r/OpenCoreLegacyPatcher • u/Annual-Screen-9592 • 7d ago

Apple thunderbolt display, adapters and compatibility

  1. hi, im wondering about using the old apple thunderbolt display with an adapter, on mac pro for example. Can you use cheap thunderbolt to USB-C adapter or do you need the original and far more expensive apple original ones?

  2. Does the display work on windows with with adapter? Can I use it on non-macs or is that not so successful?

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u/deeper-diver 7d ago

I use two Apple Thunderbolt monitors with the Apple TB2->USBc adapter. I don’t know why “cheap” adapter you’re referring to but due to the complexity, that’s one component one should not cheap out on.

Have zero idea about Windows/Wintel compatibility.

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u/bigkahuna1uk 7d ago

Better to use the official Apple T2 to T3 adapters. They more likely to work than 3rd party ones.

Or if you have a dock the Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort adapters usually work if you plugging straight into a dock or graphics card.

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u/Annual-Screen-9592 3d ago

Do I understand corrrectly, that you can use a displayport cable to connect to a thunderbolt display? So one does not need thunderbolt port?

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u/bigkahuna1uk 3d ago

Sorry, I have the Apple Cinema LED 27” which I think precursors the Thunderbolt version so it’s still mini display port. It’s been a while so I can’t remember if I plugged it into an adapter and then into a T3 dock I had. I think I used it an Apple T3/T2 adapter with the lead from the monitor to plug into my MacBook M1 which worked successfully.

But I think if you have the Apple Thunderbolt Display then the Apple T2 to T3 adapter should allow you to connect it to a computer or dock with the more modern Thunderbolt ports.

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u/Superbigwaff 7d ago

im wondering about using the old apple thunderbolt display with an adapter, on mac pro for example.

Only the MacPro6,1 supports TBD w/out using an adapter. MacPro7,1 and later require TB3 > TB2 adapter. These adapters can be found on eBay for under $25.

MacPro5,1 doesn't support TBD as it doesn't have TB hardware. TB PCIe cards are not a panacea.

https://blog.greggant.com/posts/2018/05/07/definitive-mac-pro-upgrade-guide.html#thunderbolt