One of my M1 Mac mini arrived, some first impressions

[Ethosik]

First time owning a Mac mini, and the M1 is definitely more snappier than my 2019 i9 iMac. One thing that worried me was my second display was not working with a brand new HDMI cable I got. It kept flashing on the screen. I thought something was wrong with my new mini but I used my HDMI cable I got from my Xbox One X and it worked perfectly. I am not sure what is wrong with this HDMI cable I just got but I have purchased the same one before from MonoPrice. Do cables arrive defective sometimes? I will need to try it out on another system.

Brand new cable I got (I have two more that are connected to game consoles) - https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=13585

I have my Xbox One X HDMI cable connected to my LG 4K display which I have it set to look like 2560x1440. Boy the text looks much crisper compared to the same settings with my 2019 i9 iMac using USB-C -> DisplayPort. Not sure if it was the DisplayPort connection or not, but it looks amazing.

My primary display is connected using DisplayPort -> USB-C taking up one of the Thunderbolt 4 ports. This monitor supports 144Hz and is 2560x1440 - Samsung gaming monitor. M1 does support 144Hz which is good. Interestingly in the settings, I am able to select 4K in the Scaled options even though this is only 2560x1440 display. I have not tried it.

Cable I have for this monitor - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075V27G2R/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I did have to install the Big Sur update 11.1 update. And the fans never got audible once during the install where my 2019 i9 iMac is pretty much loud the entire time it installs the update for the first portion.

My Sennheiser keeps dropping for about a second every few minutes. My 2019 i9 iMac is suffering from major Bluetooth issues so I hope it is just an issue with Big Sur. My Sennheiser headphones are 5 years old now, I am waiting for my AirPods Max to ship. Not sure if this impacts the Bluetooth connectivity at all since they are very old headphones now.

I never restore new computers from a backup, so I downloaded everything and installed all my apps and it took a few hours but I find it is worth it just starting clean. I do the same with new iPads and iPhones.

Logic Pro, Final Cut Pro, Main Stage, all available Apple Loops downloaded, Xcode, Affinity Photo/Designer, Compressor and Motion - my SSD is now at 135.9GB out of 1TB used. 68.2 GB of that are due to the Apple Loops from both Logic and GarageBand.

Brave browser is now available for Apple Silicon, so I have that installed too. I am trying to avoid Rosetta if possible, so I will wait for the Chromium Edge to be officially released for Apple Silicon before installing that. I have no need for Chrome anymore so I am not installing that. 1Password appears to require Rosetta so I will be waiting on that for a bit.

Sound Blaster Omni Surround 5.1 USB device works with the M1 Mac mini, I was worried it was not going to. The reason I like this is it has Optical Audio Output, which connects to my 5.1 speakers. I got a MonoPrice Micro USB-B to USB-C and its plugged in to my second Thunderbolt 4 port and works just fine. I also have a 3.5mm cable I am able to connect to my 5.1 speaker setup, so I have that connected to my Mac mini too so I can use external SSDs with the second Thunderbolt 4 port instead of my Sound Blaster.

I do have the new OWC Thunderbolt 4 hub on the way so I can convert that last Thunderbolt 4 port to 3 Thunderbolt 4 ports so I can use my Sound Blaster and External SSDs at the same time.

OWC Thunderbolt Hub: More Ports, More Power, More Creativity

Enhance your setup with 3 Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) and 1 USB 3.2 port. Perfect for creatives needing seamless access to storage, displays, and accessories.

eshop.macsales.com

FYI apparently even though Apple lists the ports as Thunderbolt 3, they are actually Thunderbolt 4, or at least using an important feature of Thunderbolt 4 in terms of having Thunderbolt hubs. However, Apple cannot state they are Thunderbolt 4 due to the limitation on monitors.

Thunderbolt on the M1 Mac mini – When 2 Actually Does Equal 4

I have read a lot of complaints about the new M1 based Macs only having two Thunderbolt ports. Having only two ports doesn't seem like enough for professional use. Both my 2019 16 inch MacBook Pro and my 2018 Mac mini have four Thunderbolt ports, and I can't imagine using a Mac with only two...

eshop.macsales.com

Logitech G910 keyboard and Logitech G502 are connected to the USB-A ports on the Mini. Nothing unusual here compared to Intel Macs, just the standard "Press the button to the right of the left shift and press the button to the left of the right shift" dialog so it knows what keyboard you are using. I definitely prefer mechanical keyboards and I do not use any of the "extra" features on the keyboard/mouse but everything standard is working just fine.

So far I am quite happy. I should be able to do some video editing hopefully tomorrow and put it to the test with that. But I just do 1080p video editing so it should be no sweat for this system.

 

[Ethosik]

Interesting observation looking at my iMac vs my Mac mini thermals (processor) watching a 720p video on YouTube using the Brave Browser.

iMac:

Mac mini (too many items listed to copy them all):

I am very pleased with the thermals so far!

 

[joevt]

This monitor supports 144Hz and is 2560x1440 - Samsung gaming monitor. M1 does support 144Hz which is good. Interestingly in the settings, I am able to select 4K in the Scaled options even though this is only 2560x1440 display. I have not tried it.

The 4K option exists to support the "Looks like 1920x1080" HiDPI/Retina mode. Basically, macOS draws into a 4K framebuffer which is scaled down to 2560x1440. macOS can scale up or scale down different sized frame buffers (for example, a 1280x720 (low resolution) mode is scaled up to 2560x1440. A 1280x720 HiDPI mode uses a 2560x1440 framebuffer so no scaling is used in that case. Hold the option key and click Scaled in the Displays preferences panel. Then click "Show low resolution modes".

One issue is that people can't add custom scale modes to add other HiDPI modes like they could on Intel Macs.
Another issue is that the max scaled mode is 6K so there are no HiDPI modes between 3K and 6K. On Intel Macs you could create HiDPI modes up to at least 4K (8K framebuffer) and with a display like the LG UltraFine 5K and an AMD GPU like the RX 580, I think you could do HiDPI modes up to 7K which uses a 14K framebuffer.

 

[pldelisle]

I always use Audioquest HDMI2.0 cables. Always worked perfectly.

 

[Ethosik]

I always use Audioquest HDMI2.0 cables. Always worked perfectly.

Do you think the cable I purchased is bad, or just the type of cable is not compatible with the new Mini? It seems like a high quality cable, and I have used a couple more in the past so not sure what the issue is.

 

[pldelisle]

Do you think the cable I purchased is bad, or just the type of cable is not compatible with the new Mini? It seems like a high quality cable, and I have used a couple more in the past so not sure what the issue is.

I don’t know, it might be possible. An HDMI 1.4 cable might be good quality, but it’s still 1.4 while now high end monitors with HDR and 4K resolution requires 2.0. Same for Ethernet cabling. I chose a CAT7 STP cable when building my house, and all patch cables are also CAT7 10 gbps ready. Bandwidth increase generation after generation and cable standards evolve too.

 

[Ethosik]

I don’t know, it might be possible. An HDMI 1.4 cable might be good quality, but it’s still 1.4 while now high end monitors with HDR and 4K resolution requires 2.0. Same for Ethernet cabling. I chose a CAT7 STP cable when building my house, and all patch cables are also CAT7 10 gbps ready. Bandwidth increase generation after generation and cable standards evolve too.

Relatively speaking, my monitors are a bit older. Not sure if it would be best to get a newer HDMI cable version for the Mac mini side even if my monitor is only HDMI 1.4. I think the Xbox One X HDMI cable is 2.0 maybe?

 

[pldelisle]

Always use a cable which comply with the lowest standard supported on both side.

HDMI 1.4 added support for 4096 × 2160 at 24 Hz, 3840 × 2160 at 24, 25, and 30 Hz, and 1920 × 1080 at 120 Hz.

Anything higher than this requires HDMI 2.0 which enabled 4K 60Hz.

 

[Ethosik]

Always use a cable which comply with the lowest standard supported on both side.

HDMI 1.4 added support for 4096 × 2160 at 24 Hz, 3840 × 2160 at 24, 25, and 30 Hz, and 1920 × 1080 at 120 Hz.

Anything higher than this requires HDMI 2.0 which enabled 4K 60Hz.

Why do you think the HDMI 2.1 cable from Xbox Series X works but not the cable I got from MonoPrice (which I cannot find what HDMI version it has). It really doesn't make any sense that this cable would be an issue.

 

[Ethosik]

I really do not like HDMI and DisplayPort. Who made the idea of making hidden versions on the ports and cables? Here is the monitor I have: https://www.lg.com/us/monitors/lg-27UD58-B-4k-uhd-led-monitor

So I cannot find what HDMI port my monitor has, and I cannot see what HDMI version the cable I got from MonoPrice is. Why do they make these things so incredibly difficult?

 

[Tesla1856]

That cable you bought says:
10.2Gbps data throughput
4K resolution at 24Hz

Even this cheap one looks better:

Products no longer Available

18Gbps data throughput
4K (3840x2160p @60Hz)

And still not sure what the fascination is with "slim/thin" cables.

 

[njvm]

According to LG it is HDMI 2.0

 

[Ethosik]

That cable you bought says:
10.2Gbps data throughput
4K resolution at 24Hz

Even this cheap one looks better:

Products no longer Available

18Gbps data throughput
4K (3840x2160p @60Hz)

And still not sure what the fascination is with "slim/thin" cables.

It is definitely helpful when you have dozens of cables around. It does reduce the amount of space the cables use.

Any way to view the actual HDMI versions of these products? Why is it so difficult? And how would someone know which cable to get?

 

[Ethosik]

According to LG it is HDMI 2.0

View attachment 1707310

Where did you see that because I looked all over the page and did not see any reference to an HDMI version, even on their spec sheet.

 

[pldelisle]

I really do not like HDMI and DisplayPort. Who made the idea of making hidden versions on the ports and cables? Here is the monitor I have: https://www.lg.com/us/monitors/lg-27UD58-B-4k-uhd-led-monitor

So I cannot find what HDMI port my monitor has, and I cannot see what HDMI version the cable I got from MonoPrice is. Why do they make these things so incredibly difficult?

It’s a 4K 60Hz. It’s an HDMI 2.0, just like your Mac Mini.

I use these for TVs, displays, whatever require HDMI : https://www.audioquest.com/cables/digital-cables/hdmi-4k-8k/pearl

It’s the cheapest from Audioquest. They make HDMI 2.1 too, but the Mac Mini will never be able to get to this because it only supports 2.0. So no need to go that high. And no need to go high grade at audioquest, sincerely. There is a limit. Not sure you can see the difference between AudioQuest 2.0 Pearl and the highest end one at 1000$ for 6 ft. But the basic Audioquest pearl is a top notch quality HDMI cable without an idiotic price.

 

[Ethosik]

It’s a 4K 60Hz

Honestly, how are people supposed to know 4K 60 = HDMI 2.0. Why can't they just list the HDMI version on both the ports and the cables? Ethernet cables due this by listing the cat version on the cable itself.

 

[pldelisle]

Honestly, how are people supposed to know 4K 60 = HDMI 2.0. Why can't they just list the HDMI version on both the ports and the cables? Ethernet cables due this by listing the cat version on the cable itself.

Consumer must be aware and informed. I don’t have any other answer to give you. HDMI1.4 is very old. Vast majority of monitors have been on 2.0 for years. Cheap is cheap. I never buy cheap cables. I buy cables which have good rating, certifications, and correctly priced.

 

[Ethosik]

Consumer must be aware and informed. I don’t have any other answer to give you. HDMI1.4 is very old. Vast majority of monitors have been on 2.0 for years. Cheap is cheap. I never buy cheap cables. I buy cables which have good rating, certifications, and correctly priced.

How can people be informed if the product pages for these monitors do not list what HDMI version the ports are?

This is my primary monitor: https://www.samsung.com/us/computin...ming-monitor-with-quantum-dot-lc27hg70qqnxza/

I do not see in the Specs where it lists the HDMI 2.0/2.1 whatever either. So how can customers get informed?

This is a company that does things right. I have two of these on order and look at the spec sheet, now I can be informed on what cables I need: https://evedevices.com/pages/full-specs

 

[pldelisle]

I must admit this monitor looks very impressive.

 

[Ethosik]

I must admit this monitor looks very impressive.

The Eve ones? Yeah I can't wait for them to start shipping. I honestly hate having different monitors, which is why I got two. I like having the same monitors.

 

[macsound1]

To be honest, highly rated HDMI cables are just about marketing unless you're using very long cables.
I'm making the assumption here that you're using something that's between 1-2meters. Any "modern" HDMI cable will work just fine.
The rating and certification process that cables go through is related to their attenuation over length, their ability to reject noise, how physically sturdy they are, and probably most importantly - how long the warranty is. After all, HDMI cables are just shielded copper wires, just like CAT5 etc.

The reason longer cables have harder times is because the noise increases, not just because the cable is longer but because HDMI wasn't designed to travel over long cables, so long cables are usually actively amplified (like redmere) in the sending connector and have a ferrite core designed to reduce noise.

All HDMI Cables are the Same! Or are they… – Full Test – HD Guru

hdguru.com

Does a cheap HDMI cable work the same as an expensive one?

Can the right HDMI cable make your TV viewing experience any better? Or is there no real difference?

www.toptenreviews.com

Wirecutter's tested favorite cable is the $7 Amazon Basics. Works great at 4k HDR.

The Best Gear for a Home Theater System

We researched and tested to find the best-looking and best-sounding home theater equipment that will take your personal setup from functional to fantastic.

www.nytimes.com

Also worth noting something you mentioned in your first post.
Digital signal cables can't degrade the "sharpness" like occured with analog cables. The cable is only sending bits, 1s and 0s. They either arrive correctly, incorrectly or not at all. None of those scenarios would result in getting an image but one that is slighly lower quality.

Best of luck!

 

[Ethosik]

They either arrive correctly, incorrectly or not at all. None of those scenarios would result in getting an image but one that is slighly lower quality.

Do you know why it would not be as sharp on my iMac vs the Mac mini? Is the M1 GPU rendering it more sharply than the AMD GPU in my iMac?

And the new cable I got is 8feet.

 

[pldelisle]

Always try to minimize the length of the cable. A cable too long will be exposed to more noise than necessary.

 

[macsound1]

Do you know why it would not be as sharp on my iMac vs the Mac mini? Is the M1 GPU rendering it more sharply than the AMD GPU in my iMac?

And the new cable I got is 8feet.

My initial assumption is the video is getting slightly stretched or shrunk. I believe the iMac is 16:9 native and the MBP is 16:10 native. If you're getting a resolution that's off, and the monitor is scaling to 100%, the pixels don't line up.
What are the resolutions? Hold the Option key when clicking Scaled to choose a specific resolution.
Also, Are there 2 inputs on the monitor? Monitor settings may be maintained on a per input basis.

 

[Ethosik]

My initial assumption is the video is getting slightly stretched or shrunk. I believe the iMac is 16:9 native and the MBP is 16:10 native. If you're getting a resolution that's off, and the monitor is scaling to 100%, the pixels don't line up.
What are the resolutions? Hold the Option key when clicking Scaled to choose a specific resolution.
Also, Are there 2 inputs on the monitor? Monitor settings may be maintained on a per input basis.

My old setup was iMac, and two extra monitors both connected via DisplayPort to USB-C cable. Same settings as they are now, monitor 1 is 2560x1440 at 144Hz and monitor 2 is 4K that looks like 2560x1440.

New setup is monitor 1 is 2560x1440 at 144Hz via HDMI cable. Monitor 2 is the same with the same cable as the iMac was using.

Monitor 2 is the one that looks different between the iMac and Mac mini for some reason.