Thunderbolt Vs Mini Displayport Cable

Apple s new thunderbolt technology uses the same displayport connection that has been available in older macs which may be a source of confusion down.

Thunderbolt vs mini displayport cable.

It was initially developed and marketed under the name light peak and first sold as part of an. Thunderbolt also uses the usb c port but that s where the similarities end. Thunderbolt is a specialized type of mini displayport connectivity. Technically the plug is the same and the only difference is that the thunderbolt connector can carry in addition to the classic mini displayport a thunderbolt signal which is a signal pci express 4 lines.

When you use a thunderbolt 1 computer with a displayport monitor you do need to use a mini displayport cable not a thunderbolt 1 or 2 cable. Although these two technologies use the same usb c port they re not interchangeable. If possible also test the thunderbolt 1 port with another monitor. Thunderbolt can carry data so it can be used to connect devices such as docking stations and hard drive enclosures.

Cable matters mini displayport to displayport cable mini dp to dp in black 3 feet thunderbolt and thunderbolt 2 port compatible 4 5 out of 5 stars 2 004 8 99 8. Thunderbolt provides for unmatched peripheral flexibility due to its mix of pci express and displayport connectivity whereas the mini displayport is a digital display interface capable of sending high definition video and audio from a source to a display. Although the shape and size of the connector is the same it does more and does it faster. If you are using a mini displayport cable we recommend you narrow down the issue further.

Thunderbolt is fully compatible with mini displayport peripherals. Confusing mini displayport with thunderbolt.