Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter not working

Question

Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter not working

I would like to connect a new MBP with Thunderbolt 4 to an old LaCie 2big Thunderbolt external RAID drive with Thunderbolt 1.

I'm using an Apple Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter with an Apple Thunderbolt 1 cable.

The drive tries to boot up, but stalls, fails, tries again, stalls, fails, and so on.

The drive doesn't appear in Disk Utility.

Is there anything I can do?

The drive and cable work fine with an old MBP with Thunderbolt 1.

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 12.3

Posted on Aug 1, 2022 11:56 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

David Hollis2 Author

Level 1

40 points

Aug 7, 2022 9:24 AM in response to David Hollis2

The Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter does not work with the 2m Apple Thunderbolt Cable, but does work with the 0.5m Apple Thunderbolt Cable.

It also works with a LaCie Rugged RAID, that has its own short Thunderbolt lead.

The mophie USB-C Cable with Mini DisplayPort Connector did not work. Whilst Thunderbolt 1/2 does use the Mini DisplayPort connector, it isn't the same.

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Answer 2

Aug 1, 2022 1:37 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

It's absolutely fine. It provides a TimeMachine backup for an old MBP with Thunderbolt 1. Drive is fine, power is fine, cable is fine. Everything works fine.

BUT, connect the cable to an adapter and the new MBP, and it can't boot up.

I didn't know that such a cable existed. So Thunderbolt 1/2 is equivalent to USB 3 type B? I didn't know that. I'll try and find a cable. Thanks. A further reply might take a while!

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Answer 3

Aug 1, 2022 4:28 PM in response to David Hollis2

do not buy that cable to connect to a disk drive:

mophie’s USB-C cable with Mini Display connector makes it a snap to connect your MacBook to an external display. Experience clear, blur-free video, as well as support for digital surround sound. With its sturdy, braided nylon construction and durable connectors, this cable stands up to everyday use so you can see a pixel-perfect image every time.

This data cable is what you need. Plug it into the Top connector on your drive:

Monoprice 2.0 USB-C to USB Type-B Printer Cable, 480 Mbps, 6.6ft, Black - Product # 33457 - $10.99

.

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Answer 4

Aug 1, 2022 1:53 PM in response to David Hollis2

Apparently Thunderbolt 1/2 is the same as Mini DisplayPort, and I found this cable:

https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/product/HN8B2ZM/A/mophie-usb-c-cable-with-mini-displayport-connector

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Answer 5

Aug 1, 2022 1:23 PM in response to David Hollis2

Is it stable when powered on and NOT connected to a computer?

Have you tried connecting the device with a USB-3 type-B cable/adapter to USB-C ?

.

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Answer 6

Aug 1, 2022 12:18 PM in response to David Hollis2

The Apple Thunderbolt-3 <-> ThunderBolt-2 adapter does not provide POWER in either direction.

Your external drive will need its own power supply.

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Answer 7

Aug 1, 2022 1:06 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

The LaCie 2big Thunderbolt external RAID has its own supply, and it is powered up.

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Answer 8

Aug 1, 2022 1:13 PM in response to David Hollis2

More information:

I also have a LaCie Rugged Raid with Thunderbolt 1, or possibly 2. It works fine with the Apple Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter, and appears in Finder.

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Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter not working

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