Dual monitors on a ’14 Mini?

[getrealbro]

I’m planning to add a 2nd monitor to my 2014 Mini. Specifically I’d like to run…
Dell 2407WFP @ 1920x1200 via a Mini Display Port to VGA adapter (exiting monitor w/no HDMI port)
BenQ BENQ EW3270Zl @ 2560 x 1440 via HDMI (potential new monitor)

But Apple’s spec page says …
“Support for up to two displays at 2560 by 1600 pixels, both at millions of colors
Thunderbolt digital video output
• Native Mini DisplayPort output
• DVI output using Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter (sold separately)
• VGA output using Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter (sold separately)
• Dual-link DVI output using Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter (sold separately)
HDMI video output
• Support for 1080p resolution at up to 60Hz
• Support for 3840-by-2160 resolution at 30Hz
• Support for 4096-by-2160 resolution at 24Hz”

So it looks like a BENQ running at 2560x1440 via the HDMI port would be limited to 30hz refresh.

Is anyone running a monitor at 2560x1440 via the HDMI port? If so, how well does it work?

Thanks in Advance -- GetRealBro

 

[FreakinEurekan]

If you plug the BenQ into the HDMI port, you are correct.

Your best bet is to use a Mini DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort cable, and plug it into the EW3270ZL's mDP input. Then you'll get full resolution & speed.

Also, avoid VGA for your Dell, VGA is not HDCP compliant so some content won't work with that connection. Use a HDMI to DVI cable instead, that way you can use the HDMI port for the Dell instead of the BenQ and still keep one Thunderbolt port free.

 

[getrealbro]

If you plug the BenQ into the HDMI port, you are correct.

Your best bet is to use a Mini DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort cable, and plug it into the EW3270ZL's mDP input. Then you'll get full resolution & speed.

Also, avoid VGA for your Dell, VGA is not HDCP compliant so some content won't work with that connection. Use a HDMI to DVI cable instead, that way you can use the HDMI port for the Dell instead of the BenQ and still keep one Thunderbolt port free.

Thanks! That is exactly the insight/assistance I was hoping for.

GetRealBro

Edit: Switched the Dell to the Mini’s HDMI port with an HDMI<—>DVI cable. It is working fine at 1920x1200 60Hz. So I ordered the BENQ EW3270Zl and a mDP<—>mDP cable to be delivered Monday

 

[getrealbro]

The BenQ arrived today. And it looks fantastic!

The BENQ EW3270Zl at 2560x1440 (mDP-mDP) and the Dell 2407WFP at 1920x1200 (HDMI-DVI) make a pretty nice dual monitor desktop that covers my whole computer desk The PPI of the two monitors is very close: BENQ EW3270Zl at 91.8 vs Dell 2407WFP at 94. So the cursor tracks between the two monitors with only minimal shift.

Thanks to FreakinEurekan for the info on the best way to hook up these two monitors to my Mini.

GetRealBro