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Good luck finding the Mac mini in this workstation [Setups]

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Mac mini mounted on back of monitor
You can see this user works with an iPad. But where's the Mac mini?
Photo: [email protected]

It’s a fun game for a Friday: Find the Mac mini in today’s featured setup photo, above. Or maybe it’s not so fun, because you’re doomed to failure. It’s not visible because the user mounted it on the back of his 5K Samsung ViewFinity S9 external monitor (which just happens to look just like its ultimate foe, Apple’s 5K Studio Display).

“It’s interesting to see how minimalist every Mac user seems to go with their setups,” noted a commenter. So our user quipped, “Apple store energy, hehe.”

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Mac mini mounted on back of Samsung ViewFinity S9 monitor in pristine workstation

5K resolution
Samsung ViewFinity S9 Monitor
$1,599.99

Samsung's 27-inch 5K computer monitor features Thunderbolt 4 and DisplayPort connectivity, Matte Display, 4K Slimfit Camera, slim metal design, AirPlay, Smart TV Apps and a Gaming Hub (LS27C900PANXZA).

Pros:
  • Clear 5K resolution
  • Fast Thunderbolt 4 connectivity
  • AirPlay compatible
Cons:
  • Some users fine remote control problematic
10/01/2025 08:38 am GMT

In a post entitled, “Setup for Uni & Music Production,” Redditor Far-Communication886 (“FC”) explained they use the setup for university studies and music production. And in a surprise, because the only visible computing device is an iPad Pro mounted on the front of the TGmastery monitor shelf, they revealed it’s a Mac mini workstation. So where’s the main computer? It’s mounted on the back of the 27-inch Samsung ViewFinity S9 5K display, a direct competitor to Apple’s 27-inch 5K Studio Display.

“I got my Mac mini mounted on the back of my monitor to give it DIY iMac vibes,” FC said. I asked them how they mounted it and whether they could provide a photo, but no reply yet. Mounts like this one can do the trick.

And guess what? That sweet Samsung monitor is half off on Amazon right now, about half the price of Studio Display: $1,600 $799 (note that the price shown in the boxes on this page may not show the latest pricing update).

How do you max out the monitor screen while using iPad?

Another user asked how FC is aable to maximize the screen ration on the monitor. “Whenever I hook-up my ipad via HDMI to Type-C cable to my monitor, it doesn’t utilize the full screen,” they complained.

“If I use the AirPlay function, it doesn’t utilize the full screen either, only by hooking it up through a Thunderbolt cable,” FC replied. “Also, I got a 5K screen, so that plus Thunderbolt instead of HDMI may do the trick.”

How do you use a webcam in this scenario?

Atop the display sits an affordable Xiaomi monitor light. So someone wondered how FC uses a webcam.

“The monitor light just sits on top so its easy to take down and slap on the ViewFinity cam, or i‘ll set the iPad upright more vertically so the iPad cam captures my face,” they replied.

And the cool and moody lighting effect behind the setup comes from Govee light bars, by the way. And those speakers, mounted sideways on stands instead of upright, are Yamaha HS8 powered studio monitor speakers, ideal for FC’s music production.

Shop these items now:

5K resolution
Samsung ViewFinity S9 Monitor
$1,599.99

Samsung's 27-inch 5K computer monitor features Thunderbolt 4 and DisplayPort connectivity, Matte Display, 4K Slimfit Camera, slim metal design, AirPlay, Smart TV Apps and a Gaming Hub (LS27C900PANXZA).

Pros:
  • Clear 5K resolution
  • Fast Thunderbolt 4 connectivity
  • AirPlay compatible
Cons:
  • Some users fine remote control problematic
10/01/2025 08:38 am GMT

Computers and stands:

Display and light bar:

Input devices:

Audio:

Lighting:

If you would like to see your setup featured on Cult of Mac, send some high-res pictures to [email protected] (iPhone pics usually work fine). 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, challenges and plans for new additions.

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