Apple HD Cinema Display 30

There are a few different sizes of Apple monitors with the 30” requiring one special adapter.

Here is what you need for the 30”.

From Computer:

1) USB c to mini Display port adapter.

1a) You will need a USB-a port as well for additional power. So either a power supply with USB port or a usb-c to usb-a adapter.

2) Dual DVI to display port adapter. (The best is an Apple one but are available usually on eBay.) Key here is Dual DVI. 30” Apple monitor requires this special adapter. Smaller Apple displays (lower resolution) and more modern large hi-res monitors do not need this adapter.

This cable:

USB Type C to Mini DisplayPort... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0836HGBD7?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

and this cable:

Mini DisplayPort to DVI, Benfei Gold-Plated Mini DP to DVI (Thunderbolt Compatible) Male to Female Adapter Compatible with MacBook Air/Pro, Microsoft Surface Pro/Dock, Monitor, Projector and More https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0796C2QC8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_5R9M3XYXC5G7KAV0ABRM?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

should work. Try these and cbs be returned from Amazon if they don’t .

FYI... this is only going to confuse matters...

First Understanding the basic problem:

From my understanding, basically the DVI specification can't carry more than 1920 wide or like 1200 tall at more that 30Hz (refresh rate.) Please do not quote me on the numbers above, but understand DVI can only deliver a certain amount of Data based on the general function of = height * width * refresh rate.

The older 30" Apple HD monitors can deliver a lot more data than what a single DVI can deliver so Apple used a technology called "Dual DVI," and even more confusing is that there are a couple of flavors of "Dual DVI" and Apple's version was only used by them. Basically Dual DVI delivers the signal in 2 parts and then re-syncs at the monitor.). This unique Apple Dual DVI flavor makes buying the correct dual DVI adapter tricky on Amazon. Good news is for Apple HD monitors under 30" (27" and 24"), they don't use that much data, so don't need the dual DVI.... I think. So for a 23", I recommend skipping the extra headache and get the single DVI solution.

What to watch for when buying dual DVI.

The Dual version you listed from Amazon.... there are two flavors of that one and honestly I am not clear exactly which one works because the tiles say one thing but the reviews and fine details say otherwise.

This one in the title says it doesn't work with the 30" but review comments say it does.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QKM856C?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_dt_b_product_details

and this one:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08B7FSVTL?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details

This is why I just spend the extra dollars and look on e-bay for the Apple Branded dual DVI. I had an off brand years ago and it worked... most of the time. Just tired of 'most of the time'.

NOTE:

Also Grant makes a fine point, with the Apple branded Dual DVI part, you need to plug the USB pigtail into USB power. With the amazon one, you do not.

Back to a simpler solution,

Get the cheaper single DVI solution from Amazon. Stack it on top of the USB-C to display port adapter and should work just fine. But buy them all (The ones above) and return the ones you don't use.

Grant, thanks! Your explanation is extremely useful.... and......

You pointed out something I have mis-remembered. On the Mac Mini setup I have a 3rd party USBC adapter that connects to the monitor dual link cable. It was so long ago I created the mini set-up and because the 2015 MacBook Pro had Thunderbolt 2 ports, I just assumed (falsely remembered) that adapter on the Mini was also a Thunderbolt 3 --> 2 adapter. Based on your explanation, it must actually be a USB-C -> Mini display port adapter. All my computers are in different places so I can not swap out parts right now, but I just ordered a new USBC-> display port adapter from Amazon and it will be here tomorrow, and I will report back.

Again Thanks.

Grant,

Just an FYI. I do stack both the USB-C to display port to an Apple Branded dual DVI port adapter (I even run a nice mono price 15 foot long dvi cable between the two with no problem.

But Grant it right, with using third party adapters, they can get a little finicky. You just have to experiment.

Yes. Then for number 2, you need a cable that is mini display port to female DVI cable. That should work.