M1 Mac mini marshals 3 dazzling displays [Setups]

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Using Running two ultra-wide displays and a portable monitor with an M1 Mac mini isn't very difficult.
Using Running two ultra-wide displays and a portable monitor with an M1 Mac mini isn't very difficult.
Photo: HungarianHammerDerby@Reddit.com

We’ve covered many a computer setup with multiple displays, even as many as six. But we don’t come across many purpose-built portable displays, perhaps because iPads often serve that purpose.

But today’s featured gaming setup uses an M1 Mac mini to drive two LG UltraWide monitors and a 15.6-inch Full HD portable screen, claiming no lag or latency.

The secret? Well, as is often the case, it’s in the hub.

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M1 Mac mini runs 2 UltraWide displays and a portable monitor in RGB-soaked setup

Redditor HungarianHammerDerby (“HHD”) showcased the display-heavy setup in a post entitled, “My Mac mini with not one, not two, but THREE Displays!”

HDD said she uses the M1 Mac mini with two 34-inch LG UltraWide monitors and a 15.6-inch ZSCMALLS portable full-HD monitor that she said has quite a clear screen.

“That’s where email and Zoom reside, while the two bigger monitors haul gaming, browsing and my recording software,” she explained.

Easy connectivity

The connectivity magic happens via a J5creative USB-C dock that can work with three displays. It connects via HDMI, DisplayPort or VGA port and features an alternative mode that transmits a DP signal via USB-C. But it’s currently handling just two of HHD’s displays — the big ones.

“I’m using a j5 Create Triple Display Docking Station, though currently plugging in the smaller monitor directly into the Mac mini until I switch one of the ultra-wides to a DisplayPort cable,” HDD said.

Another commenter seemed somewhat skeptical and hopeful at the same time, wondering if the sort of setup might work their Mac mini setup. They may add a third monitor.

No latency or lag

“And you’re able to drive both 34-inch [displays] at native res at 60Hz, same with the portable monitor? Any latency/lag? I’m using two Dell 2715Q 4K 27-inch [monitors] on my Mac mini, just via HDMI and USB-C/DP, but I’d love to add a third monitor and this just might be the solution,” they said.

HDD had an encouraging reply.

“They are! It felt too good to be true until I actually checked the status of both. Also no lag at all,” she said.

RGB colorful gaming party

In addition to the lovely ultra-wide monitors, much of the setup’s gear is intended for gaming and soaks the room in RGB lighting.

Those include an extended typewriter-style mechanical keyboard (round keycaps), a mouse in a honeycomb shell, desktop computer speakers and even a rainbow-hued USB microphone.

And if you like the desktop wallpaper on the screens, you can find it at Wallpaper Abyss. Otherwise, you can find the setup’s gear in the list below.

Shop these items now:

Computer and dock:

Displays:

Input devices:

Audio:

If you would like to see your setup featured on Cult of Mac, send some high-res pictures to info+setups@cultofmac.com. Please provide a detailed list of your equipment. Tell us what you like or dislike about your setup, and fill us in on any special touches or challenges.

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