DanielA.
Level 1 (1 points)

Q: Can I Connect my 24" Apple LED Cinema Display directly to the new MacbookPro Retina Thunderbolt Port?

I currently have the 24" Apple LED Cinema Display and am using it as a dock, dual monitor setup, etc.  It is connected to my 15" 2009 MacBook Pro which I would like to replace with the new MacBook Pro Retina model.    I would like to continue using my 24" Cinema Display with the new computer, but am wondering if Thunderbolt port is compatible with my LED Cinema Display, or if I will need an adaptor of some sorts.

LED Cinema Display (24-inch), Mac OS X (10.7.4)

Posted on Jun 12, 2012 11:20 AM

by Larry West,Solvedanswer
Larry West Larry West
Level 1 (120 points)
A:

The LED Cinema Display has a Mini DIsplayPort connection, which will plug right in to the Thunderbolt connector on the Retina MBP (RMBP?).

 

As the tech specs at the online store say:

 

Thunderbolt digital video output

  • Native Mini DisplayPort output
  • DVI output using Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter (sold separately)
  • VGA output using Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter (sold separately)
  • Dual-link DVI output using Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter (sold separately)

 

You may, however, want a MagSafe to MagSafe2 Converter from Apple to continue to use the LED Cinema Display to charge and power the Retina MBP. Apple changed the MagSafe connector on the Retina MBP and new MBA to support a thinner design, and it is not compatible with the older style connector.

Posted on Jun 13, 2012 7:48 AM

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DanielA.

Q: Can I Connect my 24" Apple LED Cinema Display directly to the new MacbookPro Retina Thunderbolt Port?

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Ralph Landry1,Helpful

    Ralph Landry1 Jun 12, 2012 11:22 AM in response to DanielA.
    Level 8 (41,782 points)
    Jun 12, 2012 11:22 AM in response to DanielA.

    The Apple on-lin store as well as retail stores have adapters for the thunderbolt to dvi conversion.

  • by X423424X,

    X423424X X423424X Jun 12, 2012 11:22 PM in response to DanielA.
    Level 6 (14,237 points)
    Jun 12, 2012 11:22 PM in response to DanielA.

    I believe a 24" Apple Cinema Display already uses a mini-displayport so no adapter is needed.  Just plug it in.

  • by Larry West,Solvedanswer

    Larry West Larry West Jun 13, 2012 7:48 AM in response to DanielA.
    Level 1 (120 points)
    Jun 13, 2012 7:48 AM in response to DanielA.

    The LED Cinema Display has a Mini DIsplayPort connection, which will plug right in to the Thunderbolt connector on the Retina MBP (RMBP?).

     

    As the tech specs at the online store say:

     

    Thunderbolt digital video output

    • Native Mini DisplayPort output
    • DVI output using Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter (sold separately)
    • VGA output using Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter (sold separately)
    • Dual-link DVI output using Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter (sold separately)

     

    You may, however, want a MagSafe to MagSafe2 Converter from Apple to continue to use the LED Cinema Display to charge and power the Retina MBP. Apple changed the MagSafe connector on the Retina MBP and new MBA to support a thinner design, and it is not compatible with the older style connector.

  • by DanielA.,

    DanielA. DanielA. Jun 13, 2012 10:05 AM in response to DanielA.
    Level 1 (1 points)
    Jun 13, 2012 10:05 AM in response to DanielA.

    Thank you Larry for your thorough explanation & suggestion about MagSafe adaptor.  I called Apple Sales yesterday and they were of no help.  The woman I spoke to didn't even know what I was asking and was trying to sell me an adaptor that I didn't need.

  • by bartbociaga,

    bartbociaga bartbociaga Nov 10, 2012 12:40 PM in response to DanielA.
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 10, 2012 12:40 PM in response to DanielA.

    Have you tried? Does it work? I ask you becouse I'm going to make this same. Thanks!

  • by Koeh,

    Koeh Koeh Nov 12, 2012 2:52 PM in response to DanielA.
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 12, 2012 2:52 PM in response to DanielA.

    Hey Daniel,

     

    I'm currently facing the same decision. Replacing my mid 2009 MBP with a rMBP. First of all I wanted to replace my LED Cinema Display as well with a new thunderbolt display but then found your threat hear. LED Cinema Display to rMBP - everything works just fine? Any problems? Thanks

  • by DanielA.,

    DanielA. DanielA. Nov 12, 2012 2:57 PM in response to Koeh
    Level 1 (1 points)
    Nov 12, 2012 2:57 PM in response to Koeh

    The LED Cinema Display is compatable with the Thunderbolt port, however; if you want to be able to charge your computer batter, you need to purchase MagSafe to MagSafe2 adapter--which is what I did & I have not had any problems.

  • by Koeh,

    Koeh Koeh Nov 12, 2012 4:56 PM in response to DanielA.
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 12, 2012 4:56 PM in response to DanielA.

    thanks mate!

    Helped me big times :-)

  • by Mikefas,

    Mikefas Mikefas Jul 25, 2016 8:01 AM in response to X423424X
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Peripherals
    Jul 25, 2016 8:01 AM in response to X423424X

    Didn't work for me. Screen stays black. Apple said the bus isn't compatible.