Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Spudner

macrumors member
Aug 13, 2018
96
5
Canada
Anyone here have any experience with the HP Z32 4K display?

I would also like to know about the Z32. I am currently deliberating getting either the Z32 or the almost idential Dell UP3219Q for my 2010 Mac Pro. The LG 32UD99 is suppsed to be an equivalent monitor but at a better deal; although, the flimsy monitor stand and poor quality control at LG dissuades me from getting it. I've seen some reviews of the Dell 3219Q and it apparently has backbleeding issues as well as washout issues when in dark pictures.
 

TonyK

macrumors 65816
May 24, 2009
1,032
148
I wrote this on another thread about monitors for the mini.

We are looking at LG 34WK95U-W 34" 21:9 UltraWide 5K Nano IPS Monitor from B&H Photo. We will run it with a Thunderbolt 3 cable. There are reviews for this monitor on YouTube that make me feel good about it with the 2018 Mac Mini.

There is also a 32" version of this: LG 32UL950-W 32" 16:9 4K UHD HDR FreeSync IPS Monitor

https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...with-the-new-2018-mini.2150990/#post-27121359
 

Chiromac81

macrumors 6502
Nov 18, 2018
363
476
Ontario Canada
Posted this I. Another thread, but more appropriate for this one:

If I already have a 24 inch dell 2515Q and I wanted duel monitors for the second to show pictures bigger would putting a 32 inch beside a 24 look silly and is there any drawbacks for doing different sizes side by side?

Also, would I be able to somehow default the bigger monitors for looking at pictures
 

STC1709

macrumors 6502a
May 27, 2009
538
168
I just read through all 28 pages and man my mind is shot. Right now I have an 2009 24in imac at 1920x1200. My plan was to wait for imac refresh before deciding on mac mini or imac but the refresh imo sucks and the mac mini i7 will outperform most of the new imacs.

Now the problem lies with a monitor. I'm so confused over this ppi and screen resolution and scaling. If I'm correct from reading all of this a 27in 2560x1440 is the best overall option, but will lack the sharpness I'm seeking right? If i want sharpness on a 27in i will have to go with 3840x2160 or is a 27in 2560x1440 with a high ppi the way to go? high ppi as in 163-200?

i realize the 3840x2160 will make the font smaller but that would increase the sharpness right?
 

dimme

macrumors 68040
Feb 14, 2007
3,038
27,859
SF, CA
I just read through all 28 pages and man my mind is shot. Right now I have an 2009 24in imac at 1920x1200. My plan was to wait for imac refresh before deciding on mac mini or imac but the refresh imo sucks and the mac mini i7 will outperform most of the new imacs.

Now the problem lies with a monitor. I'm so confused over this ppi and screen resolution and scaling. If I'm correct from reading all of this a 27in 2560x1440 is the best overall option, but will lack the sharpness I'm seeking right? If i want sharpness on a 27in i will have to go with 3840x2160 or is a 27in 2560x1440 with a high ppi the way to go? high ppi as in 163-200?

i realize the 3840x2160 will make the font smaller but that would increase the sharpness right?
Will you be using a eGPU? I am on the fence between the iMac and the mini. If I go with the mini I want the BenQ 27" 4K photoview. I am wondering if I will need a eGPU to drive it because on the minis integrated graphics.
 

STC1709

macrumors 6502a
May 27, 2009
538
168
Will you be using a eGPU? I am on the fence between the iMac and the mini. If I go with the mini I want the BenQ 27" 4K photoview. I am wondering if I will need a eGPU to drive it because on the minis integrated graphics.

no eGPU
 

IngerMan

macrumors 68020
Feb 21, 2011
2,005
902
Michigan
I just read through all 28 pages and man my mind is shot. Right now I have an 2009 24in imac at 1920x1200. My plan was to wait for imac refresh before deciding on mac mini or imac but the refresh imo sucks and the mac mini i7 will outperform most of the new imacs.

Now the problem lies with a monitor. I'm so confused over this ppi and screen resolution and scaling. If I'm correct from reading all of this a 27in 2560x1440 is the best overall option, but will lack the sharpness I'm seeking right? If i want sharpness on a 27in i will have to go with 3840x2160 or is a 27in 2560x1440 with a high ppi the way to go? high ppi as in 163-200?

i realize the 3840x2160 will make the font smaller but that would increase the sharpness right?


I have a Dell 4K 38" 3840 x 1600. The UI (Font) size is comparable to my previous 27" 5k iMac, running the monitor at native settings. But by no means is the Font as crisp as the 27" 5k. I don't see how it could be when you are comparing any 4k large screen monitor to the 27" 5k 220ppi. My PPI is 111.

For me the picture quality and video quality is superb. It is only the text that is not as crisp as my old iMac. I am going on a couple months or close and I am fine with it. It took a little bit to get use to, coming from the 5K. I do enjoy the screen size, its like have 2 screens side by side in one panel.

I have a eGPU but the mini will run the screen fine with the eGPU off and hooked to the HDMI port. I have not noticed any problems using office and web, watching video etc using the mini GPU. I got the eGPU for occasional gaming and creating some video down the road.

Given I have a eGPU I try to run my monitor at HIDPI which would be PPI 222. But it looks no different, the text is not twice as crisp. I think it is a monitor limitation and not the eGPU. My monitor states max resolution 3840 x 1600 even if I feed it double it does not show it. I just changed it in SwitchRes app and copied the system report below to show it looks like it should be HIDPI but it is not. Again I think this is the monitor limitation.

DELL U3818DW:

Resolution: 7680 x 3200

UI Looks like: 3840 x 1600 @ 60 Hz

Framebuffer Depth: 30-Bit Color (ARGB2101010)

Display Serial Number: 97F8P8C30LFL

Main Display: Yes

Mirror: Off

Online: Yes

Rotation: Supported

Automatically Adjust Brightness: No

Connection Type: DisplayPort
 
  • Like
Reactions: STC1709

Stephen.R

Suspended
Nov 2, 2018
4,356
4,746
Thailand
I try to run my monitor at HIDPI which would be PPI 222
That isn't how "Hi DPI" works. It's about the physical density of the pixels in the display - you can't just push a double-pixel image to it and expect it to be hi-dpi.

Not trying to be condescending, it seems you're genuinely confused why this didn't work?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ploki

IngerMan

macrumors 68020
Feb 21, 2011
2,005
902
Michigan
That isn't how "Hi DPI" works. It's about the physical density of the pixels in the display - you can't just push a double-pixel image to it and expect it to be hi-dpi.

Not trying to be condescending, it seems you're genuinely confused why this didn't work?

None taken. So I am correct that it is the monitor that is limiting that from happening? The monitor does not have the pixel density.

Edit; Thinking back from the review of the LG 5K2K is one of those screens that can support Hi DPI and it requires running 2 cables in order to get it, if I remember correctly.
 
Last edited:

nutmac

macrumors 603
Mar 30, 2004
6,062
7,345
It is frustrating how difficult it is to find a perfect monitor.

My wish:
  • 5K or more at 200 PPI or higher
  • DisplayHDR 600 or beter
  • Less than 10 ms input lag
  • Variable refresh rate
  • Native 10-bit (not 8-bit + FRC)
  • Thin bezels
  • No branding logo on the front
Among these, 5K and 200+ PPI are the most elusive. Hopefully, Apple will announce Mac Pro and new monitor during WWDC, and that the monitor will work with Mac mini.
 

CWallace

macrumors G5
Aug 17, 2007
12,046
10,762
Seattle, WA
Among these, 5K and 200+ PPI are the most elusive. Hopefully, Apple will announce Mac Pro and new monitor during WWDC, and that the monitor will work with Mac mini.

That is my wish, as well. I have a 2017 iMac 5K and while I am not interested in the 2019 models (do not need the performance), a ~32" 6K display that a Mac Mini could run without an eGPU would be perfect for me as I have a dedicated Windows gaming machine so my iMac is now pure macOS productivity apps.
 

dimme

macrumors 68040
Feb 14, 2007
3,038
27,859
SF, CA
I am thinking of the BenQ 27" 4K Photovue. Any thoughts how it will compare to my 27" %K iMac?
 

fstevens

macrumors member
Dec 2, 2008
94
40
I'm looking to replace my late 2012 (purchased in 2013) 21.5" iMac this year. Knock on wood, I'm not having any issues with it, but it's sure a lot less stressful to replace it before something breaks, and I think I've gotten my money's worth out of it. I'm thinking of getting a Mac Mini this time - I'd like a bigger monitor, but I don't do anything that even comes close to requiring the 5K monitor in the 27" iMac. 25 - 27" is plenty big for my use, which is mainly internet, email, Word, Excel, and occasional light photo or video editing. Integrated speakers would be handy; most of my listening is podcasts so I don't need high-quality sound. A couple USB 3.0 ports would also be convenient. Asus Designo MX 27UC and LG 27UK850 look good, although perhaps more than I need. I also ran across Asus MX25AQ for a smaller option; it can't function as a USB hub if I need more ports, but it's a couple hundred dollars less than the others. Thanks in advance for your suggestions/comments.
 

F-Train

macrumors 68020
Apr 22, 2015
2,271
1,762
NYC & Newfoundland
occasional light photo or video editing.

I think that it depends on how long you intend to keep this monitor. The graphics world, which includes photos and video, is moving to 4K for both production and consumption. If that doesn't matter to you, great, but I think that we are seeing a rapid move toward 4K, and that HDR is next.

The corollary is that the market for 1080p monitors is dying and that the market for 1440p monitors is on the verge of dying.

If you still watch television, you may have a different view on this.
 
Last edited:

Chiromac81

macrumors 6502
Nov 18, 2018
363
476
Ontario Canada
Posted this I. Another thread, but more appropriate for this one:

If I already have a 24 inch dell 2415Q and I wanted duel monitors for the second to show pictures bigger would putting a 32 inch beside a 24 look silly and is there any drawbacks for doing different sizes side by side?

Also, would I be able to somehow default the bigger monitors for looking at pictures

Bump
 

PR.

macrumors regular
Oct 3, 2005
132
19
Bedford, UK
You think you are all struggling to find a monitor that meets you’re requirements? I think mine is worse!

I need a screen that will work well with the Mac Mini but also a Gaming PC. I currently have a 2010 iMac (27” 2560x1440) that the Gaming PC uses as a monitor (good old target display mode) this works pretty well but the iMac is now too old and I struggle to find modern GPUs that still have a mini-DP output.

Requirements:
  • 27” or 32” screen
  • Would like 4K
  • Must have inputs for the Mac Mini and a Gaming PC
  • Should have FreeSync
  • Should have HDR
  • Would like 120 or 144 refresh
I keep flipping back and forth between 4K and 1440p as I don’t really have a problem with the current iMac resolution but then again I’d like a crisper text on the Mac Mini but then driving games at 4K is hit and miss and GPU expensive. Urgh!
 

gusping

macrumors 68000
Mar 12, 2012
1,839
1,975
You think you are all struggling to find a monitor that meets you’re requirements? I think mine is worse!

I need a screen that will work well with the Mac Mini but also a Gaming PC. I currently have a 2010 iMac (27” 2560x1440) that the Gaming PC uses as a monitor (good old target display mode) this works pretty well but the iMac is now too old and I struggle to find modern GPUs that still have a mini-DP output.

Requirements:
  • 27” or 32” screen
  • Would like 4K
  • Must have inputs for the Mac Mini and a Gaming PC
  • Should have FreeSync
  • Should have HDR
  • Would like 120 or 144 refresh
I keep flipping back and forth between 4K and 1440p as I don’t really have a problem with the current iMac resolution but then again I’d like a crisper text on the Mac Mini but then driving games at 4K is hit and miss and GPU expensive. Urgh!

There is an Asus or Acer monitor that is 4K 144hz, with no HDR at £900. But you'll need an RTX 2080 Ti in your gaming machine, otherwise it's pointless. And... probably a Vega 64 or Radeon VII eGPU in your Mac mini.

Edit: here is the monitor - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07JNQ9...=1006920&hvtargid=pla-607694851833&th=1&psc=1
 

PR.

macrumors regular
Oct 3, 2005
132
19
Bedford, UK
A Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort cable sounds like what you want. I can't imagine what other ports a "modern" GPU will have instead of DP.

Can't say with certainty but back in 2010 I had a GPU with a full-size DP and bought a DP to mini-DP cable and it didn't work, the iMac is very particular...
 

purduealum91

macrumors newbie
Nov 15, 2018
21
23
My monitor of choice is the Dell U2718Q. Coming from a 21.5” 2013 era iMac, I find the monitor to be excellent in both picture quality and adjustability. As of yesterday afternoon, Amazon had it for $359.99. Costco currently has it on sale for $369.99. I had called a local Costco to inquire if monitors in general fall under the 90-day return requirement and they said no. The rep on the phone looked up a recent monitor return and it was not flagged for exceeding the 90-day return window.
I was considering a 2019 27" iMac, but using this Dell for a day, I am happy with my 2018 mini purchase.

My mini is an i5 and I am primarily using it for work (AutoCAD Civil 3D via Parallels),web browsing, and Office 365. Would I benefit by exchanging the i5 for an i7? My return window closes this Thursday.

Thanks everyone
 

getrealbro

macrumors 6502a
Sep 25, 2015
604
262
...If I already have a 24 inch dell 2515Q and I wanted duel monitors for the second to show pictures bigger would putting a 32 inch beside a 24 look silly and is there any drawbacks for doing different sizes side by side?

Also, would I be able to somehow default the bigger monitors for looking at pictures
I run two different size monitors on my 2014 Mini. A BenQ EW3270ZL and an antique Dell 2407WFP. They are different sizes 32” vs 24”, different “resolutions” 1440p vs FHD, and have a different color gamut. BUT they have almost the same pixel density. Having the same pixel density allows me to align the bottoms of the monitors and drag windows between them without wonky scale/position changes.

The BenQ is front and center and the Dell is placed off to the side. I keep the main menu and the dock on the BenQ which makes it the default monitor for all apps. I use the BenQ as my main monitor and the Dell for system/network monitoring apps (Peak Hour 4, Activity Monitor, etc.), floating pallets for apps that allow that, multiple windows in apps like Excel, the main Mail window, etc.. BTW Mail is an example of an app that remembers where windows should open. So when I notice and double click a new mail on the Dell, it opens the email on the BenQ.

GetRealBro
 

paranoid2013

macrumors newbie
Mar 25, 2019
1
0
Hi. I'm gonna buy a Mac Mini i5/512Go/16Go (my old 2010 iMac is sooooo old), and i need a monitor.

I only want native resolution (no eGPU, everything has to be smooth, no scaled-down res)
So, just to be sure, this 3 choices are good ?

- a 21 Monitor 1080p
- or a 27 Monitor 1440p
- or a 32 Monitor 4k

... Am I right ??
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.