I just bought a new 2020 Mac mini, which I now want to network with my early 2009 Mac Pro.
So what’s the best cable connectors to connect these two Macs?
My early 2009 Mac Pro has FireWire 800 - and USB2.
I assume I’d need some adaptor to connect the Thunderbolt 3 to an older USB or FireWire port on my 2009 Mac Pro.
Thanks for any help.
Mac mini, macOS 10.15
Hi there, John Nez
I think I can help you with your question.... Your early Mac Pro does have FireWire 800 and USB 2, but it should have an Ethernet socket around the back. I wouldn't bother with Firewire 800, it's mostly a legacy connector. Your 2020 Mac mini also has an Ethernet socket built in, so an Ethernet cable should be just fine. The Mac mini has a couple of USB-A ports on it as well as a couple of usb-C ports on it (thunderbolt 3 ??)....among other things, so either Ethernet or USB would work.
john b
Hi there, John Nez
I think I can help you with your question.... Your early Mac Pro does have FireWire 800 and USB 2, but it should have an Ethernet socket around the back. I wouldn't bother with Firewire 800, it's mostly a legacy connector. Your 2020 Mac mini also has an Ethernet socket built in, so an Ethernet cable should be just fine. The Mac mini has a couple of USB-A ports on it as well as a couple of usb-C ports on it (thunderbolt 3 ??)....among other things, so either Ethernet or USB would work.
john b
To use Target Disk Mode, you will need to chain together two very expensive Apple adapters.
A ThunderBolt 3/USB-C to Thunderbolt 2 adapter and a ThunderBolt 2 to FireWire adapter.
see > Use target disk mode to move files to another computer - Apple Support
For some other Sharing options, see > Share files on your Mac with other devices - Apple Support
Thanks! I think Ethernet might be easier... since the sound of those expensive FireWire converters sounds like $$$.
I don’t think in all the years I’ve used my Mac Pro that I ever once used the FireWire... just USB all the time instead.
Thanks!
Cables to connect 2020 Mac-mini to 2009 Mac Pro
