Brewster9
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: Can the 30" cinama display be used with thunderbolt and the mini displayport to dual-link dvi adaptor

I have an Apple 30" cinema display (formally used with a soon to be replaced MAC PRO) which I want to use with the thunderbolt output of a MacBook Air.  I have purchased a Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI adapter and have connected the Display to the Air via that adapter. 

 

Unfortunately the 30" display does not turn on when so connected. 

 

I have noticed that the Dual-Link DVI adapter has a USB (female A type) connector and wonder if that needs to be connected to the computer in order to turn on the display. 

 

Note: I could not try this configuration since I do not have a USB A to A cable (both male).

 

How do I get the Display to talk to the MacBook Air?

MacBook Air, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.4)

Posted on Sep 3, 2013 8:49 AM

Close
Brewster9

Q: Can the 30" cinama display be used with thunderbolt and the mini displayport to dual-link dvi adaptor

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Malcolm J. Rayfield,

    Malcolm J. Rayfield Malcolm J. Rayfield Sep 3, 2013 11:17 PM in response to Brewster9
    Level 5 (7,945 points)
    Sep 3, 2013 11:17 PM in response to Brewster9

    The adapter

    <http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB571Z/A/mini-displayport-to-dual-link-dvi-ada pter>

    has a cable with a male Mini DisplayPort connector, which plugs into the computer's Thunderbolt port, and a male USB-A connector that plugs into the computer's USB port.

     

    The adapter also has a female dual-link DVI port and female USB-A port.  Plug the display's DVI and USB connectors into these ports.  Plug the display's power supply into an AC power outlet.

  • by Torontonian69,

    Torontonian69 Torontonian69 Oct 14, 2013 6:11 AM in response to Brewster9
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Oct 14, 2013 6:11 AM in response to Brewster9

    Hi Brewster9 and malcolm J. Rayfield,

     

    I am renewing my office and will get the new mac pro to use with my old cinema display 30 inch. I have recently acquired the new macbook air with thunderbolt.

     

    The problem is, although i am VERY reluctant (you have to understand I absolutely LOVE my 30 inch monitor), I thought of trying it out with my macbook air first to make sure it i connecting. And it is not. The adaptor worked well with my old macbook pro that had a display port for the adaptor but now when I plug the USB part of the adaptor, there's no display port for the daptor so I plug it on the thunderbolt port? That does not work. Since neither the macbook air nor the mac pro will come with that display port... well what do I do now? It is not working for me. should that display plug form the adaptor work on the thunderbolt socket form the macbook air?

     

    So Brewster9, I am wondering if you amd eit work and, if so, I need to know exactkly what you did. If I majke that work I will not sell my 30 inch to buy a 27 thunderbolt display...

     

    Thanks guys

  • by Torontonian69,

    Torontonian69 Torontonian69 Oct 14, 2013 6:11 AM in response to Brewster9
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Oct 14, 2013 6:11 AM in response to Brewster9

    So Brewster9, I am wondering if you amd eit work and, if so, I need to know exactkly what you did. If I majke that work I will not sell my 30 inch to buy a 27 thunderbolt display...

  • by Torontonian69,

    Torontonian69 Torontonian69 Oct 14, 2013 6:20 AM in response to Brewster9
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Oct 14, 2013 6:20 AM in response to Brewster9

    Never mind guys, found the answer here: http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13727_7-20043524-263.html

  • by ziondotcom,

    ziondotcom ziondotcom Jan 11, 2014 6:13 PM in response to Torontonian69
    Level 1 (10 points)
    Jan 11, 2014 6:13 PM in response to Torontonian69

    the 30" ACD with the $99 Dual-Link DVI adapter that you mentioned will work fine. And yes, the USB cable from the adapter does need to be plugged into your laptop (or Mac Pro) to bring the 30" ACD to life.