MOTUnation.com

Hello -

As noted in my signature, I have a late 2012 Mac Mini. Because it's (now) an older model, it has the older Thunderbolt port. Right now, I'm not using it. However, I'm wishing to connect a Thunderbolt based SSD enclosure to it. It seems that most Thunderbolt HDD/SSD enclosures are Thunderbolt type 2.

Can Thunderbolt type 2 enclosures effectively run off the older (and slower) Thunderbolt port of my happy yet aging 2012 Mac Mini?

All reports are that TB 1 is forward compatible with TB 2 and that the reverse is also true.

TB 2 devices will step down to to TB 1 speeds. In this case, speed is not an issue – you will be limited to the transfer speed of the device inside, slower than either TB 1 or 2 (but still a lot faster than a mechanical HD). For maximum speed, you will need multiple drives configured in RAID.

When in doubt, contact the manufacturer of the peripheral and ask.

Thank you, Mike. The information that you share is always appreciated. (Before I commit to purchasing a Thunderbolt enclosure, I will ask the manufacturer. I'd just though I'd ask here first because, well, you guys are simply a great source of information.)

Ted