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Switch KVM switch for an Apple cinema display

Discussion in 'KVM' started by Suzy R, May 24, 2019.

  1. Suzy R

    Suzy R New member

    I need a KVM switch for an Apple cinema display purchased in 2009, with 2 Macs, 2012 and 2008. And it needs to be in the $50 range like this old one I have here with the small round midi-like plugs. Remember those? Wow! I thought I was gong to use it. LOLOL. I must be getting old!
     
  2. KVMGalore Expert

    KVMGalore Expert Staff Member

    Hello Suzy,

    Thank you for reaching out.

    To make a recommendation we need to know what video interfaces (HDMI; DVI; Thunderbolt; etc.) do your devices have, namely:
    a) What video input does your Apple cinema display have?
    b) What video outputs does your 2008 Mac have?
    c) What video outputs does your 2012 Mac have?

    Please advise.

    Lastly...
    Unfortunately we don't know what you're referring to as small round midi-like plugs. Please send a photo.

    Important note: To continue this discussion - please respond via KVMGalore HelpCenter thread, NOT via e-mail.
     
  3. Suzy R

    Suzy R New member

    Hey, Thanks.

    The Apple Cinema display from 2009 has a cord with 3 different connections on one end: USB, DVI and the one with the connections on the side, maybe for laptop, I don't have one so don't use it. The 2, USB/DVI are connected to an adaptor, if I recall maybe a Canopus?, that has 2 wires going into the Mac 2012, USB and 24 pin, hopefully I counted 3 rows of 8 tiny pins, sorry difficult to see with or without magnifying glass. I'm not finding the manufacturer of the adaptor, but it's not Apple. It has 3 connected hexagons or circles of no color imprinted on the plastic case that can't be seen save the reflection, but no 'name.'

    Mac 2008 has adaptors I'm using with an old HP monitor and that also looks like the old 24 pin. No USB on this monitor, no mic/speakers, or camera.

    So, it seems to me that this info should cover your questions on input and output. If not, RSVP and I'll try again. Didn't get a pic of the small midi plug, but suffice, it's OLD. Thanks so much for helping out.

    https://support.apple.com/kb/sp652?locale=en_US
    https://support.apple.com/kb/SP11?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US
    https://everymac.com/monitors/apple/studio_cinema/specs/apple-led-cinema-display-24-inch-specs.html
     
  4. KVMGalore Expert

    KVMGalore Expert Staff Member

    Thanks Suzy!

    Based on the Apple specs you sent it appears you should go with DVI.

    The 2012 Mac is specified as dual-link DVI (2560x1600). Here are some 2-port DVI-USB KVM switches that support this resolution.

    If you can live with a lower resolution you have more choices available to you (at lower price-points as well).

    Hope this helps!
    We welcome your questions - please come back and ask us anything, anytime, or just offer your feedback.

    Important note: To continue this discussion - please respond via KVMGalore HelpCenter thread, NOT via e-mail.
     
  5. Suzy R

    Suzy R New member

    I have a different Mac now since the 2008 went away. So now I have the 23 or 4 inch Cinema Display from 2009 to use with a Mac 2012 with NVIDIA GeForce GTX680 4096 MB, Sierra, and a 2012, also 3.46 12 core, with ATI Radeon 5770 1024 MB, High Sierra.

    I'm seeing prices on Amazon under $50 for IOGear and other reputable brands. Certainly you must have one that will allow for best video and sound in a ballpark price. RSVP link to options. I'd also like another cable for the modem if you have those, 6' should be plenty.

    And all this needs to be wired. I do NOT use wifi, and if these come with wifi I need to turn it off or take it our. Best to not have it in the first place. Thanks.

    now I have 2 mid-2012 Macs. one dedicated recording, not on internet, and the other for internet. recording has NVIDIA GeForce GXT 680. It SEEMS to have either Displayport or HDMI. It has an adaptor in it which I can't seem to remove so I can't get a good look at it, but specs on both cards should tell you. It also seems to have the DVI-I dual link connection but please check into that. Internet Mac has ATI Radeon 5770 what seems to be DVI-I dual link as well with 2 small DVI ports. I have a logic M 100 mouse but it's not the 'r' . The recording rig has a low EMF Macally kbd with OM optical mouse. All wired. I can NOT use WIFI so if it's in the dvm switch and can't be turned off I can't use it. I use the usual flat apple keyboard, titanium housing with flat keys, I can't find a number anywhere. Everything is on extension cords, USB, so I need one that has hot key switching and not a box I have to get up and mess with. And if it's coming from China right now or anyone handling packaging is sick, RSVP and I will wait. https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/radeon-hd-5770.c250. and https://www.geforce.com/hardware/desktop-gpus/geforce-gtx-680/specifications
    Suzy
     
  6. KVMGalore Expert

    KVMGalore Expert Staff Member

    Hi Suzy,

    Looking at the linked specs you provided, it appears that both your GeForce GTX680 and ATI Radeon 5770 have DVI video outputs. Since you mentioned that your Apple Cinema display has DVI input, and the 2012 Mac is specified as dual-link DVI (2560x1600), we recommend you go with a 2-port DVI KVM switch supporting 2560x1600.

    If you'd like to provide model numbers, we could check their compatibility with your system for you.

    Hope this helps!
    We welcome your questions - please come back and ask us anything, anytime.

    Important note: To continue this discussion - please respond via KVMGalore HelpCenter thread, NOT via e-mail.
     
  7. Suzy R

    Suzy R New member

    I just physically looked at the connections on both and the GeForce689 does not have a DVI port. It has an adaptor with a DVI on it but the adaptor is going into either a DisplayPort or HDMI. I can't tell what that is because I can't get the adaptor out. The other does have DVI. Cinema Display is DVI not Thunderbolt. Thanks.
     
  8. KVMGalore Expert

    KVMGalore Expert Staff Member

    Hi Suzy,

    Please upload a picture of the GeForce689 connectors (after disconnecting any cables) so that we can try and ascertain the type of connector it has.

    Important note: To continue this discussion - please respond via KVMGalore HelpCenter thread, NOT via e-mail.
     

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