Noob on two monitors to Mac Mini

[Retroworldnews]

i see people using Mac mini can connect external monitors some even up to 4 , 5.

I Only curious on Two monitor. I noob on this , as I see from youtube different users have their own ways.

Is kinda a bit technical for me. Some claim plug that way resolution and refresh rate not good whereas some claim plug this way better.

I happen to see some go buy what HDMI to USB C adaptor connect for the 2nd monitor whereas the first monitor is straight to the HDMI output on the Mac mini as it only has one HDMI output for the monitor.

Whereas I see some never used the HDMI output for the monitor , they use USB c for both monitors.

So what is the BEST option , to display a good resolution and refresh rate for Both monitors just like you see from an iMac.

 

[Basic75]

Which model of Mac mini?

 

[Retroworldnews]

Which model of Mac mini?

like recently M series Mac Mini or Mac Studio.

 

[theluggage]

i see people using Mac mini can connect external monitors some even up to 4 , 5.

The M4 Mini can support up to 3 displays, with some restrictions on what combination of 8k/6k/5k/4k or high-frame-rate displays you want to use. See https://www.apple.com/uk/mac-mini/specs/

M1 & M2 Minis were more restricted unless you went for the "M2 Pro" version. You can find the details for older model here: https://everymac.com/systems/apple/mac_mini/index-macmini.html

I think the HDMI ports on the M1 and M2 (non-pro) are limited to 4k @ 60Hz.

5k and 6k displays tend to use Thunderbolt anyway and so are probably best connected to the TB ports or to a Thunderbolt 4 (not plain USB-C) hub.

4k or 2k displays can go where you like - and you might want to put at least one on the HDMI port to leave two TB4 ports for other devices.

People with more than 3 displays (or more than 2 on a M1/M2) are probably using something called DisplayLink which lets you connect extra displays via USB 3 & a hardware dongle. That can cause artefacts or lag & needs driver software installed.

If you are buying a hub/dongle which offers multiple display outputs, check very carefully with the seller that it works with your Mac model & monitor specs. Some use DisplayLink - only go for that if you need more displays than your Mac supports directly - others use DisplayPort "daisy chaining" which doesn't work at all on Mac. Generally, only a proper Thunderbolt (not just "thunderbolt compatible") device will support multiple simultaneous display outputs on a Mac.

 

[Retroworldnews]

The M4 Mini can support up to 3 displays, with some restrictions on what combination of 8k/6k/5k/4k or high-frame-rate displays you want to use. See https://www.apple.com/uk/mac-mini/specs/

M1 & M2 Minis were more restricted unless you went for the "M2 Pro" version. You can find the details for older model here: https://everymac.com/systems/apple/mac_mini/index-macmini.html

I think the HDMI ports on the M1 and M2 (non-pro) are limited to 4k @ 60Hz.

5k and 6k displays tend to use Thunderbolt anyway and so are probably best connected to the TB ports or to a Thunderbolt 4 (not plain USB-C) hub.

4k or 2k displays can go where you like - and you might want to put at least one on the HDMI port to leave two TB4 ports for other devices.

People with more than 3 displays (or more than 2 on a M1/M2) are probably using something called DisplayLink which lets you connect extra displays via USB 3 & a hardware dongle. That can cause artefacts or lag & needs driver software installed.

If you are buying a hub/dongle which offers multiple display outputs, check very carefully with the seller that it works with your Mac model & monitor specs. Some use DisplayLink - only go for that if you need more displays than your Mac supports directly - others use DisplayPort "daisy chaining" which doesn't work at all on Mac. Generally, only a proper Thunderbolt (not just "thunderbolt compatible") device will support multiple simultaneous display outputs on a Mac.

Make it simple, if two monitors ( provided both are the same model and brand alike ) ? Let's say one is using M4 mini? Which option is the best for two monitors to get the best resolution?

And which monitors that have build in speakers which best for Mac Mini?

 

[Honza1]

You are overthinking it. There is infinite number of monitor combinations which will work - it is pretty generic computer with standard ports.
Unless you have very high end needs, get two monitors you like and can afford. Connect one through hdmi and one through usb-c/thunderbolt. Most if not all have both ports, those who do not, use usb-c/thunderbolt to hdmi or display port convertor (they sell convertors or directly cables), depending on what you need. Good monitors should come with appropriate cables.
Any monitor with speaker will work. Display speakers are kind of low quality, so if you want better quality, you need dedicated speakers.
If you run into problems, most of the time it is cables, there are versions of hdmi which can be problem and some usb-c cables may not carry the video signal, so you need to read specs or get store to help you. But again, there are so many different cables it is impossible to provide easy answer. Also, this is country/location specific as selection in stores varies a lot.

 

[Retroworldnews]

You are overthinking it. There is infinite number of monitor combinations which will work - it is pretty generic computer with standard ports.
Unless you have very high end needs, get two monitors you like and can afford. Connect one through hdmi and one through usb-c/thunderbolt. Most if not all have both ports, those who do not, use usb-c/thunderbolt to hdmi or display port convertor (they sell convertors or directly cables), depending on what you need. Good monitors should come with appropriate cables.
Any monitor with speaker will work. Display speakers are kind of low quality, so if you want better quality, you need dedicated speakers.
If you run into problems, most of the time it is cables, there are versions of hdmi which can be problem and some usb-c cables may not carry the video signal, so you need to read specs or get store to help you. But again, there are so many different cables it is impossible to provide easy answer. Also, this is country/location specific as selection in stores varies a lot.

interesting but nevertheless I still preferring iMac. Just that recently M series disappointed me due to " Lines suddenly appear on screen.. I not sure you know this Apple Flaws come M series iMac " Thus why I curious , partly some piss off thus switch to Mac mini at least touch wood the display any problem can easily replace without paying so much than for an iMac.