 3.0 Mini Adapter lets you connect your USB devices including a mouse, keyboard, or printer to a new MacBook or USB-C ready computer. The adapter can also charge your iPhone or smartphone. It fits comfortably in your pocket or anywhere else making it an ideal travel companio...

www.amazon.com

 

[Anonymous Freak]

See my linked Monoprice adapter - $11 for exactly what you need.