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I have a monitor which I connect to an older Macbook Air using an HDMI to mini DisplayPort connector. I also recently got a late 2016 Macbook Pro with 4 USB-C ports.

So, my question is: if I plug a USB-C to Thunderbolt 2 connector into the Macbook Pro, and then HDMI to mini DisplayPort connector into the Tunderbolt 2, would it work?

In short, would the following chain work: USB-C -> thunderbolt 2 -> mini DisplayPort -> HDMI work?

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Technically speaking what you are doing is this:

    Thunderbolt 3 --> Thunderbolt 2 --> Display Port --> HDMI

USB-C and mini Display Port are interfaces while Thunderbolt, Display Port and HDMI are interfaces and signaling/protocols.

It's important to note this distinction because you cannot go from USB (A, C, or whatever) to Thunderbolt; you go from Thunderbolt to USB (it's not bi-directional).

So, assuming that you are going from TB3 to a TB2 to a mDP to HDMI, it should work because:

  • TB3 is backward compatible with TB2 and TB1
  • TB includes the DP signaling
  • mDP should convert to HDMI.

That said, you may run into issues due to all the conversations. First off, the mDP to HDMI conversion can cause issues. It's best to just stick with one protocol like DisplayPort. Even if you convert from mDP to DP, you are only changing the physical interface, not the protocol or signaling.

Secondly, converting from TB3 to TB2 so you can use mDP HDMI is just adding another link in the chain which becomes another point of failure/trouble. It's always best to limit the number of connections/conversions to ensure reliability.

Finally, you didn't mention which mDP to HDMI adapter you are using, but you want to make sure you are using an active adapter (see link above for more details). This will help with reliability of the video connection.

TL;DR

It should work, but you may run into performance/stability issues because of all the conversions. Your best bet is to to either USB-C to HDMI or USB-C to Display Port (preferred because no conversion is required).

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  • Thanks for such a detailed answer! I bought the TB3 -> TB2 connector for science, and it didn't work. I guess, I'll have to use USB-C -> HDMI now.
    – sus_mlm
    May 12, 2017 at 18:03
  • Make sure it's anactive* adapter; if your monitor supports it, go with Display Port. I've been down this road many times and DP has always been rock solid.
    – Allan
    May 12, 2017 at 18:09
  • Nope, only VGA and HDMI. I think I'll by the one called USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter, made by Apple.
    – sus_mlm
    May 12, 2017 at 18:19
  • If you are looking for the AV Multiport - look at this adapter - higher ratings and much, much cheaper.
    – Allan
    May 12, 2017 at 18:23
  • I'm in eu, pretty sure I can't find it here, but thanks.
    – sus_mlm
    May 13, 2017 at 8:36

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