Apple Intelligence is now available on iPhone, iPad, and Mac!

📢 Newsroom Update

Apple’s all-new Mac mini is more mighty, more mini, and built for Apple Intelligence. Learn more >

📢 Newsroom Update

Apple introduces M4 Pro and M4 Max. Learn more >

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Possible to connect a 30" Apple Cinema HD Display to 2020 Mac Mini?

I have an mid-2010 G5 tower I'm considering replacing with a new Mac Mini (2020). I still love my 30" Apple Cinema HD Display. Is there a way to use it with the new Mac Mini? Any downside to this idea? What adapter would I need to make it work? Thanks.

Posted on May 15, 2020 11:25 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on May 15, 2020 11:28 AM

Hello,


Apple has not released a Mac mini (2020) so I am assuming you are referring to the Mac mini (2018). It is possible to use a 30-inch Cinema Display with Mac mini by using a Thunderbolt 3 to DVI adapter.

7 replies

May 23, 2020 7:31 AM in response to heycarrieanne

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QKM856C

"for Apple OSX users, the resolution is hidden in the display options, when you hold down the "option" Key while changing the resolution 2560*1600 can be selected."


https://www.club-3d.com/en/openpdf/2471_3/pdf/checklist_cac_1010cac_1130cac_1510_a6_en_de_es.pdf/


Hold down the Option key while clicking the Scaled button in Displays system preference. What resolutions are shown?


May 15, 2020 8:55 PM in response to heycarrieanne

To use the 30" Apple display at full resolution you need Dual-Link DVI. Most adapters are single-link, even though they may use a dual-link DVI connector. Also the adapter must be Active. USB-C adapters plug into one of the Mac mini's Thunderbolt 3 ports.


This one may work:

https://www.club-3d.com/en/detail/2471/usb_type_c_to_dvi_i_dual_link_active_adapter/

"Supports resolutions up to 2560 x 1600p @ 60Hz( Apple users see Downloads)"

I'm not sure what the download means.



You could also use this USB-C to Mini DisplayPort adapter

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

with an Apple Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI adapter.

Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter - Business - Apple (SG)

if you can find one.

May 23, 2020 6:14 AM in response to heycarrieanne

So I switched plans and ended up upgrading my MacBook Pro to the latest 16". I purchased the USB Type C to DVI-D DUAL LINK Active Adapter and it works, it plugs in and mirrors, but the resolution is terrible! I've adjusted every option available to me, but I'm out of my depth to resolve this. Do I have the wrong adapter and I need something different for a 16" MBP to 32" Cinema Display? Thanks for your expertise!

Possible to connect a 30" Apple Cinema HD Display to 2020 Mac Mini?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.