Mac mini (2020) + Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Cable + Samsung display not working

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Mac mini (2020) + Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Cable + Samsung display not working

Hi,

I bought a Mac mini earlier this year. When I plug it into my Samsung display with the Apple Thunderbolt 3 0.8m cable (which was recommended with the Mac mini) it works fine, however I wanted to get a longer cable so bought the Belkin 2m Thunderbolt 3 cable (also from Apple store). When I plug it into my display nothing happens / the display doesn't pick up any signal.

Is there as reason for this - does the Apple Thunderbolt cable support some form of display technology which is not supported by the Belkin cable? If so then what are my options for a longer compatible cable? The display model details are: Samsung LC34H890WJU LED display 86.4cm 34" ultra-wide quad HD curved black.

Thanks,

James.

Mac mini 2018 or later

Posted on Apr 23, 2020 7:38 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Malcolm J. Rayfield

Level 7

23,095 points

Apr 23, 2020 11:07 AM in response to Giacomo89

That display uses USB-C but is not Thunderbolt 3. Short (less than 1m) Thunderbolt 3 cables just have wires connecting each end, and will work for both Thunderbolt 3 and non-Thunderbolt USB. Longer Thunderbolt 3 cables have electronics in the connectors to amplify the Thunderbolt signals to handle the extra length, and will not work for non-Thunderbolt USB-C devices.

You need a non-Thunderbolt USB-C cable.

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