Mac Mini M4 Pro with Dell U2720Q - DP to USB-C Adapter?

[tomstone74]

Hello,

I'm happy with my Dell U2720Q (4K@60Hz), display signal connected like that currently:

• USB-C (DP 1.4) with max 90W PD: Company MBP 16" M1 Max or private MBP 14" M1 Pro, located on the desk, if used, typically in clamshell
• HDMI (2.0): Apple TV 4K, located on the desk
• Displayport (1.4): DeskMini X300, located in a shelf beside the desk, connected with a ~ 2m DP cable, cause the desk is also height-adjustable

Now I'm close to place an order for a Mac Mini 4 Pro to "replace" my private MBP 14" M1 Pro as a desktop machine, but also my Windows-based DeskMini X300, as I intend to switch close to fully to MacOS. The DeskMini will be in use very rarely then.

I can't give up the USB-C with PD for the MBP usage. I also like the simplicity of the ATV (which uses the HDMI port at the moment) for streaming (and the remote control) with the monitor ..., but perhaps I should replace the streaming use case with the Mini M4 Pro, which would free up the HDMI port of the monitor and to be used by the Mini M4 Pro then, located on the desk and not in the closable shelf beside the desk, which could filter fan noise of the Mini M4 Pro if there are any ...

How would you connect the Mac Mini M4? Stick with the already available ~ 2m DP cable into the shelf and connect the Mini M4 with some sort of DP to USB-C adapter? If so, any recommendations for an adapter, or just anything good enough for 4K@60Hz of the Dell? Or replace the ATV with the Mini M4 Pro?

Thanks!

 

[FreakinEurekan]

What's the purpose of both ATV and Mac mini with ATV app? Just the remote?

Seems to me the mini could replace the ATV, if you can work out how to control it.

 

[tomstone74]

Just the remote?

The remote control is pretty neat, thus no need for a mouse and/or keyboard while watching + dedicated apps for other streaming stuff and/or e.g. Infuse (but there is also a MacOS version of the app).

Would like to use the Mini 4 Pro network wired (1Gbit). Nicer in the closable shelf beside the desk, cause I have LAN outlets there + the whole cable chaos ain't visible there, but the existing DP cable (where I would need a USB-C adapter then, so that I can still use this wiring with the DeskMini in rare cases) there needs to be long enough so that it works out with the height adjustable desk on the left from the desk, which it does at the moment (with the DeskMini).

ATV currently is via WLAN. I also have additional LAN outlets underneath the desk, thus if I would place the Mini M4 Pro on the desk, display cable length ain't an issue anymore, but I would need some clean / neat LAN cable solution, not hanging/laying "around" on the floor when the desk is in its lowest position. Spiral LAN cable?