How to Hook Up Old Apple 30" Cinema HD Display to New 2019 iMac

Question

How to Hook Up Old Apple 30" Cinema HD Display to New 2019 iMac

I've been unable to figure out how to hook up my old but wonderful 2005 Apple 30" Cinema HD display to my brand new 2019 iMac. The Cinema display uses the Apple Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter. That adapter has one USB-A and one MDP (Mini DisplayPort) cable. I've connected the USB-A to the iMac's standard USB port.

For the MDP, I first tried connecting it to the iMac using Apple's Thunderbolt 2 to Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) adapter. No luck – the display was not recognized by the iMac. Then I tried using an ASL (All Smart Life) MDP to USB-C adapter. Again, no luck.

On each attempt, the Cinema display showed an active power light (the tiny white light in the bottom right corner) and, when the power button on the display was pressed, the iMac asked if it should shut down.

Some folks have used the ASL successfully to connect one of these 30" displays to a modern MacBook that uses USB-C but apparently there is some difference with the iMac. Another has said that the OWC Thunderbolt 3 Dock worked great with a slightly older iMac but the price is a bit high.

Anyone have any success hooking up on old 30" Cinema HD display to the latest iMac?

iMac 27", macOS 10.14

Posted on Apr 22, 2019 4:23 PM

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Answer 1

Apr 26, 2019 3:28 PM in response to OldTimeMacker

Yay! The UPTab USB-C to Mini DisplayPort adapter works!

Thanks for the help, Malcolm!

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Answer 2

Apr 23, 2019 5:29 PM in response to OldTimeMacker

The one directly from UPTab says it has a new chip that supports adapters. The one from Amazon may be an older version since it says:

"This adapter will NOT work in combination with DVI adapters. This adapter is NOT compatible with other inline adapters between the adapter and the monitor."

Maybe they're the same and Amazon just hasn't updated the specs, but I wouldn't risk it just to save on shipping. Amazon may not accept a return if their site said it wouldn't work for your application.

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Answer 3

Apr 23, 2019 7:37 AM in response to Malcolm J. Rayfield

Thanks, Malcolm, but just to be clear (and safe) is the Uptab you are suggesting the same as the one at Amazon here? If not the same one then awesome and I'll try it. If so, then the comments at Amazon are a concern, especially the first ones: "This adapter will NOT work with Apple Thunderbolt Cinema Display. This adapter will NOT work in combination with DVI adapters."

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Answer 4

Apr 23, 2019 6:39 PM in response to Malcolm J. Rayfield

Will order directly and once arrives will report here the success. Thanks again, Malcolm!

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Answer 5

Apr 22, 2019 4:53 PM in response to OldTimeMacker

Thunderbolt adapters won't work for non=Thunderbolt displays. The UPTab USB-C to Mini DisplayPort adapter will work with your Mini DisplayPort to dual-link DVI adapter.

https://www.uptab.com/uptab-usb-c-type-c-to-mini-displayport-adapter-4k-60hz-silver/

"With our new chip this adapter will work together with Active in-line DVI-D or DVI to Mini DisplayPort Adapters."

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How to Hook Up Old Apple 30" Cinema HD Display to New 2019 iMac

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