Thunderbolt Display.

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Thunderbolt Display.

Question... I have a 2017 27" iMac and had two separate displays connected. I recently switched one of the displays out for an older thunderbolt monitor. the iMac and Thunderbolt Display both work but the Third monitor does not. question is if I can connect the third display through the thunderbolt port on the Thunderbolt Display or if I have to have it on the iMac? I was trying to free up one of my thunderbolt 3 ports by using the thunderbolt 2 on the Thunderbolt Display. Any info helps thanks!

iMac 27″ 5K, macOS 12.2

Posted on Aug 24, 2022 08:14 PM

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Answer 1

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Malcolm J. Rayfield

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Aug 25, 2022 06:08 AM in response to mrwibbers

Your Thunderbolt 2 to HDMI adapter is probably just a Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter, Thunderbolt 2 and Mini DisplayPort use the same plug but the Thunderbolt port on the back of a Thunderbolt display will not run a Mini DisplayPort device. Computer Thunderbolt 2 ports do work with Mini DisplayPort devices.

You need a true Thunderbolt 2 to HDMI adapter that does not use Mini DisplayPort, but I don't know if such adapters exist. You may be able to find a Thunderbolt 2 dock that can run a display, but it won't be cheap.

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Answer 2

Aug 24, 2022 11:34 PM in response to mrwibbers

What video connection does the third display use?

Thunderbolt 2 ports on a computer can also be used for Mini DisplayPort. Thunderbolt 2 ports on Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapters, and Thunderbolt 2 ports on the back of Thunderbolt displays, cannot be used for Mini DisplayPort, even though the plugs will fit.

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Answer 3

mrwibbers Author

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Aug 25, 2022 04:42 AM in response to Malcolm J. Rayfield

The third display is HDMI so I'm going thunderbolt 2 to HDMI. I can use the second Thunderbolt 3 port on the iMac but I was trying to free up a port to use for there things.

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Answer 4

mrwibbers Author

Level 1

4 points

Aug 25, 2022 06:25 AM in response to Malcolm J. Rayfield

Ok, that is probably the issue then. thank you!

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Thunderbolt Display.

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