Problems With Pixelated Images on the Mac Mini
The Apple Mac mini combines a compact form with an Intel processor and up to 8GB of RAM. At less than 1.5 inches tall, just under 7.75 inches square and under three pounds, the Mac mini puts considerable computing power on your desktop without the sizable footprint of a traditional desktop case. With support for HDMI, VGA and DVI video, the Mac mini also accommodates a wide range of compatible displays. If you see pixelated images while you're using your Mac mini, see if one of these issues is the source of your video distortion.
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Display Resolution
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With support for large monitors and resolutions up to 2560-by-1600 pixels through its Thunderbolt port, the Mac mini does its best-possible job of driving a video output device when the device and the computer match up well in terms of standard resolution. If you use your Mac mini to drive an older monitor or an inexpensive one with an unusual standard resolution, you may see onscreen pixelation as a result. Try a different resolution or a different monitor.
Browser Scaling
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When onscreen pixelation shows up in your Web browser but not elsewhere on your Mac mini, you may have set the page zoom to give you a closeup view of a specific Web page and forgotten to reset it. Zoom factors may not persist from one browser window or tab to another, but if you leave one page open and load various websites in it, rather than closing windows and opening new ones, your new destinations may inherit a page zoom that makes their content display unflatteringly.
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Image Quality
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Don't rule out the quality of the images you're viewing as a factor in explaining onscreen pixelation on your Mac mini. Given the explosion of high-quality cameras in everything from cell phones to tablets, you've probably grown accustomed to seeing equivalently high-quality images from your own picture taking and in the images you receive from others. If you open a batch of images that all appear pixelated, make sure the problem isn't the images themselves before you go looking for other causes.
Hardware and Cabling Problems
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Although image pixelation often points to something other than an actual hardware problem, once you rule out those other causes, it's time for some further troubleshooting. Swap out the cable between your Mac mini and your monitor for another one. If you're using an optional cable to connect to a Thunderbolt port via Mini DisplayPort, DVI, Dual-Link DVI or VGA, try a different connection protocol. If none of these alternatives help you clarify the source of the issue from the various technologies that put video on your screen, consult a technician for service.
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