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Connecting three displays to (base-level) Mac mini M4

jent

jent

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Mar 31, 2010
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I've read some other threads in this forum but just want to get a clear idea on how I can connect my existing and future monitors to the base-level Mac mini M4 that I have coming my way now. I get kind of tripped up on the aspect that USB-C is more of a port and not the connection type itself (please correct my terminology).

I'm currently running an Intel MacBook Pro (4 ports, 2020), and I use the internal monitor, a external monitor plugged into the HDMI port of a hub, and another external monitor plugged in via a DisplayPort-to-USB-C cable. Since the mini has no monitor, I want to buy a third external monitor to replicate my setup with the laptop. Reading the tech specs, I'm wondering if I need a monitor that specifically touts Thunderbolt connectivity.

Thanks for your suggestions, whether for the cable type needed or a specific monitor!
 
USB-C (not specifically Thunderbolt) is generally fine; the mini supports DisplayPort Alt Mode over USB-C so pretty much any display with native USB-C will be fine. Or use a USB-C to whatever (HDMI, etc.) converter.

Where you'll run into issues, is if you want to connect two displays to one port (via hub, etc) - most hubs that "Support" dual display, only do so on Windoze. So stick to one display per port on the Mac, ideally.
 
FreakinEurekan said:
Where you'll run into issues, is if you want to connect two displays to one port (via hub, etc) - most hubs that "Support" dual display, only do so on Windoze. So stick to one display per port on the Mac, ideally.
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Shouldn't be a problem with a true Thunderbolt 4/USB4 hub (the sort that offers multiple downstream TB/USB4 ports) rather than a "USB-C hub" (I.e. non-Thunderbolt - silly, silly naming!)

E.g. Caldigit Elements can run dual 4k displays via USB-C or USB-C-to-DisplayPort.

Non-TB USB-C hubs/docks with multiple display outputs aimed at the PC market often rely on DisplayPort daisy-chaining (not usefully supported by Macs) or DisplayLink (compressed streaming over USB 3 - works on Mac but needs drivers & has lag/artifacts).

Even with TB docks check the manufacturer's website for specific details on Mac compatibility. Beware confusion between "Thunderbolt" (actually uses TB) and "Thunderbolt compatible" (because all TB host ports are backwards compatible with "USB-C" devices) You can usually run one display from a TB dock's DP or HDMI port and one from the downstream TB port.
 
One key thing is that the only ports that support a display on the base Mini are the ports on the back. You can't plug a display into the USB-C ports on the front.

The base Mini only supports two display connected via the three rear Thunderbolt ports; plus one display connected to the HDMI port. So if you want three total displays, you'll have to use the HDMI port for one, and two of the three Thunderbolt ports for the other two.

Note that the Thunderbolt ports do support "DisplayPort output" which means you can connect monitors that have DisplayPort, HDMI, or USB-C input via any cable that has the monitor connection on one end and USB-C on the other. (Of course, it does support Thunderbolt Displays as well.)

If you want to cut down on cables, a Thunderbolt connection can run two monitors - either a Thunderbolt-native monitor with a USB-C-connected monitor coming off the Thunderbolt monitor's "Thunderbolt out" port (that's what I do) or a Thunderbolt dock with one display connected to the "display out" on the dock and the second connected to the "Thunderbolt out" port on the dock. (I've done that in the past.)
 
Anonymous Freak said:
The base Mini only supports two display connected via the three rear Thunderbolt ports; plus one display connected to the HDMI port. So if you want three total displays, you'll have to use the HDMI port for one, and two of the three Thunderbolt ports for the other two.
Click to expand...

That is obviously not correct. I actually ran base Mac Mini M4 with three Studio Displays at 5k. Plus, the Apple support page referenced at the very beginning clearly states that:

IMG_0723.jpeg
 
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Thanks everyone for the replies. I should also take a step back for simplicity's sake and ask if I need to be paying attention to the ports on the monitors themselves or not. Even if I have three HDMI-only monitors, let's say, am I fine plugging all three into a Mac mini M4 with one HDMI-to-HDMI cable and two HDMI-to-USB-C cables? Or do I specifically need to buy (one or two) monitors that explicitly have USB-C and/or Thunderbolt connectivity mentioned?
 
jent said:
Thanks everyone for the replies. I should also take a step back for simplicity's sake and ask if I need to be paying attention to the ports on the monitors themselves or not. Even if I have three HDMI-only monitors, let's say, am I fine plugging all three into a Mac mini M4 with one HDMI-to-HDMI cable and two HDMI-to-USB-C cables? Or do I specifically need to buy (one or two) monitors that explicitly have USB-C and/or Thunderbolt connectivity mentioned?
Click to expand...
You do not need to buy new monitors (unless you need an excuse to buy new monitors). If the monitors that you have all support HDMI inputs, then you can do as you suggested - one HDMI to HDMI cable and two USB-C to HDMI cables.
 
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jent said:
Thanks everyone for the replies. I should also take a step back for simplicity's sake and ask if I need to be paying attention to the ports on the monitors themselves or not. Even if I have three HDMI-only monitors, let's say, am I fine plugging all three into a Mac mini M4 with one HDMI-to-HDMI cable and two HDMI-to-USB-C cables? Or do I specifically need to buy (one or two) monitors that explicitly have USB-C and/or Thunderbolt connectivity mentioned?
Click to expand...
TL;DR version would be: yes.

You already have two monitors, one that you can connect via HDMI, and the other via USB-C. The third one has to be able to use USB-C socket as that the last one left on your Mac. If you're looking at 4k, then typically monitors today offer either DP with DP socket (and you'd need DP to USB-C cable), or USB-C socket (that will carry DP signal inside). USB-C as a standard simplifies choices (if we silently ignore plethora of versions and no clear markings on most of the cables).

There are some subtlietes here (cable standards which impact supported refresh rates, ability to support some ports integrated in the monitor - if any - and so on). But again in general and starting from offerings that give you 4k/60Hz, most of the quality monitors you'll buy will come with suitable cables - typically at minimum two: HDMI to HDMI and either DP to USB-C or DP to DP. For the latter you'd either need converter or simply cable with USB-C socket towards Mac. For the cheaper monitors that offer FullHD (1920x1080) or QHD (2560x1440) chances are you may only get HDMI cable, or nothing at all.
 
lukasz.bromirski said:
That is obviously not correct. I actually ran base Mac Mini M4 with three Studio Displays at 5k. Plus, the Apple support page referenced at the very beginning clearly states that:

View attachment 2527790
Click to expand...
Doh! I missed that the M4 base now supports three native! The three-display M2 Pro mini only allows two over Thunderbolt, the third must be HDMI. I skimmed the M4-base, and misread it as being the same.
 
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You do not need to buy new monitors (unless you need an excuse to buy new monitors). If the monitors that you have all support HDMI inputs, then you can do as you suggested - one HDMI to HDMI cable and two USB-C to HDMI cables.
 
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