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Apple Cinema Display questions

Hello - I have MacBook Pro 2020 and trying to connect my Apple Cinema Display. I've had this display connected to my iMac 2018 with no issues but can't get it to work. Any thoughts?

iMac 27″, macOS 12.6

Posted on Dec 3, 2022 6:00 AM

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Grant Bennet-Alder

Level 10

145,269 points

Posted on Dec 3, 2022 5:33 PM

aha!

A1306 is the Apple Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI adapter, exactly what you need to run the 30-in Cinema Display. Remember that you must connect its USB-A pigtail to a powered USB port (or an iPad charger if you prefer). If you do not connect USB from the Mac all the way through, you don't get a brightness slider on the Mac, and are forced to use the buttons on the display instead.

The dongle/adapter with a USB-C connector at each end, and a ThunderBolt symbol at each end is the wrong item for this setup. That adapter supports ONLY ThunderBolt displays, and no others, ever, no matter how many other adapters you try to use.

You need a USB-C to Mini DisplayPort adapter, which looks the same except it has no ThunderBolt symbols and costs a lot less:

Monoprice Select Series USB-C to Mini DisplayPort Adapter - Product # 24273 - $14.99

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21 replies

jonahfer1 Author

Level 1

4 points

Dec 19, 2022 11:22 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Tried both adapters. Tried both ports. Plugged the USB into a separate power supply to try that. Started everything to make sure there wasn't an issue with that. Tried another comment about pushing the option key with the display info up to see if I could manually bring up the new display.

Not sure what else to try.

kaz-k

Level 9

52,682 points

Dec 3, 2022 6:29 AM in response to jonahfer1

Hi,

Just wonder how to connect between MacBook Pro and Cinema Display.

jonahfer1 Author

Level 1

4 points

Dec 3, 2022 9:24 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

30 inch. On th iMac I had to use a keystroke in order to get the display to be recognized. I assumed it was the same here on the MacBook. Either way - nothing showing up here. Thanks

jonahfer1 Author

Level 1

4 points

Dec 3, 2022 5:36 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Awesome!!! Thanks for helping me out with this and sending the link to the new apapter - also like hearing that it's a bit cheaper. I have a drawer full. Thanks,again!!!!!

jonahfer1 Author

Level 1

4 points

Dec 3, 2022 5:51 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Thanks, again!

jonahfer1 Author

Level 1

4 points

Dec 18, 2022 2:33 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Tried both plugging USB to MacBook Pro, connecting to the back on the display and separate power source.

Other thoughts? Nothing looks out of the ordinary or brought up on about this Mac

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Apple Cinema Display questions