Mike Oscar

Q: 30" Cinema Display 2nd Monitor for Retina iMac

I have a new 27" iMac with Retina 5K display, 4GHz Intel Core i7, 32GB 1600MHz memory and AMD Radeon R9 graphics.  It replaces a MacPo with a 30" Apple Cinema Display.  My question is can I use the Cinema Display as a second monitor for the iMac.  I assume I will at least have to purchase a DVI to Thunderbolt adaptor

iMac with Retina 5K display, OS X Yosemite (10.10.1), Intel Core i7, AMD Radeon R9 graphi

Posted on Feb 26, 2015 2:56 PM

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Q: 30" Cinema Display 2nd Monitor for Retina iMac

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  • by Niel,Helpful

    Niel Niel Feb 26, 2015 2:59 PM in response to Mike Oscar
    Level 10 (313,723 points)
    Mac OS X
    Feb 26, 2015 2:59 PM in response to Mike Oscar

    Yes. You need a Mini DisplayPort to dual-link DVI adapter.

     

    (123188)

  • by Mike Oscar,

    Mike Oscar Mike Oscar Feb 27, 2015 1:14 AM in response to Niel
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 27, 2015 1:14 AM in response to Niel

    The iMac doesn't have a Mini DisplayPort does it, or am I missing something here?

  • by Mike Oscar,

    Mike Oscar Mike Oscar Feb 27, 2015 1:33 AM in response to Mike Oscar
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 27, 2015 1:33 AM in response to Mike Oscar

    Ah, but wait a minute, the Thunderbolt ports double up as Mini Display ports don't they.  Thanks Niel.

  • by Mike Oscar,

    Mike Oscar Mike Oscar Feb 27, 2015 1:36 AM in response to Niel
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 27, 2015 1:36 AM in response to Niel

    Ah, but wait a minute, the Thunderbolt ports double up as Mini Display ports don't they.  Thanks Niel.

  • by K Shaffer,Helpful

    K Shaffer K Shaffer Feb 27, 2015 1:41 AM in response to Mike Oscar
    Level 6 (14,451 points)
    Desktops
    Feb 27, 2015 1:41 AM in response to Mike Oscar

    The Thunderbolt 2 ports appear to allow use of a few adapters and cable options.

    Seems a few adapters appear in the Store add-on accessory page, point of sale:

    http://store.apple.com/us/buy-mac/imac-retina?product=MF886LL/A&step=config#acce ssories

     

    Screen Shot 2015-02-27 at 12.21.00 AM.png

    And a look at the port configuration shows the layout, and recent changes there.

    Since the available Thunderbolt 2 ports offer higher spec and compatibility via

    adapter to older spec, their appearance is almost deceptive... Some items may

    not work as expected or with incorrect adapters, cables, etc. The newer display

    (than 30" Cinema) would have a Thunderbolt 2 cable, and not need an adapter.

    Special needs of the largest Cinema drive the need for the dual-link DVI. My 20"

    Cinema display is the smallest one of the group, uses different adapter connect

    to run with Late 2012 Mini quad.

     

    Good luck with your upscale iMac...

  • by Mike Oscar,

    Mike Oscar Mike Oscar Feb 27, 2015 2:48 AM in response to K Shaffer
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 27, 2015 2:48 AM in response to K Shaffer

    I think the adapter I need is this one:

    http://store.apple.com/uk/reviews/MB571Z/A/mini-displayport-to-dual-link-dvi-ada pter?fnode=0692b6091a43f88a2529bdaf77edc1a45441c76bd7a898d4e0e29a2b2d619cbf18ad4 42816bb88f703cf4ff6a2ddbbe99e4e6884741e1399f6fd8239a91d7672b0533e603cbc00eae8fa8 63035ce19f888e36f258d2fc62beefe8c0a848e864a07d3592bbcc26656256c7ea80b99498b&page =0&rs=newest

     

    But there are many negative comments about the product although if the comments are arranged in 'newest first 'order it does seem that recent users of the adapter are more positive about it.  Perhaps some changes have been made.  One user did point out that the adaptor makes no provision for the Cinema Display Firewire 400 connection.

     

    Thanks to you all for the helpful comments and advice.

  • by K Shaffer,

    K Shaffer K Shaffer Feb 27, 2015 3:03 AM in response to Mike Oscar
    Level 6 (14,451 points)
    Desktops
    Feb 27, 2015 3:03 AM in response to Mike Oscar

    For use with my newer MINI, the Cinema display required a FireWire800 to 400 adapter.

    Of course the Retina 27-inch iMac 5K does not have FireWire at all...!

    A second Thunderbolt to FW adapter?

     

    So I ended up purchasing a Moshe design with short cable and two plugs instead of a

    hard plastic (less costly) cheap one that may have leverage/damage the computer port.

    At least the computer included the DVI to HDMI adapter in the kit.

     

    Some of the other adapters likely should still appear in the Apple Store online. I'd not

    researched further there, but will probably have to purchase a few more. The online

    sources for adapters may include OWC macsales.com, as they also have good pre-

    sale support. You can get info and then think about it awhile.

     

    Anyway, the time here is 2AM AKST, so it's time to be going offline...

    Good luck & happy computing!

     

    edited

  • by Mike Oscar,

    Mike Oscar Mike Oscar Feb 27, 2015 7:53 AM in response to K Shaffer
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 27, 2015 7:53 AM in response to K Shaffer

    Well, I've just ordered the Apple Mini DisplayPort to dual-link DVI adapter.  It is due for delivery to me on Monday 2nd. I'll let you know how I get on.

  • by Malcolm J. Rayfield,Solvedanswer

    Malcolm J. Rayfield Malcolm J. Rayfield Feb 27, 2015 7:40 PM in response to K Shaffer
    Level 5 (7,945 points)
    Feb 27, 2015 7:40 PM in response to K Shaffer

    For use with my newer MINI, the Cinema display required a FireWire800 to 400 adapter.

    Only needed if you want to use the display's FireWire ports.

  • by K Shaffer,

    K Shaffer K Shaffer Feb 28, 2015 2:17 AM in response to Malcolm J. Rayfield
    Level 6 (14,451 points)
    Desktops
    Feb 28, 2015 2:17 AM in response to Malcolm J. Rayfield

    In the personal example given, that was the sole purpose;

    and also noted the new iMac retina 27-inch model has no

    FireWire ports; so the adapting of FW to that model would

    require some product to go from Thunderbolt 2 to FW.

    If one desired to use old FW400, yet another adapter such

    as the Moshe FW800 to 400, as my Late2012 Mini required

    for use with the Apple 20-inch Cinema aluminum display.

     

    A work-around if possible, involves another TBlt adapter.

    At some point, the potential of failure given adapters and

    older technologies, was also mentioned. re: Trial & Error.

     

    So, in that instance, there was no discrepancy or error given

  • by Mike Oscar,

    Mike Oscar Mike Oscar Mar 2, 2015 1:02 PM in response to Mike Oscar
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 2, 2015 1:02 PM in response to Mike Oscar

    Well, the Mini DisplayPort to Dual Link DVI Adapter has arrived and been installed.  The dual link DVI cable and the USB cable coming from the Cinema Display (CD) are connected to the adapter.  The power connection from the CD is plugged into the original CD power adapter and that is connected to the mains power supply.  The video and USB connections from the DVI adapter are plugged into Thunderbolt  and USB ports on the back of the iMac.

    Here's what I've got:

    • The CD does not light up and in fact there is no power-on light visible.  Yes, I have tried turning the CD on, several times.    I have also tried a different  power cable and power socket;  The same power socket is supplying other things so it is okay
    • Displays system preferences can see the second screen and recognises it for what it is, a Cinema Display;
    • The Apple Menu About this Mac,Displays Menu shows the two displays, Retina and Cinema;
    • I can manipulate the various options in System Preferences  and the CD image in preferences shows the correct background. In System Preferences-Displays I have arranged the two screens as side by side with the iMac screen having the Menu Bar;
    • Clearly the iMac sees the CD and is comfortable with it.
    • The Cinema Display was working perfectly in its previous (MacPro) configuration.

    So, Initially disappointed but not beaten yet.  I am surprised by the failure of the display power light to show and that would be the obvious focus of fault-finding attention. Not sure if the CD needs some kind of extra, ie, more powerful, input from the iMac to encourage it to power on.  The iMac does have the AMD Radeon R9 M295X 4096 MB graphics card and is certainly expected to drive a second display.

     

    Just had a thought, I also have a new MacBook Pro.  I'll try connecting the CD to that.  But I really think that power light should illuminate even if it's not connected to anything.

    No good, the MacBook also sees the second screen but there is still no response from the Cinema Display.

     

    So I'm stuck for the moment.  Anyone got any ideas?

     

    Mike

  • by Mike Oscar,

    Mike Oscar Mike Oscar Mar 3, 2015 9:01 AM in response to Mike Oscar
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 3, 2015 9:01 AM in response to Mike Oscar

    Then I had a further thought.  I've still got the MacPro, so why not power that up with the CD and see if it still works.

    I did and it didn't.  Hmmm.

    Someone suggested I zap the Pram on the MacPro, so I did.  No change.  The MacPro feels warm, the CD is stone cold.

     

    Any other ideas?

  • by Mike Oscar,

    Mike Oscar Mike Oscar Mar 3, 2015 9:03 AM in response to Mike Oscar
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 3, 2015 9:03 AM in response to Mike Oscar

    How can I check if there is any output from The Cinema Display power adapter?

  • by K Shaffer,

    K Shaffer K Shaffer Mar 3, 2015 10:59 AM in response to Mike Oscar
    Level 6 (14,451 points)
    Desktops
    Mar 3, 2015 10:59 AM in response to Mike Oscar

    Other than carefully using a good multi-meter to test output, and see if the power

    supply is within the stated (or otherwise published?) parameters of the display,

    you may not be able to tell directly. Sometimes, there could be another part inside

    the display itself that is acting up; at least the power supply is external, accessible.

     

    There may be a few youtube or other online videos, that show some aspects

    otherwise more difficult to fathom; you may have to spring for a $100/$200

    replacement supply by part number, however if the circuit board inside the 30-

    inch display has a failed component, then you'd be looking at other parts, too.

     

    For a look into a cross section of retail/used displays and a few components:

    http://www.thefind.com/computers/browse-apple-cinema-display-power

     

    Someone adapted a different power unit from something else, here:

    http://pixelchimp.net/blog/pixel-chimp/replacement-power-supply-apple-cinema-dis play

     

    There are motherboards and other parts inside, to include cold fluorescent backlights.

    OR with later model, the LED. And all early models did not have MagSafe DC outputs.

     

    And these can add to the troubleshooting. If the display worked with a different Mac

    then didn't with yet another, but returned to functional status when swapped back to

    the original or another; this may indicate a faulty wire near a plug on a cable. Or it

    could indicate something that was running hot (in display, or in specific Mac) that

    shut off due to built-in limits and temperature sensitive overload protection.

     

    Not sure if the iFixit site shows any inside information on early or late Aluminum Cinema

    displays; first three, as stated in an older Apple Support article may have different parts.

    The later model included ThunderBolt2, while earlier build didn't.

     

    If the power supply has the input/output specifications, then you may be able to check

    the output against a good digital multimeter. Or carry the unit to a shop (call ahead) to

    see if they can test it for you. Someone who has a known-good power unit certainly

    would be a very helpful person to know. Some of these were backward compatible to

    a smaller screen model; but not all. The small 20-inch used much less output, so the

    limit on that may be to use a 23-inch adapter with the 20-inch; or 30-inch with 23, etc.

     

    The newer models may not share the same power supplies. I have not researched this.

    Older ones do not have the power for MagSafe to use with MacBook product. When

    replacing the power supply be sure there is adequate compatibility; a slightly higher out-

    put supply should be OK since it won't under-power the display, other things being equal.

    (Or, if not, that may be the rub.)

     

    So, if you have the meter to test power output, that may be a start.

    However with the circuitry inside, other troubleshooting is likely.

    With the DC output from the display adapter, a good meter should

    be simple enough to test. It would show a negative value if you do

    not have the leads in the correct power source for + pos - neg.

     

    Good luck in this matter...!

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