I want to free up a USB3 port by connecting a DP monitor to the Mini's HDMI port. Is this possible ?
Mac mini, macOS 15.1
Thanks for your reply, Servant of Cats. I have since found a cable that is supposed to be directional HDMI to DP. We'll see when I have it in hand. HDMI - HDMI would be the best solution if only the monitor had an HDMI port!
You would need to find an adapter that goes from HDMI (input) to DisplayPort (output).
I believe you will find that as with USB-C to HDMI adapters, most DIsplayPort to HDMI adapters are unidirectional in the other direction and will not work with the HDMI side connected to a computer. But you might find a "needle in a haystack."
If the monitor in question has both a DisplayPort input and a HDMI input, it may be easier to switch which input you use on the monitor, so the connection just involves a HDMI-to-HDMI cable.
frednerk99 wrote:
HDMI - HDMI would be the best solution if only the monitor had an HDMI port!
What other inputs does that monitor/display have..?
My wife for a long time used a DP monitor with her HDMI output on her 2013 Mac. It was a bit pricey at about $30 but worked. Now she is using the same monitor with her new MacBook Air with a USB-C output to DP. We could have tried USB-C --> HDMI --> DP but the less you daisychain display connections the better things are and a new cable cost about the same.
frednerk99 wrote:
Hi, den.thed, thanks for your reply.
You're welcome.
DVI and VGA. I have since found that HDMI and DVI are pin compatible, so this might be an option,
HDMI to DVI is a good way to go, until you can replace that display with an HDMI equipped display.
Heck' we use a Samsung HDMI TV connected to our Mac mini media server. It's not as good as a decent display for fine detailed work, but works great for movies and videos.
Can confirm the "active" HDMI to DP (MacMini to display) does not work either. Since found out that Mac Mini M4 does not support this configuration as stated on the Apple website.
HDMI to DVI is coming today :)
Hi, den.thed, thanks for your reply. DVI and VGA. I have since found that HDMI and DVI are pin compatible, so this might be an option,
HDMI (source) to DVI (monitor) is an easy conversion – provided that we are talking about single-link DVI, where the resolution is 1920x1200 pixels or less.
Thanks, Servant of Cats. This will be the next thing after I try an active HDMI to DP cable powered by usb. Should have gone there first.
Keep us updated.
The other option to gain more TB/USB-C ports, is to use a USB-C hub or a Thunderbolt dock.
Can confirm the HDMI - DVI cable works perfectly with Dell U2412M monitor. Thanks for your help, all!
That is good news! You’re welcome!
Mac Mini M4 Pro to DP Monitor
