Unlocking the Power of USB-C/TB3 on Your ThunderBolt2 Mac
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 ก.ย. 2024
- Tutorial on how to upgrade an old Thunderbolt iMac to use Thunderbolt 3 devices using a Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter.
The video demonstrates how to connect the adapter to the iMac and Thunderbolt 2 port, and then how to connect a Thunderbolt 3 device using an adapter. We test whether a 4K monitor can work with Thunderbolt 2, over USB-C.
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Thanks for this tip, this is what I was looking for in increasing connectivity with my Thunderbolt display 👍🏻
This is so damn complicated but I refuse to give up on my 2012 iMac
If the ssd you sho in the video is the Nvoy Express, you can also remove the cable opening the case and plugging the other cable you showed in the internal port. But maybe it doesn’t work cause it wouldn’t be powered, right?
One of the reasons I got the Envoy Express, was because I could change the cable if it ever got damaged. I didn’t try it by plugging the adapter in but, as you say, it wouldn’t work because the adapter only supplies data and not power.
Hi, I have similar setup. Trying to connect Samsung NVMe to thunderbolt 2x using the Elgato docking station, would it work also could you tell me what dock model you use? Thanks
The dock I used in the video is the Elgato Thunderbolt3. But any dock that has its own power and detachable usb-c cable should do.
What I mean by that is the cable used to connect the dock to the computer can be removed and replaced with Apple’s TB2-TB3 adapter.
@@TechTalkofDan I appreciate the reply. I've got the same setup. I picked up the same dock for a cheap price, and now I'm getting double the speeds.
The dock needs to have 2 thunderbolt 3 ports
So you connected the external case (with an SSD?) to the Thunderbolt 3 dock, and the Thunderbolt 3 dock to the computer using both its USB 3 cable for power and the USB-C to Thunderbolt 2 adaptor plus the Thunderbolt 2 cable for the signal. Could you confirm I got it right?
Yes, that’s correct. And the dock needs to be a self powered one.
Brilliant, thanks @@TechTalkofDan
Thank you for your guide) And what speed did You get from external drive by this connection? I have MacBook Pro 15 (2015) and looking for how can I use promising 20 gbps nowadays ))) I need speed for my external ssd m2 nvme ) and want connect another device by usb C.
You won't be able to get the full 20Gbps speed for a single nvme drive. TB2 has 2x 10Gbps lanes.
I don't remember if I ran BlackMagic on the drive, but I didn't notice it being slow.
What I can say, is I was able to drive 4K monitor at 30fps.
2:40, what did just happened?
That is the TB2-TB3 adapter, and I'm plugging in a TB2 cable.
That TB2 cable is then plugged into the iMac.
Do you think a IOGear Quantum Dual Mode Thunderbolt 3 Dock Pro will work as well as a Elgato? It saves about $100 in the US and a local shop has on in stock. Instead of Amazon.
I can't say for certain.
However, it looks like a power hub, so stands a good chance of working. As they are local, maybe they would let you try it out in store? (assuming you have a portable mac)
Just what's maybe a silly idea:
I just bought an external screen for my 2015 Macbook, one of those piggybacked on the back of the MacBook screen. It comes with two connectors, mini-HDMI and USB-C, and three cables, one USB-C to USB-C, one USB-C to USB-A and one HDMI to mini-HDMI.
If your computers has USB-C/Thunderbolt 3, you just have to use one cable, the first one. If it doesn't, you have to use the other two, one for the image, the other one for the power. I guess it would be the same for a Thunderbolt 2 to mini-HDMI cable, one for image, one for power.
Then I thought: why not a cable with two plugs in one of the ends, one plug that connects to HDMI or Thunderbolt 2 for image, and the second plug to a USB-A connector for power, and a single USB-C plug in the other end, with image and power all together? 🤔
That way you would save from using a hub just for the power.
I think I get what you are saying.
I’ve looked up the MacBook Pro 2015 and I can see it has USB but they only support 5 Gbps transfer speed. Whereas the thunderbolt ports support 20 Gbps (10x2 per port).
So technically I believe you can do what you are saying. However, the hub method I mention allows you to connect TB3 devices to your Mac. Whereas if you tried with an adapter it would fail. (USB-C can fallback on earlier standards)
At the end of the day, you use what you have lying around, for your use cases.
Thanks for watching!
Hi! great video!.. I do have an old MacBook air 2013.. and i do have a dell docking station that connects using a male USB-C cable... this doc has 2 monitors, mouse, keyboard, etc... I am not finding an adaptor to use this doc with my Mac... Any ideas?
The adapter I used was the Apple USB-C to TB2. www.apple.com/uk/shop/product/MMEL2ZM/A/thunderbolt-3-usb-c-to-thunderbolt-2-adapter
@@TechTalkofDan Thanks for the comment! so it would be: MackbookAir thunderbolt -> Apple Thunderbolt male-male -> Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter (USBc male) -> USBc female-female -> DocStation wich is USBc male. Does it make sense?
Got all the cables, tried it and it didnt work, in the thunderbolt status, says no device connected,
Which dock are you trying with?
Just checking that you plugged the Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter into the computer port of the dock?
@@TechTalkofDan Hi, the dock i am trying to connect to is the "Dell Dual Charge Dock HD22Q" which has a USB-C male connector. So I used the adaptor you suggested and a USB-C coupling (female-female), but its not working, i would think this dock might not be compatible with mac, not sure
Hi, my name is Paulo, and my english is bad. You have one list the dock stanchion with power connector?
The dock I use in the video is the Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Dock
@@TechTalkofDan Thanks brow, I have been looking for cheapest docks. Do you have a recommendation?
I can’t recommend anything other than the Elgato dock.
However, any dock that requires a powered adapter should work.
HELP!! I bought a MacStudio because my research suggested I could use my 2013 27” as a monitor for it, I also got the same adapter you have (though without the dock - just adapter plus thunderbolt cable direct in to MacStudio port) and NOTHING is working. I also ordered an HDMI adapter and also nothing. Any ideas?? Is it because none of the adapters have external power? Any help will be GREATLY appreciated - I’m losing my mind over here! 😂
It sounds like it should be working.
In your case, you won't need power, as the device (your iMac) is self powered.
This is what Apple says: support.apple.com/en-gb/HT204592
And it does say your iMac is support.
Can you confirm the iMac is running macOS High Sierra or earlier.
It does say it requires a Mac that must have been introduced in 2019 or earlier and have macOS Catalina or earlier installed.
Give me a couple of days, and I can see if I can get it working with my Mac Studio & iMac.
Can someone please post links to these adapters?
I too am scratching my head trying to go from tb 2 to tb 3 on a 2014 iMac Pro.
The edits in this video while your hooking it all up are too quick…please help.
@@demopoulosnow This is the specific adapter that I used: www.apple.com/shop/product/MMEL2AM/A/thunderbolt-3-usb-c-to-thunderbolt-2-adapter
I also used a ThunderBolt2 cable and a Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Dock.
Any dock should work, but it must be mains powered and have a detachable usb-c cable.
(The TB2 -> TB3 adapter is data only, and will not supply power)
Start with the iMac, and plugin the TB2 cable, and plug the other end into the TB2->TB3 adapter.
Plug the USB-C port from the adapter into to computer port on the dock.
Now anything you connect to the dock, should work with your iMac.
Hope that helps.
Hey many thanks Dan
Worked like a charm for me. Not sure how fast it’ll transport data, lot of useless junk to slow things down, but hey I’m happy to have the new options available now
Very cool 007
great tips. what about connecting a new macbook pro to an old iMac (which only have a. thunderbolt 2 not a minidisply port) to use the iMac as an external monitor? Do you have any suggestions?
Thunderbolt 2 is mini DisplayPort
It depends on the iMac. There is target display mode on some but Apple removed it on later iMacs. Around 2013, when they introduced the 5k iMac.
If i connect an NVME SSD inside a USB C 3.1/USB 3.2 enclousure with this adapter, will it connect at 10GBPS/20GBPS?
It’ll be 10 Gbs regardless of it being TB1 or TB2.
Have you been able to connect.to a thunderbolt 3 computer yet? I'm very curious.
I'm not sure I follow.
I have used the adapter to connect TB2 devices to a TB3 mac, and TB3 devices to a TB2 mac.
Are you referring to booting the TB2 mac into target mode and accessing that on a TB3 mac?
So, do I need to find an envoy express somewhere like eBay?
The envoy express is an external enclose for an M2. It was an example of a device that required Thunderbolt 3 to work. If you can’t find it there will be other similar devices.
Please, what is the actual model of the envoy express
This is the enclosure.
www.megamac.com/products/owc-envoy-express-thunderbolt-3-bus-powered-enclosure-for-2280-m-2-nvme-ssd-owctb3envxp00
Thanks for the information.. I don't find PD port in MacBook Air (13-inch, Early 2015) model. Is it possible to use Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Dock or Elgato Thunderbolt pro 3 Dock?
PD port?
It should be possible by using the TB2 to TB3 adapter. The Elgato dock is what I was using.
@@TechTalkofDan Thanks ! how do I get power to Macbook from dock? MacBook Air (13-inch, Early 2015) model does not have type c port
@@kavinvimalathithan6634 You can't get power to the dock. This is why you need a powered dock. e.g. a dock that uses a main power and not powered by the computer.
The idea is you connect the dock to your ThunderBolt port, using the TB2 - TB3 adapter. (So TB 1 or 2 port on your computer goes into the adapter, and then the adapter plugins into the dock. You will need a Thunderbolt cable to connect the adapter and computer)
@@TechTalkofDan gotcha ! charging will not be supported then. However, data and video functionality will still be supported. Got the Thunderbolt 2 to thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) Adapter, so let me order one dock then. Thanks a lot !
Did this work for you? I’ve got he elgato tb3 dock coming so I am hoping it works for me
Hello, which dock with external power do you use?
The dock I use in the video is the Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Dock
@@TechTalkofDan does that thunderbolt 3 dock work even if the thunderbolt enclosure that has the SSD inside is a thunderbolt 4? I need to connect it to an iMac late 2015 (thunderbolt2)
@@Jack82423 I don't have any specific TB4 devices to test with. However, if it works in a Mac with a TB3 port (mac Mini 2020 or earlier), then I don't see a reason why it wouldn't work in the dock.
You don't need that specific dock. Any TB3/4 dock will do, that has its own power supply and detachable cable.
@@TechTalkofDan ok I've tested your same solution but with a "Belkin Dock Thunderbolt 3" on my iMac late 2015 and it worked! Thank you very much
Wow
si comra lo que sea
not all devices would work this way though. TB3 has USB inside. TB2 doesnt. You can not connect a TB3/USB device this way.
I’m not sure what you’re saying, as it is working for me.
I have been trying to work on this for a late 2012 iMac - thanks for the inspiration and please follow up - Trying to use NVME external on late 2012 Thunderbolt iMac. I bought the same adaptor plus a Thunder bolt cable - Lots of Mac $ - trying to make it work. THanks Cheers. I have an Acasis 10 -1 doc but no success
The only issue I found with the Apple adapter is that will not supply power.
I've looked up the dock that you've mentioned.
Have you tried the dock with a power adapter in PD port?
If you have, it is possible that this only worked because I was using a thunderbolt dock, rather than just usb-c dock. Or it could be still be a power issue, as the dock I used had an AC adapter.
That would require a bit more research.
@@TechTalkofDanI have that adapter, but what about using it with Thunderbolt 4 via an OWC Ethernet port? Is that even possible? Or would all I need be that OWC Ethernet adapter plug? If you know.
Cheers
@@TechTalkofDanalso, are you referring to the envoy express or the Apple adapter? How did you connect the express to the Apple adapter if you did, I was confused - unless you just bought the right cord and went from the dock to the envoy to the Apple adapter…?
The Apple Thunderbolt Adapter is a bad joke 🥸🤬😶💩 I was about to purchase it, plus the extra TB1/2 cable to connect an external TB3 SSD enclosure to an older TB iMac... Since the Adapter is the "real deal" from Apple, I can't believe that it does not transmit the (low) power for an external drive. Ridiculous and a shame. #AppleGate #ThunderBolt
You say that but how would extract 15w of power from a port that only provides a maximum of 9.9w?
It better to not support it at all, than for it to appear broken for some.
@@TechTalkofDan Interesting numbers, unfortunately I could not find any power specs for Apple Macs and their TB connectors. The only info I found was on the StarTech Adapter, which seem to bypass 12w. Yes, I know that it is not a bi-directional solution, but that is not the point. I mean, all previous and current connection types like USB, FW can drive bus-powered devices. If the power is not enough, the device does not work or you get even a message that their is nor enough power... So, I simply expect something similar from the TB technology and implementation. Especially, from the "inventor" and the only official bi-directional adapter on the market.
@@TechTalkofDan PS: Don't get me wrong, your video and hub tipp is great! I am just disappointed by the Adapter itself and the unnecessary restriction to not support any bus-powered devices. According to some forum users, external SSD drives do not consume much power. Definitely lower than 9.9 w
Thank you for clarifying, as I wasn't sure.
I find this interesting as your reaction to this adapter was the complete opposite to my reaction.
The wiki page mentions 18V and 9.9W.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thunderbolt_(interface)
Though this is frustrating, as the page also lists all the different versions.
However, PCMag backs this up: uk.pcmag.com/news/104192/intel-thunderbolt-rollout-wont-be-lightning-fast
What I do know about USB-C/Thunderbolt3, is they can offer more power, and at a range of voltages.
Another incompatibility from Apple with the rest of the world.
When I realized all the problems I got after purchasing a G4 tower in 2004 I sold everything after only one year of use.
For sure it was a beautiful desktop tower but sooooooo much problems : uncessant OS updates to run some softwares, hardware limitations/speed, expensive hardware upgrades, expensive accessories, ..... Apple is only a question of design and money, not productivity.
I switched to Windows and all my problems were solved. No more headaches : inexpensive accessories, total compatibility, tons of softwares and hardwares, easy upgrades, more fun/speed/productivity, ease of use since Windows 98 SE and later.
I will never touch an Apple product again.
This video was about Apple being backward compatible.
You are able to keep using the new accessories on older Macs.
Back when Mac OS X launched, it helped to be an enthusiast.
At the end of the day, the best platform is what works for you.
@@TechTalkofDan No problem with this. I agree 100%.
Useful video BTW. Thanks for this.
My comment was only to warn others about the cost/headaches/wasted time/compatibility issues when you enter inside Apple's ecosystem.
It was not intended to offend you.
When I read the comments under your video I remember those moments of hesitation I had (will it work ?) before spending $$$ for something I was not 100% sure it will work. Old times !!
What wakes me switch to Windows (Asus in particular) is, amongst others, the exorbitant price of Apple accessories as you state at the beginning : 70$ for a simple adapter. OUCH !!!
I found your video during my researchs for a friend who owns a iMac late 2013 and was looking for an adapter (or cable) to connect his Asus laptop (Windows 10 Pro) to his iMac to use it as a extended monitor. What a headache !!!
Apple, with its raging race for money, creates new technologies but forget at the same time to offer compatible accessories to the owners of old Macs. Maybe to push people to buy the latest model ? I will not be surprised !
When, later in time, the accesories for oldest models are finally available they cost a fortune. Are they better than those found for Windows machines ? No. But they are X4 more expensive.
With Windows machines EVERYTHING is compatible, cheap and easy, whatever the brand. You don't ask yourself if it will work or not. You just buy it (much cheaper than Apple) and plug it. Done !! No headaches/time spent to look for compatibily before spending $$$$$$. Life is easy.
If Windows machines represent 90% of the total market there is a reason.
Following my advice my friend finally sold his iMac and bought an Asus ProArt monitor for the same price (500$). Problem solved.
Thanks again for this helpful video.
Enjoy Windows 11 and possibly Windows 12