Mac Mini Monitor Help

[10Arrows]

Actually, it hasn't been explained very well to you. There aren't different names for the same thing.

USB-C is a port type. It can be a regular USB-C port, or it can use the Thunderbolt (usually Thunderbolt 3) *protocol*.

mini-Displayport is a port type. It can be a plain mini-Displayport (used exclusively for video connections) or it can use the Thunderbolt (usually Thunderbolt 2) *protocol*.

Any port that uses the Thunderbolt protocol is significantly faster than the same port that doesn't use the Thunderbolt protocol.

I originally suggested that you go with a 1080p monitor that I recommended because 1) I doubt that you will even notice that it is a lower resolution than a 4K monitor, 2) a 1080p monitor should be cheaper (but the one that I recommended should still look fantastic), 3) using an HDMI connection should be more straightforward and less confusing (assuming that you get a high quality HDMI cable, which I gave a link for), 4) I think that if you try and run a 4K monitor with your 2015 Mac mini you will be disappointed with the results. 2015 minis didn't have particularly powerful graphics cards.

You are listening to a lot of cooks right now trying to help you make the same stew. I won't try to confuse you further.

Not at all. Every little bit slowly gets me closer to the entire picture. Muchly appreciated!

 

[10Arrows]

No. Using a cable identical to what I linked to earlier. You need to leave HDMI out of the equation here completely.

I'm not seeing the link to the cable you were referring to for the ASUS. I think it is this cable, yes?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NW9XKGL/?tag=macforums0e4-20

 

[10Arrows]

No. Using a cable identical to what I linked to earlier. You need to leave HDMI out of the equation here completely.

And this is the monitor, right?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XPJYVF2/?tag=macforums0e4-20

 

[Lifeisabeach]

I'm not seeing the link to the cable you were referring to for the ASUS. I think it is this cable, yes?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NW9XKGL/?tag=macforums0e4-20

I posted a link to one on MonoPrice, but that one on Amazon is the same kind.

And this is the monitor, right?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XPJYVF2/?tag=macforums0e4-20

That is the one I mentioned, but I had also overlooked that you have a 2014 Mac mini. It can't drive that monitor at its full 4K resolution, so that Mac will have to run it at a downscaled resolution. That won't be ideal... downscaled resolutions tend to look fuzzy on LCDs unless they are an exact 2x blowup. If you really like the ASUS for its features, I posted a link to the same model my wife uses with her 2014 Mac mini that someone is selling on eBay if you consider that an option. It's used, but the seller reports it to be in great condition, and the price is very fair.

(edit: that auction is now ended, and my link takes you to a different "recommended" listing for the same model from another seller but in a somewhat more visibly used condition. The model, if you want to shop around, is MX27AQ.)

 

[Lifeisabeach]

And this is the monitor, right?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XPJYVF2/?tag=macforums0e4-20

See my previous post, but in addition to that, here's another ASUS monitor from their Designo line that is a better match to your Mac mini's graphics card and is still available new.

Monitors - All series｜ASUS USA

ASUS storage products strike a balance between performance and aesthetics, bringing you high transmission speed and the best data storage experience.

www.asus.com

Amazon has it listed as available, and it comes in three options. One is a 1080p version, which you've indicated you don't want. The other two match the resolution you want to use, the difference between these that one of them has a base with an adjustable height.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GGM4TCH/?tag=macforums0e4-20

 

[10Arrows]

See my previous post, but in addition to that, here's another ASUS monitor from their Designo line that is a better match to your Mac mini's graphics card and is still available new.

Monitors - All series｜ASUS USA

ASUS storage products strike a balance between performance and aesthetics, bringing you high transmission speed and the best data storage experience.

www.asus.com

Amazon has it listed as available, and it comes in three options. One is a 1080p version, which you've indicated you don't want. The other two match the resolution you want to use, the difference between these that one of them has a base with an adjustable height.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GGM4TCH/?tag=macforums0e4-20

Thanks so very much. I'm going for it!

 

[Lifeisabeach]

Thanks so very much. I'm going for it!

Awesome. Let us know how it works out for you. Don’t forget to consider that piece of software I suggested (MonitorControl) that will let you use your keyboard controls for brightness and audio volume.

 

[10Arrows]

Awesome. Let us know how it works out for you. Don’t forget to consider that piece of software I suggested (MonitorControl) that will let you use your keyboard controls for brightness and audio volume.

And we have lift off in glorious 2560 x 1440. Thank you all for your advice and suggestions, and especially you Lifeisabeach. Couldn't have done this without you!

 

[RavingMac]

To my eyes there is a big difference between 1080p and the Higher Resolutions, especially as the screen size increases. My comment on using DisplayPort referred to the Monitor/TV not the Mac Mini.
My current set up is a Samsung 40in 4K HDTV, and I am running it at 2560x1440 from my 2019 Mac Mini using HDMI. To me that is the ideal resolution for the screen size.
When I was looking at Display devices I found that many had only an HDMI connection and the supported resolutions jumped from 1080p (too grainy IMO) directly to 4K (Menus too small to comfortably read).

 

[10Arrows]

To my eyes there is a big difference between 1080p and the Higher Resolutions, especially as the screen size increases. My comment on using DisplayPort referred to the Monitor/TV not the Mac Mini.
My current set up is a Samsung 40in 4K HDTV, and I am running it at 2560x1440 from my 2019 Mac Mini using HDMI. To me that is the ideal resolution for the screen size.
When I was looking at Display devices I found that many had only an HDMI connection and the supported resolutions jumped from 1080p (too grainy IMO) directly to 4K (Menus too small to comfortably read).

Agreed on all points. The tip that finally got me to the point that I understood what I needed was to find a monitor that didn't have only HDMI connections.