Mac Mini M2 to LED Cinema Display

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Mac Mini M2 to LED Cinema Display

I wish to connect my new Mac Mini to my 'old' Apple LED Cinema Display. The latter only has a mini Display port connector.

Apple Helpdesk says that an HDMI to Mini Display port connector will work
Apple shop expert says that there is no way to connect an M1/2 computer to an Apple LED Cinema Display. He tried it, and nothing works.
the Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 (min display port) adapter does not work.

Can one connect an M1/2 mac mini to an Apple LED Cinema Display at all?

And if so, what connector will actually work?

Posted on Feb 12, 2023 3:58 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Malcolm J. Rayfield

Level 7

23,059 points

Feb 12, 2023 5:23 PM in response to jh113

The Thunderbolt adspter won't work, even though the plugs fit.

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

"Note: This adapter does not support DisplayPort displays like the Apple LED Cinema Display"

A USB-C to Mini DisplayPort adapter should work.

https://www.startech.com/display-video-adapters/cdp2mdp

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Answer 2

Mar 20, 2023 6:52 AM in response to jh113

Hi, Thanks for the StarTech recommendation. I'd tried 2 other Mini Display Port Connectors for my Apple LED Cinema Display (2010) without success (LED Cinema screen was switching on and off every 2 or 3 seconds) whereas this one worked out of the box. So relieved!

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B077G5W12W?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1

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Answer 3

jh113 Author

Level 1

11 points

Mar 2, 2023 1:31 AM in response to jh113

It worked! Many thanks. I bought the StarTech converter, and the USB-C output can now be successfully connected to my old Apple LED Cinema Display, no issues, just worked.

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Answer 4

Mar 2, 2023 1:14 AM in response to jh113

I have a Mac Mini M2 in the mail.

I also have an Apple HD Cinema display, 23 inch?, I think.

The main input to that display is actually a male dual channel dvi,

with an adapter to mini display port.

Maybe your display is similar to mine.

I will try a hdmi to female dual channel dvi adapter once i get my mac.

I have high hopes for that solution.

Will post an update once I`ve tested this combo.

Good luck with your project!

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Answer 5

Mar 7, 2023 9:24 AM in response to jh113

Yes, I purchased 2 Uptake (item number UP-USBC1009) USB-C Mini DisplayPort adapters (4K@60Hz) and that worked. However, my LED Cinema Displays show different resolutions. One display shows a resolution of 2560x1440 as a default (which is what I want on both displays) and the other display shows 1280x720. Sometimes I can get both screens at 2560x1440 after playing around with the Displays settings. But when it falls asleep or I logout of the computer, the next day on startup, I have randomly different display settings.

I can't seem to find an explanation (don't know if I need to purchase new monitors or not, I've been trying to use the LED Cinema Displays for as long as possible, as the new ones are way too expensive).

Good luck

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Answer 6

jh113 Author

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11 points

Mar 8, 2023 12:37 AM in response to clayfromplymouth

I occasionally have the same problem. I have an LG display alongside the Cinema Display. The latter occasionally switches to a lower resolution. Playing around with the display settings (main/extended) and/or rebooting usually solved this for me, and recently it has settled down to using its full resolution reliably. Apple Helpdesk did mention that there were issues with resolution when using a USB-C => miniDP adapter, which is why they don't recommend it. I can only guess that this is what we are experiencing.

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Answer 7

jh113 Author

Level 1

11 points

Mar 30, 2023 11:44 PM in response to marciano131

My LED Cinema Display dates from about 2007.

[The info in System says: LED Cinema Display: Resolution: 2560x1440 (QHD/WQHD - Wide Quad High Definition) UI Looks like: 2560 x 1440 @ 60.00Hz.]

I'm afraid that I'm not competent to judge whether this will work for other models, but my guess is that it would (based on no technical knowledge :-)).

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Answer 8

Mar 2, 2023 9:52 AM in response to auggieboogie

The 23" display is single-link DVI, although the connector may have pins for the second link. Only the 30" display needs a dual-link DVI adapter.

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Answer 9

Mar 2, 2023 11:06 AM in response to Malcolm J. Rayfield

Thanks!

Good to know! :)

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Answer 10

Mar 29, 2023 6:47 PM in response to jh113

Hi jh113. What model is your Cinema Display? Do you think it will also work on my 2012 led Cinema Display with Mac mini m2? Thanks

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Mac Mini M2 to LED Cinema Display

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