Level 6

16,014 points

Connecting old Apple Cinema Display to new Mac Mini (M1)

I'm thinking about getting one of the new Mac Mini computers. I was thinking about using my existing display with it, but am unsure if it will be supported. I believe the older models do support it with an adapter. Unfortunately they had USB-C ports and this one has USB-4 ports. I don't know if USB-C and USB-4 are interchangeable here. Anyone know? If they have a better adapter choice, I'm open to suggestions. I'm assuming the USB 2.0 connector will work with the USB A port (display uses USB 2 and mini DisplayPort).

Hardware I wish to connect to (2020 M1 mode):

https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/specs/

Display I wish to connect (non-thunderbolt):

https://support.apple.com/kb/sp597?locale=en_US

Adapter I'm thinking to use:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N4FQNYW?ots=1&th=1

Mac mini 2018 or later

Posted on Nov 14, 2020 11:18 AM

Top-ranking reply

JaiMM

Level 1

9 points

Posted on Jan 22, 2021 10:19 AM

I just bought the new Mac Mini with the M1 chip and wanted to connect an old 20" Cinema Display (A1080). So I called Apple Support and got a great tech that said to use a USB Type C (Thunderbolt 3) to DVI Adapter. I bought the Benfei USB 3.1 (USB-C) to DVI-D Adapter on Amazon. It works! Here's a run down of the connections:

1) Cinema Display DVI connects to the Benfei which connects to the Thunderbolt/USB4 port on the Mini

2) Cinema Display USB connects to the USB-A on the Mini

3) Cinema Display Mini Display Port (MDP) is left unconnected to anything

So I learned two things from the Apple tech: the Thunderbolt/USB4 port on the new Mac Mini M1 accepts USB-C and the MDP does not have to connect to anything.

View in context

Similar questions

119 replies

Apr 20, 2021 4:15 PM in response to pmiles

Nope. I tried the Thunderbolt 3 USB-C to Thunderbolt 2 adapter from Apple. My monitor did not turn on.

G63TCI

Level 1

4 points

Jun 4, 2021 4:40 PM in response to pmiles

P15 Xeon 10885m

rtxquadro5000 Gpu

3 cinema hd displays

30”hd display running at full resolution

using dvi converters

B8eca23

Level 1

4 points

Jul 13, 2021 12:22 PM in response to coligreens

Oh thank you, do you have the same set up as me? the mac mini with the M1 chip and the cinema screen from around 2010?

Jul 13, 2021 12:24 PM in response to B8eca23

I think so. Its a 27" LED cinema display that I bought with my 2010 Mac pro

Nov 19, 2020 5:03 PM in response to Malcolm J. Rayfield

Received my M1 Mac Mini on Tuesday the 17th  and tried to connect my 2008 Apple Cinema Display using DVI to HDMI adapter and the screen flashes. Nothing else. Too old? The display still works and I don’t see a need to replace it since getting it with my Mac  Pro 1.1 cheese grater. Something ok overlooking?

Nov 21, 2020 2:32 AM in response to pmiles

If the USB-C adapter won't work with the non-thunderbolt displays, there might be a small chance, that an HDMI-Mini Display adapter could solve the problem.

I'm thinking one of these:

https://www.amazon.com/DisplayPort-Converter-QGeeM-Compliant-Dual-Mode/dp/B07H29J86N

Until then, I guess we need to wait until someone tries it out.:)

Nov 24, 2020 5:20 PM in response to pmiles

It seems that the Mac Mini MI just doesn't work with HTMI to DVI cables. Get the same flashing on multiple monitors. Maybe it needs the HTMI 2 cabling, but if so,that is spectacularly lame design. If anyone can confirm this, please do.

Dec 8, 2020 6:45 PM in response to pmiles

I have both the 24" LED Cinema Display and the 27" LED Cinema Display (models A1287 and A1316 - both non-thunderbolt). I have purchased both of the recommended mini-display port to USB-C adapters (the UpTab adapter and the ITANDA adapter), and neither one work. The Cinema Displays I own are definitely not the problem as they both work fine with an older MacBook Pro. The displays both have three cords: 1) Mini-Display Port; 2) Regular USB; and 3) Power cord. I connect the first two, and know that I do not need to connect the cord that powered much older Macs. What am I doing wrong? Thanks, Brent

CoreySch

Level 1

4 points

Dec 13, 2020 2:59 PM in response to Adheft

Adheft,

I've searched all over trying to figure out how to connect both of my A1407 27" Apple Thunderbolt Displays to my new M1 Mac Mini. Was strongly considering returning it as I love these monitors and aren't ready to upgrade them.

So excited to order these and see if they work for me as well! Thanks!

CoreySch

Level 1

4 points

Dec 13, 2020 10:06 PM in response to Adheft

Thanks for looking into that! Unfortunately I have the newer A1407 Thunderbolt version of the monitor and that isn't supported through the adapter. I haven't been able to find any way to connect both monitors. Just 1 via a Thunderbolt to USB-C adapter.

Crazy that it will support running 2 older DisplayPort Cinema Displays but not 2 of the newer Thunderbolt displays.

Nov 21, 2020 8:55 AM in response to Robert Pena

Last time I uploaded a photo and it was upside down was on a Windows machine. Took the pic with my iPhone and now I see it upside down. Weird.

Nov 25, 2020 5:54 AM in response to pmiles

@pmiles

Thanks for the confirmation! Looks like we have to order the new Mini! :)))

CoreySch

Level 1

4 points

Dec 13, 2020 3:01 PM in response to CoreySch

On second glance it doesn't look like the adapter supports the Thunderbolt Display. Back to square one.

Taisho95

Level 1

4 points

Dec 17, 2020 10:36 AM in response to Adheft

Hi, on the Mini dispaly port to HDMI are you able to adjust the brightness of the monitor?

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Connecting old Apple Cinema Display to new Mac Mini (M1)