Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Apple Thunderbolt Display on a PC?

Rob.G

Rob.G

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Jan 17, 2010
530
85
Arizona
Kinda sacrilegious I know, but I could really use another 27" display on my Dell work laptop right now. I have this Thunderbolt Display and a 27" Dell QHD display, and have for-the-time-being assigned the Dell display to the Dell laptop. But I really could use a second 27" display at times.

I have Apple's Thunderbolt to USB-C adapter for my MBP16 which works fine on the Mac, but I tried plugging it into the Dell Dock thing they gave me and it didn't do anything. The laptop only has a single USB-C port so the dock is plugged into that. The Dell display is plugged into an HDMI port on the dock... though the laptop has an HDMI port too; the dock is nice because it also powers the Dell laptop.

So... does anybody know of a way to make this Apple display work on the laptop?

Thanks a bunch.

Rob
 
  • Like
Reactions: jagooch
I'm not sure what exactly you're plugging into what, but the thing to know is that the TB display only works through Thunderbolt. So it must be plugged into a Thunderbolt port, either on the dock, or computer, but if it's a dock it needs to be also through Thunderbolt to the computer. So basically there needs to be a chain from the computer to the monitor that's pure Thunderbolt, including using Thunderbolt cables along the way. And I'm not sure if Apple's Thunderbolt adapter works with all PCs either, or for that matter if the TB display even works with PCs at all.

Do note that USB-C != Thunderbolt 3. They have the same plug but they support different things. TB3 supports almost everything USB-C supports (power, display, and USB data), but USB-C does not imply it supports Thunderbolt protocol, which is as far as I know required on the Apple TB display.
 
Yeah sorry I should have been way more clear on that dock. :)

It's a Dell D6000 dock:

www.dell.com

Computer Accessories and Peripherals

Shop Dell’s high-quality computer accessories like keyboards, mice, webcams, batteries and more. Enjoy great deals and build your ideal PC setup for home or business.
www.dell.com

It doesn't appear to have Thunderbolt; it has two "display link" ports whatever those are.

Well crap, if there's a way, that dock isn't it.
 
Rob.G said:
Yeah sorry I should have been way more clear on that dock. :)

It's a Dell D6000 dock:

www.dell.com

Computer Accessories and Peripherals

Shop Dell’s high-quality computer accessories like keyboards, mice, webcams, batteries and more. Enjoy great deals and build your ideal PC setup for home or business.
www.dell.com

It doesn't appear to have Thunderbolt; it has two "display link" ports whatever those are.

Well crap, if there's a way, that dock isn't it.
Click to expand...

You are correct, that will not work. No Thunderbolt on that dock.

Displaylink is what some docks and adapters use to connect to displays over a purely USB data link. What it means is that you can connect a USB-A computer (as long as it's USB 3.0) and it will share the video link with the USB data, which is not ideal, you will lose data speeds and it has to compress the signal and reduce it, etc.

USB-C has what's called alt (alternate) mode, and the main use of alt mode is Displayport. Which means it can use a DP link without using up the USB data stream. So it would always be better to use that dock with a USB-C port (that supports Displayport), but it can be used with a USB-A 3.0 equipped computer if need be, a common need in enterprise settings is to support more devices, even older ones.

Thunderbolt is of course a separate thing. If you're still committed to using the TB display with a PC, then you should check that the PC has a Thunderbolt port. Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter is needed, and then you just plug the TB3 end to the PC and the TB2 end plugs into the monitor's cable. Obviously, it won't pass any power into the PC through this method, so if you need power this won't work. And there's no guaranteed compatibility with the Apple adapter and PCs or the Apple TB monitor and PCs, so if it doesn't work it doesn't work.
 
I found this but I'm still not 100% sure it'll work... and it's not terribly inexpensive.

www.amazon.com

StarTech.com Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter (Non-Reversible) - TB3 Laptop to TB2 (20Gbps) or TB1 (10Gbps) Devices / Displays - Black - Windows/Mac (TBT3TBTADAP)

This Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt adapter is a cost-effective solution for connecting older Thunderbolt peripherals such as external hard drives, Thunderbolt 2 displays to newer Thunderbolt 3 host devices (laptops or computers). You can connect to first-generation Thunderbolt devices at 10Gbps sp...
www.amazon.com


I'm considering just picking up another 27" QHD display; I've been kinda wanting one anyway.
 
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
  • Like
Reactions: jagooch
Rob.G said:
I found this but I'm still not 100% sure it'll work... and it's not terribly inexpensive.

www.amazon.com

StarTech.com Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter (Non-Reversible) - TB3 Laptop to TB2 (20Gbps) or TB1 (10Gbps) Devices / Displays - Black - Windows/Mac (TBT3TBTADAP)

This Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt adapter is a cost-effective solution for connecting older Thunderbolt peripherals such as external hard drives, Thunderbolt 2 displays to newer Thunderbolt 3 host devices (laptops or computers). You can connect to first-generation Thunderbolt devices at 10Gbps sp...
www.amazon.com
Click to expand...
That does the same thing as the Apple adapter, and it's more expensive.
Does your Dell computer even have Thunderbolt (not USB-C?)
 
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
Yes, the simple question is: does your Dell laptop have a Thunderbolt port? If it does, connect the Apple Thunderbolt Display to it (via a TB3->TB2 adapter). If it doesn’t, you can’t do it.
 
I'm using the Moshi USB-C to Display cable to drive my newer model LG 5K from an eGPU. If you can get a display port signal out of your Dell I'd assume it would work fine.
 
  • Like
Reactions: svanstrom
nudoru said:
I'm using the Moshi USB-C to Display cable to drive my newer model LG 5K from an eGPU. If you can get a display port signal out of your Dell I'd assume it would work fine.
Click to expand...
No, the Apple Thunderbolt Display works with Thunderbolt only. There are no alternative connections possible.
 
chrfr said:
No, the Apple Thunderbolt Display works with Thunderbolt only. There are no alternative connections possible.
Click to expand...

I beg to differ because I'm currently replying to you on my LG 5k UltraFine that's being powered by a 5700 XT in a Razor eGPU case with display port out. Using the Moshi USB-C to Display Port cable from Apple.

The first version only worked with TB3 but they made a rev that accepted USB-C input, it even came with a USB-C cable, so that it had iPad Pro compatibility.

The limitation is that it's 4k, not 5k.
 
  • Like
Reactions: svanstrom and jagooch
Hi. Did you find out a solution? I have an AMD desktop with a TB3 output that I want to use with my Apple Display and the apple TB2->TB3 adapter. My other monitor is detected and works fine but not the Apple. Am I doing something wrong or is it just not gonna work?
 
I gave up and ordered another HDMI-compatible monitor. I'm going to sell the Apple Thunderbolt display.
 
I just ordered the StarTech.com TB3 to TB2 adaptor from Amazon for $79. I'll try it on Monday. But I guess It might be the right move to just get a monitor that works. With the price of the adaptor and the monitor, you can get a decent 4k HDMI or even usb-c monitor. lol
It's just that the Apple Display is quite sleek and there aren't glossy monitors like it...
btw: I have a TB3 monitor (a Samsung UW) and TB3 works fine. So it's either the apple adaptor or the monitor. I also tried an AM desktop and an intel laptop both with a TB3 (not just usb-c) outputs
 
After receiving the new adapter, the Apple display is still not detected by the desktop nor the laptop (pc-build with a gigabyte vision b550 D motherboard, and an hp elitebook laptop). I guess I need to move to another display if I want to use it outside of the Apple ecosystem. too bad :/
 
Don't you need
saamou said:
After receiving the new adapter, the Apple display is still not detected by the desktop nor the laptop (pc-build with a gigabyte vision b550 D motherboard, and an hp elitebook laptop). I guess I need to move to another display if I want to use it outside of the Apple ecosystem. too bad :/
Click to expand...
Check this thread, some users have reported that they had to fiddle with some BIOS settings to get it working.

https://www.dell.com/community/XPS/...underbolt-Display/m-p/6116974/highlight/true#
 
also i'm going crazy for 3 months to make an apple 1407 27 work on a new generation pc, with the help of amazon i'm experimenting everything, if it doesn't work i return the next day i already changed 3 motherboards and 2 pcie controllers without 100% success. it seems that we need a pciE alpine ridge controller that has the compatible chipset, the same chipset seems to be mounted on the Asus thunderboltex3 pcie, I bought yesterday an MSI ACE z490 mobo that has heder on the compatible mobo for this type of controler, within the February 5th I'll do the final test.
 
I have migrated from Mac to PC after 20 years, this week. I am a 3D motion designer and, not being able to use Nvidia GPUs and ridiculously over-priced new Mac Pro's forced me to this decision.

And in my new voyage, I desperately want to keep using my two Apple Thunderbolt Displays. I luckily read tons of other geek forums, reviews and watched YouTube videos to buy the right PC parts that will able to work with displays.

- If you want to use your Apple Thunderbolt Display with a modern PC motherboard & GPU, no converters or adapters will work to use it in standard display outputs of your motherboard or GPU has. Apple Thunderbolt Display is not just a regular monitor, it is a Thunderbolt device and needs a Thunderbolt supported output. So, you need a Thunderbolt expansion card and a motherboard with a Thunderbolt header on it.

- Apple Thunderbolt Display doesn't work with the Titan-Ridge card. You need the Alpine-Ridge card. My choice was Gigabyte Alpine-Ridge (rev 2.0).

- If you want to use an X570 motherboard that supports AMD Ryzen 9 CPU with high-end Nvidia GPU (maybe 2 GPUs for farming), all of the brands except ASRock drops support Thunderbolt technology. ASRock X570 motherboards have a Thunderbolt header to connect this expansion card (not all of them, still check the specs for a Thunderbolt header). My choice was ASRock X570 Taichi.

- The Mini Display ports on the Alpine Ridge card are inputs to connect your Alpine-Ridge to your GPU or motherboard. So you also need an "Apple Thunderbolt-3-to-2 adapter". Then you will be able to connect your Thunderbolt Display to the card's Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) output.

- As for drivers, unfortunately, the current driver file Gigabyte provides on their website is a bit old. Under today's date, the most current Alpine-Ridge driver Intel provides is 17.4.80.94. You can download it with a Google search and install it. There is no obligation to download only from Gigabyte's website.

Yes! Apple Thunderbolt Display device works with modern motherboards, high-end CPUs, and high-end GPUs, only if you carefully select the right pieces of equipment.
 
  • Like
Reactions: amartinez1660
kerimd said:
I have migrated from Mac to PC after 20 years, this week. I am a 3D motion designer and, not being able to use Nvidia GPUs and ridiculously over-priced new Mac Pro's forced me to this decision.

And in my new voyage, I desperately want to keep using my two Apple Thunderbolt Displays. I luckily read tons of other geek forums, reviews and watched YouTube videos to buy the right PC parts that will able to work with displays.

- If you want to use your Apple Thunderbolt Display with a modern PC motherboard & GPU, no converters or adapters will work to use it in standard display outputs of your motherboard or GPU has. Apple Thunderbolt Display is not just a regular monitor, it is a Thunderbolt device and needs a Thunderbolt supported output. So, you need a Thunderbolt expansion card and a motherboard with a Thunderbolt header on it.

- Apple Thunderbolt Display doesn't work with the Titan-Ridge card. You need the Alpine-Ridge card. My choice was Gigabyte Alpine-Ridge (rev 2.0).

- If you want to use an X570 motherboard that supports AMD Ryzen 9 CPU with high-end Nvidia GPU (maybe 2 GPUs for farming), all of the brands except ASRock drops support Thunderbolt technology. ASRock X570 motherboards have a Thunderbolt header to connect this expansion card (not all of them, still check the specs for a Thunderbolt header). My choice was ASRock X570 Taichi.

- The Mini Display ports on the Alpine Ridge card are inputs to connect your Alpine-Ridge to your GPU or motherboard. So you also need an "Apple Thunderbolt-3-to-2 adapter". Then you will be able to connect your Thunderbolt Display to the card's Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) output.

- As for drivers, unfortunately, the current driver file Gigabyte provides on their website is a bit old. Under today's date, the most current Alpine-Ridge driver Intel provides is 17.4.80.94. You can download it with a Google search and install it. There is no obligation to download only from Gigabyte's website.

Yes! Apple Thunderbolt Display device works with modern motherboards, high-end CPUs, and high-end GPUs, only if you carefully select the right pieces of equipment.
Click to expand...
Hey Kerimd, thanks for the info & explanation. So useful. I too am migrating from Apple (as in my opinion they’re pricing themselves out of the market) but still want to use the two Thunderbolt displays I have...array of PC component options can be daunting at first....so I have a quick question I hope you can answer.

The ASRock x570 Taichi spec I read says:

- 1 x Thunderbolt™ AIC Connector (5-pin) (Supports ASRock Thunderbolt™ 3 AIC Card R2.0 only)

but you chose the Alpine Ridge expansion card, wondered if any advantages or if you had any issues setting things up with that card.

The machine I’m planning is for video editing and gaming, plus archiving of images and historic footage. Will be be built around a Ryzen 9 5900x CPU with Nvidia 3080 GPU. Any advice most welcome.
 
VentureNoden, I chose the GB Alpine Ridge because of three reasons.

First reason is there are many forum-reviews and youtube-comments around approve that Apple Thunderbolt is working with Alpine Ridge on ASRock motherboards. I made a vast research before choosing it. Among ASRock Thunderbolt, ASUS Thunderboltex, Gigabye Alpine Ridge.
The thing is all of the cards work as long as they Alpine Ridge technology, not the newest Titan Ridge technology. So the words "Alpine Ridge" and "Titan Ridge" is not just the phrases Gigabyte choice for it's models, it is the actual thunderbolt technology name Intel developed. So if you are going to buy another model from another brand, you have to be sure the inside thunderbolt technology is from Alpine Ridge series of Intel, not the newest Titan Ridge.

Second reason is ASRock Thunderbold expansion card has very few inputs.

Third reason is ASRock Thunderbolt expansion card is hard to obtain in my region, very expensive with overseas shipment and taxes.

Don't get fooled with the "only" word in the techspec: "Supports ASRock Thunderbolt™ 3 AIC Card R2.0 only". It clearly works with all other brands Thunderbolt Expansion cards.

Here is my setup. I would like to help in any issue.
CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
CPU Cooler: be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4
Mainboard: ASRock X570 Taichi
GPU: Nvidia RTX 3080 EVGA XC3 Ultra Gaming
RAM: Corsair Vengeance LPX 64GB (2 x 32GB) 288-Pin DDR4 DDR4 3600
SSD: Samsung 2TB 970 EVO Plus
Power Supply: Corsair Rm1000X 1000W
Thunderbolt Expansion Card: Gigabyte Alpine Ridge
Case: Fractal Design Define 7 Compact
 
kerimd said:
VentureNoden, I chose the GB Alpine Ridge because of three reasons.

First reason is there are many forum-reviews and youtube-comments around approve that Apple Thunderbolt is working with Alpine Ridge on ASRock motherboards. I made a vast research before choosing it. Among ASRock Thunderbolt, ASUS Thunderboltex, Gigabye Alpine Ridge.
The thing is all of the cards work as long as they Alpine Ridge technology, not the newest Titan Ridge technology. So the words "Alpine Ridge" and "Titan Ridge" is not just the phrases Gigabyte choice for it's models, it is the actual thunderbolt technology name Intel developed. So if you are going to buy another model from another brand, you have to be sure the inside thunderbolt technology is from Alpine Ridge series of Intel, not the newest Titan Ridge.

Second reason is ASRock Thunderbold expansion card has very few inputs.

Third reason is ASRock Thunderbolt expansion card is hard to obtain in my region, very expensive with overseas shipment and taxes.

Don't get fooled with the "only" word in the techspec: "Supports ASRock Thunderbolt™ 3 AIC Card R2.0 only". It clearly works with all other brands Thunderbolt Expansion cards.

Here is my setup. I would like to help in any issue.
CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
CPU Cooler: be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4
Mainboard: ASRock X570 Taichi
GPU: Nvidia RTX 3080 EVGA XC3 Ultra Gaming
RAM: Corsair Vengeance LPX 64GB (2 x 32GB) 288-Pin DDR4 DDR4 3600
SSD: Samsung 2TB 970 EVO Plus
Power Supply: Corsair Rm1000X 1000W
Thunderbolt Expansion Card: Gigabyte Alpine Ridge
Case: Fractal Design Define 7 Compact
Click to expand...
That’s fantastic. Thank you so much for taking the time to reply so quickly and so thoroughly. Really helpful. Looks like my build is going to be pretty similar to yours...once I can track down an RTX 3080 that is...😜
 
Lammers said:
Yes, the simple question is: does your Dell laptop have a Thunderbolt port? If it does, connect the Apple Thunderbolt Display to it (via a TB3->TB2 adapter). If it doesn’t, you can’t do it.
Click to expand...
I tried to connect a Dell Latitude 7300 to my extra Apple TB 27" display via an Apple TB2-to-TB3 adapter (yes, the Dell has a TB3 USB-C port) and it did not work... any ideas?
 
  • Like
Reactions: LOLOI
regtor said:
I tried to connect a Dell Latitude 7300 to my extra Apple TB 27" display via an Apple TB2-to-TB3 adapter (yes, the Dell has a TB3 USB-C port) and it did not work... any ideas?
Click to expand...
did you have any success on this? im on the same spot as you do. mine is a dell 7400
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back