27" apple cinema display and new MacBook Pro with Thunderbolt 3
How can I connect the old 27" Apple Cinema Display with mini display/USB connection to the new Mac Book Pro with USB-C/Thunderbolt 3?
This answer was tested with the old 30" Apple Cinema Display, but it should work with the 27" display as well. We tried many different cables and combinations without success (including several cables and combos suggested by Apple Store staff and AppleCare phone support who are also learning about the new MacBookPro models and using the USB-C port) until we found this wonderful post by Anthony Picciano at AskDifferent. It works and saves us the significant expense of replacing a beautiful large, but older, monitor still in perfect condition.
"After weeks of trial and error, I have finally achieved 2560x1600 resolution on my Apple 30-inch Cinema Display connected to my MacBook Pro,15-inch, 2016 laptop.
The trick is to go from USB-C to Mini Display Port (MDP), then to dual-link DVI. Unfortunately, this does take two adapters, but at least the full monitor's resolution is supported.
I used the following adapters:
- USB Type C Adapter (Amazon Link): <https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017TZTMBG/?tag=stackoverfl08-20>
- Dual-link DVI adapter (Monoprice Link) <https://www.monoprice.com/product?c_id=104&cp_id=10428&cs_id=1042802&p_id=6904&s eq=1&format=2>
Also to note, the DVI adapter needs to be powered by the attached USB connector, and the monitor break out cable USB also needs to be attached to the MacBook."