Is the Dell S2721DS monitor compatible with Mac Mini M2 ? Suggestions for more USB ports

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Level 1

12 points

Is the Dell S2721DS monitor compatible with Mac Mini M2 ? Suggestions for more USB ports

Hi Community,

Could the Dell S2721DS monitor be used with the Mac Mini M2? I've been considering this monitor due to budget constraints and its appealing features. The monitor boasts a native resolution of "QHD 2560 x 1440 at 75 Hz" and offers "2 x HDMI (HDCP 1.4)" and "1 DisplayPort (mode DisplayPort 1.2)" connectivity options. My plan is to connect it to my Mac Mini M2 using HDMI.

As a new Mac Mini user, I'm wondering if there are any compatibility issues I should be aware of when using this monitor with my Mac Mini M2? :) If you have any experience with this combination, I would greatly appreciate your insights and advice.

For reference, here's the Dell S2721DS monitor's page.

Additionally, I'm looking for a suitable solution to expand the number of USB ports on my Mac Mini M2 to meet the following needs:

a USB port for my Blue Yeti Microphone
a USB port for recording sound output from a digital piano
a USB port for connecting an external 5TB WD disk

As the Mac Mini M2 only has two USB ports, how can I manage the existing and potentially lacking USB ports for my setup?

Your recommendations and insights would be greatly appreciated. Thank you! ^ ^

Posted on Jul 23, 2023 09:15 AM

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Answer 1

Rudegar

Level 10

178,806 points

Jul 23, 2023 03:30 PM in response to JibuUmaru

thunderbolt 3 and 4 that use the usb-c connector use displayport signals

so should be compatible with any monitor that use displayport using an adaptor

about more usb ports then try reading

USB ports on Mac mini M2 - Apple Community

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Answer 2

tbirdvet

Level 6

16,697 points

Jul 23, 2023 10:57 AM in response to JibuUmaru

Most monitors will work with the Mac Mini (HDMI, USB-C, etc.) You can get a generic hub with more ports (there are many) or use a custom hub for the mini like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Enclosure-Docking-Station-Readers-Compatible/dp/B096R9GV17/ref=sr_1_8?crid=RLVX5XF5MBEB&keywords=usb+hub+for+mac+mini&qid=1690134835&sprefix=usb+hub+for+mac+mini%2Caps%2C127&sr=8-8&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.18ed3cb5-28d5-4975-8bc7-93deae8f9840

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Answer 3

JibuUmaru Author

Level 1

12 points

Jul 23, 2023 12:03 PM in response to tbirdvet

Thank you for the helpful information!

Regarding the Dell S2721DS monitor, since it lacks a USB-C port and only offers HDMI and DisplayPort 1.2, if I encounter any issues with the provided HDMI cable when connecting it to my Mac Mini M2, would using the DisplayPort be a common and safe alternative to try with Mini 2?

Regarding the USB ports expansion, I appreciate the recommendation. Considering my needs to connect a Blue Yeti Microphone, a digital piano, and an external 5TB WD disk, would a small USB hub suffice? Are there any recommended brands known to work well with the Mac Mini?

Thank you for your insights!

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Answer 4

JibuUmaru Author

Level 1

12 points

Jul 24, 2023 05:52 AM in response to Rudegar

Thank you @Rudegar for your reply and the informations.

I'm really a beginner in Mac, if I understand well, do you mean I need a cable that has one side to connect to the DisplayPort 1.2 of the monitor and the other side, which is the USB-C, to connect to the Thunderbolt 4 of the Mac Mini M2 ?

If yes, what specification should I pay attention when looking for such USB-C to DisplayPort adapter or cable ?

Thank you in advance.

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