Thunderbolt Display 27": Can the Mini DisplayPort replace the octopus cable?

I use a Thunderbolt Display 27" as external screen for my MacBook Pro M1 with a Thunderbolt 2 to Thunderbolt 3 adapter. The octopus cable of the Thunderbolt Display 27" is about to give up as it is old and has some cracks. Can I connect my MacBook Pro to the Mini DisplayPort on the backside of the Thunderbolt Display 27" (instead of using the octopus cable) and continue using the TD27" as external screen? Will that work?

Posted on Jan 18, 2022 12:48 PM

Top-ranking reply

Malcolm J. Rayfield

Level 7

23,095 points

Posted on Jan 18, 2022 7:23 PM

The port on the back of the display is Thunderbolt, not Mini DisplayPort. You can use a Thunderbolt cable to connect it to the Thunderbolt 3 adapter on your MacBook Pro.

https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MD861LL/A/apple-thunderbolt-cable-20-m

A Mini DisplayPort cable won't work, even though the plugs will fit.

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Thunderbolt Display 27": Can the Mini DisplayPort replace the octopus cable?

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