Thunderbolt 5 ports and erratic behavior with non-Thunderbolt devices on Mac Mini

Plugging a non-Thunderbolt-compatible adapter or drive into Thunderbolt 5 ports on the Mac mini may cause erratic behavior. One adapter and a hard drive enclosure rated for USB-C seemed to have issues. Finder acted erratically, and the system slowed down. When a USB drive enclosure was plugged in, the Mac refused to boot. Unplugging these devices resolved the issue.


I am unable to confirm any of these claims due to my apprehension about experimenting, as I am concerned that it may potentially harm my newly acquired Mac..


Additionally, when inserting devices into the rear ports, I observed a substantial spark. Consequently, I am cautious about attempting to insert and remove devices from this Mac.


I have to point out that all of these devices worked fine on my previous 2014 Mac mini.


Has anyone else had issues with the thunderbolt five ports?


[Re-Titled by Moderator]



Mac mini

Posted on Feb 24, 2025 10:44 AM

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Feb 24, 2025 10:54 AM in response to Vernon Alexander

Vernon Alexander wrote:

[...]
Additionally, when inserting devices into the rear ports, I observed a substantial spark. Consequently, I am cautious about attempting to insert and remove devices from this Mac.
[...]


STOP using the computer and schedule an in shop evaluation of the machine immediately.


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Thunderbolt 5 ports and erratic behavior with non-Thunderbolt devices on Mac Mini

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