Mac Mini (summer 2011) and Dell U2711 - How to get the maximum resolution 2560x1440?

I've been using the Mac Mini with Dell U2711 monitor for couple days and only now I've realized what is wrong: The display isn't using its maximum resolution 2560x1440 but the 1080p which the OS reports as the max resolution. I then read from the Apple's site that for some reason 1080p is the maximum resolution when using the HDMI-connector.

The Mac Mini contains only HDMI and Thunderbolt connectors, at least according to Apple's site. The Dell-monitor doesn't have Thunderbolt but instead it has VGA, DVI, DisplayPort and HDMI.

So my question is: Is it possible to get the maximum resolution out of my monitor?

Solution 1:

Thunderbolt contains a DisplayPort channel. You can get a Thunderbolt/Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort cable. I found a cheap one on Monoprice a while back. Here is a 6 footer.

Solution 2:

Only via Thunderbolt.

As you said, Apple's documentation for the Mac mini (Mid 2011) states:

Video Support

• Thunderbolt port with support for up to 2560-by-1600 resolution
• HDMI port with support for up to 1920-by-1200 resolution

It used to be possible with models using a dual-link DVI Adapter which the new models don't support:

Simultaneously supports up to 1920 by 1200 pixels on a DVI or VGA display; up to 2560 by 1600 pixels on a dual-link DVI display using Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter.