How can I fix scan lines on Mac mini M4 display

HDMI out from Mac Mini seeing scan lines and flicking





[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Posted on Mar 1, 2025 06:26 AM

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8 replies

Mar 1, 2025 10:22 AM in response to Guyferd

Ah OK, your running dual displays and one is thru a Hub.


What Hub..?

Hub's can cause Resolution, Refresh Rate and connection problems.

First thing that I would do, is by-pass the Hub and connect both displays directly to the M4 Mac mini.


Also note: that the M4 Mac mini can support 2 displays connected directly to the Thunderbolt/USB-C ports.

see video support at > Mac mini (2024) - Tech Specs - Apple Support

and > Connect a display to Mac mini - Apple Support


If by-passing the Hub doesn't help..?

I would test both displays on short high speed USB-C to DisplayPort 8K cables.

for one example: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08B3SB5VC/ref=sspa_dk_detail_2?


FWIW you might actually get by with just one new short high speed USB-C to DisplayPort 8K cable.

Put the Dell on your existing USB-C to DisplayPort cable and use the upgraded 8K cable for the M27Q.

Mar 1, 2025 09:20 AM in response to den.thed

Dell S2721QS. Max rez is 60hz. Other monitor (off USB-4 hub/ Display Port) is a Gigabyte M27Q Rez at 170hz. Disconnecting the other monitor/hub makes no difference and several different hdmi cables have been used along with different hdmi inputs on the monitor.


Next thing I'll try if/when it happens again is to set the M27Q to 60hz also. Hate to do that because it doesn't look great when I do

Mar 1, 2025 01:13 PM in response to den.thed

Using the TB ports (1 for the Hub/ 1 for an OWC TB 4 hub/ 1 for a Rodecaster Duo audio interface which can't go through a hub). The Mac mini M4 Pro does have the two front ports that are UBC-C that I could connect the Duo to.


I have a USB-C cable to HDMI that I will try next. The M27Q is connected through the hub and is working fine. I had the Dell connected to the Mac mini HDMI port. That's the one causing problems.


Last thing I did was drop the Rez on the M27Q to 60hz to match the Dell. Waiting to see if it happens again.

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How can I fix scan lines on Mac mini M4 display

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