Can I use multiple external drives with Apple Studio Display?

Question

Can I use multiple external drives with Apple Studio Display?

Situation: Need to replace 5K iMac (with duff fusion drive which I’ve temporarily by-passed with an external SSD with OS on it). I have a BENQ 27 inch second monitor with USB 3 connection. I have 3 external drives connected: 1x 2Tb Thunderbolt (oldish) drive with a Thunderbolt -> USB 3 converter (used for my main photography raw files). 2x 2Tb USB A drives (1 for time Machine, 1x Backup for Thunderbolt drive).

I have a 2024 M3 Macbook Air which I’m intending to now use as my main device and looking to purchase a Studio Display.

Here is the stupid question: Having plugged the Studio Display into one of my MB Air USB ports I assume that I can then plug the BENQ monitor into the second (I know I will have to use the MB closed). Will the 3 external USB connectors on the Studio Monitor be ‘happy’ to drive my 3 external drives (with the various adaptors).

Or will I need to replace the drives with SSD versions with USB 3 connectors?

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Posted on Dec 1, 2024 3:02 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

samtenor

Level 4

1,828 points

Dec 1, 2024 1:15 PM in response to johnsimpson64

First: Studio display's only Thunderbolt port -- will output enough power to M3 MBA's Thunderbolt 4 port. Therefore, you do not need to use power adapter for the MacBook Air while connect to the Studio Display.

That will leave you: 3 USB-c ports on the Studio Display and ONE Thunderbolt 4 on MacBook Air.

The USB devices will be OK via adapter (USB-A to USB-C).

However, you mention the 1x2T Thunderbolt drive with older "Thunderbolt -> USB-3 converter" - which can be iffy, regarding the power consumption. The Studio Display can be limited for the voltage when too many devices were connected to it (my personal experience).

Option 1: You can get Thunderbolt 3-> Thunderbolt 2 adapter, and connect to the MacBook Air directly (I am not sure, since MacBook Air uses power from Studio Display.

Option 2(preferable) : Get a decent Thunderbolt Dock like this, which can be very diversified for many peripherals.

Back to your question "Or will I need to replace the drives with SSD versions with USB 3 connectors?"

That might be a good idea, that newer external drives are equipped with more up-to-date connector (USB-C).

Best

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Answer 2

hcsitas

Level 6

13,124 points

Dec 1, 2024 5:40 AM in response to johnsimpson64

Best way to find out is to purchase one and test within the 14 day no-questions-asked return window. It’s meant exactly for the type of questions you have, so use it. Good luck!

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