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Mid-2015 Macbook Pro with TB3 Dock?

greg5green

greg5green

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Oct 2, 2012
19
12
Durham, NC
I've been thinking about buying a TB dock for my mid-2015 MBP, but am close to having my work laptop upgraded to a newer model so want something that works with both -- do the TB3 docks' display out work with a mid-2015 MBP with the TB3->TB2 adatper (specifically display port and the OWC dock)? I would [initially] be hooking up MBP -> TB2 cable -> TB3 to TB2 adapter (https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MMEL2AM/A/thunderbolt-3-usb-c-to-thunderbolt-2-adapter) -> dock -> [mini-]DisplayPort -> Dell 27UH13.

The waters are a bit muddy to me since I know going from TB3->mDP doesn't work, but in my searching I haven't been able to find an answer about this more complicated setup. Further muddying the waters, I know most/all of the docks have their own Thunderbolt chipsets in them.

Conversely, would the opposite work (as in 2017 MBP TB3 to TB2 adapter -> dock -> monitor)?
 
I am interested in this as well, as my understanding on this is also limited. To my understanding based on an interaction with CalDigit, the Apple TB3-->TB2 adapter does not transfer DisplayPort to a non-Thunderbolt display in either direction and so this would not work with any display using a mDP/DP connection unless the display has a Thunderbolt chipset. I say to my understanding because I am still not 100% clear on this either and my understanding here could be incorrect.

If such is the case and you are upgrading soon, going with the TB3 dock and TB3-->TB2 adapter to get data through the dock on your current 2015 (using the second TB2/mDP or HDMI out for the display now) and then being able to use the TB3 dock for display, power, and data in the future with the new MBP might be the most convenient down the road?
 
Bandwidth is cut in half, so it might work but some features would be disabled or slower.
 
Sorry for the delay, but I have an update. A lot has happened since then for me (tech wise and personal wise so it's a little more complicated than "yes it works" or "no it doesn't work"). I never ended up sending an email to OWC because I procrastinated A LOT.

I ended up switching jobs at the beginning of the year and the mid-2015 MBP was issued by my previous job, so it's gone. My old, personal mid-2010 15" MBP was pretty long in the tooth (the battery was shot and when plugged into my 1440p display via Mini-DisplayPort, it would lag scrolling through most websites even) so I went and got myself a refurbished 13" 2017 nTB MBP for cheap (btw, love it -- I thought I would hate the keyboard). I then purchased the TB3 dock since I now had TB3 equipment and I've wanted it (or a TB2 dock) for a while. I figured no matter what my new job issued me for a computer, I would make it work somehow.

My new job issued me a mid-2014 15" MBP. Today, I finally made it to the Apple store to purchase way too expensive adapters and cables (TB3->TB2 adapter and 2m TB2 cable).

IT WORKS! (at least with my mid-2014 MBP with non-integrated graphics) The display comes through fine from the computer (2014 MBP->TB2->TB3->Dock->Mini-DisplayPort->Monitor). Obviously need to plug in a separate power cable, but that is no biggie. I assume this would work for different models than mine too that are TB2, but YMMV.

If anyone has any questions about my set up, feel free to ask away since I had a lot of trouble finding info about this before.
 
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Hey, can you only get display information through this dock setup or is it also possible to connect a hard-drive or ethernet.

I want to connect a 2015 MBpro to a TB-3 dock and then put it out of sight and only work with the dock.
 
Last edited:
Drommsen said:
Hey, can you only get display information through this dock setup or is it also possible to connect a hard-drive or ethernet.

I want to connect a 2015 MBpro to a TB-3 dock and then put it out of sight and only work with the dock.
Click to expand...

Sorry to not respond for a while -- hadn't checked my old posts.

I definitely use the ethernet port on the dock, along with hooking up several USB-A accessories. I'm sure a hard drive would work.
 
greg5green said:
Sorry to not respond for a while -- hadn't checked my old posts.

I definitely use the ethernet port on the dock, along with hooking up several USB-A accessories. I'm sure a hard drive would work.
Click to expand...

Hey, no problem

Thanks for the information, I had no time to buy a new mbpro+dock but will consider it for the near future.
 
Hi there! I hope it's still relevant for you.
Are you able to charge your MacBook using this scheme? (MacBook -> TB2 -> adapter -> TB3 -> Charger)
 
greg5green said:
IT WORKS! (at least with my mid-2014 MBP with non-integrated graphics) The display comes through fine from the computer (2014 MBP->TB2->TB3->Dock->Mini-DisplayPort->Monitor). Obviously need to plug in a separate power cable, but that is no biggie. I assume this would work for different models than mine too that are TB2, but YMMV.
Click to expand...
Hello everyone,

I have a similar case... I have a MacBook Pro Mid 2015 and I am wondering if I can also plug a dock (like Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Dock) with my MBP which have Thunderbolt 2 port. For my display I have two monitors, a monitor with Display port and a monitor with VGA and DVI port.

I am wondering if it can work also for me !

Thanks for your answers :)
 
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