My Mid 2014 15" MB Pro is still soldiering along but signs of age are appearing. The (2) USB ports are becoming unreliable. My outboard HDDS (3) are connected via a powered USB hub and the slightest movement of Mac or hub triggers a "XX drive not removed correctly message. It occurs to me that a simpler alternative to repair would be to buy another hub that will connect via the Thunderbolt port. Speed is not an issue - the drives are USB2. Does such a device exist? I have been unable to find one.
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USB "work around?"
- Thread starter Pretorien
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It's possible to go from Thunderbolt 2 to Thunderbolt 3 to a Thunderbolt 3 dock with USB-A. But you need the Apple TB3 to TB2 adapter plus the dock plus a TB2 cable. There were also Thunderbolt 2 docks years ago but I think they've gone out of production and you would have to get a used one, like this I guess: https://www.adorama.com/us1447617.h...gtfEAQYASABEgJO7PD_BwE&utm_source=adl-gbase-p
The Belkin is the way to go. They made a TB1 and TB2 version, so make sure you get the TB2 version. Lots of listings on ebay also, many are being sold without the power supply, so check that also before making purchase.
I suppose you've verified that it's the ports by connecting the drives or other USB devices directly to the Mac.
Scary, as that's a direct route to the motherboard. Hopefully, TB will be your solution.
You might want to get some silicone USB port covers for that thing.
Would this be of any help?
www.ifixit.com
MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Mid 2014 I/O Board Replacement
Use this guide to replace the I/O board.
www.ifixit.com