I have a late 2009 Mac Mini in which connectivity includes a Mini-DVI and a Mini DisplayPort. I bought a 17" monitor at the same via a Mini-DVI to VGA adapter. I want to buy a new and larger monitor now but am bewildered by the range of the connectivity. The monitor I'm thinking about lists interfaces and connectivity as : DVI, d-Sub, vGA but additional items for possible purchase mention only HDMI cables! I'm totally confused. Can anyone tell how best to connect the monitor to my Mac Mini in a way that will give best results.
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Resolved Connecting a new monitor
- Thread starter mikethebook
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For that monitor, using its DVI port is the best option.
You need either a Mini DisplayPort to DVI adaptor/cable or a Mini DVI to DVI adaptor/cable.
You can also use VGA with your existing adaptor, but that is an analogue connection, whereas DVI is digital which is better.
You need either a Mini DisplayPort to DVI adaptor/cable or a Mini DVI to DVI adaptor/cable.
You can also use VGA with your existing adaptor, but that is an analogue connection, whereas DVI is digital which is better.
Use the DVI, as it's a digital connection and will give you the best picture. This minidisplay port to DVI cable would work fine: https://www.amazon.com/Cable-Matter...20064&sr=1-3&keywords=mini+displayport+to+DVI
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Thanks for your replies. Are there any advantages to using the min display port over the mini dvi port on the Mac?
- If you're putting DVI in the other end anyway, no there isn't.
Unless you are connecting a display above 1920 x 1200, in which case you need a special adaptor from Mini DisplayPort to Dual-link DVI.
Sorry guys, I've reopened this thread because I need further advice. The monitor I would now like to go for (1920 x 1200) only offers VGA and HDMI connectivity but not DVI. Obviously I would prefer not to use the analogue VGA but what would now work best with my Mac Mini. Will either a Mini Display Port to HDMI cable or Mini DVI to HDMI cable work and if both which would be better? Many thanks.
- Mini DisplayPort to HDMI would be preferable, and direct cable rather than adaptor + cable.
Pretty much goes like this in order of preference:
DisplayPort > HDMI > DVI > VGA