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

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5 replies

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.

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

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

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