30" cinema display for new Mac mini 2018

Hello everyone

This is my connection set up (left to right):

1. Power

2. USB-C port: (silver) Topelek adapter driven by Apple Mini-DP to Dual Link Adapter (MB571Z/A), connected to Apple 30"

3. USB-C port: (black) cable direct to Eizo display port

4. USB-3 port: to HD

5. USB-3 port: to USB-2 hub, into which is plugged the USB-2 cable from the Apple adapter (MB571Z/A)

Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter - Apple (UK)

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B074M2T8L2

I can confirm that this one works too between a 2018 mini and a 30"Cinema with Apple DP->Dual-Link DVI adapter:

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N2ORP84/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie= UTF8&psc=1

There are no HDMI to dual-link DVI adapters. There are some that use dual-link DVI connectors but they are only single-link.

The Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt adapters won't work with display adapters or displays (except Thunderbolt displays).

You need a USB-C to Mini DisplayPort adapter

https://www.uptab.com/uptab-usb-c-type-c-to-mini-displayport-adapter-4k-60hz-sil ver/

to use with a Mini DisplayPort to dual-link DVI adapter (don't forget to plug in its USB cable).

https://www.amazon.com/Mini-DisplayPort-Dual-Link-DVI-Adapter/dp/B0751RL35H/ref= sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1541296673&sr=8-3&keywords=Mini+DisplayPort+to+dual-link+DVI+ adapter

(Many USB-C to Mini DisplayPort adapters don't support DVI adapters. The one I linked says it does support them.)

This adapter work flawlessly with my 2018 Mac Mini and 320" Apple display (using the Apple dual link to mini display port in between)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071R3ZPV8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Priced right too.

I followed Malcolm's advice, but with a different USB-C to Mini DisplayPort adapter:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B074M2T8L2

I'm happy to report this one also works well – useful for UK purchasers as the Uptab is expensive to buy from the US.

One small glitch – I use two monitors: a modern Eizo, which has no trouble running off USB-C, the other is my 30-inch Apple Cinema display.

I find that it's best to boot with the Apple display not connected and then connect once the Mac Mini is up and running.

Wildetommy wrote:

Yes, thanks to Malcolm, too. However, regarding the Uptab adapter here (California) on Amazon, it says this about it: “This adapter is NOT compatible with other inline adapters between the adapter and the monitor. Before you purchase this adapter please make sure your device (Computer/Tablet/Smart Phone) supports HDMI/DP Alt Mode Over USB Type-C”. This makes me think that it might not work as your TopElek does. Here’s the link: https://www.amazon.com/UPTab-USB-C-DisplayPort-Adapter-Graphite/dp/B01N4FQNYW/re f=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1542502274&sr=8-1&k…

You left out the sentence just before the one you quoted.

"This adapter will work in combination with Active DVI adapters only. This adapter is NOT compatible with other inline adapters between the adapter and the monitor."

From the manufacturer's site:

https://www.uptab.com/uptab-usb-c-type-c-to-mini-displayport-adapter-4k-60hz-sil ver/

"Supports Active in-line DVI-D or DVI to Mini DisplayPort Adapters"

Apple Mini DisplayPort to Dual-link DVI adapters are active. Most single-link adapters (including Apple's) aren't.

@Mario: Yes, 2018 Mac Mini driving a 30" Cinema at full resolution via a Topelek adapter from Amazon. Worked straight out of the box as my second monitor. Works exactly as you would want it to. No set up or tweaking. – see photo!

I agree (WT) that doesn't sound too good.

However, look at the reviews of this:

https://www.amazon.com/DisplayPort-QCEs-Resolution-Thunderbolt-Compatible/dp/B07 117M8B2/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_4?ie=UTF8&qid=154…

Note especially the fourth review; it may well do the trick for US Amazon users.

Good luck!

You do need to connect the USB plug from the Dual-Link DVI adapter to the computer with a USB-A(F) to USB-C(M) adapter.

https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MJ1M2AM/A/usb-c-to-usb-adapter

This provides power to the Dual-Link DVI adapter and USB connection to the display (whose USB cable is plugged into the USB port on the adapter). The display's USB connection is for brightness control and for the USB ports on the back of the display.

HDMI adapters won't work with the 30" display. See the first reply in this thread for the correct adapters.

My Topelek explicitly says: 'Compatible with Apple Cinema Display, such as 24-inch, 27-inch, 30-inch, need an official Apple Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter...'

However, I only bought it because I am in the UK. If I was US based then I would have followed Malcolm's advice and bought the UpTab. (The UpTab is semi-available in the UK, but it's expensive and slow to arrive via Amazon US, whereas the Topelek is cheap and next-day delivery from Amazon UK.)

Yes, thanks to Malcolm, too. However, regarding the Uptab adapter here (California) on Amazon, it says this about it: “This adapter is NOT compatible with other inline adapters between the adapter and the monitor. Before you purchase this adapter please make sure your device (Computer/Tablet/Smart Phone) supports HDMI/DP Alt Mode Over USB Type-C”. This makes me think that it might not work as your TopElek does. Here’s the link: https://www.amazon.com/UPTab-USB-C-DisplayPort-Adapter-Graphite/dp/B01N4FQNYW/re f=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1542502274&sr=8-1&k…

After much frustration I am delighted to report that I have found a solution for getting my 27" Apple LED Cinema Display (the one with the mini displayport male + magsafe power connectors) with the new Mac mini. This is the connector that worked: the UPTab USB-C Type C to Mini DisplayPort Adapter 4K@60Hz

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N4FQNYW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Note that the USB-C to Mini DisplayPort Adapter ITANDA adapter definitely DOES NOT WORK.

dan