Hi, I tried to connect 3 displays to my MacPro (late 2013), but it recognised only two of them. I'm trying to connect one DVI (DVI to Thunderbolt adapter) and two HDMI displays (one straight and the other via HDMI to Thunderbolt adapter). How do I do that?
Mac Pro, OS X El Capitan (10.11.6)
The Mac Pro signal levels are designed for modern (Mini) DisplayPort displays. When you install more than three "legacy" displays, there is not enough power to raise the voltage levels to those needed by legacy displays. (if you choose to use the built-in HDMI port, it counts as one legacy display as well.)
The solution is to have the third adapter contain signal re-driver hardware inside. These adapters are readily available from online outlets and are sold as ACTIVE adapters. They can cost about US$40. One that costs only US$5 is not likely to be an ACTIVE adapter, regardless of what the seller says about it.
Grant, thank you for your reply. Yes, in the meanwhile I noticed an Apple page stating this, but I was not sure how many of the inputs must be active – only the third, meaning that the two other inputs can be normal (non-active) adapters? Would you also have a recommendation to a certain active adapter? The Apple's own is quite expensive.
Thanks!
Only one of three has to be active.
Apple's $99 active dual-link mini displayport>DVI adopter is only required if the resolution is >1920x1200
Here are some for 1920x1200 and less\https://www.startech.com/AV/Displayport-Converters/Mini-DisplayPort-to-DVI-Activ e-Adapter~MDP2DVIS
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812996114:
You only need the Apple Dual-Link adapter (which is an industrial-strength solution and quite expensive) to convert from Mini Displayport to Dual-Link DVI (wider than about 1920 wide). Like everything Apple, it works for everything, but can be a costly solution.
Well-known and solid adapters are made by StartTech and Accell -- but shop VERY carefully to avoid getting one that is almost, but not quite correct for your Application. (For example, Amazon's divergent search finds (Full-size) DisplayPort when you search for Mini-DisplayPort, and that will not fit.)
how to connect 3 displays (1 dvi and 2 hdmi) to a Mac Pro
