Connecting 2 HDMI monitors

[gradi]

I am going to order an M1 Mac Mini 16gb/512gb and I have a question about connecting my 1920x1200 24" monitor and 1920x1080 21.5" monitor to it. The Mini has one HDMI port that I will use for the main 24" monitor. I already have this UGREEN dongle that has an HDMI port, SD/micro-SD card reader, and 3 USB-A ports. Will I be able to connect my 21.5" monitor using it?

https://www.amazon.com/UGREEN-Adapter-MacBook-Chromebook-Aluminum/dp/B07RV1ZCWJ

 

[barbu]

You’ll definitely be able to connect and use the monitors, you just might need something like DisplayLink to make it happen.

 

[gradi]

You’ll definitely be able to connect and use the monitors, you just might need something like DisplayLink to make it happen.

I have never heard of that. Is this what you mean?

https://www.synaptics.com/products/displaylink-graphics

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DisplayLink

I was hoping that I could just plug both monitors in and they would work.

 

[barbu]

I have never heard of that. Is this what you mean?

https://www.synaptics.com/products/displaylink-graphics

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DisplayLink

I was hoping that I could just plug both monitors in and they would work.

Well I looked it up and found this https://thesweetsetup.com/running-multiple-monitors-on-an-m1-mac-mini/

DisplayLink lets you use more than one hdmi monitor. It is often bundled with docks like the one you posted. It’s ok, not great, but definitely ok. I use a mbp 16” with open lid and two ultra wides.

 

[arw]

Unless I misunderstood Apple's specs, nothing like DisplayLink should be necessary:
Display 1: native HDMI port of Mac mini
Display 2: HDMI port of the adapter OP suggested (as it's Thunderbolt to HDMI)

Simultaneously supports up to two displays:

• One display with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz connected via Thunderbolt and one display with up to 4K resolution at 60Hz connected via HDMI

 

[barbu]

Unless I misunderstood Apple's specs, nothing like DisplayLink should be necessary:
Display 1: native HDMI port of Mac mini
Display 2: HDMI port of the adapter OP suggested (as it's Thunderbolt to HDMI)

No argument here. Just pointing out the reality of using the dock OP mentioned.

 

[arw]

No argument here. Just pointing out the reality of using the dock OP mentioned.

Sorry, seems like you are more versed than me. So how does one know if it's actually a full quality HDMI signal and not just a software workaround?
I thought the "4K @ 30Hz" via HDMI of OP's adapter just indicates a HDMI 1.4 chip.

 

[RogerWilco]

Unless I misunderstood Apple's specs, nothing like DisplayLink should be necessary:
Display 1: native HDMI port of Mac mini
Display 2: HDMI port of the adapter OP suggested (as it's Thunderbolt to HDMI)

I have that setup, and it almost works. The main issue is that 12.3 can’t keep the assignments of two (in my case identical) monitors constant through a sleep/wake cycle. Open app windows get swapped left to right side in a seemingly random fashion, and sometimes the setup will awake with only one monitor active. Usually a forced sleep/wake cycle fixes things, but it’s truly annoying that Apple hasn’t straightened this out yet for the M1 minis.

 

[barbu]

Sorry, seems like you are more versed than me. So how does one know if it's actually a full quality HDMI signal and not just a software workaround?
I thought the "4K @ 30Hz" via HDMI of OP's adapter just indicates a HDMI 1.4 chip.

To be clear, I’m pretty sure no software would be needed to run a single HDMI device. Maybe a combination of dock hdmi port + onboard hdmi port will in fact work as well. Only one way to find out!
That said, I can guarantee you can get multiple monitors working with DisplayLink, beyond what the machine natively supports.

 

[gradi]

I have that setup, and it almost works. The main issue is that 12.3 can’t keep the assignments of two (in my case identical) monitors constant through a sleep/wake cycle. Open app windows get swapped left to right side in a seemingly random fashion, and sometimes the setup will awake with only one monitor active. Usually a forced sleep/wake cycle fixes things, but it’s truly annoying that Apple hasn’t straightened this out yet for the M1 minis.

I ordered the M1 Mac Mini 16gb/512gb a few days ago and expect to get it early next week. I will find out if I can easily connect my 2 monitors. Fingers crossed. I hope I don't also run into the problems you are having. I will report back once I have tried it all.

 

[gradi]

I found a bit more info about the dongle:

https://www.ugreen.com/collections/hubs/products/6-in-1-usb-c-adapter-with-4k-hdmi

 

[Darth.Titan]

Unless I misunderstood Apple's specs, nothing like DisplayLink should be necessary:
Display 1: native HDMI port of Mac mini
Display 2: HDMI port of the adapter OP suggested (as it's Thunderbolt to HDMI)

That adapter is USB, not Thunderbolt. However one of the reviews specifically mentions it works with the M1 Mac mini using HDMI through this dongle.

So chances are good OP will be fine.

 

[arw]

That adapter is USB, not Thunderbolt.

You‘re right, that deviates indeed from the cited Apple spec.
So to be 100% sure/safe, it would take a separate adapter that explicitly states Thunderbolt (Type-C) to HDMI to be compliant.
I honestly was not aware of this tiny but apparently important difference. I will read more what actually happens to HDMI in these USB hubs (including my own).

 

[Fishrrman]

Why not one of these?

Amazon.com: Usb C To Hdmi

Amazon.com: usb c to hdmi

www.amazon.com

 

[gradi]

I am very happy to report that both monitors are now connected using the dongle for the 2nd one and seem to be working well so far.