current connections on HD Cinema
iMac, Mac OS X (10.7)
It looks as if you already have the correct adapter. Plug the adapter's Mini DisplayPort plug into a Thunderbolt port on the iMac. Plug the display's USB cable into a USB port. Ignore the FireWire cable.
I dont have a thunderbolt connection on my iMAC
All new Macs have Thunderbolt (not Lightning) ports.
yes , you are correct, I do have thunderbolt connections. However, they are smaller than the miniport on the cinema.
Your first picture seems to show the correct adapter
<http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB570Z/B/mini-displayport-to-dvi-adapter>
unless you have a 30" display. For that you would need a dual-link adapter.
the cinema HD display is 23 inches from one corner diagonally to the other corner. I don't see any model numbers or such on it. I ordered a startech adapter to go from mini display port to thunderbolt adapter. Do you think that will work with it and the USB connection and leave the Firewire connection out of it? Ill let you know how it works or doesnt work.
yes, the other adapter looks right , but the small end is too large to fit into a thunderbolt connection.
thank you very much for all your help
OK I got a brand new adapter today that goes from DVI-D to mini display port (thunderbolt). it still no go, I plugged in the usb cable and ignored the firewire, maybe I need some adapter for the firewire. I reboot the iMAC and it just doesn't see the monitor.
does anyone have any ideas?
The FireWire connectioin isn't needed unless you want to use the display's FireWire ports.
Is the Mini DisplayPort plug pushed in all the way in the Thunderbolt port (no metal showing)?
Is the display's power cord connected?
Thank you very much for all your help Malcolm. I have found the thunderbolt connection to be sort of flakey. I can now use the monitor if I stand on one leg tilt my head to the east and whistle the Christmas song, "The Holly and the Ivy".
Thank you to everyone else who read the posts.
Kirk Jones
what adapter do I need to purchase to make my older HD Cinema display work as a second monitor for a new iMAC that only has USB and Lightning connections?
