How to Attach a Mac Mini to a Monitor

Mac Minis are a great way to afford an Apple Macintosh computer. Unlike the iMac, eMac and laptop counterparts, Mac Minis do not have a built-in display. In fact, the Mac Mini is a very small box, albeit quite powerful for its size. Because of this, you will need to purchase a display or monitor separately. You may also choose to hide the Mac Mini unit by mounting it on the back of your display, or under your desk.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Mac mini computer
• DVI, VGA or ADC apple display
• DVI to VGA adapter or DVI to ADC adapter, if not using a DVI display
• MacCuff mini (optional)

1. Plug in your Mac Mini. Find the power cord that came with your computer, and plug the appropriate end into the machine and the other end into the outlet.

2. Attach your display or monitor. Plug the appropriate end into the monitor and the other end into the outlet.

3. Connect the Mac Mini to the display. On the back of your Mac, you should see a connector where you can plug in the monitor cable (see Resources below for a link to a diagram of the back panel of the Mac Mini). If you are using a DVI display, you can connect directly by just plugging the cable cord on the display into the connector on the back of your Mac. If you are using a VGA or ADC monitor or display, you have an extra step.

4. Fasten the DVI to VGA adapter or DVI to ADC adapter, if not using a DVI display. If you are using an older monitor, you will need to take this extra step. Simply plug the appropriate end of the adapter into the connector port on the back of the Mac Mini, and connect the other end to the monitor's display cable.

5. Connect your keyboard and mouse to the USB ports, and then turn the computer on to verify that the monitor will work with your Mac Mini.

6. Install a MacCuff Mini if you would like to put the computer out of sight. This device by Sonnet allows users to mount the Mac Mini computer to the back of any LCD display, or under a desk or shelf. Installation is easy and fast-–just follow the directions included in the MacCuff Mini packaging.

Tips & Warnings

• Your best results for your Mac Mini will come with an Apple brand, DVI display, as it can show digital resolutions up to 1920 by 1200 pixels. However, many other displays and monitors are compatible with the Mac Mini (though they may need an adapter cable).
• The MacCuff Mini can help cut clutter and keep the computer unit and its wires off your desk. Its open design still lets you have access to all of your ports, connectors, and CD/DVD slot drive, as well as retaining clear communication with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth networks.
• There are three Apple displays that are not compatible with the Mac Mini. They are: Apple Cinema HD Display (30-inch DVI), Apple Cinema Display (22-inch) and Apple Studio Display (17-inch CRT). Do not buy one of these displays for use with the Mac Mini.

Resources

• Find a diagram of external ports and connectors of the Mac Mini.
• Apple, Inc