27" Thunderbolt Display Help Needed--Ports not working? Cable issues? M4 Mini?

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Level 1

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27" Thunderbolt Display Help Needed--Ports not working? Cable issues? M4 Mini?

I was given a 27" Thunderbolt Display and I'm having some issues and could use some help. It is assumed working.

I am using a 2012 iMac AND a M4 Pro Mac Mini in this.

Here are the issues.

1) I can connect it to the iMac thru the Thunderbolt port and it pops up as it should.I can also connect it to a Thunderbolt 2 hub I have connected to the imac, and the screen works. BUT, IN BOTH CASES, the hub ports on the back...the tbolt, and USBs are the ones I've tried, DO NOT WORK...nor does it's speaker show up as an option in my sound.

2) I HAVE NOT been able to get this to work with the M4 Mac Mini. I DO HAVE the Apple thunderbolt 2 - thunderbolt 3/4 adapter.

3) The Thunderbolt cable ON THE DISPLAY's plug...the rubber shielding is cracked. I've also found the plug gets hot to the touch. 98-100ºF (38ºC) vs the hub to imac tbolt cable at 93-95ºF(35ºC) ...MIGHT this be part of the problems?

I believe the Monitor's firmware is up to date.

Mac mini

Posted on Jan 7, 2025 2:40 PM

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Answer 1

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samtenor

Level 4

2,074 points

Jan 7, 2025 3:29 PM in response to Todd Kogutt

Can you see the "USB" under the "System Report" --

You should see:

The Thunderbolt Display's USB controller - is USB 2.0 (the devices are Camera, Display Audio/Speaker).

The Octopus cable (the one tended to get shredded) has been the weakest link for the trouble.

Therefore, you can use Thunderbolt Cable (0.5m or 2m - needs to be TB2 certified)) - connect to the female TB2 port of the Thunderbolt Display, via that cable + "TB3->2 adapter" ~ to see any difference.

With this modification, if you can see USB 2.0, then you should be OK.

If you can not see the USB 2.0, that might lead to the Logic Board problem (Don't forget, this display is more than 10 years old).

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Answer 2

Todd Kogutt Author

Level 1

55 points

Jan 7, 2025 4:04 PM in response to samtenor

And YEP, using the .5 meter Tbolt cable I have with both the iMac and the Mac Mini resolves all problems...works with the Mini's adapter..usb ports work (and show up in system info), sound works.

So now I can shop for the 2 meter cable at my leisure for the best deal, and not run out in the snow to get one from Staples to check!

Thanks for the help!

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Answer 3

samtenor

Level 4

2,074 points

Jan 7, 2025 4:27 PM in response to Todd Kogutt

Glad it worked.

Now, back to your another question -- The TB 2 connector (either to the hub or to the display) does tend to get "warmish" -- that's pretty common.

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Answer 4

Todd Kogutt Author

Level 1

55 points

Jan 7, 2025 3:44 PM in response to samtenor

Yeah. I didn't see that under USB. Thanks

And Thanks for confirming what my next step was going to be. I was thinking I could try plugging it in thru that port and seeing what's to see...the tbolt cable I have with the hub might be too short, but I've found my local staples does have tbolt (not mini display) in stock!

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27" Thunderbolt Display Help Needed--Ports not working? Cable issues? M4 Mini?

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