Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Connect Thunderbolt Display to Mini DisplayPort?

Hi there,


I wonder whether it is possible to use the new 27" Thunderbolt Display with a "previous edition" MacBook Pro - which has a only a Mini DisplayPort?

(I only want to use the display as such, i. e. I am not fussed about the additional Thunderbolt functionality.)

Any ideas?


Kind regards from Berlin,

jan

MacBook Pro 13", Mac OS X (10.6.1), 4 GB RAM, 500 GB HD

Posted on Jul 20, 2011 10:59 AM

Reply
Question marked as Best reply

Posted on Jul 27, 2011 2:22 PM

No. The Thunderbolt display requires to be plugged into an Actual Thunderbolt port (on your computer/device).


You are unable to get just partial functionality by plugging it into a mDP (on a non-TB computer).

84 replies

Jul 28, 2011 9:12 PM in response to jorhh

from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thunderbolt_(interface)


"... Thunderbolt controllers fold data from existing DisplayPort systems with data from the PCI Express port into a single cable..."

... However, Thunderbolt is bi-directional, which often requires sophisticated reflection and cross-talk suppression techniques, such as used in 10 Gigabit Ethernet. ..."


So as it currently stands, the technology is not compatible for the Thunderbolt display to successfully communicate (bi-directional information transfer) thru the older mDP port (with is purely a video 'output').



from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_Thunderbolt_Display


"... This display is only officially compatible with Macs that have the Mini DisplayPort connector or the Thunderbolt connector. A third-party converter must be used in order to use this display with older Macs. ... "


I guess, never say never... as by definition, they mention a 3rd party device would need to be used. But as it looks, there is nothing on the market to do this.

Aug 1, 2011 8:31 AM in response to jbjoret

Hi jbjoret,


Me and a few others have some problems when connecting the new Mac Mini (Thuderbolt port) to a LED 24" display (miniDisplay).


https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3198411?answerId=15804656022#15804656022

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2765552?answerId=15805738022#15805738022


We have black flickering, i.e. the screen goes balck for a fraction of a second every so often, In my case I had my screen totally messed up, (see photos). We have tried Lion re-install, PRAM reset, etc ....


Do you have any issues with your configuration?


Thanks,


Charles

User uploaded file

Aug 4, 2011 6:42 PM in response to jorhh

I have a 2010 Mac Pro with a ATi 5870 and I currently have the first gen 27-inch LED Cinema Display and i'm in the market to buy a second 27-inch, I always wonder if the thunderbolt cinema display will work with my 2010 Mac Pro and by reading some of the comments here I might not have to buy the 2011 Mac Pro GPU Upgrade kit but might upgrade my GPU just in case

Aug 7, 2011 4:47 PM in response to jorhh

The correct answer above says that the display "should" work simply as a display without the extra ports. Has anyone confirmed this yet in the real world? I see another poster was going to take a laptop in to try it. I too would be willing to forego the extra ports for the time being, looking forward a year or two to another upgrade to replace my current 2010 i7 MacBook Pro. Rick

Aug 9, 2011 5:02 AM in response to Snookaroo

Did not yet get to the Apple Store - but called and the person I spoke to told me that the Thunderbolt display will indeed work with a MBP with Mini Display Port connected it - but that only the "display" pipe will be active. This would make sense as - why in the world would Apple bring to market a display thta was not backward compatible with a large portion of the installed base. The new Thunderbolt display will only work (for now at least until confirmed otherwise) with Macs. Now slice that even further ans say it will only work with new TB equipped Macs. That's a small number. Most folks with legacy Macs will buy in as when they updgrade / refresh, they will have the display alresdy equipped. So I think the answer appears to be "yes - it will work with older Mini Display port".

Connect Thunderbolt Display to Mini DisplayPort?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.