Apple Display ports - could I have a power issue?

Question

Apple Display ports - could I have a power issue?

I have an older MBP (2019, 2.3GHz Inter i9) and a newer Apple Studio Display. One port on the Display runs a Time Machine, the other is the power supply. Until recently I had two LaCie external drives in the remaining two ports. Now, those ports won't run anything, including a Delkin card reader. I am wondering if I simply don't have enough power to supply what I need. I will be replacing the MBP (finally, yay, the nano texture display is what I have been patiently waiting for...November 8...) but in the meantime, it's bothering me. I don't think I am willing to run through the typical safe boot, as I can't take any chances with the data on the LaCie drives, which I would have to plug in, and I don't know how else to diagnose it. Thoughts? Thank you.

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 14.6

Posted on Nov 1, 2024 4:48 AM

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Answer 1

samtenor

Level 4

1,786 points

Nov 1, 2024 5:41 AM in response to Cynthia_Boston

I can suggest that I plug one device at a time (given the Thunderbolt Port is dedicated for laptop) to rule out any power consumption snapshot.

You also can go to "About this Mac" --> "More info" --> "System report" --> "USB"

From there, you can identify the "Current Available (mA)" and "Current Required (mA)" and should should get more detailed information.

On this case, I would recommend a decent Thunderbolt Hub to take the load (the power and more diversified ports) for your need..

Good luck

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Answer 2

samtenor

Level 4

1,786 points

Nov 4, 2024 5:37 AM in response to Cynthia_Boston

Depends on your budget..

MBP (2019, 2.3GHz Inter i9) - will require 95W

If you want "single cord" connection between MBP and the Hub, without the need of MBP's power supply:

Caldigit TS 4 - can output 98W via its Thunderbolt cable to the laptop. Caldigit TS3 plus - only can output 87W

OWC Thunderbolt 4 Hub: The TB connection cable can deliver 96W and its predecessor TB 3 hub only can deliver 85W.

Do some research: the Thunderbolt connection wattage is important with your current MBP, plus the aesthetic of your preference.

Best

Another Bostonian here

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Answer 3

Nov 4, 2024 5:12 AM in response to samtenor

ok, that was a good idea. Thank you. I don't see an issue there, as little as I know about these things, but maybe you do? For the Thunderbolt Hub, do you have a brand or model you like? I'm always running out of ports :-(. Now I'm totally out of ports.

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