Thunderbolt 3 Dock --> Thunderbolt 2 Macbook Pro

Discussion in 'MacBook Pro' started by bgro, May 19, 2018.

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  1. bgro, May 19, 2018

    bgro macrumors 65816

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    #1
    I'm looking to get a dock to connect all my peripherals and then connect the dock to my 2014 Macbook Pro 13". I understand I can get a Thunderbolt 2 dock and be done but I'd like to futureproof my dock purchase as I plan on upgrading my Macbook Pro in the next 2-3 years. Been searching and can't find a clear answer on this:

    Can I connect my peripherals to the Thunderbolt 3 dock and then the dock to my thunderbolt 2 equipped Macbook Pro?

    Thinking about this dock https://www.amazon.com/Plugable-Thu...1526744759&sr=8-6&keywords=thunderbolt+3+dock

    My setup would be as follows:
    Macbook - Thunderbolt 2 --> Thunderbolt 3 on dock
    Monitor 1 - Display port --> Display port on dock
    Monitor 2 - Display port --> Thunderbolt 3 on dock
    USB peripherals --> USB ports on dock

    I understand that if this setup worked I would still have to charge my macbook using the magsafe charger.

    Would this work?
     
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  2. MSastre, May 19, 2018

    MSastre macrumors 6502

    MSastre

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    Aug 18, 2014
    #2
    Thunderbolt 3 dock should work. Most new ports are backwards compatible with older ones.
     
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  3. treekram, May 19, 2018

    treekram macrumors 68000

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    #3
    On the Amazon link you provided, on the 8th page of questions, Plugable says that this requires a TB3 system, thus using a TB3-to-TB2 adapter (the Apple one is supposed to be bi-directionaly) will not work with this dock - according to Plugable.

    I've got a 2015 macbook pro with thunderbolt 2. will this work as a doc for that with an adapter ? wish it had a thunderbolt2/mini dp.

    Answer:
    MANUFACTURER ANSWER: Thanks for asking! Unfortunately no -- this requires a compatible Thunderbolt 3 host system. Plugable does not make any Thunderbolt 2 docks, but there are several options from other vendors you may wish to consider.

    This was from Dec. 2017. I don't think the answer would have changed - but Plugable has been responding to questions on Amazon so you can ask again and see what Plugable says.
     
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  4. bgro, May 24, 2018

    bgro thread starter macrumors 65816

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    #4
    Thanks..still looking for options..hard to find an answer. Probably just order a few to see if they work..
     
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