2017 imac pro to apple cinema HD display 23"

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Level 1

4 points

2017 imac pro to apple cinema HD display 23"

Hello,

I am trying to connect my 2017 imac pro to an older 23" external cinema HD display. After doing some initial research it looked like I needed a direct DVI to USB-C adapter so I bought this Benfei item:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Benfei-Thunderbolt-Adapter-Gold-Plated-MacBook/dp/B076X2XS9R/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8&th=1

I have just connected it up (see image) and thought I had a result when the cinema display turned on...but it only comes on for about 5 seconds and then the screen goes black like it's in a standby mode. I tried unplugging and reconnecting a few times but it does the same thing every time. I can still see the external monitor listed in my display settings in system preferences and I tried a few different resolution settings, but it still won't work for longer than a few seconds. Can anyone suggest what else I can try please?

iMac 27″, macOS 10.13

Posted on May 3, 2023 3:17 AM

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Answer 1

den.thed

Level 10

81,736 points

May 3, 2023 6:30 AM in response to duke180

What all is plugged into those other three USB-C ports?

Stagger the displays on the ports. (one on Bus 1 and the other on Bus 0)

see > Connect an external display to your iMac Pro - Apple Support

If that does not help?

Return or Exchange the Benfei adapter and test a different USB-C to DVI adapter.

Test the Cinema Display on another computer, preferable one with a DVI connection.

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Answer 2

den.thed

Level 10

81,736 points

May 3, 2023 7:44 AM in response to duke180

You're welcome.

Yea' that kind of narrows it down to the adapter.

If the replacement Benfei also fails to work, then you maybe forced into trying a more expensive USB-C to Dual-Link DVI adapter to make the Cinema Display happy.

https://www.amazon.com/Active-Adapter-CableCreation-Resolution-Converter/dp/B085HH1LQW/ref=sr_1_4?

https://www.amazon.com/CAC-1510-Adapter-Displays-3840x2160-2560x1600/dp/B08B7FSVTL/ref=sr_1_3?

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Answer 3

duke180 Author

Level 1

4 points

May 5, 2023 5:45 AM in response to den.thed

Hello again,

I am very pleased to report that the Club3D USB-C to dual link DVI adapter works and I now have dual monitors! Thanks so much for your help and to recap, if anyone is trying to setup up dual monitors from a 2017 imac pro running Monterrey OS to a 23" cinema HD display, I can confirm that this adapter works...

https://www.scan.co.uk/products/club-3d-cac-1510-a-active-adapter-usb32-gen1-type-c-to-dual-link-dvi-d-supports-up-to-2560-x-1600p-6

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Answer 4

duke180 Author

Level 1

4 points

May 3, 2023 5:04 AM in response to den.thed

I have recorded a youtube video of the display connection process and you can see that the cinema display initially turns on but then goes black, even though it's still recognised in the display settings as being connected...

https://youtu.be/UfjfcCC_pMw

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Answer 5

duke180 Author

Level 1

4 points

May 3, 2023 7:10 AM in response to den.thed

Thanks for your help. I an external RAID drive, a USB-C RAID dock and a blackmagic audio device plugged in to the other USB-C slots. I've just tried unplugging those peripherals and just plugging in the monitor adapter but it still doesn't work in any of the ports and the screen just turns on for 5 seconds and then goes black.

I will return the Benfei adapter and request a replacement just to rule that out.

I have tested the cinema display on an identical spec imac pro and it does the same as the first mac. I can get the monitor to work fine from my older macbook that has a mini display port output so the display is functioning and I can only think it must be a faulty adapter.

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Answer 6

den.thed

Level 10

81,736 points

May 3, 2023 4:07 AM in response to duke180

Connect the USB cable directly to the iMac Pro instead of the USB Hub.

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Answer 7

duke180 Author

Level 1

4 points

May 3, 2023 4:57 AM in response to den.thed

Hi, I just tried doing that but the cinema display just does the same and comes on for about 5 seconds showing the desktop and then goes black.

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Answer 8

duke180 Author

Level 1

4 points

May 3, 2023 7:58 AM in response to den.thed

Thanks for the links, it's much appreciated and if a replacement Benfei adapter fails as well then I'll have to take the plunge and go for the pricier option. I'll let you know how I get on.

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