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yasinvfx

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Sep 15, 2018
11
1
Hi.
Any problem-free monitor suggestions for the Mac Mini M1? (low budget if possible)

The YPBPR problem scares me.

model I want:
Dell U2520D

I am open to suggestions.
 

Krevnik

macrumors 601
Sep 8, 2003
4,101
1,312
My LG has been working fine. If you are willing to use a USB-C to DisplayPort cable, there's more options available to you in this price range.

LG has a reasonable budget 4K 27" display in this price range.
LG also has a couple 27" 1440p gaming displays at 400-450$ depending on if you want sRGB or DCI-P3.
 

yasinvfx

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Sep 15, 2018
11
1
My LG has been working fine. If you are willing to use a USB-C to DisplayPort cable, there's more options available to you in this price range.

LG has a reasonable budget 4K 27" display in this price range.
LG also has a couple 27" 1440p gaming displays at 400-450$ depending on if you want sRGB or DCI-P3.
Thanks. Can you suggest a model?

For example that model?
LG 27UL550-W
 
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JohnnyGo

macrumors 6502a
Sep 9, 2009
957
620
In general most users are reporting problems with HDMI or USBC connections. DisplayPort issues have been reported with much less frequency.

There are many issues with Dell Monitors. That’s really a sore spot. But most of this issues date back 3-4 years with Intel Macs.
 
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OSB

macrumors regular
Oct 27, 2015
138
125
My Samsung C49J89 has been a little finicky over USB-C... some occasional problems waking from sleep, and occasionally losing sync (often when I sit down on my gas-shocked chair, which apparently can cause an EM pulse and give rise to interference.) But, I’m also running it over a 2m USB-C, and the monitor is doing duty as a USB hub, so this is about the limit for USB-C runs.

I’ve moved over to a higher-quality TB3 cable and so far things seem stable. I do wonder hoe many of the USB-C problems people have reported are “****** cable” issues.
 

pldelisle

macrumors 68020
May 4, 2020
2,248
1,506
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
You misunderstood. I wrote the problem started 3-4 years ago with Intel Macs and continue to this day with the M1 Macs as well.
True. I just realized earlier this week my U2414H has been running for many years in YPbPr. Never noticed it. Couldn’t tell the difference with RGB.

U27UN850 seems the best at LG. U2720Q the best at Dell. Haven’t checked other brand since there’s mostly a consensus on these two and they get the best reviews everywhere. In QHD, both Dell U2520D and LG equivalent are fine, thought I personally think that 4K is mandatory with anything >= 27 inch.

Having good quality USB-C and HDMI 2.0 certified cables will for sure avoid many problems.
 

deeddawg

macrumors G5
Jun 14, 2010
12,468
6,571
US
My Dell U2719D works fine with my M1 - it's on DisplayPort via a CalDigit TS3+ but also works fine with a direct USBC-to-Displayport cable. Yes it shows YPbPr on the OSD.

While I don't doubt some (many?) folks have issues which were solved switching to RGB, I also think the "issue" is perhaps a bit overblown given the relatively low volume of discussion over the years.

Buy the monitor you want from a vendor with a decent return policy and see if it works for you.
 

Captain Trips

macrumors 68000
Jun 13, 2020
1,860
6,359
So my M1 isn't a Mac mini, it is a MBP (base M1). However, I do have an Intel 2014 Mac mini and the monitor I have used with both (but much more with the Intel mini so far) and have not had any problems.

AOC CU34G2X (34" QHD 144Hz HDMI DP FreeSync UltraWide Curved LED Gaming Monitor). I bought mine for $450 back in November ad I love the 34" ultrawide profile. It is the second AOC monitor I have had (first was a 24" "normal" ratio) and both have performed vey well and are very sturdy.

There are many reviews if the CU34G2X on the 'net, so you can check them out (some with very detailed and technical info) to see if this might be of interest.
 

pldelisle

macrumors 68020
May 4, 2020
2,248
1,506
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
So my M1 isn't a Mac mini, it is a MBP (base M1). However, I do have an Intel 2014 Mac mini and the monitor I have used with both (but much more with the Intel mini so far) and have not had any problems.

AOC CU34G2X (34" QHD 144Hz HDMI DP FreeSync UltraWide Curved LED Gaming Monitor). I bought mine for $450 back in November ad I love the 34" ultrawide profile. It is the second AOC monitor I have had (first was a 24" "normal" ratio) and both have performed vey well and are very sturdy.

There are many reviews if the CU34G2X on the 'net, so you can check them out (some with very detailed and technical info) to see if this might be of interest.
34 inch, QHD ... That‘s a pretty low PPI...
 

adib

macrumors 6502a
Jun 11, 2010
743
579
Singapore
Hi.
Any problem-free monitor suggestions for the Mac Mini M1? (low budget if possible)

The YPBPR problem scares me.

model I want:
Dell U2520D

I am open to suggestions.
Eyoyo sells a number of portable 4K monitors. Basically they’re 15” laptop panels but enclosed independently and takes USB-C and HDMI as inputs. These are around $200, depends on exact model (with/without touch screen, battery, and gravity sensor) and where do you buy it from.
 

pldelisle

macrumors 68020
May 4, 2020
2,248
1,506
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Eyoyo sells a number of portable 4K monitors. Basically they’re 15” laptop panels but enclosed independently and takes USB-C and HDMI as inputs. These are around $200, depends on exact model (with/without touch screen, battery, and gravity sensor) and where do you buy it from.
Of course, the guy shows his interest over a 25 inch desktop monitor, but why not offer him a 15inch portable display? ?
 

Captain Trips

macrumors 68000
Jun 13, 2020
1,860
6,359
34 inch, QHD ... That‘s a pretty low PPI...
That is why I recommend reading the reviews for this monitor (or any other for that matter) - some of the monitor reviews get very deep into technical specs, performance, and comparisons to other monitors. :)
 

pldelisle

macrumors 68020
May 4, 2020
2,248
1,506
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
That is why I recommend reading the reviews for this monitor (or any other for that matter) - some of the monitor reviews get very deep into technical specs, performance, and comparisons to other monitors. :)
But fundamentally it stays very low, ~90 PPI. It may be the best panel in the world, the size of one pixel stays quite high versus any 4K display which inevitably impacts image quality or text sharpness.
 

Captain Trips

macrumors 68000
Jun 13, 2020
1,860
6,359
But fundamentally it stays very low, ~90 PPI. It may be the best panel in the world, the size of one pixel stays quite high versus any 4K display which inevitably impacts image quality or text sharpness.
And that is OK - I am not arguing that.

Different people have different needs, and the many extensive reviews for monitors will help someone decide what best meets their specific needs.

For me, the AOC 34" ultrawide is great. For others, maybe not. And that is cool - there is no shortage of good moniters out there. :)
 
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nothingtoseehere

macrumors 6502
Jun 3, 2020
455
522
LG Ultrafine 5K is wonderful with my M1 Mac mini. To be precise, it is wonderful since the Big Sur 11.1 Update. With 11.0, the maximum resolution of 5120*2880 wasn‘t stable (fell back to 3840*2160) but now it is.

Admittedly, there is still one quirk: After waking up, the monitor starts with full brightness which disappears after pressing one of the brightness buttons on the (Apple) keyboard. But taking all stories about difficulties with monitors around here, this can be neglected :)
 

pldelisle

macrumors 68020
May 4, 2020
2,248
1,506
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
LG Ultrafine 5K is wonderful with my M1 Mac mini. To be precise, it is wonderful since the Big Sur 11.1 Update. With 11.0, the maximum resolution of 5120*2880 wasn‘t stable (fell back to 3840*2160) but now it is.

Admittedly, there is still one quirk: After waking up, the monitor starts with full brightness which disappears after pressing one of the brightness buttons on the (Apple) keyboard. But taking all stories about difficulties with monitors around here, this can be neglected :)
Problem is, with 5K displays, you can’t have two monitors on the Mini. I don’t know if OP wants only one monitor, but if two are considered, it’s a no-go unfortunately.
 

nothingtoseehere

macrumors 6502
Jun 3, 2020
455
522
Problem is, with 5K displays, you can’t have two monitors on the Mini. I don’t know if OP wants only one monitor, but if two are considered, it’s a no-go unfortunately.
Yes, and I should add that I have read OP‘s „low budget if possible“, but as I need only one monitor (that one should be big and awesome ;-) ) and the LG 5K is so beautiful IMO, I thought I‘d share my experience.
 
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4sallypat

macrumors 601
Sep 16, 2016
4,034
3,782
So Calif
Under $300:
2011 Apple Thunderbolt 27" WQHD display is native and works thru an Apple TB3-TB2 adapter.

Under $275:
Samsung UJ59 32" 4K HDMI as extended display works flawlessly.
 
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