Connecting multiple Macs to Pro Display XDR

[schweigert85]

OK im using the belkin cable to my pc with an old Radeon RX480 - and it work! 5.2gbs connected, getting 5k display and peripherals.

it was NOT working when I tried to connect it through a TB3 doc .... so still hunting for a TB3 KVM i suppose

 

[schweigert85]

I found a TB KVM switch that works!!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B092VHC166?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

I'm able to toggle the display between my PC (using belkin cable) and Macbook pro - and getting 6k 60hz (and charging at 95 watts)

Oddly enough, TB4 rated cables don't work (like the one that came with the XDR), only USB C's

its not perfect for actually desk usage as the cable is short, so its basically just ziptied behind the XDR - but it lets you press the button instead of physically unplugging and swapping.

the cheese grater is useful lol

 

[petardosh]

I found a TB KVM switch that works!!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B092VHC166?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

I'm able to toggle the display between my PC (using belkin cable) and Macbook pro - and getting 6k 60hz (and charging at 95 watts)

Oddly enough, TB4 rated cables don't work (like the one that came with the XDR), only USB C's

its not perfect for actually desk usage as the cable is short, so its basically just ziptied behind the XDR - but it lets you press the button instead of physically unplugging and swapping.

the cheese grater is useful lol

I've found a newer USB switch that is more flexible with the cable length, it is available from AliExpress: https://www.navceker.com/products/usb-c-kvm-sw

I have similar setup like you with my webcam, mice and keyboard connected to the XDR in addition to a USB audio box.
Curious if you are getting 5 GB/s or USB 2.0 speeds on the XDR.

Would you mind checking what speed you are getting from the USB bus on the XDR via switch? It is shown in the System Information app on the Mac under USB (Hostcontroller AppleUSBXHCITR).

 

[rodrigore]

I've found a newer USB switch that is more flexible with the cable length, it is available from AliExpress: https://www.navceker.com/products/usb-c-kvm-sw

I have similar setup like you with my webcam, mice and keyboard connected to the XDR in addition to a USB audio box.
Curious if you are getting 5 GB/s or USB 2.0 speeds on the XDR.

Would you mind checking what speed you are getting from the USB bus on the XDR via switch? It is shown in the System Information app on the Mac under USB (Hostcontroller AppleUSBXHCITR).

Hey man, what cable should I need to buy to connect that kvm to the XDR?

it must be the belkin one or could be another bidirectional displayport to usb-c cable?

Thanks!

 

[petardosh]

Hey man, what cable should I need to buy to connect that kvm to the XDR?

it must be the belkin one or could be another bidirectional displayport to usb-c cable?

Thanks!

The DP to USBC cable works but only for video. The Belkin is necessary if you want to use the usb 2 hub on the xdr and change its brightness with your keyboard.

 

[joevt]

The DP to USBC cable works but only for video. The Belkin is necessary if you want to use the usb 2 hub on the xdr and change its brightness with your keyboard.

There are alternatives to the Belkin Charge and Sync cable.
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/alternative-to-the-belkin-vr-cable.2378619/

 

[rodrigore]

There are alternatives to the Belkin Charge and Sync cable.
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/alternative-to-the-belkin-vr-cable.2378619/

Thanks to both of you for your replies.

If I buy:
* kvm adapter: https://www.navceker.com/products/usb-c-kvm-sw
*This cable: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BNX7MS6N/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A33PZKYV7F63ED&psc=1

Would I need anything else to connect to the Apple XDR? (or that usb-c is compatible with the thunderbolt port of the monitor?)

 

[joevt]

Would I need anything else to connect to the Apple XDR? (or that usb-c is compatible with the thunderbolt port of the monitor?)

I think that USB-C should be compatible with the Thunderbolt port of the monitor. You should get 6K60 if you have a modern Mac that has a GPU that supports DSC (Apple Silicon Mac, or Intel Ice Lake based Mac Book Pro, or AMD Navi GPU - 5300M, 5500M, ..., 6800XT).

 

[kokot_leo]

Here are my two cents. I recently bought the CableDeconn USB-C switch, but unfortunately, it doesn't even power on. The diode does not light up when I connect a micro USB cable to the device.

Probably nothing is wrong with the product itself and it will probably work with the XDR display.
But I got some defective unit.

I watched a YouTube video where the Cabledeconn was supposed to light up and allow for USB-C input switching, even when USB-C cables weren't connected.

To investigate further, I disassembled the switch. I removed the black stickers on the sides and four screws. I'm wondering if there might be a short circuit between the A10 and A11 lines, and two components on the board are missing.

 

[wilgieseler]

In what can only be described as a miracle, I've gotten a KVM solution with a Pro Display XDR connecting to my MacBook Pro and to my gaming PC at 6K with HDR.

PC cable (WJESOG DisplayPort to USB C Cable 6.6ft 4K@60Hz): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BNX7MS6N
KVM switch (SABRENT Thunderbolt 4 KVM Switch): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C74SWVD5

I used the two thunderbolt cables that came with the KVM to go from the MacBook <> KVM <> XDR.

 

[kokot_leo]

A cheaper and "maybe?" more reliable alternative to a KVM switch would be a magnetic TB adaptor.
You would need two of these, both for 100$ + shipping.
Then connect one magnetic female end to the XDR TB4 input.
Then use two magnetic male ends on the Mac/PC cables.

What do you think?

Magrig Adapter, Thunderbolt Magnetic Adapter, MagSafe Alternative

Magrig Thunderbolt magnetic adapter, the world first Thunderbolt magnetic adapter for Apple Macs and iPad Pro. Shop yours now for same day dispatch. Free worldwide shipping and hassle-free return.

magrig.com

 

[Kris Kelvin]

PC cable (WJESOG DisplayPort to USB C Cable 6.6ft 4K@60Hz): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BNX7MS6N
KVM switch (SABRENT Thunderbolt 4 KVM Switch): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C74SWVD5

That's exactly the solution I was looking at for switching my XDR between a Mac Studio and a gaming PC. The reports about burnt-out motherboards when using the SABRENT SB-TB4K prevented me from making the purchase (yet).

Sabrent writes:
"Note: For use with Thunderbolt-certified host systems only. Permanent damage can occur when used with uncertified devices."

A DP to USB-C cable is almost the exact opposite of Thunderbolt-certified.
But as I understand it, your setup works flawless for you?

 

[phobus]

In what can only be described as a miracle, I've gotten a KVM solution with a Pro Display XDR connecting to my MacBook Pro and to my gaming PC at 6K with HDR.

PC cable (WJESOG DisplayPort to USB C Cable 6.6ft 4K@60Hz): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BNX7MS6N
KVM switch (SABRENT Thunderbolt 4 KVM Switch): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C74SWVD5

I used the two thunderbolt cables that came with the KVM to go from the MacBook <> KVM <> XDR.

did you connect the pc cable to the kvm as "pc 2", I'm trying the same thing but it doesn't seem to be working. The pc cable direct to the xdr works, and the mac to xdr works either way (direct or via kvm), but not pc->kvm->xdr

 

[elliottcable]

That's exactly the solution I was looking at for switching my XDR between a Mac Studio and a gaming PC. The reports about burnt-out motherboards when using the SABRENT SB-TB4K prevented me from making the purchase (yet).

Just FYI, it looks like the SB-TB4K Thunderbolt KVM switch has been patched with a firmware update for this motherboard-frying issue:

Has SB-TB4K KVM Switch upgraded firmware since introduction? | Sabrent

There are some reviews on Amazon and B&H Photo saying Thunderbolt 4 KVM Switch has fried MacBook and Mac Thunderbolt ports and motherboards. Others says the unit has overheated even in rooms at 70F. I like to (safely) use this KVM switch with my Apple Pro Display 6K Display with a 2019 Intel...

sabrent.com

However, only serial-numbers ≥47786080301275 ship with the update; and I haven't seen any mention of flashing the device yourself … so I'd play it safe if ordering one in the next year or so, and make sure to get it directly from the manufacturer's online store, not Amazon or eBay or something.