Non Apple PC with a Apple Thunderbolt Display

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Level 1

0 points

Non Apple PC with a Apple Thunderbolt Display

Hi,

I am currently looking to confirm compatibility of the following (Non Apple) hardware with the Apple Thunderbolt Display.

We are looking to purchase a HP Z230 SFF Workstation (N5X41PA) and the HP Thunderbolt 2 PCIe Card (F3F43AA) with the intention to hook this up to the Apple Thunderbolt Display.

See below image for how I see this working:

Yes the Z230 SFF Workstation allows for the 5-Pin Header connection to the Motherboard (Confirmed with HP).

Can anyone please advise if this will be compatible or if the Apple Thunderbolt Display has some sort of 'Apple Only' Limitations.
I have found previous videos of the Apple Thunderbolt Display working with Z77 Platform Motherboards which had the std. Thunderbolt connection.

Video link is here if anyone is interested: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajA0TylSoXo

Anyway I look forward too getting some feedback on this!

null-OTHER, null

Posted on Jan 6, 2016 5:47 PM

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Answer 1

jndupuis1

Level 2

462 points

Jan 6, 2016 6:52 PM in response to CTalke

Hi,

Well, sounds good. One major hurdle to overcome. There are no external controls on the Thunderbolt Display. There is no Apple device to plug in to give display control. I have a 27" Thunderbolt Display for my Mac. That being said.

The Driver and Software provided by HP Thunderbolt 2 PCIe Card must provide controls for the Thunderbolt Display i.e. Hue, Brightness, Contrast, Internal Speakers and Volume Control, USB Hub Thunderbolt Port. Built-in accessories such as Ethernet, Firewire, Camera, quite possibly the USB Hub and Thunderbolt Port might not apply in this case. These following conditions must be met for adequate operation:

Color Profile

Hue Control

Brightness Control

Contrast Control

Correct Resolutions and Hertz

Correct Display Driver

I really do not recommend the Apple Thunderbolt Display for Non-Apple PC's. There are way too many wide ranges of Monitor choices for PC's on the market in a wide range of prices. The Apple Thunderbolt Display is designed to get the most out of the Mac and benefits the Mac. Being totally unbiased here. I have an Asus PA248Q Monitor for my PC. Price - Wow and Picture Quality - Wow. It, along with other brands have built in USB Hub and Internal Speakers. If you desire the Thunderbolt Display with the PCIe Card, well, it's your call.

Cheers!!

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Answer 2

CTalke Author

Level 1

0 points

Jan 6, 2016 7:35 PM in response to jndupuis1

Hi,

Thank you for your feedback!

Would this customization not be controlled by the GPU Drivers as the DisplayPort is being transmitted via the Thunderbolt Port/Cable?

My 'Limited' understanding of Thunderbolt is that once the display is connected, any built-In accessories and any other daisy chained devices will just present as PCIe Devices.
- I understand that all devices need to be connected prior to the device being booted as Thunderbolt is not a Plug & Play Supported device by Windows yet (At least that is what I have found from other discussions on this Board w/ users using Boot Camp).

Believe me, I would escape this headache if possible however this monitor was previously purchased by a client of ours and selling this monitor wont be an option at this point (long story).

Once again, Thank you for taking the time to reply this post.

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Answer 3

Aug 13, 2016 1:08 AM in response to CTalke

Did you solve this question CTalke? I have the same/similar issue.

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