Apple Cinema Displays and M1 Max

[gugy]

I just got the M1 Max and can‘t get my two ACDs (30“/23”) to work.
I purchased at Amazon two adapters from mini-DisplayPort to USB-C and while I can get the 30” to wok when connecting the adapter direct to the M1, the 23” won’t work. Both displays usb-a ports are connected to a powered caldigit Element hub. If I connect the adapters, to the hub, no display works.
also, the 30” only works with the M1 clamshell open.
damn, this is so frustrating. I wishEd Apple had an affordable display optio.
I appreciate any feedback.

 

[Amethyst1]

Can you link to the adapters you bought?
Neither the 23” nor the 30” Cinema Display have MiniDisplayPort input — they have single-link DVI and dual-link DVI, respectively. So how are you going from MiniDisplayPort to DVI?

 

[gugy]

Can you link to the adapters you bought?
Neither the 23” nor the 30” Cinema Display have MiniDisplayPort input — they have single-link DVI and dual-link DVI, respectively. So how are you going from MiniDisplayPort to DVI?

Yes, this one;

JSAUX USB Type C to Mini DisplayPort Adapter 4K@60Hz, C to Mini Display Port Dongle Cable, Compatible with MacBook Pro 2019 2018, Dell XPS, Samsung Galaxy S21 S20 Plus-Grey

JSAUX USB Type C to Mini DisplayPort Adapter 4K@60Hz, C to Mini Display Port Dongle Cable, Compatible with MacBook Pro 2019 2018, Dell XPS, Samsung Galaxy S21 S20 Plus-Grey

www.amazon.com

Apple offered mini-display ports adapters to connect to my old Mac Pro and MBP that had TB2 ports. I can remove it and connect direct to a DVI adapter to USB-C. Thanks

 

[Amethyst1]

I can remove it and connect direct to a DVI adapter to USB-C.

You could try that for the 23” — the 30” requires dual-link DVI so unless your USB-C adapter does that you’ll be stuck at a quarter of the native resolution.

 

[pmiles]

Hunting for an adapter for these older displays can be a bit of a challenge. There was a ton of threads on it when the first M1 Mac mini's were first introduced. Like a lot of the adapters just did not work despite working on other hardware. Apple bluntly said they don't support the older displays, so if it works great, if not, oh well. I'd dig into the old threads and see what adapters had the best probability of working. They are not all created equal.

 

[gugy]

Hunting for an adapter for these older displays can be a bit of a challenge. There was a ton of threads on it when the first M1 Mac mini's were first introduced. Like a lot of the adapters just did not work despite working on other hardware. Apple bluntly said they don't support the older displays, so if it works great, if not, oh well. I'd dig into the old threads and see what adapters had the best probability of working. They are not all created equal.

Yeah, I saw some threads. That’s why I bought the adapters I mentioned. I just ordered a few more on Amazon and I guess its a trial and error situation.
sucks, Apple need to release an affordable display. The XDR is the price of two M1 Max MBPs. lol

 

[pmiles]

Yeah, I saw some threads. That’s why I bought the adapters I mentioned. I just ordered a few more on Amazon and I guess its a trial and error situation.
sucks, Apple need to release an affordable display. The XDR is the price of two M1 Max MBPs. lol

Doesn't need to be an Apple display.... a lot of folks use non-apple displays with their Macs because of the costs associated with Mac displays.

 

[MiniMaxHouss]

also, the 30” only works with the M1 clamshell open.
damn, this is so frustrating.

I don’t know if this helps, but with my Intel MacBook Pro, the computer needs to be charging in order for the Apple Cinema Display to work with the clamshell closed. If it’s not charging, the display only works with the clamshell open.

I don’t understand why your JAUX adapter doesn’t work with the ACD 30", based on previous threads for the M1 Mac Mini, it should work fine.

 

[gugy]

I don’t know if this helps, but with my Intel MacBook Pro, the computer needs to be charging in order for the Apple Cinema Display to work with the clamshell closed. If it’s not charging, the display only works with the clamshell open.

I don’t understand why your JAUX adapter doesn’t work with the ACD 30", based on previous threads for the M1 Mac Mini, it should work fine.

Yep, the JAUX did not work. It showed the screen but after few minutes would drop the signal. I had two adapters and both had the same issue with my 30" ACD. I have better luck with the Club adapter from Amazon. No drop in signal and so far has been great.

 

[MiniMaxHouss]

Yep, the JAUX did not work. It showed the screen but after few minutes would drop the signal. I had two adapters and both had the same issue with my 30" ACD. I have better luck with the Club adapter from Amazon. No drop in signal and so far has been great.

That's so strange... there doesn't seem to be any kind of continuity between the issues.

Can you link the Club adapter from Amazon that you are talking about ?

Thanks !

 

[gugy]

That's so strange... there doesn't seem to be any kind of continuity between the issues.

Can you link the Club adapter from Amazon that you are talking about ?

Thanks !

These two worked for me.
No issues and I have them connected to the OWC Thunderbolt 4 dock. They are fine connected direct to the MBP Max as well.
Good luck!

CableCreation USB C to Dual Link DVI Active Adapter, USB Type C to DVI-I Adapter 2560 x 1600 Resolution USB-C to DVI Signal Fomat Converter

The USB-C to Dual-Link DVI signal format converter seamlessly connect Type-C PC/Laptop or Mobile Phone to conventional DVI displays, such as CRT, LCD monitors and projectors, especially for 30-inch Cinema Display, you can enjoy the ultimate widescreen canvas with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixel...

www.amazon.com

Club3D CAC-1510-A USB Type C to Dual Link DVI-D Cable Adapter Support 3840x2160@30hz, 2560x1600@60Hz HDCP Off for Apple Cinema Displays M/F

USB C to DVI-D Dualink adapter without HDCP Support for certain Apple Cinema monitors without HDCP The USB Type C to Dual Link DVI or Single Link DVI Adapter is the easiest solution for connecting your USB Type C source device featuring DisplayPort Alternate Mode to a DVI enabled Monitor or Proje...

www.amazon.com

 

[MiniMaxHouss]

These two worked for me.
No issues and I have them connected to the OWC Thunderbolt 4 dock. They are fine connected direct to the MBP Max as well.
Good luck!

CableCreation USB C to Dual Link DVI Active Adapter, USB Type C to DVI-I Adapter 2560 x 1600 Resolution USB-C to DVI Signal Fomat Converter

The USB-C to Dual-Link DVI signal format converter seamlessly connect Type-C PC/Laptop or Mobile Phone to conventional DVI displays, such as CRT, LCD monitors and projectors, especially for 30-inch Cinema Display, you can enjoy the ultimate widescreen canvas with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixel...

www.amazon.com

Club3D CAC-1510-A USB Type C to Dual Link DVI-D Cable Adapter Support 3840x2160@30hz, 2560x1600@60Hz HDCP Off for Apple Cinema Displays M/F

USB C to DVI-D Dualink adapter without HDCP Support for certain Apple Cinema monitors without HDCP The USB Type C to Dual Link DVI or Single Link DVI Adapter is the easiest solution for connecting your USB Type C source device featuring DisplayPort Alternate Mode to a DVI enabled Monitor or Proje...

www.amazon.com

I think I understand what happens. Your Apple Cinema Display 30" must be an older version (2004 to 2006) that doesn't support HDCP. That's why when you plugged the JSAUX, it worked, and then dropped the signal.

And that's why it worked with the Club 3D CAC-1510-A. Here is an interesting quote from and Amazon reviewer :

"If you try the CAC-1510 (which is the HDCP ON version) with an Apple 30" Cinema Display, it will work for a couple seconds when you change the resolution to 2560x1600 or 1280x800. Then after that the screen turns black. This is because the DisplayPort signal is advertising HDCP support but the display does not support HDCP."

So after reading a few threads, and without any tests on an actual M1 MacBook Pro on my side, I would say that those with an Apple Cinema Display that supports HDCP can make it work with a Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter paired with a JSAUX type adapter, while those with an Apple Cinema Display that doesn't support HDCP have to use one of the adapters that you mentioned.

Out of curiosity, did those adapters solved the "clamshell has to be opened" issue that you had ?

 

[gugy]

I think I understand what happens. Your Apple Cinema Display 30" must be an older version (2004 to 2006) that doesn't support HDCP. That's why when you plugged the JSAUX, it worked, and then dropped the signal.

And that's why it worked with the Club 3D CAC-1510-A. Here is an interesting quote from and Amazon reviewer :

"If you try the CAC-1510 (which is the HDCP ON version) with an Apple 30" Cinema Display, it will work for a couple seconds when you change the resolution to 2560x1600 or 1280x800. Then after that the screen turns black. This is because the DisplayPort signal is advertising HDCP support but the display does not support HDCP."

So after reading a few threads, and without any tests on an actual M1 MacBook Pro on my side, I would say that those with an Apple Cinema Display that supports HDCP can make it work with a Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter paired with a JSAUX type adapter, while those with an Apple Cinema Display that doesn't support HDCP have to use one of the adapters that you mentioned.

Out of curiosity, did those adapters solved the "clamshell has to be opened" issue that you had ?

It could be, Honestly, I ordered a bunch from Amazon and tried them all. I did not do a deep dive on the possible issues. I am just glad the Club and CableCreation worked and are stable for the past month. I also ordered the CalDigit element hub but returned it after some of the ports failed. Hopefully the OWC will stay solid.
I'm hopeful Apple will bring new displays as been rumored this past week. I love my ACDs but looking at the XDR screen of my MBP Max, it's pretty gorgeous. Time for an upgrade.

 

[zhpenn]

doe this still work after upgrading to Ventura 13.2.1?
people found MacOS Ventura has broken USBC - Display port Cinema Display monitors
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/254339783

Hi, I have v9221 30 inch Apple Cinema Displays (the newer 30" that support HDCP) should I buy the
Club3D CAC-1510?

These two worked for me.
No issues and I have them connected to the OWC Thunderbolt 4 dock. They are fine connected direct to the MBP Max as well.
Good luck!

CableCreation USB C to Dual Link DVI Active Adapter, USB Type C to DVI-I Adapter 2560 x 1600 Resolution USB-C to DVI Signal Fomat Converter

The USB-C to Dual-Link DVI signal format converter seamlessly connect Type-C PC/Laptop or Mobile Phone to conventional DVI displays, such as CRT, LCD monitors and projectors, especially for 30-inch Cinema Display, you can enjoy the ultimate widescreen canvas with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixel...

www.amazon.com

Club3D CAC-1510-A USB Type C to Dual Link DVI-D Cable Adapter Support 3840x2160@30hz, 2560x1600@60Hz HDCP Off for Apple Cinema Displays M/F

USB C to DVI-D Dualink adapter without HDCP Support for certain Apple Cinema monitors without HDCP The USB Type C to Dual Link DVI or Single Link DVI Adapter is the easiest solution for connecting your USB Type C source device featuring DisplayPort Alternate Mode to a DVI enabled Monitor or Proje...

www.amazon.com

 

[gugy]

doe this still work after upgrading to Ventura 13.2.1?
people found MacOS Ventura has broken USBC - Display port Cinema Display monitors
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/254339783

Hi, I have v9221 30 inch Apple Cinema Displays (the newer 30" that support HDCP) should I buy the
Club3D CAC-1510?

Yes, no issues.