Is it possible to use an Apple Cinema Display with M2 Mac Mini?

[CarnelianClout]

I have an M2 Pro Mac Mini. I am currently using the 27 inch Apple Cinema display from the 2011-2016 era as my monitor. I use a Thunderbolt 2 to Thunderbolt 3 adapter for it.

There is a question that has been lingering in my mind for months. Would it be possible to use displays from this era, with my M2 Mac Mini?

Apple Cinema Display HD (23-Inch) Specs (Cinema HD Display, M8537ZM/A, M8536): EveryMac.com

Technical specifications for the Cinema Display HD (23-Inch). Dates sold, display type, resolution, viewing angle, brightness, price and more.

everymac.com

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

If you can get a Thunderbolt or HDMI to ADC connector (perhaps by connecting a couple of things together or via a hub), just try. It should work. This might help. Take special note of that section under Thunderbolt 2 in that article. The date range you imply suggests that perhaps a simple Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 connection may do the trick. However, the link you shared implies a monitor that looks the same but may require the DisplayPort connection pre-Thunderbolt 2 (and your dates).

I'm sure there are more articles and probably videos about this topic. Search and ye shall (probably) find.

 

[CarnelianClout]

If you can get a Thunderbolt or HDMI to ADC connector (perhaps by connecting a couple of things together or via a hub), just try. It should work. This might help. Take special note of that section under Thunderbolt 2 in that article. The date range you imply suggests that perhaps a simple Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 connection may do the trick. However, the link you shared implies a monitor that looks the same but may require the DisplayPort connection pre-Thunderbolt 2 (and your dates).

I'm sure there are more articles and probably videos about this topic. Search and ye shall (probably) find.

I already have a Thunderbolt 2 to 3 Adapter, so it seems like all I would need is an ADC connector, then a VGA to Thunderbolt 2 to connector to connect into my Thunderbolt 2 to 3 Adapter?

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

What's the VGA part for?

I believe it will be Thunderbolt 3 cable into Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter into monitor (or maybe adapter and then cable?)... unless your monitor really is the older one that is ADC instead of Thunderbolt 2. That article shows a picture to make it easy to tell. Again, the dates you shared in the first post would imply Thunderbolt 2 but the link you shared implies the older monitor, so I'm not sure what you actually have.

It might be easier to take that monitor into an Apple store and ask them what you need to connect to the new M2 Mini. They will know.

 

[CarnelianClout]

What's the VGA part for?

I believe it will be Thunderbolt 3 cable into Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter into monitor (or maybe adapter and then cable?)... unless your monitor really is the older one that is ADC instead of Thunderbolt 2. That article shows a picture to make it easy to tell. Again, the dates you shared in the first post would imply Thunderbolt 2 but the link you shared implies the older monitor, so I'm not sure what you actually have.

It might be easier to take that monitor into an Apple store and ask them what you need to connect to the new M2 Mini. They will know.

Was pondering the idea of buying an Apple Cinema display from 1999-2002 and using it for my 2023 Mac Mini. As far as I know I have never seen anyone attempt such a thing, which is why I am curious.

 

[jouster]

Indeed it is! I am currently using a 30" Cinema HD Display with a base-model M2 Mini with no issues. I *think* it has the ADC port, which I run into a dongle I got on Amazon. The dongle has Thunderbolt or USB C out to the computer. I also have the display's USB A connected to the Mini, so am able to use the display's two USB A ports. The display has two Firewire ports, but I have no way or need to connect those.

 

[CarnelianClout]

Indeed it is! I am currently using a 30" Cinema HD Display with a base-model M2 Mini with no issues. I *think* it has the ADC port, which I run into a dongle I got on Amazon. The dongle has Thunderbolt or USB C out to the computer. I also have the display's USB A connected to the Mini, so am able to use the display's two USB A ports. The display has two Firewire ports, but I have no way or need to connect those.

I am using the 27 inch Apple Cinema Display from 2011-2016. It's a very good display, how would it compare to the 30" Cinema HD Display?

 

[jouster]

I am using the 27 inch Apple Cinema Display from 2011-2016. It's a very good display, how would it compare to the 30" Cinema HD Display?

I'm afraid I've never used that model, so I don't know how it would compare. It's newer, so presumably it would be better?

Edit: I will note that the 30" gets *very* warm.

 

[CarnelianClout]

I'm afraid I've never used that model, so I don't know how it would compare. It's newer, so presumably it would be better?

Edit: I will note that the 30" gets *very* warm.

Have you used the older 22 or 23 inch displays?

 

[jouster]

Have you used the older 22 or 23 inch displays?

I've used the very old 22"--I believe it was released in 2002. It worked with the same dongle. It is pretty old, though, and wasn't a very good experience. Mine was dim and had a yellowish cast with any computer I attached.

 

[CarnelianClout]

I've used the very old 22"--I believe it was released in 2002. It worked with the same dongle. It is pretty old, though, and wasn't a very good experience. Mine was dim and had a yellowish cast with any computer I attached.

I have seen some of those on ebay. Though, I wonder if there is a reliable way to get the 30 inch display in good condition?