Mac Mini 2011 - Intel HD3000 Performance

[m.x]

Hey guys,

I wanted to get my parents a new monitor for their 2011 Mac Mini as a gift. They are now using a 20" Samsung LCD Monitor from 2007 I think. It has a low resolution (1680x1050), so I wanted to get a monitor with a higher resolution. I found the Dell P2416D: 23,8" with 2560x1440, but I have concerns about the performance...

I tried to analyze how they use the Mac, and it is like:
35% Browsing Safari
30% Numbers / Pages calculation
25% Organizing photos with the Photos app (only basic editing, later maybe a bit with Pixelmator)
05% iTunes for Apple Music
05% Apple Mail

That should run just fine, or? They don't play games, no rendering, only the stock Apple apps. Is the Intel HD3000 too weak or can it handle the much higher resolution? The main reason I want to upgrade the monitor is for their photos, because LED IPS 2560x1440 >>>> LCD 1680x1050. Does it lag if they play 1080p videos (from a 6s) in the Photos app? I already upgraded their HDD to a SSD.

Thank you for your answers

 

[DeltaMac]

I think you will get best results by using a mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort cable. It may be the only way to get the full resolution for the new display (particularly if the present display is using VGA. You won't get full resolution on the new display with VGA, and an HDMI cable might, I'm not sure if the mini will support the HDMI 1.4 that the display is capable of showing.

 

[MultiFinder17]

It will be absolutely fine for their uses on that screen. Here's hoping that they enjoy their new mini!