Thunderbolt Display to PC

Si. · 27 Jan 2016 at 21:51

Hi,

My 2012 MacBook Pro has packed in for the 3rd time (Not sure what the problem is this time, just won't boot). I figure it's time to replace it but finances don't allow me to buy a new Laptop so going for a desktop instead. Given than the Mac mini 2014 is a bit poo I'm likely going for a Dell desktop.

This leaves me with my Thunderbolt display.. is there any adapter or anyway I can use it on a standard None apple desktop? I haven't got the cash to replace it so might end up having to get a mac Mini (even though I don't want one).

Any help appreciated.

Orcvader · 27 Jan 2016 at 22:21

Any computer with a mini displayport output will work. Bare in mind the display will only act as a screen, the USB ports, ethernet port, etc will not work.

Majority of cheap desktops will only have VGA + HDMI however, and adapters to mini displayport will be expensive. Normal displayport to mini displayport adapters will be cheap however. You will need to hunt around but there are some cheap desktops with displayport.

Caged · 27 Jan 2016 at 23:06

The above is wrong. The input on the Thunderbolt display is a Thunderbolt interface, it doesn't fall back to mini DisplayPort.

Spuddy · 27 Jan 2016 at 23:23

Yes it can be done but you need a motherboard that has a thunderbolt port.

I researched it a few years ago. Please see this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajA0TylSoXo

Si. · 28 Jan 2016 at 06:28

Thanks. Looks like I'm stuck with Apple then.

Karl · 28 Jan 2016 at 11:09

Si. said:
Thanks. Looks like I'm stuck with Apple then.

They haven't released a new thunderbolt display, so they're miraculously still holding their value. Why don't you sell it and get another (probably better) screen and a dell box you like?

Orcvader · 28 Jan 2016 at 15:29

Caged said:
The above is wrong. The input on the Thunderbolt display is a Thunderbolt interface, it doesn't fall back to mini DisplayPort.

Whoops, you're right. I thought a friend had it working but then rechecked and it was a normal display.

Caged · 29 Jan 2016 at 00:12

Karl said:
They haven't released a new thunderbolt display, so they're miraculously still holding their value. Why don't you sell it and get another (probably better) screen and a dell box you like?

Do this. Sell it and get a 27" Dell U2715H (or the U2515H which is the same resolution) for half the money with USB 3.0 and useful features like DisplayPort daisy-chaining, HDMI, MHL etc.