I have a 2012 Mini which has a single Thunderbolt/MiniDisplay port which I hooked up to a Dell Monitor. I would like to connect another Thunderbolt device (say a MBP) in Target Disk Mode which I understand works via Thunderbold or FireWire port. I know I could use FW800, but TB should be faster. I want to hook up the MBP to Mac Mini and back up really fast to a USB 3 drive.

So how do I do that?

First question: if I get a MiniDisplay cable (both ends minidisplay), does this work as Thunderbolt, or I need a dedicated Thunderbolt cable? is the wiring the same, or TB has extra wires?

Now Suppose I connect the Mini to Dell Monitor. This monitor has the following ports

mDisplayPort
Display Port (IN and OUT)
HDMI1
HDMI2

I am not 100% sure but I think if I connect the MiniDisplay Port/Thunderbolt from Mac Mini to DisplayPort IN, then I could daisy-chain a second monitor on the DisplayPort OUT. I wonder if that cable would by any chance pass through the Thuderbolt Data to a second Mac.

Or perhaps I need a true Thunderbolt Hub?

Thanks

A MDP->MDP cable will not work as a TB cable (otherwise TB cables wouldn't still be so expensive).

AFAIK, connecting two DP monitors in series doesn't work on a Mac because the drivers aren't available (though it you install Bootcamp and Windows, it might work), and it won't pass on the TB data.

Basically, according to TB spec, a DisplayPort monitor has to be the end of the chain.

There are no "Thunderbolt Hubs" in the sense of a USB hub (1 in, multiple out). This is one of the huge restrictions of single TB port computers (and the annoyance of single TB port accessories).

The simple solution for your task is to go TB->TB and hook the Dell monitor up to the mini's HDMI out port.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/17/2015 04:50PM by Gareth.

Quote
Gareth
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The simple solution for your task is to go TB->TB and hook the Dell monitor up to the mini's HDMI out port.

too bad... I do not want to use HDMI (I cannot get full resolution on that monitor) and I want to avoid plugging/replugging cables in the back of monitor or Mini each time I do this. I was hoping to have a cable sticking out of the monitor, and plug in into MBP. Maybe I will do FW800 instead.

I'm sensing a hesitancy to buy the expensive TB -> TB cable or dock. IIRC, TB needs proprietary controller chips to make it TB instead of MDP, so IOW, when you lose the controller chip, you lose TB. Suck it up, buy a decent TB dock... long after the pain of parting w/ a couple of extra benjamins wears off, you'll still be able to experience the pleasure of the multiple high-speed connections that are available at your beck and call, and they'll never be able to pry that happiness away, even from your cold dead hands. You know you want that TB dock. You NEED that TB dock. So get that TB dock. Enjoy life while you can with that TB dock.
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Buzz, which model do you recommend?

OWC has a nice one

As does Belkin

Sonnet's looks very promising, but it's pricier

No need to sniff at El Gato, unless you're allergic to cats

CalDigit will keep you closer to budget

Akitio's on sale...

Basically, stick w/ units that have at least two TB ports, and if they include a TB cable, factor that in.
Good luck, enjoy.
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I was curious if YOU had any experience with these. Do you use one? how does it work for YOU? Thanks

I have the slightly older Belkin dock and have been very happy with its performance. Gave me older ports while keeping everything simple.

I use TB docks as well, but it will not help you for the setup you want to create.