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Apple Cinema Display (mini displayport) to 2017 iMac (thunderbolt 3)

Velin

Velin

macrumors 68020
Original poster
Jul 23, 2008
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Hearst Castle
What adapter can I use to connect an older Apple Cinema Display (mini displayport) to a 2017 iMac's thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports? Lots of confusion about all kinds of adapters that aren't working.

Also lots of reports saying a standard mini displayport --> USB-C adapter will not work with 2017 Macboook Pro thunderbolt 3 (USB-C), so am wondering if the same is true with 2017 iMac.

Anyone successfully running a mini displayport Apple Cinema Display on a 2017 Mac with thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports? What adapter works? If someone can point me to a specific adapter that is going to work, that would be great.
 
Velin said:
What adapter can I use to connect an older Apple Cinema Display (mini displayport) to a 2017 iMac's thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports? Lots of confusion about all kinds of adapters that aren't working.

Also lots of reports saying a standard mini displayport --> USB-C adapter will not work with 2017 Macboook Pro thunderbolt 3 (USB-C), so am wondering if the same is true with 2017 iMac.

Anyone successfully running a mini displayport Apple Cinema Display on a 2017 Mac with thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports? What adapter works? If someone can point me to a specific adapter that is going to work, that would be great.
Click to expand...
[doublepost=1499242559][/doublepost]I just purchased a new 27" iMac 5K and am dealing with the same issue of trying to connect a 24" Cinema Display. I ordered several USB-C to Mini Display Port adapters, and none of them worked. What's required is a true Thunderbolt 3 to Mini Display Port adapter, which does not seem to be available anywhere. On Amazon, I finally found a multi-port dock which fit the bill, but the unit was "currently unavailable", and now back in stock. I just purchased the dock, and I will update this post as to whether it solves the connectivity problem.
 
Velin said:
O.K. I'm going to order this one: https://www.amazon.com/UPTab-USB-C-Type-DisplayPort-Adapter/dp/B01N4FQNYW?tag=macworld05-20. I'll report back how it works. This one was the top solution from the MacWorld article.
Click to expand...

I tried that one and it didn't work, but maybe you will have better results. This is what I ended up buying, which will arrive on Friday. Definitely overkill with all the extra ports!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N5OKZ3F/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
 
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df111 said:
Definitely overkill with all the extra ports!
Click to expand...

That is a lot of ports, especially if it's not powered. Let us know if it works. If it doesn't, please return it ASAP and get your money back, as that is a lot of coin for a dual-monitor solution that didn't pan out. I'll report back on the adapter.

And seriously, where is Apple on this. These Cinema Displays weren't cheap, and there are a lot of them out there that will serve many people as excellent second screens even in 2017.
 
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The connector dock arrived 1 day early. Eagerly, I plugged the Cinema Display into the Mini DisplayPort connector on the dock, and then the dock to the T3 in the iMac. Nothing…! So this approach didn't work either. And the ridiculous thing is the connecting cord coming out of the dock is so short, I had to place an object underneath it to raise it about 4", otherwise the connector would barely reach and kept slipping out.

Another thing I am noticing in all the adapters I have tried is the Mini DisplayPort connector from the Cinema Display connects firmly to the female input of the adapter, but there is always a 3/32" gap. But when connecting to my graphics card on the old PowerMac, it plugs in all the way without a gap.
 
df111 said:
Nothing…! So this approach didn't work either. And the ridiculous thing is the connecting cord coming out of the dock is so short, I had to place an object underneath it to raise it about 4", otherwise the connector would barely reach and kept slipping out.
Click to expand...

Be sure to return it and get your money back. Save the currency for a viable solution that hopefully is forthcoming.
 
This may sound asinine but try restarting...some docks I've tried wouldn't take until I restarted.
But ive noticed a lot of these usbc and Thunderbolt 3 docks have been really bad.
 
Can confirm this adapter, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06X9J3R4V/ (UPTab USB Type C to Mini Displayport Adapter 4K@60Hz), does work with the 2017 iMac with Thunderbolt 3 ports and an Apple 27-inch LED Cinema Display (2560x1440). I plugged the Cinema Display's mini displayport into the adapter, plugged the adapter into the Thunerbolt 3 port on the back of the 2017 iMac, Cinema Display recognized immediately. Also, if you have the Cinema Display plugged into a USB port, brightness works as well.

Two monitors, recognized and working:

sIPTvMn.png


If it works with the 2017 27-inch iMac Thunderbolt 3, I imagine it will work with just about everything else.
 
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Velin said:
Can confirm this adapter, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06X9J3R4V/ (UPTab USB Type C to Mini Displayport Adapter 4K@60Hz), does work with the 2017 iMac with Thunderbolt 3 ports and an Apple 27-inch LED Cinema Display (2560x1440). I plugged the Cinema Display's mini displayport into the adapter, plugged the adapter into the Thunerbolt 3 port on the back of the 2017 iMac, Cinema Display recognized immediately. Also, if you have the Cinema Display plugged into a USB port, brightness works as well.

Two monitors, recognized and working:

sIPTvMn.png


If it works with the 2017 27-inch iMac Thunderbolt 3, I imagine it will work with just about everything else.
Click to expand...



Is this still working??
 
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Velin said:
Can confirm this adapter, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06X9J3R4V/ (UPTab USB Type C to Mini Displayport Adapter 4K@60Hz), does work with the 2017 iMac with Thunderbolt 3 ports and an Apple 27-inch LED Cinema Display (2560x1440). I plugged the Cinema Display's mini displayport into the adapter, plugged the adapter into the Thunerbolt 3 port on the back of the 2017 iMac, Cinema Display recognized immediately. Also, if you have the Cinema Display plugged into a USB port, brightness works as well.

Two monitors, recognized and working:

If it works with the 2017 27-inch iMac Thunderbolt 3, I imagine it will work with just about everything else.
Click to expand...

Thanks a lot, sir! This is EXACTLY what I'm looking for!!! 27" Apple LED Cinema Display!
 
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Velin said:
Yes. Bootups, monitor arrangement, brightness, all working as intended. Just as if I had a mini displayport on the back of the 2017 iMac. It definitely should work for you.
Click to expand...

I'll try this again, as it may have been a defective adapter(s). Keep in mind, I have a 24" Cinema Display (2009), and you have a 27" Cinema Display, but this should make no difference. Q: When you plug in the Mini DisplayPort (from your monitor) to the adapter, does it fit all the way in? As I previously reported, the connections I've tried do not go in all the way, and there is a small gap.
[doublepost=1500419978][/doublepost]
Velin said:
Can confirm this adapter, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06X9J3R4V/ (UPTab USB Type C to Mini Displayport Adapter 4K@60Hz), does work with the 2017 iMac with Thunderbolt 3 ports and an Apple 27-inch LED Cinema Display (2560x1440). I plugged the Cinema Display's mini displayport into the adapter, plugged the adapter into the Thunerbolt 3 port on the back of the 2017 iMac, Cinema Display recognized immediately. Also, if you have the Cinema Display plugged into a USB port, brightness works as well.

Two monitors, recognized and working:

sIPTvMn.png


If it works with the 2017 27-inch iMac Thunderbolt 3, I imagine it will work with just about everything else.
Click to expand...

I'm curious how this is working for you when the Amazon page for this adapter states: "This adapter is NOT compatible with Apple Thunderbolt port."
 
Last edited:
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EugW said:
For my 27" 2010 iMac used as a display, I use the Monoprice USBC to DisplayPort adapter, along with a mini-DisplayPort to DisplayPort cable. Works fine.

https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=13234

It's a lot cheaper than that other one.

Here is the cable:

https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=13372
Click to expand...

Yes, thanks again, I already saw in your other posts.
With so many different port/spec and combinations these days, I was thinking maybe stick strictly the same configuration as OP...as it is the same 27" Apple Cinema LED Display. :)
I'll see which one I can get, Thanks.
 
df111 said:
I'm curious how this is working for you when the Amazon page for this adapter states: "This adapter is NOT compatible with Apple Thunderbolt port."
Click to expand...

Look at the Q&A dated July 6, 2017: "Yes this adapter will work with new iMac 2017 all models and MacBook Pro 2017 all models with thunderbolt 3 as long as your Cinema monitor is Mini DP." So perhaps this configuration, Thunderbolt 3 and mini displayport, is one that works. Working for me.
 
Velin said:
Look at the Q&A dated July 6, 2017: "Yes this adapter will work with new iMac 2017 all models and MacBook Pro 2017 all models with thunderbolt 3 as long as your Cinema monitor is Mini DP." So perhaps this configuration, Thunderbolt 3 and mini displayport, is one that works. Working for me.
Click to expand...

I ordered the same adapter as the one you ordered, and it does work for me as well. So problem finally solved.
 
Thanks for all the info just ordered one.


Velin said:
Can confirm this adapter, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06X9J3R4V/ (UPTab USB Type C to Mini Displayport Adapter 4K@60Hz), does work with the 2017 iMac with Thunderbolt 3 ports and an Apple 27-inch LED Cinema Display (2560x1440). I plugged the Cinema Display's mini displayport into the adapter, plugged the adapter into the Thunerbolt 3 port on the back of the 2017 iMac, Cinema Display recognized immediately. Also, if you have the Cinema Display plugged into a USB port, brightness works as well.

Two monitors, recognized and working:

sIPTvMn.png


If it works with the 2017 27-inch iMac Thunderbolt 3, I imagine it will work with just about everything else.
Click to expand...
 
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After months of investigating and purchasing, I have successfully managed to connect my 2009/10 20" Apple Cinema Display to my 2017 iMac 5K.

Here's how i did it...
So, going from the iMac to the Cinema display, this is the route I took and the leads/adapters I used (please note I am not technically minded, more a creative... !!):
CHOETECH V-CH0018 USB Type C to HDMI Cable
At the HDMI end of this cable I used a HDMI Female/Female connecter
From the female connector I used a HDMI to DVI-D Cable
Then at the end of this I used a DVI-D Female/Female coupler
Then the female end of the coupler into the Cinema Display adapter which comes out of the back of the cinema display.
 

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