I've been trying out one of these USB3 graphics cards I picked up from Amazon and this one turns out really nice. Just a data point if you're interested in this. My display via the USB card is 1920x1200.
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.
Three external displays on a 2012 Mini!
- Thread starter dogslobber
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Ooh, interesting. I have a QHD (2560x1440) on my desk but am bemoaning the fact the late2012 MM can only drive the HDMI-out at 1920x1200.
I had heard mention of USB video cards but though they sounded like some clunky, crap product. I guess with USB3 that needn't be the case.
What product did you get and how much did you spend? Are there any likely system issues this might cause, having an external GPU?
Which USB card was it, actually?
I'll have to see if it's available here.
1920x1200 + 2560x1600 + 1920x1200 would be awesome.
And those displays can be bought for very reasonable money these days!
I'll have to see if it's available here.
1920x1200 + 2560x1600 + 1920x1200 would be awesome.
And those displays can be bought for very reasonable money these days!
How does this work... I've seen "usb3 to hdmi adapters" but then where is the actual GPU?
There's a graphics chip in the dongle. It's typically how a lot of docking stations work nowadays.
This one?
https://www.amazon.com/Cable-Matters-SuperSpeed-Adapter-2560x1440/dp/B00BPEV1XK
It says:
OS Compatibility :
- Windows: 10/8.1/8/7 (64/32 bit) XP SP2 32 bit.
- (Not recommended for 10.12 Sierra or 10.13 High Sierra due to macOS limitations).
- Windows: 10/8.1/8/7 (64/32 bit) XP SP2 32 bit.
- (Not recommended for 10.12 Sierra or 10.13 High Sierra due to macOS limitations).
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
Yes, that’s the one. The latest High Sierra release works really well with the Display Link drivers. Check their forum for the feedback.
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
Ah I see... So the cheap "adapters" have some cheap intel integrated graphicsesque chip as opposed to "external graphics card" which are the same principle but with a high power discrete GPU?
Cheap and slow V expensive and fast. That it’s USB3 should give the game away but it’s really good now. I am able to run YouTube videos with no lag and no graphics artifacts. That last point is the clincher for me. The HS drivers have come of age now with some tweaks Apple did in their last Service Pack.
The GPU on the Mac mini is pretty basic but it's amazing what it can do so I'm not surprised.
It would be nice to see what chip various products use though.