I keep a 17" Philips monitor for testing new Macs over a DVI-D to HDMI cord. It works OK so far with all the other Macs, but it doesn't with a Mini 2018. Any ideas? (I wouldn't like to spend on new cords or adaptors.)
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Monitor OK with Mini M1, but not with 2018.
- Thread starter apostolosdt
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You are going to have to be way more specific about what doesn't "work OK".
There are a bunch of old threads in this forum about DVI problems on the 2018 Mini, I read all of them back in 2020 when I got mine and decided against using my ancient DVI Apple Cinema Display because of them (well, also because I wanted a 32" screen...)
Anyway (IIRC) it was decided that the HDMI chipset doesn't provide enough power for the DVI adaptor/monitor. It might be that certain DVI monitors and or adaptors are more sensitive than others to this.
I believe one solution was using a USB-C to DVI adaptor instead of HDMI to DVI. No experience with that myself. Anyway, there are a bunch of threads, see if this search link works for you. I randomly chose a starting date in 2023, but there should be even more if you go back a few more years. It's just a simple search for "DVI" so there are going to be a number of false positives unforuntately, but looks like there are some good posts there too.
https://forums.macrumors.com/search/4949943/?page=3&q="DVI"&t=post&c[child_nodes]=1&c[nodes][0]=146&o=relevance
Anyway (IIRC) it was decided that the HDMI chipset doesn't provide enough power for the DVI adaptor/monitor. It might be that certain DVI monitors and or adaptors are more sensitive than others to this.
I believe one solution was using a USB-C to DVI adaptor instead of HDMI to DVI. No experience with that myself. Anyway, there are a bunch of threads, see if this search link works for you. I randomly chose a starting date in 2023, but there should be even more if you go back a few more years. It's just a simple search for "DVI" so there are going to be a number of false positives unforuntately, but looks like there are some good posts there too.
https://forums.macrumors.com/search/4949943/?page=3&q="DVI"&t=post&c[child_nodes]=1&c[nodes][0]=146&o=relevance
Sorry, I should’ve been more clear in my original post. The monitor has only two ports, DVI-D and VGA. Last time I checked a Mac on it was with a Studio M1 Max thru a DVI to HDMI cord; the monitor worked fine. Now, with a Mini 2018, the screen starts with a broken, flickering image that quickly turns into “snowy”.
I suspect it is the HDMI 2.0 port on Mini. The previous Mac connected were all HDMI 1.4 or older. The question is—is buying other cable or adapter the only remedy?
I suspect it is the HDMI 2.0 port on Mini. The previous Mac connected were all HDMI 1.4 or older. The question is—is buying other cable or adapter the only remedy?
No, it's just the cheapest remedy
Buying a new display would also solve the issue.
Personally, I'd invest in a new monitor instead of buying adapters (which can be expensive) for an old 17" DVI screen. Small screens with HDMI inputs are really inexpensive now (although the best prices might be in the 24" range?). But there might be some other simple solution if you look through old threads as I suggested, DVI issues with the 2018 Mini were discussed pretty extensively here in the past.
The 17" display is used only "for testing" new Macs?
And then you move them (the new Macs) onto to other displays?
Just try the 2018 Mini with the ACTUAL display that will be used.
If it works, it works.
If it doesn't work with that display (either), then it may be time to be concerned.
Don't worry about a display that is not going to be "regularly used" with it.
Again, if the Mini does ok with its intended display, that's all that matters.
And then you move them (the new Macs) onto to other displays?
Just try the 2018 Mini with the ACTUAL display that will be used.
If it works, it works.
If it doesn't work with that display (either), then it may be time to be concerned.
Don't worry about a display that is not going to be "regularly used" with it.
Again, if the Mini does ok with its intended display, that's all that matters.
Not exactly; at present the only other display available is iMac's. I got a Mini 2018 the other day and I wanted to install Sequoia and do the rest of tasks, so I needed another display and the only at hand (Philips) refused to... collaborate. I think the problem was with the HDMI port non-compatibility.
Eventually, I bought a simple 20" monitor (brand new with guarantee for 40 bucks) and I'm happy with that. Thank you all for your advice!