USB Plug for the 24 inch Apple cinema Display

[Sossity]

I have this monitor https://everymac.com/monitors/apple/studio_cinema/specs/apple-led-cinema-display-24-inch-specs.html, connected to my cMP 5,1 via mini display port.

I see that the cable it has, has three different plugs coming off it; the mini display port of which I am using, a charger plug for a laptop, and a USB plug.

I am low on some USB ports on my mac pro, and I have the USB monitor plug, plugged into my mac pro as well as the mini display port plug. If I unplugged the USB plug, it would free up a USB port on my mac pro. I have been afraid to do this, for fear of unplugging the monitor or something. Does the USB plug that comes from the ACD monitor power or connect the 3 USB ports on the back of the monitor to my mac pro desktop?

I am confused on what that USB plug coming from the monitor is exactly for, and do I need to have it plugged into my mac pro desktop?

 

[hg.wells]

Yes you’re right the USB cable is for the ports on the back of the monitor. If you’re not using them you don’t need it connected.

 

[DeltaMac]

hmm... Does the iSight camera on that display use the USB for its connection?

 

[chrfr]

I have this monitor https://everymac.com/monitors/apple/studio_cinema/specs/apple-led-cinema-display-24-inch-specs.html, connected to my cMP 5,1 via mini display port.

I see that the cable it has, has three different plugs coming off it; the mini display port of which I am using, a charger plug for a laptop, and a USB plug.

I am low on some USB ports on my mac pro, and I have the USB monitor plug, plugged into my mac pro as well as the mini display port plug. If I unplugged the USB plug, it would free up a USB port on my mac pro. I have been afraid to do this, for fear of unplugging the monitor or something. Does the USB plug that comes from the ACD monitor power or connect the 3 USB ports on the back of the monitor to my mac pro desktop?

I am confused on what that USB plug coming from the monitor is exactly for, and do I need to have it plugged into my mac pro desktop?

The display has a USB 2.0 hub in it and 3 USB ports on the back, so plug your devices into the display.
The USB cable on the display is also what allows the camera and brightness controls to work.