2012 Mac Mini on Mojave Question - Connecting To External Dell Monitor

[A4orce84]

Hello Everyone,

I just purchased a Dell UltraSharp U2717D monitor, linked below:
https://www.amazon.com/Dell-UltraSharp-U2717D-27-inch-InfinityEdge/dp/B01D402Z28

My question is the Dell monitor has multiple ways for me to connect my 2012 Mac Mini to the new external Dell (HDMI, Mini Display Port to Dell's Display Port, etc.). I've read that I should be using the mDP to DP connection to get the 'full' bandwidth vs. using HDMI, but I wasn't very clear on the details. If anyone could give me any additional details around this, it would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

 

[MacManiac76]

You're going to want to use the miniDisplayPort to DisplayPort connection to get the full 2560x1440 @ 60 Hz resolution. I'm using this setup on my 2012 Mac mini to connect my 27" Acer monitor at the same resolution and it works perfectly.

 

[DeltaMac]

According to Dell, that U2717D also has a mini DisplayPort connector.
So, easy enough: Use a mDP to mDP cable. Here's an example: https://www.amazon.com/Cable-Matters-Mini-DisplayPort-White/dp/B00ESM3DKA/

And, as MacManiac76 mentioned above, a Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort cable will work exactly the same - and, even better, that Dell display comes with that cable in the box. That's all you need to know!

 

[A4orce84]

Thanks guys! To be clear, do you NOT get the full 2560x1440 @ 60 Hz resolution over HDMI? Just trying to understand why the Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort connection is superior over HDMI. I would think they would both output the same, but it sounds like that is not the case?

 

[MacManiac76]

The HDMI port on the Mac mini will max out at 1920x1080.

 

[Sarpanch]

Thanks guys! To be clear, do you NOT get the full 2560x1440 @ 60 Hz resolution over HDMI? Just trying to understand why the Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort connection is superior over HDMI. I would think they would both output the same, but it sounds like that is not the case?

I have the U2518D monitor and I use it with the miniDP to DP cable that came with the monitor. Works great at 1440p/60Hz. HDMI will max out at 1080p/60Hz on the 2012 Mac Mini.

 

[A4orce84]

Thanks everyone for the solid information and assistance! I super appreciate it!

Next Question:
So, funny enough my friend who recommended the Dell U2717D monitor to me is moving on to a 4K monitor, and offered to sell me his Dell U2717D super cheap to give me a dual-monitor setup. So, it sounds like the HDMI can't drive the monitor to the same 2560x1440 @ 60 Hz as you all have said. However, I stumbled upon the following article:

Link:
http://johnmarshall4.tumblr.com/post/64978455356/two-high-res-monitors-from-a-mac-mini

Has anyone tried this and successfully got a higher resolution out of the HDMI connection?

Thanks again for everyone's time and help, it is greatly appreciated!

 

[DeltaMac]

It's a waste of your time. The HDMI connection just won't go higher res on your 2012 mini.
Then, adding a second display will make that worse, as you have to share video bandwidth to two displays.