Is a thunderbolt cable the same as a mini displayport cable? Target Display

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Level 1

6 points

Is a thunderbolt cable the same as a mini displayport cable? Target Display

I have two iMacs 11,1. pre-thunderbolt.

I would like to hook one up in target display mode. to do that should be a simple male to male cable and command+f2.

At the apple stores, I only found a thunderbolt cable. Same size, dimension and shape of a mini displayport cable. I asked the associate, and he assured me it was the same as a mini displayport cable.

However, upon testing, I am unable to flip the second iMac into display mode, and I am wondering if it because I am using a thunderbolt cable between 2 pre-thunderbolt machines.

If the cable is correct, why am I unable to switch one to external display?

Posted on Jan 25, 2012 9:40 AM

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Answer 1

Zyriab

Level 4

3,344 points

Jan 25, 2012 9:49 AM in response to Mr. Chris

Good question, according to this page on Intel's web-site Thunderbolt technology features dual-protocol support (PCI Express and DisplayPort) and is compatible with existing DisplayPort devices. So I would guess that the guy in the Apple store was right.

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Answer 2

Mr. Chris Author

Level 1

6 points

Jan 25, 2012 9:57 AM in response to Zyriab

the link you provided definitely makes it "appear" as if the thunderbolt cable SHOULD work in this instance. However, I cannot flip either one of the iMacs into display mode with the thunderbolt cable.

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Answer 3

Mr. Chris Author

Level 1

6 points

Jan 25, 2012 10:07 AM in response to Mr. Chris

FYI for future people having same issue, this article I just found provides some insight:

http://blog.macsales.com/10899-target-display-mode-and-thunderbolt

DisplayPort iMacs require a DisplayPort cable, though they can work with either DisplayPort or Thunderbolt Macs.
Only get a Thunderbolt cable if you’re going to connect two ThunderBolt-equipped computers together, it won’t work for anything else.

Now, to try and find a decent M>M mini displayport cable, as Apple and my local retailer do not sell them.... thx for dropping support so quickly Apple! this mac is not even 2 years old yet, and you dont sell the cable anymore!

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Answer 4

Zyriab

Level 4

3,344 points

Jan 25, 2012 11:24 AM in response to Mr. Chris

Err, on the Apple store: http://store.apple.com/uk/product/TX706ZM/A?fnode=MTY1NDA3Ng

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Answer 5

Mr. Chris Author

Level 1

6 points

Jan 25, 2012 12:02 PM in response to Zyriab

hmmm I will remember to search the other countries of apple store next time. They do not have one on US site. thx for the link!

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