Is Thunderbolt 2 forward-compatible to Thunderbolt 3?
I know that Thunderbolt 3 computers are backward-compatible with Thunderbolt 2 devices using an adapter. What I want to know is if the reverse is true - if Thunderbolt 2 computers can connect to devices using the new standard like USB does, albeit with lower speeds. I can't seem to find information around the interwebs regarding this. I'd appreciate if someone would shed some light on this. Thanks in advance.
compatibility thunderbolt
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I know that Thunderbolt 3 computers are backward-compatible with Thunderbolt 2 devices using an adapter. What I want to know is if the reverse is true - if Thunderbolt 2 computers can connect to devices using the new standard like USB does, albeit with lower speeds. I can't seem to find information around the interwebs regarding this. I'd appreciate if someone would shed some light on this. Thanks in advance.
compatibility thunderbolt
add a comment |
I know that Thunderbolt 3 computers are backward-compatible with Thunderbolt 2 devices using an adapter. What I want to know is if the reverse is true - if Thunderbolt 2 computers can connect to devices using the new standard like USB does, albeit with lower speeds. I can't seem to find information around the interwebs regarding this. I'd appreciate if someone would shed some light on this. Thanks in advance.
compatibility thunderbolt
I know that Thunderbolt 3 computers are backward-compatible with Thunderbolt 2 devices using an adapter. What I want to know is if the reverse is true - if Thunderbolt 2 computers can connect to devices using the new standard like USB does, albeit with lower speeds. I can't seem to find information around the interwebs regarding this. I'd appreciate if someone would shed some light on this. Thanks in advance.
compatibility thunderbolt
compatibility thunderbolt
asked Jun 12 '16 at 8:39
DeVilFisChDeVilFisCh
63412
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I just found something that sheds some light on my question. On the Apple Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter page they mentioned that the adapter is bidirectional and I quote:
The Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter lets you connect Thunderbolt and Thunderbolt 2 devices — external hard drives and Thunderbolt displays, for example — to any of the Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports on your MacBook Pro. As a bidirectional adapter, it can also connect new Thunderbolt 3 devices to a Mac with a Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 port.*
This means that the adapter may be used to connect the new MacBook Pro to TB1/2 devices or an older Mac to a TB3 device. This definitely gives me the answer that I seek about forward-compatibility. However, this may come with some caveats.
- For one, the page states that forward-compatibility requires macOS Sierra so it may require specific drivers that comes only with the update.
- Compatibility of this adapter with Windows is still unknown at this point (though I never mentioned that in the question anyway)
- Speed will be affected by the slowest connection... though that's expected.
- Other adapters may not support bidirectional connections so it's best to read the spec sheet or ask the manufacturer, if possible.
I will try to get my paws on this adapter and a Thunderbolt 3 device when they arrive in this part of the woods and try them out. I'll then update my answer depending on what I find accordingly.
UPDATE: I found a video on YouTube on how to connect a Thunderbolt 3 capable NAS to a Mac Mini with Thunderbolt 2 and a follow-up video tests the speed of the makeshift connection. This proves that Thunderbolt is forward-compatible, indeed.
There are a few things to note though:
- The NAS is powered externally. We don't know if it will work with devices that rely on power from the cable itself.
- No word on Thunderbolt 1 to 3 forward-compatibility but it should work, theoretically.
- He didn't seem to mention the version of the OS in the Mac Mini. Also, still no idea regarding Windows compatibility.
- Will USB-C (non-Thunderbolt 3) devices work? I think it will, but we'll need actual tests to prove it.
I will update this answer further once I get my hands on devices that I can test myself.
This does not provide an answer to the question. To critique or request clarification from an author, leave a comment below their post. - From Review
– DavidPostill♦
Nov 7 '16 at 12:23
Given that I was the one who asked the question, I do think that it does. Since the mentioned adapter is bidirectional, that means it can be used connected to a host or device and that answers my forward-compatibility question. However. I think I should edit the answer to make this point clearer.
– DeVilFisCh
Nov 7 '16 at 13:52
The reason I say it is not answer is you haven't tested it yet ...
– DavidPostill♦
Nov 7 '16 at 15:59
That may be the case but a commercial product already states bidirectional capabilities in their spec sheet - meaning they tested it already - which means I don't need to do that anymore to prove that it works. That's enough confirmation to me.
– DeVilFisCh
Nov 7 '16 at 16:04
1
@Stunner, sadly, I haven't been able to buy an adapter yet. Also, the only TB device I have is an Intel NUC and the Apple adapter's compatibility with Windows is unknown at this point. I have yet to buy a TB3 device as well as I don't have a PC that supports it. I wouldn't buy a device I can't actually use, after all, especially considering how expensive they can be. I still want to test different and niche scenarios though, so expect an update when I have the devices I need. I have found some new information regarding compatibility, though. I have updated my answer with what I've learned.
– DeVilFisCh
Jul 27 '17 at 12:52
|
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I just found something that sheds some light on my question. On the Apple Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter page they mentioned that the adapter is bidirectional and I quote:
The Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter lets you connect Thunderbolt and Thunderbolt 2 devices — external hard drives and Thunderbolt displays, for example — to any of the Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports on your MacBook Pro. As a bidirectional adapter, it can also connect new Thunderbolt 3 devices to a Mac with a Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 port.*
This means that the adapter may be used to connect the new MacBook Pro to TB1/2 devices or an older Mac to a TB3 device. This definitely gives me the answer that I seek about forward-compatibility. However, this may come with some caveats.
- For one, the page states that forward-compatibility requires macOS Sierra so it may require specific drivers that comes only with the update.
- Compatibility of this adapter with Windows is still unknown at this point (though I never mentioned that in the question anyway)
- Speed will be affected by the slowest connection... though that's expected.
- Other adapters may not support bidirectional connections so it's best to read the spec sheet or ask the manufacturer, if possible.
I will try to get my paws on this adapter and a Thunderbolt 3 device when they arrive in this part of the woods and try them out. I'll then update my answer depending on what I find accordingly.
UPDATE: I found a video on YouTube on how to connect a Thunderbolt 3 capable NAS to a Mac Mini with Thunderbolt 2 and a follow-up video tests the speed of the makeshift connection. This proves that Thunderbolt is forward-compatible, indeed.
There are a few things to note though:
- The NAS is powered externally. We don't know if it will work with devices that rely on power from the cable itself.
- No word on Thunderbolt 1 to 3 forward-compatibility but it should work, theoretically.
- He didn't seem to mention the version of the OS in the Mac Mini. Also, still no idea regarding Windows compatibility.
- Will USB-C (non-Thunderbolt 3) devices work? I think it will, but we'll need actual tests to prove it.
I will update this answer further once I get my hands on devices that I can test myself.
This does not provide an answer to the question. To critique or request clarification from an author, leave a comment below their post. - From Review
– DavidPostill♦
Nov 7 '16 at 12:23
Given that I was the one who asked the question, I do think that it does. Since the mentioned adapter is bidirectional, that means it can be used connected to a host or device and that answers my forward-compatibility question. However. I think I should edit the answer to make this point clearer.
– DeVilFisCh
Nov 7 '16 at 13:52
The reason I say it is not answer is you haven't tested it yet ...
– DavidPostill♦
Nov 7 '16 at 15:59
That may be the case but a commercial product already states bidirectional capabilities in their spec sheet - meaning they tested it already - which means I don't need to do that anymore to prove that it works. That's enough confirmation to me.
– DeVilFisCh
Nov 7 '16 at 16:04
1
@Stunner, sadly, I haven't been able to buy an adapter yet. Also, the only TB device I have is an Intel NUC and the Apple adapter's compatibility with Windows is unknown at this point. I have yet to buy a TB3 device as well as I don't have a PC that supports it. I wouldn't buy a device I can't actually use, after all, especially considering how expensive they can be. I still want to test different and niche scenarios though, so expect an update when I have the devices I need. I have found some new information regarding compatibility, though. I have updated my answer with what I've learned.
– DeVilFisCh
Jul 27 '17 at 12:52
|
show 1 more comment
I just found something that sheds some light on my question. On the Apple Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter page they mentioned that the adapter is bidirectional and I quote:
The Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter lets you connect Thunderbolt and Thunderbolt 2 devices — external hard drives and Thunderbolt displays, for example — to any of the Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports on your MacBook Pro. As a bidirectional adapter, it can also connect new Thunderbolt 3 devices to a Mac with a Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 port.*
This means that the adapter may be used to connect the new MacBook Pro to TB1/2 devices or an older Mac to a TB3 device. This definitely gives me the answer that I seek about forward-compatibility. However, this may come with some caveats.
- For one, the page states that forward-compatibility requires macOS Sierra so it may require specific drivers that comes only with the update.
- Compatibility of this adapter with Windows is still unknown at this point (though I never mentioned that in the question anyway)
- Speed will be affected by the slowest connection... though that's expected.
- Other adapters may not support bidirectional connections so it's best to read the spec sheet or ask the manufacturer, if possible.
I will try to get my paws on this adapter and a Thunderbolt 3 device when they arrive in this part of the woods and try them out. I'll then update my answer depending on what I find accordingly.
UPDATE: I found a video on YouTube on how to connect a Thunderbolt 3 capable NAS to a Mac Mini with Thunderbolt 2 and a follow-up video tests the speed of the makeshift connection. This proves that Thunderbolt is forward-compatible, indeed.
There are a few things to note though:
- The NAS is powered externally. We don't know if it will work with devices that rely on power from the cable itself.
- No word on Thunderbolt 1 to 3 forward-compatibility but it should work, theoretically.
- He didn't seem to mention the version of the OS in the Mac Mini. Also, still no idea regarding Windows compatibility.
- Will USB-C (non-Thunderbolt 3) devices work? I think it will, but we'll need actual tests to prove it.
I will update this answer further once I get my hands on devices that I can test myself.
This does not provide an answer to the question. To critique or request clarification from an author, leave a comment below their post. - From Review
– DavidPostill♦
Nov 7 '16 at 12:23
Given that I was the one who asked the question, I do think that it does. Since the mentioned adapter is bidirectional, that means it can be used connected to a host or device and that answers my forward-compatibility question. However. I think I should edit the answer to make this point clearer.
– DeVilFisCh
Nov 7 '16 at 13:52
The reason I say it is not answer is you haven't tested it yet ...
– DavidPostill♦
Nov 7 '16 at 15:59
That may be the case but a commercial product already states bidirectional capabilities in their spec sheet - meaning they tested it already - which means I don't need to do that anymore to prove that it works. That's enough confirmation to me.
– DeVilFisCh
Nov 7 '16 at 16:04
1
@Stunner, sadly, I haven't been able to buy an adapter yet. Also, the only TB device I have is an Intel NUC and the Apple adapter's compatibility with Windows is unknown at this point. I have yet to buy a TB3 device as well as I don't have a PC that supports it. I wouldn't buy a device I can't actually use, after all, especially considering how expensive they can be. I still want to test different and niche scenarios though, so expect an update when I have the devices I need. I have found some new information regarding compatibility, though. I have updated my answer with what I've learned.
– DeVilFisCh
Jul 27 '17 at 12:52
|
show 1 more comment
I just found something that sheds some light on my question. On the Apple Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter page they mentioned that the adapter is bidirectional and I quote:
The Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter lets you connect Thunderbolt and Thunderbolt 2 devices — external hard drives and Thunderbolt displays, for example — to any of the Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports on your MacBook Pro. As a bidirectional adapter, it can also connect new Thunderbolt 3 devices to a Mac with a Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 port.*
This means that the adapter may be used to connect the new MacBook Pro to TB1/2 devices or an older Mac to a TB3 device. This definitely gives me the answer that I seek about forward-compatibility. However, this may come with some caveats.
- For one, the page states that forward-compatibility requires macOS Sierra so it may require specific drivers that comes only with the update.
- Compatibility of this adapter with Windows is still unknown at this point (though I never mentioned that in the question anyway)
- Speed will be affected by the slowest connection... though that's expected.
- Other adapters may not support bidirectional connections so it's best to read the spec sheet or ask the manufacturer, if possible.
I will try to get my paws on this adapter and a Thunderbolt 3 device when they arrive in this part of the woods and try them out. I'll then update my answer depending on what I find accordingly.
UPDATE: I found a video on YouTube on how to connect a Thunderbolt 3 capable NAS to a Mac Mini with Thunderbolt 2 and a follow-up video tests the speed of the makeshift connection. This proves that Thunderbolt is forward-compatible, indeed.
There are a few things to note though:
- The NAS is powered externally. We don't know if it will work with devices that rely on power from the cable itself.
- No word on Thunderbolt 1 to 3 forward-compatibility but it should work, theoretically.
- He didn't seem to mention the version of the OS in the Mac Mini. Also, still no idea regarding Windows compatibility.
- Will USB-C (non-Thunderbolt 3) devices work? I think it will, but we'll need actual tests to prove it.
I will update this answer further once I get my hands on devices that I can test myself.
I just found something that sheds some light on my question. On the Apple Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter page they mentioned that the adapter is bidirectional and I quote:
The Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter lets you connect Thunderbolt and Thunderbolt 2 devices — external hard drives and Thunderbolt displays, for example — to any of the Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports on your MacBook Pro. As a bidirectional adapter, it can also connect new Thunderbolt 3 devices to a Mac with a Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 port.*
This means that the adapter may be used to connect the new MacBook Pro to TB1/2 devices or an older Mac to a TB3 device. This definitely gives me the answer that I seek about forward-compatibility. However, this may come with some caveats.
- For one, the page states that forward-compatibility requires macOS Sierra so it may require specific drivers that comes only with the update.
- Compatibility of this adapter with Windows is still unknown at this point (though I never mentioned that in the question anyway)
- Speed will be affected by the slowest connection... though that's expected.
- Other adapters may not support bidirectional connections so it's best to read the spec sheet or ask the manufacturer, if possible.
I will try to get my paws on this adapter and a Thunderbolt 3 device when they arrive in this part of the woods and try them out. I'll then update my answer depending on what I find accordingly.
UPDATE: I found a video on YouTube on how to connect a Thunderbolt 3 capable NAS to a Mac Mini with Thunderbolt 2 and a follow-up video tests the speed of the makeshift connection. This proves that Thunderbolt is forward-compatible, indeed.
There are a few things to note though:
- The NAS is powered externally. We don't know if it will work with devices that rely on power from the cable itself.
- No word on Thunderbolt 1 to 3 forward-compatibility but it should work, theoretically.
- He didn't seem to mention the version of the OS in the Mac Mini. Also, still no idea regarding Windows compatibility.
- Will USB-C (non-Thunderbolt 3) devices work? I think it will, but we'll need actual tests to prove it.
I will update this answer further once I get my hands on devices that I can test myself.
edited Jul 27 '17 at 13:12
answered Nov 7 '16 at 6:45
DeVilFisChDeVilFisCh
63412
63412
This does not provide an answer to the question. To critique or request clarification from an author, leave a comment below their post. - From Review
– DavidPostill♦
Nov 7 '16 at 12:23
Given that I was the one who asked the question, I do think that it does. Since the mentioned adapter is bidirectional, that means it can be used connected to a host or device and that answers my forward-compatibility question. However. I think I should edit the answer to make this point clearer.
– DeVilFisCh
Nov 7 '16 at 13:52
The reason I say it is not answer is you haven't tested it yet ...
– DavidPostill♦
Nov 7 '16 at 15:59
That may be the case but a commercial product already states bidirectional capabilities in their spec sheet - meaning they tested it already - which means I don't need to do that anymore to prove that it works. That's enough confirmation to me.
– DeVilFisCh
Nov 7 '16 at 16:04
1
@Stunner, sadly, I haven't been able to buy an adapter yet. Also, the only TB device I have is an Intel NUC and the Apple adapter's compatibility with Windows is unknown at this point. I have yet to buy a TB3 device as well as I don't have a PC that supports it. I wouldn't buy a device I can't actually use, after all, especially considering how expensive they can be. I still want to test different and niche scenarios though, so expect an update when I have the devices I need. I have found some new information regarding compatibility, though. I have updated my answer with what I've learned.
– DeVilFisCh
Jul 27 '17 at 12:52
|
show 1 more comment
This does not provide an answer to the question. To critique or request clarification from an author, leave a comment below their post. - From Review
– DavidPostill♦
Nov 7 '16 at 12:23
Given that I was the one who asked the question, I do think that it does. Since the mentioned adapter is bidirectional, that means it can be used connected to a host or device and that answers my forward-compatibility question. However. I think I should edit the answer to make this point clearer.
– DeVilFisCh
Nov 7 '16 at 13:52
The reason I say it is not answer is you haven't tested it yet ...
– DavidPostill♦
Nov 7 '16 at 15:59
That may be the case but a commercial product already states bidirectional capabilities in their spec sheet - meaning they tested it already - which means I don't need to do that anymore to prove that it works. That's enough confirmation to me.
– DeVilFisCh
Nov 7 '16 at 16:04
1
@Stunner, sadly, I haven't been able to buy an adapter yet. Also, the only TB device I have is an Intel NUC and the Apple adapter's compatibility with Windows is unknown at this point. I have yet to buy a TB3 device as well as I don't have a PC that supports it. I wouldn't buy a device I can't actually use, after all, especially considering how expensive they can be. I still want to test different and niche scenarios though, so expect an update when I have the devices I need. I have found some new information regarding compatibility, though. I have updated my answer with what I've learned.
– DeVilFisCh
Jul 27 '17 at 12:52
This does not provide an answer to the question. To critique or request clarification from an author, leave a comment below their post. - From Review
– DavidPostill♦
Nov 7 '16 at 12:23
This does not provide an answer to the question. To critique or request clarification from an author, leave a comment below their post. - From Review
– DavidPostill♦
Nov 7 '16 at 12:23
Given that I was the one who asked the question, I do think that it does. Since the mentioned adapter is bidirectional, that means it can be used connected to a host or device and that answers my forward-compatibility question. However. I think I should edit the answer to make this point clearer.
– DeVilFisCh
Nov 7 '16 at 13:52
Given that I was the one who asked the question, I do think that it does. Since the mentioned adapter is bidirectional, that means it can be used connected to a host or device and that answers my forward-compatibility question. However. I think I should edit the answer to make this point clearer.
– DeVilFisCh
Nov 7 '16 at 13:52
The reason I say it is not answer is you haven't tested it yet ...
– DavidPostill♦
Nov 7 '16 at 15:59
The reason I say it is not answer is you haven't tested it yet ...
– DavidPostill♦
Nov 7 '16 at 15:59
That may be the case but a commercial product already states bidirectional capabilities in their spec sheet - meaning they tested it already - which means I don't need to do that anymore to prove that it works. That's enough confirmation to me.
– DeVilFisCh
Nov 7 '16 at 16:04
That may be the case but a commercial product already states bidirectional capabilities in their spec sheet - meaning they tested it already - which means I don't need to do that anymore to prove that it works. That's enough confirmation to me.
– DeVilFisCh
Nov 7 '16 at 16:04
1
1
@Stunner, sadly, I haven't been able to buy an adapter yet. Also, the only TB device I have is an Intel NUC and the Apple adapter's compatibility with Windows is unknown at this point. I have yet to buy a TB3 device as well as I don't have a PC that supports it. I wouldn't buy a device I can't actually use, after all, especially considering how expensive they can be. I still want to test different and niche scenarios though, so expect an update when I have the devices I need. I have found some new information regarding compatibility, though. I have updated my answer with what I've learned.
– DeVilFisCh
Jul 27 '17 at 12:52
@Stunner, sadly, I haven't been able to buy an adapter yet. Also, the only TB device I have is an Intel NUC and the Apple adapter's compatibility with Windows is unknown at this point. I have yet to buy a TB3 device as well as I don't have a PC that supports it. I wouldn't buy a device I can't actually use, after all, especially considering how expensive they can be. I still want to test different and niche scenarios though, so expect an update when I have the devices I need. I have found some new information regarding compatibility, though. I have updated my answer with what I've learned.
– DeVilFisCh
Jul 27 '17 at 12:52
|
show 1 more comment
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