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BeatCrazy

macrumors 603
Original poster
Jul 20, 2011
5,189
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So, my 2016 rMB arrives today. I'll be initially using it for light editing in iMovie for some simple iPhone-shot videos away from home. I already have a Late 2014 Mac mini and Late 2013 Mac Pro. They are connected via Thunderbolt 2, and (most of the time) Target Disk Mode works well when I need to move large files between the two.

I understand the included OEM Apple USB-C cable does not support TDM. I plan on getting the $79 Apple HDMI multiport adapter. If I get a proper USB-C to USB-A cable, do you think that TDM will work reliably with my other Macs? Any hands on experience is appreciated.
 
I haven't personally tried it, but when I was researching it for my rMB 2015 to 2016 migration, I came across this article from Apple. Scroll down to the "Learn More" section at the bottom of the page.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204360

Your MacBook with USB-C port supports USB target disk mode. You can enable target disk mode and use the following USB-C cables to transfer data. These cables are not currently available from Apple.

  • USB 3.0 or USB 3.1 USB-A to USB-C Cable: Use this cable to manually transfer data from any Mac notebook with USB-A port(s) to your MacBook with USB-C port. This cable cannot be used to migrate data using the Setup Assistant or Migration Assistant application.
  • USB 3.0 or USB 3.1 USB-C Cable (USB-C to USB-C): Use this cable to migrate data from any MacBook with a USB-C port to another MacBook with USB-C port using the Setup Assistant or Migration Assistant application.
To enable target disk mode, hold down the T button on your keyboard while starting your MacBook. Then connect either of the USB-C cables described above. The USB-C Charge Cable (2m) supplied with your MacBook doesn't support target disk mode.​
 
I haven't personally tried it, but when I was researching it for my rMB 2015 to 2016 migration, I came across this article from Apple. Scroll down to the "Learn More" section at the bottom of the page.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204360

Your MacBook with USB-C port supports USB target disk mode. You can enable target disk mode and use the following USB-C cables to transfer data. These cables are not currently available from Apple.

  • USB 3.0 or USB 3.1 USB-A to USB-C Cable: Use this cable to manually transfer data from any Mac notebook with USB-A port(s) to your MacBook with USB-C port. This cable cannot be used to migrate data using the Setup Assistant or Migration Assistant application.
  • USB 3.0 or USB 3.1 USB-C Cable (USB-C to USB-C): Use this cable to migrate data from any MacBook with a USB-C port to another MacBook with USB-C port using the Setup Assistant or Migration Assistant application.
To enable target disk mode, hold down the T button on your keyboard while starting your MacBook. Then connect either of the USB-C cables described above. The USB-C Charge Cable (2m) supplied with your MacBook doesn't support target disk mode.​

Yes, I did see that page. I was hoping someone had actual experience doing it, and can recommend an appropriate cable.
 
I have not tried this, but this cable claims to support data transfer:
http://www.monoprice.com/product?c_id=103&cp_id=10303&cs_id=1030319&p_id=15076&seq=1&format=2

I have used TDM to transfer files between two MacBooks using a USB-C 3.1 data cable (also a Monoprice, IIRC). It isn't as fast as a Thunderbolt 2 connection but it works reasonably well.

Interesting. I also found this review for a similar cable, which confirms testing of TDM.

I was wondering if I could use the Apple USB-C Digital AV multiport adapter with a regular USB 3.0 type A to A cable, and still do TDM? In other words, does Apple's adapter allow for TDM pass-through, or do you have to connect the (proper USB-C to USB-A) cable to the rMB directly?
 
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Interesting. I also found this review for a similar cable, which confirms testing of TDM.

I was wondering if I could use the Apple USB-C Digital AV multiport adapter with a regular USB 3.0 type A to A cable, and still do TDM? In other words, does Apple's adapter allow for TDM pass-through, or do you have to connect the (proper USB-C to USB-A) cable to the rMB directly?
I don't think a USB-A to USB-A cable would work through the USB-C Digital AV adapter.
 
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I don't think a USB-A to USB-A cable would work through the USB-C Digital AV adapter.

Do you think that's because it has to pass through the adapter, or a limitation of a USB-A to USB-A cable?
 
Do you think that's because it has to pass through the adapter, or a limitation of a USB-A to USB-A cable?
The data cables need to be specifically designed for that purpose. I haven't seen many USB-A to USB-A cables (where both have the same plug at the end).
 
The data cables need to be specifically designed for that purpose. I haven't seen many USB-A to USB-A cables (where both have the same plug at the end).
I actually mistakenly bought one like this a while ago.
 
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