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User profile for user: Chris Holub1
Chris Holub1 Author
User level: Level 1
22 points

Connecting Cinema Display to New iMac 24" - Is it Possible?

I just unboxed the new iMac (24-inch, M1, 2021) running Monterey 12.4.


Bare with me as I've just upgraded from a iMac (21.5 inch, intel, 2009) (that's still working actually) for my home based office, so it's quite a leap for me.


Anyway, I need a second screen in any capacity (meaning lower res is fine), so I'm hoping to make the one I have work in the short run. I was trying to read along with other posts about chains and thunderbolt connectors so maybe that also applies here, I'm not sure. Although decently fluent in Mac speak, I don't mind an overexplanation of an answer here as I'm betting on a wire here that this will work as it is!!


Currently I have the Apple 20" Cinema Display #A1081 from 2008. The display has a type of built in doggle at the end with various connectors. I picked up the following adapter:

USB Type C(Thunderbolt 3) to DVI Adapter, Benfei USB 3.1 (USB-C) to DVI-D Adapter Male to Female Converter Compatible for Apple New MacBook [2015,2016,2017] because the description did say iMac 24" 2021.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0768RFQ83/?coliid=ICC9B75XEKBF9&colid=1URPT8Q5LQDJA&psc=1&ref_=gv_ov_lig_pi_dp


Now I got the Monitor > Adapter > iMac 24" and there's no image, however in preferences I the computer knows there's a 2nd screen there. Actually, if plugged into the USB4 spot there's a bit of static on the screen that looks like it could match the display background.


I think I'm going wrong because the cable is for USB-C and the computer (if I'm understanding?) requires the connection for displays to go into the USB-4 spot with the Thunderbolt symbol. (I tried the cable in both) (I also tried restarting after connecting into each port).


A colleague mentioned a hub and connection chain but that might be over my paygrade of understanding : )


Is there any way to make this work?

thank you! --chris





iMac, OS X 10.11

Posted on Jul 16, 2022 12:21 PM

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User profile for user: Chris Holub1
Chris Holub1 Author
User level: Level 1
22 points

Posted on Jul 16, 2022 6:59 PM

I GOT IT!


The cable I had was called USB-C (Thunderbolt 3) to DVI Adapter


The cable I NEEDED (and works) is called USB-C to DUAL LINK DVI Adapter

...and plugs into the USB-D in the back (the port WITH the thunderbolt icon ironically)


Before I close this question out as answered, I want to take and post a photo in case anyone in the future looks for this they can make some headway.


The boxy part that connects to the monitor cable is more substantial in size. The awesome guy at the computer store explained it needs to say DUAL LINK since that means it's designed for Apple Cinema Displays (specifically).


Thank you @Mal-S !! for your insight, your suggestion was enough to send me back to the computer store and ask questions. I appreciate it!


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User profile for user: Chris Holub1
Chris Holub1 Author
User level: Level 1
22 points

Jul 16, 2022 6:59 PM in response to Chris Holub1

I GOT IT!


The cable I had was called USB-C (Thunderbolt 3) to DVI Adapter


The cable I NEEDED (and works) is called USB-C to DUAL LINK DVI Adapter

...and plugs into the USB-D in the back (the port WITH the thunderbolt icon ironically)


Before I close this question out as answered, I want to take and post a photo in case anyone in the future looks for this they can make some headway.


The boxy part that connects to the monitor cable is more substantial in size. The awesome guy at the computer store explained it needs to say DUAL LINK since that means it's designed for Apple Cinema Displays (specifically).


Thank you @Mal-S !! for your insight, your suggestion was enough to send me back to the computer store and ask questions. I appreciate it!


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User profile for user: Chris Holub1
Chris Holub1 Author
User level: Level 1
22 points

Jul 16, 2022 12:54 PM in response to Mal-S

I'm sorry you lost me but you're giving me hope, thank you!


The back of the machine has (2) Firewire and (2) USB-A ports


The cable plugged into the Cinema Display splits into 4 pieces --

  • power cable that goes into the white power supply (and black cable to go into the wall)
  • firewire cable? (currently not used)
  • USB-A (currently not used)
  • male "display" plug -- that I plugged the before mentioned "female" adapter into. The adapter then connects directly into the Mac.


Here's a photo

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User profile for user: Mal-S
Mal-S
User level: Level 5
4,972 points

Jul 16, 2022 1:07 PM in response to Chris Holub1

I think you've explained this. I am understanding that the DVI cable is hard wired into the display with the distal end a male DVI plug which is plugged into the adapter.


I wasn't aware the the Cinema Display didn't have a female DVI socket on the the back (as is normal on monitors supporting that method)


As far as I know this should work. All I can suggest is to restart the iMac and see if the display works.


If that doesn't work try the following..


  1. Shut down your Mac, then unplug the power cord.
  2. Wait 15 seconds, then plug the power cord back in.
  3. Wait 5 seconds, then press the power button to turn on your Mac.


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User profile for user: Mal-S
Mal-S
User level: Level 5
4,972 points

Jul 16, 2022 12:39 PM in response to Chris Holub1

According to this link your monitor has a DVI port.

https://everymac.com/monitors/apple/studio_cinema/specs/apple_cinema_display_20_2.html


What you need is a USB-C DVI adapter (at the iMac end), into which you plug a standard DVI cable and then plug this cable into the monitor DVI port. Your picture appears to be the correct adapter and should be plugged directly into the iMac and not a USB Hub.


System Settings -> Displays -> Display Settings -> Use as Extended Display




For information I have a 24" M1 iMac and I have an old DVI monitor as my extended display and it works fine.

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Connecting Cinema Display to New iMac 24" - Is it Possible?

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