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I recently got a Mac Mini at work. I have two of the same monitor connected to it:

  • one over HDMI->DVI adapter and DVI cable, and
  • one over MiniDisplayPort->VGA adapter and VGA cable

Sometimes (often several times a day, not predictable) the display that is connected over HDMI->DVI will show rainbow static (similar to the snow on a TV, except multicolored). If I disconnect the adapter from the Mac, the situation resolves itself temporarily. If I simply sit and wait, the problem stops after several seconds to a minute.

I have replaced the DVI cable. I have swapped the two monitors, and whichever is connected over HDMI->DVI will snow, and the other will not.

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Have you maybe tried with another monitor model/brand? If you say the two are alike, maybe it's a really weird hardware combination issue. I have a Mac Mini at work that also doesn't play that nicely with some monitors. Also, have you installed all software updates? – slhck Jun 11 '11 at 21:13
I installed all software updates. I tried it with a different monitor, DVI cable and HDMI adapter (all my own personal hardware) and my monitor did not seem to have the issue. I am presently using the old monitor, the replaced DVI cable, and my own HDMI->DVI adapter, and have not seen the issue all day. I am going to exchange the DVI->HDMI adapter and hope that this fixes my issue. – jaf1230 Jun 13 '11 at 20:08
Came into work just now and got snow. I have changed everything past the Mini (adapter, dvi cable, screen). It could (I guess) be the model of the monitor and/or the resolution, but my guess is that it's the Mini. – jaf1230 Jun 15 '11 at 13:10
Hm, could definitely be a hardware issue on the Mini. Like the Thunderbolt ports of the new Macbooks -- they had some issues like you describe too. If you can't try with another Mini it'd be best to get a replacement. – slhck Jun 15 '11 at 13:12
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Often this is caused by a Sync issue. I've found that when I am called in for this issue that most often it is solved with a higher quality cable. I would recommend a 24 or 28 gauge HDMI to DVI cable, and skip the adaptor all together.

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