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katbel

macrumors 68040
Original poster
Aug 19, 2009
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How can I connect my old Apple Thunderbolt display to my iMac 5k 2017 USB-C ? Do I need the very expensive Apple adapter or there is some competition around? I looked around but couldn't find any so far, a lot of mini-display connectors but I'm not sure it will work with my Thunderbolt Display.
Plus in case it works, will I be able to use the ports available on the old Apple Thunderbolt display? This would be cool. Did anyone try yet ?
 

chrfr

macrumors G5
Jul 11, 2009
13,702
7,265
How can I connect my old Apple Thunderbolt display to my iMac 5k 2017 USB-C ? Do I need the very expensive Apple adapter or there is some competition around? I looked around but couldn't find any so far, a lot of mini-display connectors but I'm not sure it will work with my Thunderbolt Display.
Plus in case it works, will I be able to use the ports available on the old Apple Thunderbolt display? This would be cool. Did anyone try yet ?
You need the Thunderbolt 3 to 2 adapter. A USB-C to Mini DisplayPort adapter will not work as the Thunderbolt Display supports only Thunderbolt connections.
 
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katbel

macrumors 68040
Original poster
Aug 19, 2009
3,623
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Today I decided to give it a try, went to the Apple store and I bought one dongle too.

The good part is that all the ports on the Thunderbolt Display work and this is so good because I have few more ports available,

1 Firewire 800 (I bought another adapter two years ago Firewire 800 to 400) , 3 USB, 1 Thunderbolt, and this is fantastic.

The cons is it's so expensive for just one dongle but I'm telling myself it's like I bought an hub that is not available on the market :cool:
If someone else has the same question here you have the answer!
 

katbel

macrumors 68040
Original poster
Aug 19, 2009
3,623
32,337
With new 27" 2560x1440 HDMI backlit LCD displays running under $200...
https://www.amazon.com/AOC-Q2778VQE-Monitor-2560x1440-Resolution/dp/B00VERZDEG/ref=sr_1_10?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1541467181&sr=1-10&refinements=p_n_feature_keywords_two_browse-bin:6570749011

These take an inexpensive adapter that runs under $10 to connect.

Not much point to going through that hassle unless you happen to have an Apple TB display lying about. If you do, then, by all means — then, by all means, go ahead.

You are right but it happens I have one Apple TB Display and this is why I was looking around to expand my ports and to get the ones on the Display that I was going to lose and they are so essential to me.
 
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