Mac Mini mid 2011 with a 2560x1440 Samsung display

[monecchi]

I'm thinking about buying a new display for my old Mac Mini (mid 2011).

The display it's a Samsung model S27B970D 27-Inch Screen LED-Lit Monitor - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007M4UUF2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ep_dp_fEx3ybMSZV8AR which outputs a 2560x1440 resolution. The display comes with 3 distinct ports, a HDMI, a DL-DIV and a DisplayPort.

As per the Mac Mini (mid 2011) specs from Apple, its Thunderbolt port supports up to 2560-by-1600 resolution.

I'm not sure though if the Mac mini will really be able to deliver a full 2560x1440 @ 60hz to the display in case I use a Mini DisplayPort (Thunderbolt Port Compatible) to DisplayPort Cable such as the one here: https://www.amazon.com/Cable-Matters-Mini-DisplayPort-Black/dp/B00C7RJQPY

I'd really appreciate any input regarding the quality I can expect by using the display connected to the Mini through the Thunderbolt port with the help of a cable/adapter.

 

[twalk]

Mid-2011 Mini -> TB2 -> monitor works up to 1600p. I used a 1440p monitor with mine for years and am now using a 1600p monitor with it. HDMI out for that Mini is limited to 1200p unless you much with the video timing.

 

[monecchi]

Mid-2011 Mini -> TB2 -> monitor works up to 1600p. I used a 1440p monitor with mine for years and am now using a 1600p monitor with it. HDMI out for that Mini is limited to 1200p unless you much with the video timing.

That's great to hear that. Anyway, I was wondering how that resolution would be translated to the eyes... I mean what about the quality I'd get giving the fact 2560x1440 is a WQHD resolution? Would the macOS output retina graphics on a scaled down 1920x1080 HiDPI or would it simple scale it up to 2560x1440 making everything smaller but crisp and clear enough such as on a FullHD display?

 

[twalk]

The pixels per square inch for a 27" 1440p screen is roughly the same as a 23" 1080p screen. It's definitely not retina, you need basically "better" than 4K for that, but it gives more pixels and more screen real estate than your more standard 1080p screens. Text, etc, on a 1440p screen is about the same physical size, there's just more room for more. It's a definite improvement