(Part 2) Top products from r/macmini

I have no use for 4K, but I just bought these https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00NZTKOQI/ref=pe_3034960_236394800_TE_dp_1 with a thunderbolt 3.0 to displayport adapter. They're actually nicer than I expected, super thin bezel. Always been happy with Dell monitors.

Definitely go with the SSD *before* upgrading the RAM. The speed difference is night and day. I followed the step-by-step installation instructions on iFixit. It's not a difficult install, just be sure to read through all the instructions AND comments BEFORE opening the device, so you know where to use the most care. I bought this installation toolkit off Amazon – it's much cheaper than the $40 kits iFixit and OWC are selling.

https://www.apc.com/us/en/faqs/FA159690/

I have had good luck with APC

https://www.amazon.com/APC-Battery-Protector-Back-UPS-BE600M1/dp/B01FWAZEIU?ref_=Oct_BSellerC_764572_0&pf_rd_p=89dfa9d0-02d8-5522-9bc4-9bd0165bb96e&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-6&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_i=764572&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=JXP5G5AFGHHMDDYVQHFT&pf_rd_r=JXP5G5AFGHHMDDYVQHFT&pf_rd_p=89dfa9d0-02d8-5522-9bc4-9bd0165bb96e

Cyberpower but I don't know if they have the auto shutdown you need.

Edit: cyberpower does too:

https://www.cyberpowersystems.com/product/software/power-panel-personal/powerpanel-for-mac/

The header is a small port where the connector at the end of the fan’s wires connects to. That’s what I unfortunately broke off.

It’s serendipitous you posted that link because as I was looking for something last night, I came upon a similar possible solution and it’s the same company and almost the same thing. Only instead of a fan, it’s a blower.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B012CL2V3I/ref=ox_sc_act_title_5?smid=A2AW0W4FKP16S5&psc=1

My thought was that I would just remove the fan from the Mac mini, put the cover back on, and then set this blower behind it to where the air discharge is blown straight into the vent at the rear of the Mac mini. Hopefully. I can even butt them together. What do you think?

Bought this a year ago and works great.


https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B009EH010E?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_image

Is this only capable when doing an eGPU setup? What setup do you have to attain 160hz on your Mac Mini?

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Edit: What other monitors can you recommend aside from your Dell Gaming Monitor S2417DG?
Edit2: Is the TN Panel the only way to have more FPS on a monitor?

I have heard that this little dongle really helps if you want to be able to remote into the headless mini! Ups the resolution since the mini has garbage graphics when it doesn’t detect a display.

Dear god we're hopeless!

I got this to use with my 850 EVO that I pulled from my 2014, and putting back in the 1TB HDD, prior to selling it.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0133F30R8/ref=od_aui_detailpages00

standard USB keyboards and mice work just fine. here's a mouse and keyboard for $10 shipped w/prime. you can probably find something cheaper/free if you dig around locally.

https://www.amazon.com/Cable-Matters-Mini-DisplayPort-Black/dp/B00C7RJQPY

The one linked looks like 1.2, but it should do 4k at 60hz though.

I don't see Cablematters here:

https://www.displayport.org/product-category/cables-adaptors/

https://www.displayport.org/cables/how-to-choose-a-displayport-cable-and-not-get-a-bad-one/

Here’s the one...

https://www.amazon.com/Tinpec-Alloy-Desktop-Aluminium-Silver/dp/B00XU1GDZM

There's a Mini DisplayPort to HDMI cable in the wild that may work for you. The one Belkin makes is about $30 (though the quality is really nice) but there are cheaper options available.

The 2018 Mac mini only has Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) connections, not Mini DisplayPort. So you’ll need a USB-C to Mini DisplayPort cable. Here is the one I have:

Plugable USB C to DisplayPort Adapter - 6ft (1.8m) Adapter Cable (Supports Resolutions up to 4K at 60Hz) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EXKDRAC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_DztyDbKZCMVDS

It's called MagicWand, you can check it out here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Twelve-South-MagicWand-Connects-Trackpad/dp/B004L9M0AO

I have this https://www.amazon.com/Dell-UltraSharp-34-Inch-LED-Lit-Monitor/dp/B00PXYRMPE . you can pick them up sub $500.

Also i think the 2012 mac mini can't support resolutions more then 2560x1440

I feel like this is something where most people are going to say just get the MBP because that's what laptops are kinda for. I always seem to get lazy responses that don't help me do what I'm trying to do when I have a weird request, but rather "just get the laptop", "It's not worth the trouble" or "Why are you doing that when MBP will give you what you're looking for".

I'm only thinking of your in-bed experience because I don't know where you plan on keeping your mini. I assume near your bed because even I wouldn't bother moving my desktop around my house.

But, if you're ok without the out-of-home portability which really is only logical with a laptop, you could use a Mac Mini in bed with the laptop stand. Wireless keyboard is no problem nor is a wireless trackpad/mouse assuming your Mini is close enough. The only issue I see is a display. Displays need an HDMI and a power source and they are usually big and bulky so not bed friendly.

I don't know your setup, or where you plan on having your mac mini but if you have an iPad you can use an app called Duet (or there might be others) to make an iPad as an external monitor via lightning cable. That way you only have one wire going to you bed which is no more cumbersome than a MBP power wire. A mini projector would work (again depending on your setup) if you have the space for just while in bed or if you just have a TV in your bedroom.

I just saw they have this for $250 or so which would work for when you need it in bed: https://www.amazon.com/MB169C-1920x1080-Powered-Portable-Monitor/dp/B01C83BE06

I know this might sound like a long winded obvious answer but, if you can figure out how to display your screen without more hassle than it's worth, I'd also want to get the mini.

AmazonBasics Adjustable Tablet Holder Stand - Compatible with Apple iPad, Samsung Galaxy and Kindle Fire Tablets this

I used to have a 2012 mini, and used a cheap cable (https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00595KTKC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1) with my Acer CB270HU 2560x1440 monitor with no issues whatsoever.

IIRC HDMI won't output anything more than 1080.