Using a 30" Cinema Display with new Mac Pro

Question

Level 1

2 points

Using a 30" Cinema Display with new Mac Pro

Hello Everyone:

I just purchased, and waiting to arrive a new 2014 8 core Mac Pro which is an upgrade to my 2009 quad core Mac Pro. I currently use a 30 inch Apple Cinema display which has the DVI connection. I was thinking that I would use a DVI to HDMI adapter and plug the 30" into the HDMI port on the new Mac Pro. I have since heard that people have been having issues with this older monitor getting it to work properly with the new mac pro. some have suggested buy the $99 mini display port to DVI adapter and using that, but I don't believe there is a mini display port on the new mac pro.

I have considered buying a new thunderbolt display because I am assuming that it will have a much better image quality than the older 30 in display but I hate the fact that it's a 27" and I would be giving up the 3" in size. I do a lot of video and audio recording editing and love the extra screen real-estate. Can anyone confirm a couple of things for me?

1. Will the 30 inch display work with a new mac pro and can I use the DVI to HDMI adapter?

2. Does the new Thunderbolt display have a much better image quality than the 30 in display and because its newer, will look that much better with the mach pro?

Thank you in advance.

Mac Pro, OS X Mavericks (10.9.2), 2009 Quad Core, 24GB Ram

Posted on Jul 31, 2014 5:10 AM

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Answer 1

Dec 23, 2014 8:47 PM in response to dwmusic

You need two dual-link DVI adapters.

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

Plug the adapter Mini DisplayPort plugs into computer Thunderbolt ports, preferably on different Thunderbolt busses.

<http://support.apple.com/en-ca/HT202801>

Plug the adapter USB plugs into the computer. Plug the display USB and DVI plugs into the adapters.

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Answer 2

Aug 3, 2014 1:56 AM in response to vignola

1. Will the 30 inch display work with a new Mac Pro?

Yes.

Can I use the DVI to HDMI adapter?

Not if you want full resolution. You need a Mini DisplayPort to dual-link DVI adapter

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

It plugs into a Thunderbolt port (and USB port) on the computer.

2. Does the new Thunderbolt display have a much better image quality than the 30 in display and because its newer, will look that much better with the Mac Pro?

No, it has more pixels (in the vertical direction), but they are spaced a bit more apart, so you don't want to be as close to the display.

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Answer 3

vignola Author

Level 1

2 points

Aug 3, 2014 2:21 AM in response to Malcolm J. Rayfield

Thank you. This is what I expected. I went ahead and purchased the adapter form the apple store. $99 seems like a lot for an adapter but I am happy I can still use my 30" display. Thank you for your help!

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Answer 4

Sep 22, 2014 12:27 PM in response to vignola

Vignola, did this adaptor work to your satisfaction?

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Answer 5

dwmusic

Level 1

18 points

Dec 23, 2014 7:42 PM in response to vignola

I have TWO Apple 30" Cinema Displays. In my existing Mac Pro (2007), I have them connected via a PCI card that has two hi-res DVI ports. Any way this can happen with the new Mac Pro still at max resolution (2500 x 1600)? The video expansion PCI card itself is pretty bulky, and if I have to get an external bay such as the Magma box, I'm concerned it may not fit.

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Answer 6

snoball

Level 1

4 points

May 7, 2015 8:42 AM in response to vignola

Q: Is it possible to use TWO or THREE Apple Displays with a new 2015 MBP 15" using ONLY Apple's dual-link DVI adapter(s)?

And how do the multiple displays tie into one Book? Does apple make a multiple monitor port DVI adapter or hub?

I currently use a 2011 MBP with an Apple mini display port to dual link adapter attached to ONE 30" Apple display that runs at 2560x1600.

TIA for any info.

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Answer 7

May 7, 2015 12:33 PM in response to snoball

The 2015 MacBook Pro can run two external displays. You will need two Mini DisplayPort to DUAL-LINK DVI adapters. They will plug into the computer's Thunderbolt and USB ports. Additional Thunderbolt devices (with two Thunderbolt ports) can be connected between the computer and the adapters. For additional USB devices you will need a powered USB hub. A hub without a power supply won't work.

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Answer 8

snoball

Level 1

4 points

May 7, 2015 10:34 PM in response to Malcolm J. Rayfield

THANK YOU for this info.

cheers

R

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Answer 9

Lanny

Level 6

13,225 points

May 8, 2015 10:59 PM in response to vignola

I just purchased, and waiting to arrive a new 2014 8 core Mac Pro

Technically, it's still called a Mac Pro Late 2013. The date is based on the model's introduction.

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Answer 10

Jun 28, 2015 10:10 AM in response to Malcolm J. Rayfield

I'm glad to find this thread as I am on the cusp of replacing my 5 y.o. quad-core iMac i7 and am wondering if I should consider getting a MacPro and hooking up my old 30" Cinema Display. I do a lot of video and photo work and given the advances in resolution since I got the CD ten years ago would it be good money thrown after bad by pressing it into service nowadays. Or should I just go with the iMac 27" retina?

I mean, I recently used the CD hooked up to a MBAir on an emergency basis to cut a video and it all worked just fine. Granted it was 720 HD I was working with but neither am I yet involved in 4K video and don't expect to for the foreseeable future.

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