Connecting older mac mini to newer display

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Connecting older mac mini to newer display

How do I connect my older mac mini with thunderbolt 2 display port or HDMI display port to a new display with USB-C port? Is there an adapter available?

Posted on Aug 31, 2020 10:37 AM

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Answer 1

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Malcolm J. Rayfield

Level 7

22,951 points

Aug 31, 2020 5:31 PM in response to bipulbikash

There are two versions of the 24" LG display. The first was USB-C only, non-Thunderbolt. It has one USB-C port (no Lightning bolt icon) for the computer. It requires a computer with a USB-C port. (It doesn't have to be Thunderbolt 3.) It will not work with USB or Thunderbolt adapters. I doin't know of any way to make this display work with a 2014 Mac mini.

The latest version is USB-C and Thunderbolt 3. It has two USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 ports (Lightning bolt icon), and three USB-C (non-Thunderbolt 3) ports for peripherals. It should work with a Thunderbolt 3 adapter and Thunderbolt cable to a computer's Thunderbolt port.

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Answer 2

bipulbikash Author

Level 1

8 points

Aug 31, 2020 5:01 PM in response to Malcolm J. Rayfield

This is the LG 24" Ultrafine Display that I use with my MBP. The mac mini I am trying is 2014 later year model. And you are right, it is not working, now I go return the cable + adapter, may be I will have to buy another display with HDMI :(

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Answer 3

bipulbikash Author

Level 1

8 points

Aug 31, 2020 6:59 PM in response to Malcolm J. Rayfield

Makes sense it does not work as I have the first generation LG Ultrafine display. I just had made a trip to the neighborhood Costco and got a new monitor to cut this short ( now too many radiating components on my table! ). Another Apple specific issue for me was in the likes of when I could not have my MBP/MBA display in the iMac 5K as it was the first gen again - buying something first gen probably comes issues - oh well, can't wait -> pay the price! Thanks for your help, I really appreciate the knowledge and your detailed explanations.

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Answer 4

samtenor

Level 4

1,684 points

Aug 31, 2020 10:53 AM in response to bipulbikash

Thunderbolt 2 cable + Thunderbolt 3 - Thunderbolt 2 adapter

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Answer 5

bipulbikash Author

Level 1

8 points

Aug 31, 2020 11:23 AM in response to samtenor

Thanks, the adapter being bidirectional will help it. Will try this. Thank you for saving me from buying another display.

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Answer 6

Aug 31, 2020 4:58 PM in response to bipulbikash

What model display? There are some displays that use USB-C but not Thundrebolt 3. Those will not work with the Thunderbolt 3 adapter, even though the plug will fit.

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Connecting older mac mini to newer display

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