Does the latest mini work with 30" ACD ?

[byke]

I have a 30"Apple cinema Display and one off those dual dvi to mini display port adaptors. But my question is, will this work on the latest Mac mini's as I can't seem to find a mini display port on them.

And if I can use the mini display port in the thunderbolt hole, will I still be able to get a 2560 x 1600 resolution?

Cheers

 

[simsaladimbamba]

MDP does work via TB, and yes, you can have 2560 x 1600 pixel.

Mini DisplayPort (MDP) / Thunderbolt

Mini DisplayPort is the current digital standard on all current Macs to transfer video to an external display or TV. It has been introduced in 10/2008 with the release of the Unibody MacBook and MacBook Pros and has gradually been adopted on all other Macs.
MDP is capable of transmitting video, and since 2010, audio too. MDP is a miniaturised version of DisplayPort. It is also license free and can support resolutions of up to 2560 x 1600, which Mini DVI and Micro DVI are not able to do.
Since 2011, all Macs come with a Thunderbolt port, which is meant for fast data transfer and also as means to connect to an external display device to mirror or extend the Mac's screen.

To learn more about Thunderbolt (TB) and its compatibility with Mini DisplayPort (MDP): Introducing Thunderbolt​

MDP adapters and cables can be bought online from:

Apple Online Store (or the physical Apple Store)

• MDP to VGA adapter
• MDP to DVI adapter
• MDP to Dual-Link-DVI adapter
• Moshi Mini DP to HDMI Adapter with Audio Support adapter

Monoprice

• Mini DisplayPort + USB to Dual-Link DVI adapter
• Mini DisplayPort to DVI adapter
• Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter
• Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter
• Mini Displayport Male and USB Male/Toslink Audio to HDMI Female Converting adapter
• Mini Displayport Male and USB Male Audio to HDMI Female Converting adapter - *NOTE* Will only support 2 channel stereo. Will not support 5.1 Dolby Surround like the above adapter.

• Mini DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort cables
• Mini DisplayPort to VGA cables
• Mini DisplayPort to DVI cables
• Mini DisplayPort to HDMI cables
• Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort cables

Also of interest: "What is "Mini DisplayPort"? Is it an industry-standard? How is it different from or better than Mini-DVI and Micro-DVI?"
​

 

[byke]

Many thanks.

 

[VI™]

Except from all the reviews, the Apple MDP to DVI-D adapter is trash.

Mine works about half the time. I've used it with an MBP and a Mac Mini. It causes artifacts and distortions on the screen where the only way to fix it is to put the computer to sleep and wake it again. At least, that's the fix I'm going with as of now.

 

[byke]

Does anyone have any advice on which graphics card would better suit a 30" ACD? (since there are 2 options)

 

[simsaladimbamba]

The dedicated GPU (AMD) would be better.

 

[byke]

Cheers, much appreciated.