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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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!
Make sure Mirroring is off in Displays system preference. Mirroring different resolution displays can result in blurring.
Which adapter are you using? If it's not really dual-link, it will still work, but at half resolution.
Using this adapter: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QKM856C?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
That did it! I'm not sure how I arrived at the right resolution, but it did work and I'm confident I can do it again when I need to. The Option key was the trick. Thanks!
Possible to connect a 30" Apple Cinema HD Display to 2020 Mac Mini?
