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I have a 2017 iMac. Just received an early 2000 Studio Display. It has a cord with a magsafe charger/mini display cable attached. The new iMac doesn't have that on the back, as an choice. Is there an option for using the older monitor, as a 2nd monitor. What cable/adapter can I use?
iMac 21.5″ 4K, macOS 13.4
If the model is A1407 it's the Thunderbolt display from 2011, not the Mini DisplayPort from "early 2000". In that case you DO need the Apple Thunderbolt adapter:
Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter - Apple
A Thunderbolt plug looks like Mini DisplayPort but has a Lightning Bolt icon.
If the model is A1407 it's the Thunderbolt display from 2011, not the Mini DisplayPort from "early 2000". In that case you DO need the Apple Thunderbolt adapter:
Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter - Apple
A Thunderbolt plug looks like Mini DisplayPort but has a Lightning Bolt icon.
I'm assuming that you're talking about one of
These used ADC connectors.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_Display_Connector
According to the Wikipedia article, Apple used to make a (DVI + USB) to ADC adapter (for $99 – $149). I doubt if you can find these any more, and given how inexpensive good 24" 1920x1080 pixel monitors are now, it wouldn't be worth spending a lot of money to resurrect one of these ancient, lower-resolution displays.
Are you sure that you have a Studio Display, and not a LED Cinema Display? The
were the ones that used Mini DisplayPort connections.
Then there was the 27-inch Apple Thunderbolt Display, whose plug would have looked like a Mini DisplayPort plug (same connector). That monitor would require Thunderbolt input.
You can connect the display's Mini DisplayPort plug to one of the iMac's Thunderbolt/USB-C ports with a USB-C to Mini DisplayPort adapter, such as:
https://www.startech.com/display-video-adapters/cdp2mdp
The display's MagSafe plug is not connected.
Do not use the Apple Thunderbolt adapter. The plugs will fit but it won't work with a non-Thunderbolt display.
I received a USB-C to mini display port adapter today. I actually went to the office to try it. Plugged in the usb-c into the back of my 2017 iMac. Then plugged the mini display cable from the 2nd monitor into the usb-c to Mini DP. Plugged in the older monitor, to the wall. Nothing! There is no on/off power button. My iMac isn't seeing the 2nd monitor. I'll play with it tomorrow. Maybe a display setting? Resolution?
I don’t know if there might be model number markings on the outside of the monitor.
27” LED Cinema Display is Model Number A1316.
https://www.manualsdir.com/manuals/547189/apple-led-cinema-display-27-inch.html
27” Thunderbolt Display is Model Number A1407.
It apparently does not have a power button, and comes to life when the attached computer does.
https://computers.tutsplus.com/apples-thunderbolt-display-explored-and-explained--mac-57928t
Note that if you have the Thunderbolt Display, you actually will need the Apple TB3-to-2 adapter, since that display takes Thunderbolt input.
Malcolm,
The adapter worked great! Plugged it in, and the older mac fired right up. Thank you so much.
1 additional question. The older iMac is definitely not as bright as my new one. Should I just expect that, or is that adjustable? Brightness didn't seem to have any effect on the 2nd monitor.
Thanks again.
*LOL*. If it was THAT easy, I wouldn't have bothered you. I'll try that again. Wasn't having any luck. Thought maybe there was a calibration trick. But again, thanks so much for the help.
Good advice re: the Thunderbolt 3-to-2 adapter.
However, if that display is from the early 2000s and has the name "Studio Display," it uses an ADC connection, not a Mini DisplayPort one.
It's a 27". It's "thick", I thought 2011. Feeling very foolish, it could be the LED. But without being able to turn it on, I can get to and settings on it.
I had seen it..... somewhere... definitely the A1407
Ordered one yesterday. Arriving tomorrow.
In Settings, Displays. you should be able to select each display and adjust its brightness there.
Newer iMac, older Studio Display. can they work together?
