Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Monitor Recommendations for 2012 Mini (and 2020 Mini?)

K

karatekidk

macrumors regular
Original poster
Nov 30, 2008
243
69
Pacific Northwest, USA
Hi there. I am wondering if I could have your suggestions.

At home, I have been using a late 2012 mini (2.3 i7, 16gb ram, 500gb SSD) connected to an old Dell 2209WA using a mini display port to DVI cable. It's been working ok, but the monitor is more than 10 years old and understandably showing its age. The screen seems darker and shows some vertical lines. As I see myself working from home more amid pandemic, I am considering buying a new monitor.

Below are my random thoughts.

*I want a 27" monitor to comfortably project two documents side by side.
*I would prefer an IPS monitor (not a TN monitor).
*I would love to get a 4k monitor, but not sure if it works well with 2012 mini.
*I am thinking about buying a newer mini, but not now. At this point, it is what I "want", not what I "need".

So, ideally, I would like a monitor that works well with the mini I have right now, AND the newer mini I might buy, hopefully in the near future. Your input will be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
 
Last edited:
2012 Mini can't do 4k @ 60hz.

I've read that a few folks got 4k @ 30hz, but they had to do software tweaks and jump through hoops to get it.

So... for practical purposes, if you REALLY want 4k -- get a 2018 Mini to support it.

Having said that, I'd suggest a 32" 1440p (QHD) display.
LOTS more "screen real estate" than a 27".

A list that might prove useful:
IPS Monitor List: Best AHVA, PLS & IPS LCD Displays
 
  • Like
Reactions: karatekidk and Cookie18
karatekidk said:
Hi there. I am wondering if I could have your suggestions.

At home, I have been using a late 2012 mini (2.3 i7, 16gb ram, 500gb SSD) connected to an old Dell 2209WA using a mini display port to DVI cable. It's been working ok, but the monitor is more than 10 years old and understandably showing its age. The screen seems darker and shows some vertical lines. As I see myself working from home more amid pandemic, I am considering buying a new monitor.

Below are my random thoughts.

*I want a 27" monitor to comfortably project two documents side by side.
*I would prefer an IPS monitor (not a TN monitor).
*I would love to get a 4k monitor, but not sure if it works well with 2012 mini.
*I am thinking about buying a newer mini, but not now. At this point, it is what I "want", not what I "need".

So, ideally, I would like a monitor that works well with the mini I have right now, AND the newer mini I might buy, hopefully in the near future. Your input will be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Click to expand...

While you won't get 4k, your cabling is able to support a 2k display (1440p) and you might want to take a look at something like the Acer EB321HQU 31.5", which is an IPS 10bit display panel and gives you a reasonable screen real estate and good color display output.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: karatekidk
Fishrrman said:
2012 Mini can't do 4k @ 60hz.

I've read that a few folks got 4k @ 30hz, but they had to do software tweaks and jump through hoops to get it.

So... for practical purposes, if you REALLY want 4k -- get a 2018 Mini to support it.

Having said that, I'd suggest a 32" 1440p (QHD) display.
LOTS more "screen real estate" than a 27".

A list that might prove useful:
IPS Monitor List: Best AHVA, PLS & IPS LCD Displays
Click to expand...

Thank you, Fishrrman, for your comments. I agree - I am thinking because I do not want to change the monitor again once I buy a new mini.

Thank you for the link to the list, too. Looks like choices are limited for 30+" 1440p displays. I shall do a little more research!
 
iluvmacs99 said:
While you won't get 4k, your cabling is able to support a 2k display (1440p) and you might want to take a look at something like the Acer EB321HQU 31.5", which is an IPS 10bit display panel and gives you a reasonable screen real estate and good color display output.
Click to expand...

Thank you for your input! Embarrassed to say this, but my knowledge is quite shallow when it comes to display resolution, color gamut, and bit rate, etc. That said, the Acer monitor you mentioned looks good. I will keep that in mind!
 
Last edited:
Boyd01 said:
I got a 32" BenQ PD3200Q for my 2018 Mini about two months ago ($400 at B&H Photo) and am really happy with it. Have not tried it on my 2012 Mini though.
Click to expand...

Thank you. Wow, the monitor does look good. Seem like 2012 mini supports 2560x1440? If you had a chance, I would like to know if it actually works well with your 2012. I really like the sleek look of the monitor. This might be it. :)
 
Sorry, my 2012 quad is a headless server now, would be a lot of trouble to hook it up to a monitor. I also think a minidisplayport to thunderbolt cable is needed for that, which I don't have. Before I got the 2018 Mini, I always used my ancient Apple 23" Cinema Display HD at 1920x1200 with the HDMI to DVI adapter that Apple included with the 2012 Mini.
 
karatekidk said:
Thank you. Wow, the monitor does look good. Seem like 2012 mini supports 2560x1440? If you had a chance, I would like to know if it actually works well with your 2012. I really like the sleek look of the monitor. This might be it. :)
Click to expand...

Check your current mini display to DVI converter. If it's an Apple one, it should already be Dual Link DVI capable and has the 6 extra pins to act as the second transmitter to get you that 1440p display on the 2012 Mini. If it's single link; missing those 6 extra pins, then you need to get that converter and a dual link DVI cable. Single link DVI will restrict you to 1080p.
 
iluvmacs99 said:
Check your current mini display to DVI converter. If it's an Apple one, it should already be Dual Link DVI capable and has the 6 extra pins to act as the second transmitter to get you that 1440p display on the 2012 Mini. If it's single link; missing those 6 extra pins, then you need to get that converter and a dual link DVI cable. Single link DVI will restrict you to 1080p.
Click to expand...

Boyd01 said:
Sorry, my 2012 quad is a headless server now, would be a lot of trouble to hook it up to a monitor. I also think a minidisplayport to thunderbolt cable is needed for that, which I don't have. Before I got the 2018 Mini, I always used my ancient Apple 23" Cinema Display HD at 1920x1200 with the HDMI to DVI adapter that Apple included with the 2012 Mini.
Click to expand...

No problem, Boyd01! So, my apologies for not being tech-savvy. I just took pictures of the cable I am using. I hope this works for a 1440p display... I'd appreciate your help.

IMG-5001.JPGIMG-4999.JPG
 
  • Like
Reactions: iluvmacs99
karatekidk said:
No problem, Boyd01! So, my apologies for not being tech-savvy. I just took pictures of the cable I am using. I hope this works for a 1440p display... I'd appreciate your help.

View attachment 944184View attachment 944185
Click to expand...

Yeap looks good so far. Now on your DVI-D cable; count if you have all 24pins. If you do, you have a dual link cable. If you are missing 6 pins in the center, then you have single link DVI-D cable. If you have both; then go ahead and enjoy your new 1440p monitor!
 
  • Like
Reactions: karatekidk
Maybe I don't understand all the issues here? If you get a new monitor, such as the BehQ that I'm using, it has both displayport and mini displayport connectors. AFAIK, you could get a cable with mini displayport connectors on both ends and you'll be all set. Why would you want to use DVI (unless you have some kind of old monitor)?

According to this, the 2012 Mini supports up to 1600x2560 with mini displayport.

Mac mini "Core i7" 2.6 (Late 2012) Specs (Late 2012, BTO/CTO, Macmini6,2, A1347, 2570): EveryMac.com

Technical specifications for the Mac mini "Core i7" 2.6 (Late 2012). Dates sold, processor type, memory info, hard drive details, price and more.
everymac.com everymac.com
 
  • Like
Reactions: karatekidk
Boyd01 said:
Maybe I don't understand all the issues here? If you get a new monitor, such as the BehQ that I'm using, it has both displayport and mini displayport connectors. AFAIK, you could get a cable with mini displayport connectors on both ends and you'll be all set. Why would you want to use DVI (unless you have some kind of old monitor)?

According to this, the 2012 Mini supports up to 1600x2560 with mini displayport.

Mac mini "Core i7" 2.6 (Late 2012) Specs (Late 2012, BTO/CTO, Macmini6,2, A1347, 2570): EveryMac.com

Technical specifications for the Mac mini "Core i7" 2.6 (Late 2012). Dates sold, processor type, memory info, hard drive details, price and more.
everymac.com everymac.com
Click to expand...

Thank you for the comment and link! So, it sounds like I can just connect the monitor via the mini display port/DVI adaptor I have, and I'm all set. Please feel free to correct me if I am wrong.
 
karatekidk said:
So, it sounds like I can just connect the monitor via the mini display port/DVI adaptor I have, and I'm all set.
Click to expand...

Actually, I never even noticed that the BenQ monitor has a DVI port, but now I see that it does. Never tried that before, I'm using a cable with a USB-C connector for my 2018 Mini and a displayport connector for the monitor. I suppose you could use your adaptor in the thunderbolt port on the Mini, then a DVI cable to the monitor (which is evidently included - never noticed that either). That would save you a few bucks I guess.

But a cable with a mini displayport connector for your 2012 Mini and either mini or regular displayport connector for the screen seems a lot cleaner. Personally, I would rather not use adapters unless necessary.
 
  • Like
Reactions: karatekidk
Boyd01 said:
Actually, I never even noticed that the BenQ monitor has a DVI port, but now I see that it does. Never tried that before, I'm using a cable with a USB-C connector for my 2018 Mini and a displayport connector for the monitor. I suppose you could use your adaptor in the thunderbolt port on the Mini, then a DVI cable to the monitor (which is evidently included - never noticed that either). That would save you a few bucks I guess.

But a cable with a mini displayport connector for your 2012 Mini and either mini or regular displayport connector for the screen seems a lot cleaner. Personally, I would rather not use adapters unless necessary.
Click to expand...

Got it. I appreciate your comment. I think I just need a DP to mini DP cable!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Boyd01
Just an update. After considering suggestions above, I decided to go with a 27" monitor because I thought it would be enough and could save me some money for a webcam/microphone. I could just go with BenQ 27", then found Asus ProArt PA278Q. I thought the newer Asus monitor has better connectivity, so I bought the Asus.

I finally had a chance to connect the monitor to my late 2012 i7 mac mini today, but the result was not so glorious. I tried two different kinds of cable: 1) a dual-link dvi cable (with my Apple mini-displayport to DVI adaptor), and 2) mini-displayport to displayport cable. With cable #1, I thought I could get max resolution of 2560 x 1440, but I was wrong. I am stuck with 1920 x 1080. Am I missing something here? Moving on with cable #2, I can get the max 2k resolution, but I cannot adjust volume with my Apple bluetooth wireless keyboard. That is a little annoying.

I did a quick research about enabling volume control, and found a software called Soundflower. I tried to download it, but apparently it is not compatible with Catalina. Hmm... Not sure about what to do.

If you know anything, I am all ears. Thank you!
 
Last edited:
It’s fairly normal to have no control of volume in MacOS with DisplayPort or HDMI. I think you’re meant to adjust volume on the device outputting the sound.
 
  • Like
Reactions: karatekidk
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back