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Mac Mini M2 to LED Cinema Display

I wish to connect my new Mac Mini to my 'old' Apple LED Cinema Display. The latter only has a mini Display port connector.

  • Apple Helpdesk says that an HDMI to Mini Display port connector will work
  • Apple shop expert says that there is no way to connect an M1/2 computer to an Apple LED Cinema Display. He tried it, and nothing works.
  • the Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 (min display port) adapter does not work.


Can one connect an M1/2 mac mini to an Apple LED Cinema Display at all?

And if so, what connector will actually work?

Posted on Feb 12, 2023 3:58 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Feb 12, 2023 5:23 PM

The Thunderbolt adspter won't work, even though the plugs fit.

Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter - Apple

"Note: This adapter does not support DisplayPort displays like the Apple LED Cinema Display"


A USB-C to Mini DisplayPort adapter should work.

https://www.startech.com/display-video-adapters/cdp2mdp

10 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Feb 12, 2023 5:23 PM in response to jh113

The Thunderbolt adspter won't work, even though the plugs fit.

Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter - Apple

"Note: This adapter does not support DisplayPort displays like the Apple LED Cinema Display"


A USB-C to Mini DisplayPort adapter should work.

https://www.startech.com/display-video-adapters/cdp2mdp

Mar 2, 2023 1:14 AM in response to jh113

I have a Mac Mini M2 in the mail.

I also have an Apple HD Cinema display, 23 inch?, I think.

The main input to that display is actually a male dual channel dvi,

with an adapter to mini display port.

Maybe your display is similar to mine.

I will try a hdmi to female dual channel dvi adapter once i get my mac.

I have high hopes for that solution.

Will post an update once I`ve tested this combo.

Good luck with your project!


Mar 7, 2023 9:24 AM in response to jh113

Yes, I purchased 2 Uptake (item number UP-USBC1009) USB-C Mini DisplayPort adapters (4K@60Hz) and that worked. However, my LED Cinema Displays show different resolutions. One display shows a resolution of 2560x1440 as a default (which is what I want on both displays) and the other display shows 1280x720. Sometimes I can get both screens at 2560x1440 after playing around with the Displays settings. But when it falls asleep or I logout of the computer, the next day on startup, I have randomly different display settings.


I can't seem to find an explanation (don't know if I need to purchase new monitors or not, I've been trying to use the LED Cinema Displays for as long as possible, as the new ones are way too expensive).


Good luck

Mar 8, 2023 12:37 AM in response to clayfromplymouth

I occasionally have the same problem. I have an LG display alongside the Cinema Display. The latter occasionally switches to a lower resolution. Playing around with the display settings (main/extended) and/or rebooting usually solved this for me, and recently it has settled down to using its full resolution reliably. Apple Helpdesk did mention that there were issues with resolution when using a USB-C => miniDP adapter, which is why they don't recommend it. I can only guess that this is what we are experiencing.

Mar 30, 2023 11:44 PM in response to marciano131

My LED Cinema Display dates from about 2007.

[The info in System says: LED Cinema Display:  Resolution: 2560x1440 (QHD/WQHD - Wide Quad High Definition)  UI Looks like: 2560 x 1440 @ 60.00Hz.]

I'm afraid that I'm not competent to judge whether this will work for other models, but my guess is that it would (based on no technical knowledge :-)).

Mac Mini M2 to LED Cinema Display

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