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Mac Mini late 2014 running two 34" 3440x1440 screens?

L

loukas123

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Sep 24, 2010
10
10
Hello,

I have a Mac Mini late 2014 (2.8GHz, 8gb RAM, Intel Iris graphics) running an LG 34UM95 monitor at 3440x1440 resolution @60Hz, through the thunderbolt port.

I would like to add another LG 34UM95 under the same resolution, running through the 2nd thunderbolt port or daisy-chained to the first one.

So the total number of pixels to be driven would be 2 x 3440 x 1440 = 9.9m pixels

(1)
On the Apple specs website, the following information is available:
http://www.apple.com/mac-mini/specs/
Support for up to two displays at 2560 by 1600 pixels

or 2 x 2560 x 1600 = 8.19m pixels
Thus, on first thought, driving two 34" screens would be a no go.

(2)
However, I understand that the 2014 Macbook Pro 13" inch retina, which has the same Iris graphics card (I believe it's the 5100) can drive two screens of 2560 by 1600 pixels PLUS the retina display at 2560 by 1600 pixels
https://support.apple.com/kb/SP703?locale=en_US

Simultaneously supports full native resolution on the built-in display and up to 2560 by 1600 pixels on up to two external displays

or 2x (2560 x 1600) + (2560x1600) = 12.3m pixels

This would be sufficient to drive the two 34" monitors. Plus, the two Thunderbolt connections are not limiting this setup.

So what gives?

Note that I want this setup for productivity apps and I will NOT be playing games.

My question is, would I be able to drive two 34" monitors at 3440 x 1440 resolution on my 2014 Mac Mini?


thanks
Loukas
 
Does daisy-chaining actually work with these displays?
I was also wondering whether you want to place the displays next to each other or rather on top of each other?
I've got a 30" display (2560x1600) and I'm not sure I could handle an even wider viewing-area.
The 24" display on my right side is really just an add-on.
 
MRrainer said:
Does daisy-chaining actually work with these displays?
I was also wondering whether you want to place the displays next to each other or rather on top of each other?
I've got a 30" display (2560x1600) and I'm not sure I could handle an even wider viewing-area.
The 24" display on my right side is really just an add-on.
Click to expand...

Not sure about daisy chaining, however I am not using the 2nd Thunderbolt port therefore don't mind driving the 2nd display through that.

I'm looking into having one on top of the other using an Ergotron arm for the top one.

Can the mini handle both though? Would be an awesome setup if it does.
 
For the benefit of anyone reading the thread going forward, the 2014 mini 2.8GHz supports 2x 3440x1440 monitors at 60Hz with no hiccup. Driving both through Thunderbolt ports. No lag or any artifacts whatsoever.

Dell U3415W on the left and LG 34UM95 on the right.

I continue to be amazed at the power of this little machine!
 

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fhall1 said:
That's a pretty sweet setup
Click to expand...

Honestly, the Mac Mini keeps impressing me with its power and capabilities, for such a "small" package. Especially with the ease of adding the 2nd 34" monitor. Only thing I wish for is if I could easily upgrade to 16gb.

I don't get all the hate out there.
 
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loukas123 said:
Honestly, the Mac Mini keeps impressing me with its power and capabilities, for such a "small" package. Especially with the ease of adding the 2nd 34" monitor. Only thing I wish for is if I could easily upgrade to 16gb.

I don't get all the hate out there.
Click to expand...

Don't sweat the memory upgrade, 8 is plenty on a mini. This is especially true since the recent versions of OS X have improved memory management schemes. http://macs.about.com/od/macoperatingsystems/fl/Understanding-Compressed-Memory-in-OS-X.htm

About that other stuff... Haters gonna hate! :mad:
 
loukas123 said:
For the benefit of anyone reading the thread going forward, the 2014 mini 2.8GHz supports 2x 3440x1440 monitors at 60Hz with no hiccup. Driving both through Thunderbolt ports. No lag or any artifacts whatsoever.

Dell U3415W on the left and LG 34UM95 on the right.

I continue to be amazed at the power of this little machine!
Click to expand...

So not via HDMI but Thunderbolt - I'm running a decrepit 21" DELL on late 2014 8GB Iris via a SVGA converter out of TBolt - so what input goes into monitor?
 
Hi ActionableMango,

Apologies for the late reply...

ActionableMango said:
Nice setup!

I'm curious why you got two different models for monitors? And also, do you like one better than the other?
Click to expand...

I got the LG when it first came out, well before the Dell was available.

However, the Dell is much better in my opinion in terms of clarity and colours. So when it came time to purchase a 2nd one, I went for it. If I were to do it all over again, I'd buy the Dell...

Having 2x 34" screens has been a huge increase in my productivity. No more switching between desktops or scrolling.
Well worth the cost for me... Plus, monitors usually have a long lifetime, say 5-10 years, so I get to continue using them even when I upgrade the computer.

Hope this helps.

Loukas
 
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I just got a 2014 Mac Mini and a Dell U3415W and like the setup. I've only been using it less than a week. I was a little worried downgrading from my 2013 27" iMac quad core.

I did go with a 16GB RAM BTO on the Mini along with a 256GB SSD but I opted to save a little by getting the 2.6Ghz. It's only a 5% performance hit on the benchmarks vs the 2.8. Not sure if that will become an issue with this screen and the integrated graphics.

I opted to downgrade so I could connect the Mini or my Dell laptop for work to the display and easily switch between the two on one monitor.
 
roland.g said:
I just got a 2014 Mac Mini and a Dell U3415W and like the setup.

I did go with a 16GB RAM BTO on the Mini along with a 256GB SSD but I opted to save a little by getting the 2.6Ghz. It's only a 5% performance hit on the benchmarks vs the 2.8. Not sure if that will become an issue with this screen and the integrated graphics.
Click to expand...

It really is a fantastic setup, isn't it? Your BTO with 16gb RAM should fly through 95% of what you put it through, in a small whisper-quiet package in the corner of your desk.

No regrets, for everyday use the mini has been fantastic and the 34" wide-screen real-estate a game changer for me. I can't ever imagine going back to a smaller screen.

More than a year after my initial purchase, if my Mac mini were to break down, I'd probably go out and replace it with the latest one. Wouldn't even consider any other setup, for my needs.
 
loukas123 said:
Hello,

I have a Mac Mini late 2014 (2.8GHz, 8gb RAM, Intel Iris graphics) running an LG 34UM95 monitor at 3440x1440 resolution @60Hz, through the thunderbolt port.

I would like to add another LG 34UM95 under the same resolution, running through the 2nd thunderbolt port or daisy-chained to the first one.

So the total number of pixels to be driven would be 2 x 3440 x 1440 = 9.9m pixels

(1)
On the Apple specs website, the following information is available:
http://www.apple.com/mac-mini/specs/
Support for up to two displays at 2560 by 1600 pixels

or 2 x 2560 x 1600 = 8.19m pixels
Thus, on first thought, driving two 34" screens would be a no go.

(2)
However, I understand that the 2014 Macbook Pro 13" inch retina, which has the same Iris graphics card (I believe it's the 5100) can drive two screens of 2560 by 1600 pixels PLUS the retina display at 2560 by 1600 pixels
https://support.apple.com/kb/SP703?locale=en_US

Simultaneously supports full native resolution on the built-in display and up to 2560 by 1600 pixels on up to two external displays

or 2x (2560 x 1600) + (2560x1600) = 12.3m pixels

This would be sufficient to drive the two 34" monitors. Plus, the two Thunderbolt connections are not limiting this setup.

So what gives?

Note that I want this setup for productivity apps and I will NOT be playing games.

My question is, would I be able to drive two 34" monitors at 3440 x 1440 resolution on my 2014 Mac Mini?


thanks
Loukas
Click to expand...

Ciao Loukas, I have a Mac mini Late 2014 2.6 Ghz; I want to add an LG 34WL75C (3440 x 1440) and to drive it via the thunderbolt port.

Two questions:

1) is this the right cable?

www.amazon.com

Rankie Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort Cable, Mini DP to DP, 4K Ready, Gold Plated, 6 Feet

Rankie Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort Cable, Mini DP to DP, 4K Ready, Gold Plated, 6 Feet
www.amazon.com

2) I read from the apple support:

http://www.apple.com/mac-mini/specs/
Support for up to two displays at 2560 by 1600 pixels

will it be enough to drive just one 3440x1440 monitor natively?

Thanks and best regards
 
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
asbesto said:
Ciao Loukas, I have a Mac mini Late 2014 2.6 Ghz; I want to add an LG 34WL75C (3440 x 1440) and to drive it via the thunderbolt port.

Two questions:

1) is this the right cable?

www.amazon.com

Rankie Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort Cable, Mini DP to DP, 4K Ready, Gold Plated, 6 Feet

Rankie Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort Cable, Mini DP to DP, 4K Ready, Gold Plated, 6 Feet
www.amazon.com

2) I read from the apple support:

http://www.apple.com/mac-mini/specs/
Support for up to two displays at 2560 by 1600 pixels

will it be enough to drive just one 3440x1440 monitor natively?

Thanks and best regards
Click to expand...
After researching over 6 years of info on the subject, I find that you can get the late 2014 Mac Mini to drive a 4k monitor, but only at 30hz. This will make anything with movement (like your mouse, or videos) studder / choppy, and not be smooth. Some people are lucky and have monitors that they don't perceive this issue. I'd suggest that you research the monitors that people have found success with, and buy those screens.

Check out this vid:
Screen Shot 2020-08-04 at 9.49.15 PM.png
 
Last edited:
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