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Bought a new M1 mini 8GB and can't use it...

J

jasoncarle

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Jan 13, 2006
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Minnesota
I have not yet found a way to get it to work with my monitor. First, I tried the same HDMI to DVI cable I have been using with my 2011 Mini for at least 6 years, that resulted in a Display out of range message... Then, I went back to Microcenter and bought a USB-C to HDMI adapter, that didn't even appear to pass a signal to my monitor as its power/activity light just kept blinking as if the monitor was asleep.

I am about to return this damn thing. Anything more I can try, short of buying a new monitor. I don't feel like buying every possible adapter on the planet either just to see if they work.
 
J

jdb8167

macrumors 601
Nov 17, 2008
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4,599
jasoncarle said:
I have not yet found a way to get it to work with my monitor. First, I tried the same HDMI to DVI cable I have been using with my 2011 Mini for at least 6 years, that resulted in a Display out of range message... Then, I went back to Microcenter and bought a USB-C to HDMI adapter, that didn't even appear to pass a signal to my monitor as its power/activity light just kept blinking as if the monitor was asleep.

I am about to return this damn thing. Anything more I can try, short of buying a new monitor. I don't feel like buying every possible adapter on the planet either just to see if they work.
Click to expand...
Apple has a single link HDMI to DVI adapter that they claim compatibility with the M1 mini. Apple HDMI to DVI Adapter.

Supports single-link DVI devices up to 1920-by-1200 resolution.
 
J

jasoncarle

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Jan 13, 2006
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jdb8167 said:
Apple has a single link HDMI to DVI adapter that they claim compatibility with the M1 mini. Apple HDMI to DVI Adapter.

Supports single-link DVI devices up to 1920-by-1200 resolution.
Click to expand...

I have a cable right now with HDMI at one end and DVI at the other that has worked perfectly for a minimum of 6 years with a 2011 mac mini... It does not work with the new M1 and my monitor
 
J

jdb8167

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Nov 17, 2008
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jasoncarle said:
I have a cable right now with HDMI at one end and DVI at the other that has worked perfectly for a minimum of 6 years with a 2011 mac mini... It does not work with the new M1 and my monitor
Click to expand...
Sorry, I can't help with that. I'm just trying to give you an alternate solution that may work. I doubt Apple spent much time on DVI compatibility considering that they are having major issues with straight HDMI and Display Port. The most likely way to get something that Apple tested is an adapter that they claim as compatible.
 
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J

JohnnyGo

macrumors 6502a
Sep 9, 2009
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JDB is trying to help OP.

If this is just a complaint “my 6 year old cable does not work with the M1 Mac Mini” than OP is probably right. Your cable is useless for this new computer.

The best solution is always a new single cable (no adapters) from a retail store nearby so that you can test it and quick test it out.

I’m sure there are other HDMI to DVI cables but a USBC to DVI is a better solution. Cable Matters is a great brand with solid reviews. It’s just 20 bucks.

Cable Matters USB C to DVI Cable (USB-C to DVI Cable) 6 ft - Thunderbolt 3 Port Compatible with MacBook Pro, Dell XPS 13, 15, HP Spectre x360, Surface Pro
by Cable Matters
Learn more: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076TTN1FL/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_JQRDQA32MHT6TVAMF3Z7?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
 
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Fomalhaut

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Oct 6, 2020
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Probably not helpful in this case, but I have used similar HMDI to DVI cables that I have used for about 10 years (with Mac Mini, MBP15 and various windows machines) and have had no issues with my M1 Mini.

I did have an issue with an HMDI to DVI adaptor though, which may not have supported the version of HDMI cable or protocol used by the M1 Mini.

I would try some different HDMI to DVI cables (or try USB-C video cables), and verify that the machine actually works
 
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Fomalhaut

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Oct 6, 2020
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jasoncarle said:
I tried another adapter today and again, no go. Tomorrow the Mini itself and the adapter go back.
Click to expand...
Where did you buy the machine? Just have the vendor test the machine for you. No need to return it without testing it first. It's possible it's just a cable issue, but you may just be unfortunate enough to have received a dud. It's a great machine - just get it replaced if it is faulty. I wouldn't give up on these machines just because of this experience.
 
global-citizen

global-citizen

macrumors newbie
Jan 5, 2021
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6
For DVI, the Club 3D CAC-1510-A adapter works: https://www.club-3d.com/en/detail/2525/ - Amazon stock it.

It's not the cheapest at $42.99, but it is full Dual Link DVI. I'm running it on my M1 Mini at 2560x1440 60Hz.

About once per week the display doesn't wake up, but unplugging and replugging solves it. Otherwise it's perfect. I put this down to the Mac, not the adapter.

Hope this helps
 
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jasoncarle

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I meant I would return the mini and exchange it for a new one... sorry for the confusion.

I bought the machine at my local microcenter. I will be bringing the machine there to make sure ot works, and if it does then I will just buy a new monitor. If it doesnt work, I'll get a replacement and try it with my monitor first.

All the adapters I bought, I also purchased at the same microcenter.

I have an LG E2242
 
Fishrrman

Fishrrman

macrumors Penryn
Feb 20, 2009
29,243
13,317
1. When you take the display back, see if they can get it to work with your display (if you care to take the display in, too). Make sure you do at least 5 bootups (from powered off), and do about 5 "wakeups from sleep", to "prove it out" first.

2. If successful, buy the cable they used to make it work.

3. If they CANNOT get the Mini to work with YOUR display, will it work with ANOTHER display they have?

4. If so, perhaps you ought to buy that display and the cable that works.

It looks like the display you have has DVI-D and VGA inputs.

I'd try a USBc to DVI cable (if a "full cable", i.e., no adapters, can be found).
I'd even try a USBc to VGA cable (again, if one can be found).
 
David Hassholehoff

David Hassholehoff

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Jul 26, 2020
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The beach
When I connected my new M1 mini to my 23" Apple Cinema HD all I got was nothing. Had to connect an HDMI display.
When Apple released the first system update, they specifically mentioned that it addressed the M1 mini not handling all HDMI-DVI adapters well.
After this, it works.

What version are you on? Can you connect it to a TV or something and go through the system update?
 
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jasoncarle

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Fomalhaut said:
So was the original Mini faulty? On both HMDI and TB3 outputs?

...or did you change both the computer and monitor (and presumably cable) to rule out other issues?
Click to expand...

The mini was faulty in at least the HDMI, I didnt bother going further with it as I don't want a new mini thats already broken in some way. And then I bought a new monitor because its nice and the price was good.
 
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Fomalhaut

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Oct 6, 2020
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jasoncarle said:
Microcenter took it and gave me a non defective one...
Click to expand...
Glad to hear that they sorted you out, but it must have been a frustrating experience chasing the cause of the error.

This is the first case of a defective video output on an M1 Mac that I've read on macrumors...so I guess you just had bad luck. It happens.
 
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