Can I connect 20" Cinema Display via Thunderbolt?

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Can I connect 20" Cinema Display via Thunderbolt?

Can I connect an old 20" Cinema Display (1680 x 1050, aluminium) to the new iMacs as a 2nd display via the Thunderbolt port using an adaptor? If so, which adaptor?

Posted on May 5, 2011 5:05 AM

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Answer 1

rkaufmann87

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May 5, 2011 6:06 AM in response to Christiaan

As I am sure you are aware the old 20" doesn't have Thunderbolt so you won't be able to take advantage of that technology. I think your real question is "If I get a 2011 iMac can I still use my 20" Cinema Display?" The answer to that question is yes. Get a MiniDisplay to DVI connector and connect it via DVI.

Roger

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Answer 2

Christiaan Author

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May 5, 2011 7:22 AM in response to rkaufmann87

Thanks but, no, my real question was can I connect to the Thunderbolt port "using an adaptor" because as far as I know the new iMacs don’t have a separate DisplayPort. They have Thunderbolt ports which support the Displayport protocol and uses the same connector.

I know the MiniDisplay to DVI connector exists but I was basically after confirmation that it would still work with the Thunderbolt port.

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Answer 3

rkaufmann87

Level 10

140,532 points

May 5, 2011 7:28 AM in response to Christiaan

I know the MiniDisplay to DVI connector exists but I was basically after confirmation that it would still work with the Thunderbolt port.

Yes it will work, this has been confirmed a few times. I had the same question myself and contacted Apple the day the computer was released to inquire and found out the Thunderbolt port does double duty as a MiniDisplay port and Thunderbolt port.

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