Connecting usb-3 to thunderbolt

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Level 1

22 points

Connecting usb-3 to thunderbolt

Hi, I am hoping someone can help; I was told that I could use the thunderbolt 3 to thunderbolt 2 adapter backwards, connecting it with a thunderbolt cable to the thunderbolt socket on my mid 2011 iMac. I have a LaCie external drive usb-3 that is currently connected by usb-2, all works fine, but data transfer is quite slow. The drive also comes with a usb-3 connector, but when I connect it to the thunderbolt socket using the above configuration the drive is just dead. Despite having its own power supply there is no sign of life in the drive at all.

I'm not sure what to do next, so any help would be gratefully received.

Duff

iMac, macOS High Sierra (10.13.6)

Posted on Sep 2, 2018 12:34 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Malcolm J. Rayfield

Level 7

23,095 points

Sep 3, 2018 5:37 AM in response to Duffledorf

The Thunderbolt adapter is Thunderbolt only, even though Thunderbolt-3 and USB-C use the same connector. To get USB 3 you need a Thunderbolt (not Thunderbolt-3) dock with USB 3 connectors.

Look for one that supports Macs. Some companies, such as Dell and Lenovo, specialize in Windows and their docks may not be fully compatible with the iMac.

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Answer 2

Sep 3, 2018 3:47 AM in response to Duffledorf

Something like this will get you a USB3 interface with Thunderbolt:

Kanex Thunderbolt to eSATA + USB 3.0 Adapter - Apple

And then simply use the same cable that you are using now

to connect to the USB port on your Mac and plug it into

the adapter. The type "A" connector on that cable is the same

for both USB3 and USB2

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Answer 3

Duffledorf Author

Level 1

22 points

Sep 3, 2018 3:06 AM in response to Malcolm J. Rayfield

Hi Malcolm, thanks for the response - although I'm more confused now! All my searches for Thunderbolt (1) to USB-C dock keeps coming back to the apple adapter. Are you aware of any examples of such a device?

thanks

Duff

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Answer 4

Sep 3, 2018 5:37 AM in response to Duffledorf

You can use Thunderbolt 2.

https://www.macworld.com/article/2920233/laptop-accessories/thunderbolt-2-docks- roundup-connecting-multiple-devices-to-your-mac-laptop-has-never-been-easier.htm l

https://9to5mac.com/2015/10/27/best-thunderbolt-2-dock-for-mac/

https://www.imore.com/best-mac-thunderbolt-2-docks

https://www.omnicoreagency.com/best-thunderbolt-2-docks/

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Connecting usb-3 to thunderbolt

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