Using a Thunderbolt 2 hub with a USB-C/TB3 Mac mini

[Mr Baldman]

I need some guidance on which cable/adapter will solve my current problem, as I am new to the whole USB-C / Thunderbolt 3 technology...

I just purchased a 2018 Mac mini which has USB-C / Thunderbolt 3 ports on it.

I have an existing CalDigit Thunderbolt 2 Hub which I would like to use with the Mac mini that has USB-A, e-Sata, ethernet, HDMI ports on it.

So I need a cable that goes from TB2/MiniDisplayPort to USB-C/TB3.

Am I correct in thinking that it specifically HAS to be a TB2 to TB3 cable, and not just a 'USB-C to Mini Display Port' cable?

I see lots of cables on amazon that are advertised as just 'USB-C to Mini Display Port', and retail for around the $15 mark, but only a few that explicitly state 'TB2 to TB3' and are significantly more expensive.

Are the cheaper ones limited in their functionality, and only support display data?

 

[chrfr]

I need some guidance on which cable/adapter will solve my current problem, as I am new to the whole USB-C / Thunderbolt 3 technology...

I just purchased a 2018 Mac mini which has USB-C / Thunderbolt 3 ports on it.

I have an existing CalDigit Thunderbolt 2 Hub which I would like to use with the Mac mini that has USB-A, e-Sata, ethernet, HDMI ports on it.

So I need a cable that goes from TB2/MiniDisplayPort to USB-C/TB3.

Am I correct in thinking that it specifically HAS to be a TB2 to TB3 cable, and not just a 'USB-C to Mini Display Port' cable?

I see lots of cables on amazon that are advertised as just 'USB-C to Mini Display Port', and retail for around the $15 mark, but only a few that explicitly state 'TB2 to TB3' and are significantly more expensive.

Are the cheaper ones limited in their functionality, and only support display data?

You need to use this: https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MMEL2AM/A/thunderbolt-3-usb-c-to-thunderbolt-2-adapter
You cannot use a mini Displayport cable.

 

[Mr Baldman]

You need to use this: https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MMEL2AM/A/thunderbolt-3-usb-c-to-thunderbolt-2-adapter
You cannot use a mini Displayport cable.

Thanks

 

[FreakinEurekan]

Just to clarify - the Apple adapter will work for you, a USB-C to Mini DisplayPort will not. Someone COULD make a "Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2" cable that superficially resembles the USB-C to mDP cable, but is different electrically. If that sort of cable existed, you could use it. I did a quick Google and didn't find evidence of any, but they might be out there.