Can "Mini DisplayPort extension cable" be used for Thunderbolt HD drive extension cable?

Question

Level 2

418 points

Can "Mini DisplayPort extension cable" be used for Thunderbolt HD drive extension cable?

I was looking for a way to extend a Thunderbolt cable from my 2015 13" Macbook Pro (to extend the Thunderbolt cable length to one of my external hard drives) …. and was wondering if a "Mini DisplayPort male to Mini DisplayPort Female extension cable" (as shown below), could be used for such a purpose?

From the looks of both the connector ends, of the "Mini DisplayPort male to Mini DisplayPort female extension cable", they use

the same style connector plug as the Thunderbolt plugs.

Would anyone have any actual experience trying this … or know if this might work?

Mini DisplayPort male to female extension cable - Usable as Thunderbolt Extension cable too?

iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2012), OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.5), Apple TV, iPhone 4S

Posted on Dec 28, 2015 8:56 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Dec 28, 2015 11:57 PM in response to DavidMac

I have actually never gotten these to extend thunderbolt only mini display. You are better off getting a cable that is the full-length that you need. There are several Intel (and I believe Apple) approved thunderbolt cables which use active fiber optic cables and can come in lengths, I believe up to 30 meters. Hope this helps.

Reply