Is there any advantage or need for a Thunderbolt Monitor for a new 6 core Mac Mini? I'm leaning toward a Dell 38'' LED Lit (U3818DW) 4K (3840x1600) 16:9 aspect ratio. I have a Thunderbolt 1 Apple Display Monitor on a 2012 4 core mac mini but I see no need for the thunderbolt connection for the monitor. Am I missing something? I am open to sugegstions for the best large widescreen monitor for a new maxed out Mini. 'm looking 38'' 43'' or possibly 49'' but that may be overkill. Feedback appreciated.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Monitor Recommendations: Thunderbolt Monitor vs HDMI/USB Type C
- Thread starter milescortez
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Some Thunderbolt monitors have the capability to daisy-chain which the spec sheet says the U3818DW cannot do, although USB-C (non-Thunderbolt) has that capability. If you use a DisplayPort or USB-C cable, you'd ultimately get the same data stream (DisplayPort) being delivered to the display panel that you would with Thunderbolt. Since this is USB-C, it appears the U3818DW has USB ports on the monitor that you can use if you use a USB-C cable (I didn't look too deeply at the specs) - something that Thunderbolt monitors have typically done for a while.
On the 2018 Mini, the HDMI signal is actually a DisplayPort stream that gets converted to HDMI before being sent out on the port. There may be some unusual circumstance where the HDMI port works better for somebody, but my belief is you should try the DisplayPort first (the monitor comes with a USB-C cable). Of course, if you have no available USB-C ports left, use the HDMI port.
On the 2018 Mini, the HDMI signal is actually a DisplayPort stream that gets converted to HDMI before being sent out on the port. There may be some unusual circumstance where the HDMI port works better for somebody, but my belief is you should try the DisplayPort first (the monitor comes with a USB-C cable). Of course, if you have no available USB-C ports left, use the HDMI port.
Last edited:
I have used that monitor with my MBP 15” using TB3 to USB-C, I also used a Belkin HDMi 4K adapter, I used the Mini HDMi to Monitor, I have a Vega 56 and used the HDMI and DP.... they all looked the same. I ran several tests using PP on the monitor and running 4K video. I could not tell the difference.
Now the eGPU excels in games, but the screen quality is the same any setup connection.
My Dell acts as a USB hub as well.
Now the eGPU excels in games, but the screen quality is the same any setup connection.
My Dell acts as a USB hub as well.