2011 iMac trying to use Thunderbolt to connect to USB 3 hub

Question

2011 iMac trying to use Thunderbolt to connect to USB 3 hub

Mid 2011 iMac with 20 GB memory, 1 TB drive running Sierra OS 10.12.6

I'm trying to connect a USB 3 hub to the computer to enable use of USB 3 devices. Want to use the Thunderbolt port on the iMac. So I got an Apple Thunderbolt cable connected to Apple Thunderbolt to USB C converter. Using a female to female connector to an Apple USB C to USB (3/2) converter cable to connect to the Sabrent 4 port USB 3 hub (powered). I then plug in my USB 3 drive (Western Digital - My Passport), it powers up, but does not appear on the iMac desktop. To check the T-Bolt port, I connected my MacBook Pro to the USB-C converter and it shows up, so I believe the port on the iMac is working. When connected to the hub, the System Report shows nothing on the T-Bolt port.

Thoughts/Solutions?

iMac, macOS Sierra (10.12.5)

Posted on Sep 19, 2017 1:14 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

woodmeister50

Level 7

21,051 points

Sep 20, 2017 8:45 AM in response to Charlie Marino

The only way you might get USB3 functionality on a 2011 iMac

is to purchase one of the pricey "Thunderbolt Docks" like this:

OWC 12 Port Thunderbolt 2 Dock with 1.0M... at MacSales.com

(Thunderbolt 2 is directly backward compatible to Thunderbolt "1"

on your iMac).

Here is another alternative, but still pricey to get full USB 3 capability:

Amazon.com: Kanex Thunderbolt to eSATA plus USB 3.0 Adapter: Home Audio & Theater

Or, if you can live with USB2 speeds, just plug it into a USB port

on your iMac. USB3 is backward compatible with USB2.

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Answer 2

den.thed

Level 10

91,480 points

Sep 19, 2017 2:18 PM in response to Charlie Marino

Thunderbolt and USB are different protocols and you need an active Thunderbolt to USB 3 adapter to plug your USB 3.0 Drive or USB 3.0 Hub into.

For some examples:

Amazon.com: Kanex Thunderbolt to eSATA plus USB 3.0 Adapter: Home Audio

Amazon.com: CY Thunderbolt Port to USB 3.0 Super Speed Hard Disk Drive Adapter

usb3 to thunderbolt adapter - Newegg.com

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Answer 3

den.thed

Level 10

91,480 points

Sep 19, 2017 2:30 PM in response to Charlie Marino

That USB-C to USB 3.0 Hub will only work with a newer Mac or PC that has USB-C ports.

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Answer 4

Sep 19, 2017 2:23 PM in response to den.thed

This is helpful.

I was trying to do the hookup with Apple hardware, but may try this approach. I have a new hub coming (complimentary from Sabrent) that has a USB C cable connection. It would eliminate one "converter". Will post what I learn with the new hub. If it doesn't work, then I will go with your suggestions. Fortunately, I can return the items for credit/refund.

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Answer 5

Sep 20, 2017 8:48 AM in response to den.thed

Since they are sending it free of charge, I'll try it on my iMac. If it doesn't work it will wort on my new MacBook.

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