I split the data lines and only connected the USB-A cable to one end. I believe USB has a defined "host" and "device" end of a connection so I thought connecting it this way is the only way that would work for sure. So in this case USB only works when I connect the USB-C end to the monitor which...
This is what I did to make my LG Ultrafine 4K's USB work. Brightness control, speakers and USB-Hub works. The only thing that does not is firmware update. I cut open a USB-C cable stripped the green and white USB data pins. The same with a USB cable with type A connector. Then solder both together.
I'm not sure what you mean by that. The Mac mini has an Intel HD 4000 GPU and the GTX 1060 is in the Sonnet, so I guess that counts as external graphics.
I'll have a look into this but I suspect that this will not work as others have even created tools to specifically talk to the display's HID...
I have succesfully upgraded my Mac mini (late 2012) to be able to use two Ultrafine 4k displays. The setup is:
Mac mini (late 2012)
Echo Express III-D
Gainward GeForce GTX 1060 6GB
GC-Alpine Ridge (I am not sure if its rev 1.0 or 2.0)
Ultrafine 4k
The GC-Alpine Ridge does not show it's build...