Mac Mini M1 + Apple Cinema Display 30" - anyone got it working?

[zoltm]

You can’t use both USB-C ports. HDMI + USB-C

USB-C:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08B7FSVTL/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_a_MWAN5HXYNV2S9PA268Z9


HDMI:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07T16LLB8/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_a_J3GCR5J7JBFJPQF9W586

+

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0746NCD1T/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_a_6HVHM5WSTF083NBJAF16

THanks for the note. Would you mind shedding some light on the text crispness of using M1 mm with the ACd 30”? I m a user on budget, so happen that I find a friend who would like to part with some old long idle in storage equipment, I might be able to score two acd 30 for 200 usd. I am hoping this would be a great driver for me to move up the performance chain from the vintage Mac pro 2009 that I am currently using.

 

[AlteMac]

fully agree with you on the acd 30” real estate, however can you also comment on the text clarity department? Read many horror stories about text blurness on using M1 MM with 2k monitor on native mode, without the hidpi Mode.

Text clarity is fine at 1600 (email, web, MS Word, Excel, etc), and I also have had no issues with photo editing.

 

[scsskid]

@All Thanks for your research and efforts

is it possible to use keyboard brightness controls with your setup / how to you adjust brightness of the monitor?

I dont own one yet, but looking for.

thanks

 

[ACD30"]

.

 

[ACD30"]

Reporting back with my results.

First I'll note that I'm connecting to my M1 via a CalDigit dock that has DisplayPort and Thunderbolt inputs, so I basically did this along two tracks: DisplayPort and USB-C, all also including the old Apple DVI to Mini DisplayPort adapter, which I got off eBay for about $80 new in box.

Great news: I quickly found solutions that worked in both tracks!

Working products:

JSAUX Mini DisplayPort (F) to USB-C (M): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0836HGBD7?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details

StarTech Mini DisplayPort (F) to DisplayPort (M): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003N3DTKY?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details

Cable Matters Mini DisplayPort (F) to DisplayPort (M): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014DV2RGG?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details

Non-working product:

Amiroko Mini DisplayPort (F) to USB-C (M): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DRQYWPD?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details

Last thoughts:

I have a Windows XP bootcamp install I use for old games on my very old MBP w/ Mini DisplayPort. I noticed a tiny bit of blue noise in dark areas under XP that I haven't yet detected in any other environment or on any other computer. That got me sweating again but I think it's confined to XP.

The scarcity of the Apple DVI-to-mDP adapter means that a perfect DVI-to-USB-C converter is still the ideal. For those who continue testing DVI-to-USB-C converters in particular: you must test by setting the desktop background to a black screen and looking for noise.

I own the genuine Apple DVI-MiniDP adapter, and I can report that it's just plain awful; the display exhibits pink noise / dancing pixels, vertical pinstripes, and even intermittent distortion. To confirm it wasn't the fault of the display itself, I hooked the ACD up directly to the DVI-in on my classic Mac Pro desktop... and, lo and behold, it worked completely fine.

So, yes, a fully functioning DVI-USBC adapter is especially important — not just due to the scarcity of genuine DVI-MiniDP adapters, but due to the fact that these genuine adapters weren't suitable even from day one. If I had known the latter (or, even the former, considering the perfect USBC adapter may not even exist), I would have abstained from buying this monitor.

 

[EugW]

I own the genuine Apple DVI-MiniDP adapter, and I can report that it's just plain awful; the display exhibits pink noise / dancing pixels, vertical pinstripes, and even intermittent distortion. To confirm it wasn't the fault of the display itself, I hooked the ACD up directly to the DVI-in on my classic Mac Pro desktop... and, lo and behold, it worked completely fine.

So, yes, a fully functioning DVI-USBC adapter is especially important — not just due to the scarcity of genuine DVI-MiniDP adapters, but due to the fact that these genuine adapters weren't suitable even from day one. If I had known the latter (or, even the former, considering the perfect USBC adapter may not even exist), I would have abstained from buying this monitor.

Is this with the M1 Mac mini? Or with some other hardware?

Cuz my 30" Cinema HD Display with Apple mini-DP to dual-link DVI adapter works perfectly, with a $10 no-name brand USB-C to mini-DP dongle.

2017 iMac 27" --> USB-C to mini-DP dongle --> Apple mini-DP to dual-link DVI adapter --> 30" Cinema HD Display

It also works with my 2017 MacBook 12", but it's a little more complicated there because it only has one USB-C port, so either I have to provide separate USB power or else I have to use a USB-C hub with USB-A, power, and DisplayPort.

 

[ACD30"]

Is this with the M1 Mac mini? Or with some other hardware?

Cuz my 30" Cinema HD Display with Apple mini-DP to dual-link DVI adapter works perfectly, with a $10 no-name brand USB-C to mini-DP dongle.

2017 iMac 27" --> USB-C to mini-DP dongle --> Apple mini-DP to dual-link DVI adapter --> 30" Cinema HD Display

It also works with my 2017 MacBook 12", but it's a little more complicated there because it only has one USB-C port, so either I have to provide separate USB power or else I have to use a USB-C hub with USB-A, power, and DisplayPort.

I'm using mine with an older Retina MacBook Pro; I have the adapter plugged into one of the Thunderbolt ports. If I buy an M1 Mac mini, my hope is that I can forgo this mini-DP adapter — it just does not work properly. That said, who knows what might happen if I try adapting it further.

 

[EugW]

I'm using mine with an older Retina MacBook Pro; I have the adapter plugged into one of the Thunderbolt ports. If I buy an M1 Mac mini, my hope is that I can forgo this mini-DP adapter — it just does not work properly. That said, who knows what might happen if I try adapting it further.

I think it might be your adapter.

Mine works perfectly with my 2009 MacBook Pro with its built-in mini-DisplayPort.

 

[ACD30"]

I think it might be your adapter.

Mine works perfectly with my 2009 MacBook Pro with its built-in mini-DisplayPort.

View attachment 1863501

I'm apparently not alone, though, as many others have experienced similar problems. And, as mentioned before, these adapters are both scarce and expensive. I'd rather find a workaround than drop ~$100 on a replacement DVI-MiniDP adapter that may or may not solve the problem.

 

[zoltm]

I’ve just thought of an idea to get two of these displays working at max res - I’ve bought a cheap ($10) “displaylink” powered USB 3 dock with a dual link DVI DL port on it. I think display link items are essentially a usb graphics card in themselves and the one I have bought supports the max res of the 30” Cinema Display. So, taking inspiration from a few YouTube videos about connecting multiple displays to the M1, im hoping for the best and will let you know if I manage it!

May I know more details about your "cheap" displaylink USB 3 dock? As I understand, most of the Displaylink support docks ask for a premium!

 

[zoltm]

I am very glad to have found info in this thread. I am currently using the Club 3D USB-C to Dual link DVI dongle with an ACD 30" connected to a M1 Macbook Air. For those who care about controlling brightness from the keyboard, do download the Monitor Control software from Github, it works handsomely.

The setup generally works. However, I found the power brick for the ACD 30" is very hot to touch, is it normal? I am wondering if it is a problem of my power brick or I have to install some kind of passive cooling for the brick to ensure longevity of the unit, as we all know, this power brick is hard to come by and a premium vintage apple item.

Also I am wondering if you guys manage to get "scaled" resolution of 2048 x 1280?

Thanks and regards.

 

[EugW]

I am very glad to have found info in this thread. I am currently using the Club 3D USB-C to Dual link DVI dongle with an ACD 30" connected to a M1 Macbook Air. For those who care about controlling brightness from the keyboard, do download the Monitor Control software from Github, it works handsomely.

To control the ACD's brightness from the keyboard, you should only just need to plug the ACD's USB cable into the Mac (or into a USB hub connected to the Mac). Or do the M1 Macs no longer support this? Cuz it works on my 2017 Intel Macs with Big Sur.

F1 and F2 control the main monitor.
CTRL-F1 and CTRL-F2 control the secondary monitor.

The setup generally works. However, I found the power brick for the ACD 30" is very hot to touch, is it normal? I am wondering if it is a problem of my power brick or I have to install some kind of passive cooling for the brick to ensure longevity of the unit, as we all know, this power brick is hard to come by and a premium vintage apple item.

My 30" ACD power brick gets warm, but never hot. However, maybe I don't run the monitor as bright as you do. I tend to have it around half of maximum.

 

[zoltm]

To control the ACD's brightness from the keyboard, you should only just need to plug the ACD's USB cable into the Mac (or into a USB hub connected to the Mac). Or do the M1 Macs no longer support this? Cuz it works on my 2017 Intel Macs with Big Sur.

F1 and F2 control the main monitor.
CTRL-F1 and CTRL-F2 control the secondary monitor.

@EugW Yes, you are right, I tried that before with my 2009 Macmini 3,1 with the ACD 30 before. This does work. However, I am now using the ACD 30 with a M1 MBA, I am severely expansion port limited now, just two TB4 port. One goes to the Club 3D dongle, one goes to the power charger!

My 30" ACD power brick gets warm, but never hot. However, maybe I don't run the monitor as bright as you do. I tend to have it around half of maximum.

At what resolution do you run your ACD 30. I have it working on the native 2560 x 1600, it is what make the power brick and the ACD itself runs hot. I found that running the ACD at 1280 x 800, the monitor and the power brick do not run as hot.

 

[EugW]

At what resolution do you run your ACD 30. I have it working on the native 2560 x 1600, it is what make the power brick and the ACD itself runs hot. I found that running the ACD at 1280 x 800, the monitor and the power brick do not run as hot.

Native resolution.

 

[ACD30"]

I am very glad to have found info in this thread. I am currently using the Club 3D USB-C to Dual link DVI dongle with an ACD 30" connected to a M1 Macbook Air. For those who care about controlling brightness from the keyboard, do download the Monitor Control software from Github, it works handsomely.

The setup generally works. However, I found the power brick for the ACD 30" is very hot to touch, is it normal? I am wondering if it is a problem of my power brick or I have to install some kind of passive cooling for the brick to ensure longevity of the unit, as we all know, this power brick is hard to come by and a premium vintage apple item.

Also I am wondering if you guys manage to get "scaled" resolution of 2048 x 1280?

Thanks and regards.

Have you noticed any other problems with this adapter? Does sleep/wake-up work properly? Any graphical glitches? Thank you!

 

[zoltm]

@All Thanks for your research and efforts

is it possible to use keyboard brightness controls with your setup / how to you adjust brightness of the monitor?

I dont own one yet, but looking for.

thanks

@scsskid I have also tried the Monitor Control app in Github, it works handsomely in offering brightness control for the ACD connecting my M1 MBA with the Club 3D dongle.

v4.0.0-rc1

monitorcontrol.app

 

[gugy]

Hi, I just ordered the MBP MAX 16”. I have one 30 and one 23 ACDs.
I'm wondering if they would work plugging using any mini-display port to USB-c adapter sold on Amazon like this

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

I appreciate any feedback.

 

[EugW]

Hi, I just ordered the MBP MAX 16”. I have one 30 and one 23 ACDs.
I'm wondering if they would work plugging using any mini-display port to USB-c adapter sold on Amazon like this

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

I appreciate any feedback.

Do you have the Apple mini-DisplayPort to dual-link DVI adapter, or something similar? Because that would be needed too for the 30” ACD.

 

[gugy]

Do you have the Apple mini-DisplayPort to dual-link DVI adapter, or something similar? Because that would be needed too for the 30” ACD.

I have the dual link adapter (the Apple original one to power the 30"). The two end ports on my monitors are mini-displayport. My current MBP is 2015 with TB2 ports. It works perfectly. I am curious migrating to the new 2021 MBPs, if I can still use my two ACDs. Thanks

 

[EugW]

I have the dual link adapter (the Apple original one to power the 30"). The two end ports on my monitors are mini-displayport. My current MBP is 2015 with TB2 ports. It works perfectly. I am curious migrating to the new 2021 MBPs, if I can still use my two ACDs. Thanks

I used a cheap no-name USB-C to mini-DisplayPort dongle on my 12" MacBook and it works fine with that Apple dongle for the 30" ACD. I don't have an M1 to test though.

The problem on the MacBook is getting USB power to the Apple dongle, since the MacBook only has one USB port. One way is to use a hub with power passthrough, USB 2, and DisplayPort. Another way is to provide external USB power to the Apple dongle using an iPhone charger, but then I lose monitor control from the MacBook.

I look forward to trying this out on a future M1 Pro Mac mini. At least with that I'll have enough USB ports.

 

[gugy]

I used a cheap no-name USB-C to mini-DisplayPort dongle on my 12" MacBook and it works fine with that Apple dongle for the 30" ACD. I don't have an M1 to test though.

The problem on the MacBook is getting USB power to the Apple dongle, since the MacBook only has one USB port. One way is to use a hub with power passthrough, USB 2, and DisplayPort. Another way is to provide external USB power to the Apple dongle using an iPhone charger, but then I lose monitor control from the MacBook.

I look forward to trying this out on a future M1 Pro Mac mini. At least with that I'll have enough USB ports.

I might be wrong but the dual-link Apple adapter is powered by the monitor power brick. Not sure. I would assume USB-C has enough power for the adapter. While I could connect direct to my new MBP, I might get a M1 Max approved docking whenever is available.
Ideally, it would be nice to hear from someone who had a 30" ACD connect to a M1 Mac. Thanks

 

[pkamb]

I might be wrong but the dual-link Apple adapter is powered by the monitor power brick.

It's powered by the USB-A plug. You usually plug it into your computer or a hub (for power + data to the back ports), but plugging it into a wall USB adapter or other power source works. You just won't have working ports on the back of your display.

 

[gugy]

It's powered by the USB-A plug. You usually plug it into your computer or a hub (for power + data to the back ports), but plugging it into a wall USB adapter or other power source works. You just won't have working ports on the back of your display.

I'm getting a M1 dock so hopefully connecting the ACD usb-a plugs into it, will give functionality to the usb-a ports on the back of the display. We'll see. I should know in the next couple of weeks once the MBP arrives.

 

[EugW]

I'm getting a M1 dock so hopefully connecting the ACD usb-a plugs into it, will give functionality to the usb-a ports on the back of the display. We'll see. I should know in the next couple of weeks once the MBP arrives.

Yes that should work. Works for me with a hub.

However, what I've noticed is hubs with an external power source / power delivery support will often support the 30" ACD more reliably than some other hubs with no external power, because if you're using that Apple mini-DisplayPort to dual-link DVI adapter, its power is supplied by USB from the hub. If that hub cannot provide enough power consistently, it can lead to the display blanking out periodically.

 

[HappyPig]

Hi guys, just to add my cents, this is the adaptor that I use to hook up my Apple Cinema HD Display 30" to my MacBook Air M1 (which supports 60Hz refresh rate): https://www.amazon.com/DisplayPort-JSAUX-Thunderbolt-Compatible-Plus-Grey/dp/B0836HGBD7
The adaptor gets the video signal from the original Apple Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter.
Here's my current setup (although I've now switched from vertical to horizontal for the Cinema Displays:
View attachment 1755654
Cheers!

I'd like to followup and say that the adaptor Ricardo.Dawson recommended worked great for me with my M1 Macbook Air and 30" cinema display at full resolution. Nothing else had worked so far. Thank you!