30 Inch Cinima HD Display and a new Mac Mini

Question

30 Inch Cinima HD Display and a new Mac Mini

Hi,

I own an older 30 inch Apple Cinema HD Display which I use with my Mac Pro (old cheese grater/2012). I am thinking about buying a new Mac Mini and I want to be able to use the same keyboard/mouse and my 30 inch Cinema HD Display. I would like to be able to switch between the two computers while using the same keyboard/mouse and video display.

I know there is something called a KVM switch that does this, however the Cinema Display has a DVI (I think that's what its called) connection and the Mac Mini has an HDMI. I have been unable to find a switcher that has both connection types and was told if I use an adapter that it might look wonky.

Any ideas are appreciated!

One other question, can you stick an additional SSD in the new Mac mini? (upgrade them down the road)?

Thanks!

Gary

Mac Pro, macOS 10.13

Posted on Jul 15, 2020 7:16 AM

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Answer 1

Best reply

Malcolm J. Rayfield

Level 7

22,975 points

Jul 16, 2020 10:52 AM in response to Gary Goldblum

Most DVI cables and adapters are single-link, which limits resolution to a maximum of 1920 X 1200. The 30" display is 2560 X 1600 and needs dualhttps://www.startech.com/AV/display-and-video-adapters/usb-c-video-adapters/usb-c-dvi-adapter-dual-link~CDP2DVIDP

Some single-link cables and adapters use dual-link connectors, so you can't always tell just by looking.

Here are some USB-C to dual-link DVI adapters:

https://www.amazon.com https://www.startech.com/AV/display-and-video-adapters/usb-c-video-adapters/usb-c-dvi-adapter-dual-link~CDP2DVIDP

Be sure to get the HDCP Off version.

https://www.startech.com/AV/display-and-video-adapters/usb-c-video-adapters/usb-c-dvi-adapter-dual-link~CDP2DVIDP

Don't forget to connect the display's USB cable to the computer.

To switch between computers you will need Dual-Link DVI KVM Switch.

https://www.startech.com/Server-Management/KVM-Switches/2-Port-High-Resolution-USB-DVI-Dual-Link-KVM-Switch-with-Audio~SV231DVIUAHR

https://www.amazon.com/IOGEAR-2-Port-Dual-Link-Cable-GCS982U/dp/B0073W6YDA

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Answer 2

Jul 16, 2020 10:09 AM in response to Malcolm J. Rayfield

Hi Malcolm,

I'm a little confused to what a dual link dvi adapter is. I know the 30" display has a dvi connection (as does my older Mac Pro) and I think the Mac mini has HDMI. One of the previous comments also mentioned thunderbolt.

Any links you can provide would be helpful.

Thanks for your time.

Gary

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