Optimal connections for 2015 MacBook Pro Retina

[amccallum1]

Hi All –



I’d be grateful for advice on optimal connections for my 2015 MacBook Pro Retina running OS 12.7.6, its latest compatible OS. The computer has the following connections:

• 2 x USB-3
• 2x Thunderbolt 2
• 1 x HDMI

Further details on Apple’s page here: https://support.apple.com/en-us/111955



I need to connect the following:



• hardwire connection to AirPort Extreme model A1521 – gigabit ethernet LAN port, details here: https://support.apple.com/en-us/112419

• two external drives, one SDD for data, one HDD for backup; both connect only via USB

• two external monitors



The obvious answer might be:

• the two external drives need to take the two USB ports
• The Airport via one of the Thunderbolt 2 connections, with appropriate ethernet adapter

which leaves:

• one monitor connected via Thunderbolt with appropriate HDMI adapter
• remaining monitor connected via USB-HDMI cable.

Should that work? Will the monitor setup automatically be detected by the OS such that the three displays (one internal to the MacBook plus the two externals) will automatically be detected by the OS and displayed for settings in System Preferences / Displays?

 

[bob_zz123]

Rather than using a USB-HDMI adaptor (which will probably be the sub-optimal DisplayLink because there is no native support for display out of a USB type A port), use both Thunderbolt ports for your external displays and get yourself a powered USB hub for your hard drives and a USB ethernet adaptor.

 

[xboxbml]

Hi All –



I’d be grateful for advice on optimal connections for my 2015 MacBook Pro Retina running OS 12.7.6, its latest compatible OS. The computer has the following connections:

• 2 x USB-3
• 2x Thunderbolt 2
• 1 x HDMI

Further details on Apple’s page here: https://support.apple.com/en-us/111955



I need to connect the following:



• hardwire connection to AirPort Extreme model A1521 – gigabit ethernet LAN port, details here: https://support.apple.com/en-us/112419

• two external drives, one SDD for data, one HDD for backup; both connect only via USB

• two external monitors



The obvious answer might be:

• the two external drives need to take the two USB ports
• The Airport via one of the Thunderbolt 2 connections, with appropriate ethernet adapter

which leaves:

• one monitor connected via Thunderbolt with appropriate HDMI adapter
• remaining monitor connected via USB-HDMI cable.

Should that work? Will the monitor setup automatically be detected by the OS such that the three displays (one internal to the MacBook plus the two externals) will automatically be detected by the OS and displayed for settings in System Preferences / Displays?

I believe that should work.. I've never seen just a TB2 ethernet adapter. I actually used to have an OWC Thunderbolt 2 Docking station that I used to connect everything to all 3 of my machines.. That worked great until my 2012 MBP blew it up. They're hard to find and are usually pretty pricey though. Been wanting to find another one but haven't found one for under 400$ yet near me.