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M2 Mac mini with Zenscreen portable as STANDALONE monitor, via usb-c slot (DP Alt mode), no hdmi! Possible?

M

MacBilly

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Aug 1, 2023
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As per title, I wonder if anyone knows if it possible to connect as a primary standalone monitor to the M2 Mac mini a portable Zenscreen monitor that connects with usb-c?

It’s my understanding that to do this I will need a dummy hdmi plug so that the Mac mini thinks it’s already connected to a primary monitor, or will it be able to see the Zenscreen as a primary monitor, without the dummy?

And if I DO need a dummy, will it then instantly see the Zenscreen as a secondary or will I have have to add login code so that the mini can connect to the Zenscreen every time I turn it on, sort of backstage, without my being able to see what’s happening, if you know what I mean?

Many thanks for any and all answers!!
 
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MacBilly said:
As per title, I wonder if anyone knows if it possible to connect as a primary standalone monitor to the M2 Mac mini a portable Zendesk monitor that connects with usb-c?

It’s my understanding that to do this I will need a dummy hdmi plug so that the Mac mini thinks it’s already connected to a primary monitor, or will it be able to see the Zendesk as a primary monitor, without the dummy?

And if I DO need a dummy, will it then instantly see the Zendesk as a secondary or will I have have to add login code so that the mini can connect to the Zendesk every time I turn it on, sort of backstage, without my being able to see what’s happening, if you know what I mean?

Many thanks for any and all answers!!
Click to expand...
Yes, you can use USB-C displays with Macs. It's not a requirement to use HDMI.
 
Thanks for the reply, though I wasn’t asking about Macs, which already have a monitor to them (if that’s what you re referring to) but about the Mac minis that don’t. Also, I’m asking about a portable monitor as a standalone, not as a second monitor.
 
MacBilly said:
Thanks for the reply, though I wasn’t asking about Macs, which already have a monitor to them (if that’s what you re referring to) but about the Mac minis that don’t. Also, I’m asking about a portable monitor as a standalone, not as a second monitor.
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A Mac mini is a Mac. A USB-C display will work fine. I did not mention iMacs, which are the computers with built in screens.
 
Sorry, it’s not my intention to be a pain but do you mean that it will work fine with a usb-c screen if this is the ONLY/primary/standalone screen connected? And what of the DP alt mode? Some people have written in the monitor reviews that this is not a simple usb-c connection but the DP alt kind and for them it didn’t work. Which is why I am asking.
 
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MacBilly said:
Sorry, it’s not my intention to be a pain but do you mean that it will work fine with a usb-c screen if this is the ONLY/primary/standalone screen connected? And what of the DP alt mode? Some people have written in the monitor reviews that this is not a simple usb-c connection but the DP alt kind and for them it didn’t work. Which is why I am asking.
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I checked one of the Zenscreen's specs - its usb-c connection does indeed support DP-alt, which is how macs output video over usb-c. The monitor you decide upon must support DP-alt over usb-c, else no joy when using with macs :)

I also tested my Asus ROG strix (portable monitor, very similar to the Asus Zenscreen, that also supports DP-alt over usb-c) as the single monitor connected to my m1 mac Mini - all worked fine.
 
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mr_jomo said:
I checked one of the Zenscreen's specs - its usb-c connection does indeed support DP-alt, which is how macs output video over usb-c. The monitor you decide upon must support DP-alt over usb-c, else no joy when using with macs :)

I also tested my Asus ROG strix (portable monitor, very similar to the Asus Zenscreen, that also supports DP-alt over usb-c) as the single monitor connected to my m1 mac Mini - all worked fine.
Click to expand...
I see. Thank you so much for this info. I take it in this scenario we are talking about you are using the portable monitor as the only monitor connected to your M1 yes?
 
So you can take your Mac mini on holiday say, and just bring this screen (and keyboard/mouse)? Would it be powered via usbc as well so no power cable? That is pretty neat since I've swapped an mbp for the mini.
 
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