I have a late 2012 iMac with 2 thunderbolt (1st gen, I think) ports. I would like to use this as an external display with my 2019 13" MacBook Pro with 2 thunderbolt 3 ports. What kind of cables should I be getting?
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USB C to thunderbolt port
- Thread starter hellfried
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(1) Thunderbolt 2 Cable (I recommend the longer one for ease of use)
(2) Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter
Should be good to go with those two things. Both can be found on Amazon for prices cheaper than Apple’s.
Source: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204592
Edit:
Updated with correct cable type. My apologies.
(2) Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter
Should be good to go with those two things. Both can be found on Amazon for prices cheaper than Apple’s.
Source: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204592
Edit:
Updated with correct cable type. My apologies.
Last edited:
You actually need a regular Thunderbolt (not thunderbolt 3) cable. The adapter plugs directly into your new Mac, and the old style thunderbolt cable plugs into the old computer and then to the adapter.
Sorry to sound like a noob but I still don't see how the adapter can fit into the thunderbolt port on my iMac. Both ends are female types. How can they fit?
The thunderbolt 3 end is male. You can see the connector in pictures here: https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MMEL2AM/A/thunderbolt-3-usb-c-to-thunderbolt-2-adapter
You need to buy a Thunderbolt cable, as posts here and the Apple documentation about target display mode says. All Thunderbolt cables are male-male.
You’re right. I’ve updated my post. Apologies for the incorrect information.
Thunderbolt 2 cable, 2.0 m variety is most convenient IMO
