Using my old 30inch Apple Cinema Display with newer Mac Mini

Question

Using my old 30inch Apple Cinema Display with newer Mac Mini

Hi,

I own an older 30" Apple Cinema Display that still looks and works great. I currently use it with my 2012 Mac Pro (6 core - 32 gigs of Ram). I want to use it with a new M1 Mac Mini and am wondering if there is a converter cable or switcher that I can use. Also I would like to use my wired keyboard an mouse from my older computer. I realize I won't be able to use both computers simultaneously.

Is this possible? Will the new Mac Mini be faster than my Mac Pro? (Ha ha).

Thanks for assisting!

Mac mini 2018 or later

Posted on May 11, 2021 10:18 AM

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Answer 1

May 11, 2021 8:33 PM in response to Gary Goldblum

To get full resolution, the 30" display needs Dual-Link DVI, such as

https://www.startech.com/en-us/audio-video-products/cdp2dvidp

Connect it to one of the Mac mini's Thunderbolt/USB-C ports.

If you want to use the HDMI port you will need a HDMI to DisplayPort adapter

https://www.club-3d.com/en/detail/2431/hdmi_to_displayport_adapter/

followed by a DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI converter.

https://www.startech.com/en-us/audio-video-products/dp2dvid2

You can use USB phone chargers for the adapters' USB plugs so you don't use all the Mac mini's ports.

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Answer 2

RUSD tech

Level 4

1,525 points

May 11, 2021 10:33 AM in response to Gary Goldblum

The new M1 Mini will probably outperform your Xeon based Mac Pro as I have seen all my Intel machines that can't keep up due to thermal throttling of the Intel CPUs.

As for your old USB mouse and keyboard, there are 2 USB-A ports on the back of the M1 Mini.

You will need to use the HDMI port and use an adapter to convert to DVI-SL.

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Answer 3

May 12, 2021 10:24 AM in response to Malcolm J. Rayfield

Thanks!!

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Using my old 30inch Apple Cinema Display with newer Mac Mini

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