As we know the M2 mini can run graphics out the USB-C port instead of the HDMI. I have been reading elsewhere that the image quality from the USB-C port is better quality than the HDMI, so I thought I would ask here to get the truth of it.
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HDMI or USB-C for monitor?
- Thread starter pax-eterna
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Thanks it is a 4k display, but sadly only 60 refresh rate max...cannot do any better as I have researched the model and that is all it can do. Didn't realise when I bought it that some makers restricted refresh rates to that maximum, I naively thought all makes of 4k could be adjusted. Hence my interest in the question, particularly when it comes to gaming on the M2 mini.
HobeSoundDarryl
macrumors G5
4K at 60 means you could readily use either. As #2 suggests, HDMI may be the better choice to simply keep more USB ports free... UNLESS the monitor you chose has a built-in hub and then you'll need a USB connection to use the hub too. While not absolute, HDMI might be thought of as a ONE-WAY video transmission from computer to monitor, while the various Thunderbolt/USB connections are (often) TWO-WAY (transfer the video signal and receive back data, etc from a monitor hub).
So if you have a monitor hub that you want to use, use USB. If you purely want 4K 60 only TO the monitor, use a good HDMI cable.
So if you have a monitor hub that you want to use, use USB. If you purely want 4K 60 only TO the monitor, use a good HDMI cable.
I have a Sony A95L connected to mac mini m2. I certainly get better colors when i use the usbc-hdmi adapter. The mac instantly switches to RGB 10 bit and colors are great.
If i use a direct hdmi-hdmi cable , i get YUV 444 and the colors are not that great. If i want RGB over hdmi, i have to go through loops and its still not great.
I have done extensive testing with both type of connections and i used the same HDMI cable with the adapter(usbc-hdmi) and with out adapter(hdmi-hdmi).
Certainly prefer the usb-c connection to the TV.
For some reason usb-c is highly optimized by macos, don't know why. probably because it's been there longer than the hdmi on macs.
If you have the choice , always got with usb-c.
and btw i get 4k 120hz 10 bit RGB instantly out of box with the usbc-hdmi adapter. Lot of issues getting the same with direct hdmi connection.
Thanks folks - I wonder if the monitor is only restricted to 60hz in HDMI mode? Might try using the USB-C and see what happens! the M2 Mac mini has four USB-C ports (sorry, neglected to add it is the M2 Pro) and in my situation there is usually at least one free at all times.
HobeSoundDarryl
macrumors G5
If the monitor you own is 60hz, there's generally not going to be some secret tweak to make it >60hz.
haha, no I didn't REALLY think there would be....just thought Samsung may have had a different set of operating instructions for USB-C as apposed to HDMI is all
I had an issue (apparently, a random 'known issue' Apple is aware of) where - when my monitor was connected via the Mini's HDMI - the screen would simply black out. No rhyme or reason, and after several moments - length of time also random - it would restore. Solution was to connect monitor via USB-C port on Mini - issue gone immediately.
You'd think Apple would have a grasp on HDMI by now, but apparently not.
You'd think Apple would have a grasp on HDMI by now, but apparently not.
I had this EXACT same issue with my last Mini. It wouldn't go black though but kind of static-ey. My AppleTV 4k has done it a couple times too. It has never done it on anything connected via USBC.
This would be possible, but it's not a particularily likely arrangement. Generally speaking, the monitor's specs will be the same for all inputs, though there may be exceptions out there.
Hello,
I also have Sony A95L and using Mac Mini M4.
I get YCBR 10bit via HDMI. No RGB.
WHAT ADAPTER ARE YOU USING as I would like to try your method.
Thank you kindly
This happens to me, too! I would switch over to USB-C, but I already have another display using up a precious USB-C port on my M4 mini.
But thanks for this comment, @Bazza1! I really thought I was losing my mind -- it's good to know it's not just me!
Would adding a USB-C to USB-C hub work, I wonder? Adding a couple of additional ports? The number of ports Apple affords users on their devices suggests they think most people should be using wireless peripherals, limit their use of other hardware (like additional monitors), and definitely not use external drives. Their traditional nanny behaviour - "We know what you really need". Well that, and a combo of saving money on the low end models / forcing users to buy more expensive units.
Or they could fix their HDMI ports....
Really depends when the monitor was made & what versions of HDMI and DisplayPort (which is what USB-C uses) it implemented. The two standards are engaged in a decades-long game of leapfrog.
E.g. Mateview 28 4k+ only supports 3840x2560 at 50Hz over HDMI 2.0 (which tops out at 3840x2160 @ 60Hz) but goes up to 60Hz over DisplayPort/USB-C.
I had this issue with my m4 mbp that went away after I upgraded my HDMI cable to the best I could find.
I used the cable that came with the display, but maybe I should look into something else!
I tried several different cables - all worked in other configurations that did not include the Mini. It wasn't until I went to USB-C output on Mini that everything worked.
Poking my head back into this thread to note that my monitor is an Asus with HDMI 1.4. My mini, of course, has HDMI 2.1. I'm guessing that the cable that came with the monitor is 1.4, but wondering: Will a 2.1 cable be compatible with the monitor's 1.4 port?
I have the same issue with my mini Pro. Once in a while, I also get a little zip spark-like sound and the monitor sound is off. I have to power-cycle my Dell U3818DW to restore it. I NEVER have that problem with my old CM{ro 5,1 with RX-580. I tired five different premium HDMI cables. but it did not make a difference.
I now switched to the other HDMI port on the Dell to see whether it makes a difference. I have an HDMI port on my ACASIS TB/USB4 RAID controller, but it is detected only as a second screen.
USB-C works fine. But I prefer saving that port.
HDMI specifications are backwards compatible, but swapping the cable out wouldn't impact your monitor connection due to the monitor itself only supporting 1.4