Connect MacBook Pro 2013 to USB-C docking station

Assuming you have a MacBook Pro Retina, 13-inch, Late 2013, that has two Thunderbolt 2 ports, and no miniDP ports. The plug is identical, the data carried is different. If there are lightning bolts next to the ports, they are Thunderbolt 2 ports:

If so, you can use a Thunderbolt 2 cable (not a miniDP cable) and the Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter. Your Mac only supports up to two external displays at up to 2560 x 1600, you will not be able to drive 3 displays. Also, no power will flow back through the connection so you'll need to connect your Mac to AC separately even if the dock provides power over USB-C.

neuroanatomist wrote:

Assuming you have a MacBook Pro Retina, 13-inch, Late 2013, that has two Thunderbolt 2 ports, and no miniDP ports. The plug is identical, the data carried is different. If there are lightning bolts next to the ports, they are Thunderbolt 2 ports:

Those do double as MiniDisplay ports.

MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Late 2013) - Technical Specifications

Thunderbolt digital video output

Native Mini DisplayPort output

DVI output using Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter (sold separately)

VGA output using Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter (sold separately)

Dual-link DVI output using Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter (sold separately)

Mini-DisplayPort cables aren't Thunderbolt compatible. Many are designed only for transferring video, even though the share the same connector type as Thunderbolt 2. I read about someone trying what you're proposing and it didn't work.

I'm not sure that what you're looking to do will work. What you would probably need is a thunderbolt 2 to USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 adapter in order to connect. Even then I'd be skeptical that it would work to transmit video through the dock. It would likely work to transmit to USB-C devices like hard drives, although I'm not sure about whether it would provide power.

Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter - Apple

Fatmacheto wrote:

Sure, mini display port to hdmi is easy but on the docking I can hook up so many devices and detach them with a single cable.

Sure. But easy works. Some of this stuff may require trial and error to see if it works, and even if it does there could be some serious limitations. Two mini-DP to HDMI cables cost less than $20 and almost assuredly will work. That adapter is $49 and it's rolling the dice that it works.

If you have access to an Apple Store, you could certainly buy one and return it if it doesn't work. US Apple Stores have a 14 day return period on most hardware, even if opened.

Returns & Refunds - Shopping Help - Apple

You have 14 calendar days to return an item from the date you received it.

kaz-k wrote:

Hi,

I think you can't use USB-C DockStation on your MacBook Pro, since there is no USB-C port on your MacBook Pro.

It would probably work for connecting data devices. Apple has the Thunderbolt 2 to USB-C adapter for that purpose. Heck - even an adapter (USB-C socket to USB-A plug) would probably work on the native USB 3.0 ports to connect to a USB-C hub. I have one such adapter, but it's only described as operating at USB 2.0 speeds.

Video is a completely different matter though. I'd be surprised if anything worked with that hub to transmit video unless it has native USB-C.

y_p_w wrote:

Those do double as MiniDisplay ports.

Yes, but that's not relevant in this context since a mini-DP cable will not carry anything other than video/audio and thus is not suitable for connecting to a dock. At the time Thunderbolt 2 was current, there were Thunderbolt 2 docks. They can still be purchased, mainly used, some new.

neuroanatomist wrote:

y_p_w wrote:

Those do double as MiniDisplay ports.

Yes, but that's not relevant in this context since a mini-DP cable will not carry anything other than video/audio and thus is not suitable for connecting to a dock. At the time Thunderbolt 2 was current, there were Thunderbolt 2 docks. They can still be purchased, mainly used, some new.

Just saying that those are considered native Mini-DisplayPort sockets. That might be easier to use with an adapter than trying to force a USB-C dock to do something that the designer likely never anticipated.

Not sure what the intended monitors are, but something like this would work for HDMI.

https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-DisplayPort-Display-Adapter-Cable/dp/B0134V3KIA

Hi,

I think you can't use USB-C DockStation on your MacBook Pro, since there is no USB-C port on your MacBook Pro.

The docking station may well be able to drive three displays.

Your Mac, however, is limited to ONE display per cable connected to the chassis of the MacBook.

Ask the manufacturer whether that setup will work.