Resolved Apple cinema display A1316

[HeadstrongZodiac]

Hello all,

I have a general question about the Cinema display model A1316. That question is, will it work with a mac pro TOWER, not a macbook. I've seen people using it with a macbook, but not with a tower. If it does work, does it just plug into the wall, then the mini DO cable into the gpu, or is it a display out only?

Thanks in advance.

 

[mmkerc]

You will need a mini display connector, or an adapter for it (with audio). What are your video ports on your pro?

 

[HeadstrongZodiac]

You will need a mini display connector, or an adapter for it (with audio). What are your video ports on your pro?

displayport, hdmi, and dvi. I planned on buying a DP to mini DP adapter.

 

[mmkerc]

You should be fine then. For the life of me I cannot remember which original Mac I had them connected to, but I had 2 of the Cinema displays on a 2013 "Trash Can" Mac Pro before switching. Best monitors I have had, built in camera, a good number of ports. Regret giving them away.

 

[HeadstrongZodiac]

You should be fine then. For the life of me I cannot remember which original Mac I had them connected to, but I had 2 of the Cinema displays on a 2013 "Trash Can" Mac Pro before switching. Best monitors I have had, built in camera, a good number of ports. Regret giving them away.

I do see a problem though, it seems the display only has 3 usb ports and no other mini DP ports.

 

[mmkerc]

Your cable should have three connections on it: Mini DisplayPort with audio support, universal MagSafe (up to 85W), USB 2.0, the display itself should have 3 usb2 ports.

 

[headlessmike]

I do see a problem though, it seems the display only has 3 usb ports and no other mini DP ports.

That is correct. The later Thunderbolt version of the display has a few more ports, but even that doesn't have an additional mini DP port (it can only output Thunderbolt). I have an A1316 as my main display connected to my M1 Mac mini and it's still an excellent display in 2024. It has a USB cable that connects to the computer for the hub to work, so that's something to remember too.

 

[HeadstrongZodiac]

Your cable should have three connections on it: Mini DisplayPort with audio support, universal MagSafe (up to 85W), USB 2.0, the display itself should have 3 usb2 ports.
View attachment 2364804

Ok, do I buy a mini DP female to a DP male adapter then?

 

[mmkerc]

If your Mac has the displayport, then yes. If it has a HDMI, my preference would be to use it. but in any case Amazon has the female MDP to Male DP

 

[HeadstrongZodiac]

If your Mac has the displayport, then yes. If it has a HDMI, my preference would be to use it. but in any case Amazon has the female MDP to Male DP

Okay. One last time before I mark the thread as resolved, the mini DP is a combined DP out and in?

 

[mmkerc]

I do not understand your question. Per Apple it is a mini display port with audio. I did not check the adapter cable I saw on Amazon to insure it handled audio, you will need to do that

 

[HeadstrongZodiac]

I do not understand your question. Per Apple it is a mini display port with audio. I did not check the adapter cable I saw on Amazon to insure it handled audio, you will need to do that

What I mean is is it only going to display if it's plugged into a macbook, or will it give a display when plugged into a tower?

 

[mmkerc]

Any computer you plug it into, it will display. Does not matter if it is a Mac desktop, laptop, or iPad. If your Tower is a windows machine (or other) it should work the same as well, but you can always google it to confirm.