Advice regards native resolution

pringtef

I recently purchased an Iiyama Prolite 27" 5K monitor, thinking that as my Mac Mini (2018) has displayport 1.4 tech that it would support this resolution. Unfortunately this doesn't seem to be the case with this monitor. As such, the monitor's default resolution when connected is 3840x2160. The picture is quite good, especially when 50% scaling is used (though somewhat large).

However, I've still got a wonder in the back of my mind if the picture and image quality might be being compromised by not have the monitor in native resolution. Additionally, it cost 700 euros.

Is it likely to be the case that I'd get a better image quality with a 4K monitor running at its native resolution than a 5K at 4K like this one? The monitor is used for web browsing, films, and coding, so I'm looking at a lot of text.

thanks!

EndlessWaves

I believe the current Mac Mini is only DisplayPort 1.2 (Thunderbolt 3) rather than 1.4.

On a HiDPI/Retina monitor there'll be a smaller difference between native and non-native resolution because the pixels are so tiny. Still, 3840x2160 screens are a lot cheaper than 5120x2880 ones so I would be tempted to return it in favour of a 3840x2160 screen.

pringtef

Thanks mate. I will be returning it.

Also just seconds ago, after having already put the monitor back in its box for return to the shop, found a thread about the Mac Mini 2018, clicked on a link to a German page and from Google and after translating it, I kind of understand more now.

DP 1.4 is part of the Thunderbolt3 spec since the intro of the Titan Ridge controller which the Mac Mini 2018 has. But only if a suitable matching graphics device is used. The iGPU device on the Mini can only output to 4K @ 60Hz maximum. The reason how other monitors like the LG one and older systems like the iMac are able to do 5K are via splitting the video signal over two 1.2 streams, via two cables and the monitor tech joining the two together. The Iiyama 5K monitor uses a single cable only.

So it's definitely 4K I'll go for.