Thunderbolt 2 on 2019 Mac Pro?

[npatton]

Trying to find the latest info on this topic. Was just given (!) a 2019 Mac Pro, but my MOTU 828x and hard drives are Thunderbolt 2, so no ports.

1. I have HEARD that TB 2-3 adapters can be sketchy or erratic. Still true?

2. Is there a reliable card I can install in the MP that would provide Thunderbolt 2 connectivity?

Trying to avoid forking out for another interface if I can help it. Grateful for any help or links.

Thanks,
n

[HCMarkus]

Get the Apple Thunderbolt Adaptor... it works fine, at least for me using a Mac Studio with TB1 MOTU 828ES Audio Interface.

Nice to be given a 2019 Mac Pro. Congrats!

[mikehalloran]

Get the Apple Thunderbolt Adaptor... it works fine, at least for me using a Mac Studio with TB1 MOTU 828ES Audio Interface.

Nice to be given a 2019 Mac Pro. Congrats!

What he said. The Apple adapter is rock solid. It plugs into the TB3 or TB4 (depending on the Mac).
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01 ... asin_title


There are many cables with that plug that are not Thunderbolt (read the extra fine print: so-called Thunderbolt video is really MDP). You need a TB2 cable—any of these will do:
https://smile.amazon.com/Certified-Cabl ... r_1_1_sspa

[HCMarkus]

One nice thing about using an interface that uses TB1 or TB2 is you can get a 3-Meter cable for a reasonable price, as linked by MIke, although the necessity of the Apple Adaptor cuts the cost savings compared to the new $160, 3-Meter Apple TB4 Cable.

[npatton]

Thanks so very much, everyone. Very helpful, and also encouraging. I know I could always use the USB 2 ports, but having the faster and larger throughput is what I want. I will try the adapter.

I also have a set of ss hardrives (OWC Thunderbay) that I have used via TB, so hoping I can continue to use that via adapter, as well.

Thanks again for your time!

[mikehalloran]

Thanks so very much, everyone. Very helpful, and also encouraging. I know I could always use the USB 2 ports, but having the faster and larger throughput is what I want. I will try the adapter.

I also have a set of ss hardrives (OWC Thunderbay) that I have used via TB, so hoping I can continue to use that via adapter, as well.

Thanks again for your time!

Maybe. OWC has used Thunderbay to cover many different drives over the years.

If it has two TB ports, you should be able to daisy-chain them with TB2 cables. Since the 828x has only one TB port, it goes to the end of the chain. The spec allows up to six in a chain.

I have an old OWC TB2 dock with a pair of SSDs in between my 828mkII and my iMac Pro.

[npatton]

Thanks! Should be OK. I will have the Thunderbay on a separate TB port, so no daisy chaining will be needed. The computer has four TB 3 ports, and I will only be using two for now (828x and Thunderbay). I've ordered two adapters. I will run my video monitors from the two HDMI ports, as well.

Thanks again!
n