How to hook up mac mini (A1347) to Apple cinema display (A1316)

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Level 1

8 points

How to hook up mac mini (A1347) to Apple cinema display (A1316)

First question is, when plugged in should the display light up at all? It’s not showing any indication it’s on.

There are two cords coming out the display, one with two heads so three connectors. One goes into the wall for power. One is a thunderbolt, the last is an ac adaptor for a laptop. At the back of my Mac mini I plugged the thunderbolt into the mini display because it looks exactly like the correct plug. I did this instinctively and only realized later that they aren’t labeled the same.

I will attempt to upload photos of the back of my Mac and display and cords for clearer/direct explanation. They are only uploading upside down. Best I can do!

I did search the community here but didn’t get a understanding of what I need.

Posted on Jul 23, 2021 2:50 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

samtenor

Level 4

1,828 points

Jul 23, 2021 6:42 PM in response to miss808

It happened I still have my 2010 Mac Mini (like yours) and, curiously, I tried the same setup with one of my Thunderbolt Display.

The screen will not work.

According to Apple: https://support.apple.com/kb/sp642?locale=en_US

Thunderbolt Display would only work with Thunderbolt equipped devices, such as 2011 Mac Mini and after.

I love my Thunderbolt Displays, although less optimal webcam, 2560x1440 resolution - it serves well for documents and web surfing etc. I also swap Thunderbolt Display's cable in between M1 MacBook Air and M1 Mac Mini (with TB 3 -> TB2 adapter) when needed.

My suggestion - maybe time to upgrade to newer system if you want to use the display.

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Answer 2

miss808 Author

Level 1

8 points

Jul 23, 2021 6:44 PM in response to miss808

Okay. It seems the seller of the display gave the wrong model number. I’m now quite sure this is Thunderbolt Display. Which helps with the confusion I was having earlier with suggestions that kept mentioning a USB. The model for the monitor is most likely A1407

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Answer 3

Jul 23, 2021 7:25 PM in response to miss808

Hello, miss808.

As @samtenor posted, the Mac mini (mid-2010) cannot drive a Thunderbolt display.

The video out ports on the mini are HDMI and MiniDisplayPort.

You'll need to find a monitor that can accept either of those as video in.

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Answer 4

miss808 Author

Level 1

8 points

Jul 23, 2021 7:31 PM in response to samtenor

Thank you very much. I just need to decide if I should buy a device that works with it or return it. Idk just yet. Your link is super helpful I’m able to price out the proper devices that are definitely compatible.

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How to hook up mac mini (A1347) to Apple cinema display (A1316)

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