Use a USB3 external drive via Thunderbolt 1?

[macuser317]

I have a 2011 iMac (12.2) and I was wondering if it was possible to use its Thunderbolt port to access a USB3 external drive - perhaps through a Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adaptor, e.g.:

Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter

Effortlessly connect your Mac to a Thunderbolt 2 device with the Apple Thunderbolt 3 Adapter. Buy now at apple.com

www.apple.com

or this cheaper version:

Thunderbolt 3 Usb 3.1 To Thunderbolt 2 Adapter Cable For Windows T2Q2 - Walmart.com

Buy Thunderbolt 3 Usb 3.1 To Thunderbolt 2 Adapter Cable For Windows T2Q2 at Walmart.com

www.walmart.com

and will I get USB3 speeds (i.e. 5Gbps or 10 Gbps)?

Thanks!

 

[Mr_Brightside_@]

Yeah, I've got the Kanex TB - USB3/Ethernet adaptor, and it gives ~USB3 speeds to a 2011 MBP.

 

[chrfr]

I have a 2011 iMac (12.2) and I was wondering if it was possible to use its Thunderbolt port to access a USB3 external drive - perhaps through a Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adaptor, e.g.:

Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter

Effortlessly connect your Mac to a Thunderbolt 2 device with the Apple Thunderbolt 3 Adapter. Buy now at apple.com

www.apple.com

or this cheaper version:

Thunderbolt 3 Usb 3.1 To Thunderbolt 2 Adapter Cable For Windows T2Q2 - Walmart.com

Buy Thunderbolt 3 Usb 3.1 To Thunderbolt 2 Adapter Cable For Windows T2Q2 at Walmart.com

www.walmart.com

and will I get USB3 speeds (i.e. 5Gbps or 10 Gbps)?

Thanks!

These won't work to connect a USB drive. They only work with Thunderbolt devices. You need the expensive, rare, and long discontinued Kanex adapter mentioned in the post before mine.

 

[Bigwaff]

You need the expensive, rare, and long discontinued Kanex adapter mentioned in the post before mine.

Or a TB2 dock such as this one on eBay.. currently $17

OWC Thunderbolt 2 Docking Station 812437020793 | eBay

Enhance your laptop's connectivity with the OWC Thunderbolt 2 Docking Station. This versatile device is perfect for universally compatible brands and offers a variety of ports including Audio Out, DisplayPort, HDMI, and USB 3.0. The docking station is AC-powered and features a built-in USB port...

www.ebay.com

 

[joevt]

I have a 2011 iMac (12.2) and I was wondering if it was possible to use its Thunderbolt port to access a USB3 external drive - perhaps through a Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adaptor, e.g.:

Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter

Effortlessly connect your Mac to a Thunderbolt 2 device with the Apple Thunderbolt 3 Adapter. Buy now at apple.com

www.apple.com

Yes, get the Apple Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter.
To connect USB, you need to also get a Thunderbolt 2 cable and a Thunderbolt 3 dock. Then you can connect USB 10 Gbps.

You could connect a Thunderbolt 2 dock directly, but that only supports up to USB 5 Gbps.

or this cheaper version:

Thunderbolt 3 Usb 3.1 To Thunderbolt 2 Adapter Cable For Windows T2Q2 - Walmart.com

Buy Thunderbolt 3 Usb 3.1 To Thunderbolt 2 Adapter Cable For Windows T2Q2 at Walmart.com

www.walmart.com

That's not a Thunderbolt adapter. That's a USB-C (DisplayPort Alt Mode) to Mini DisplayPort adapter which is only good for connecting a DisplayPort display to a USB-C (DisplayPort Alt Mode) port which includes Thunderbolt 3/4/USB4 ports.

 

[Fishrrman]

All this is throwing good money at an OLD Mac.
On "solutions" that may or may not work.

2011?
Really, it's time to start shopping for something new or at least "newer".

A 2018 Mini might be a good place to start...

 

[Bigwaff]

All this is throwing good money at an OLD Mac.
On "solutions" that may or may not work.

Perthaps… but I know for a fact the $17 TB2 dock I linked to will work because I used this exact iMac and dock back in the day.

 

[TzunamiOSX]

I have a 2011 iMac (12.2) and I was wondering if it was possible to use its Thunderbolt port to access a USB3 external drive - perhaps through a Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adaptor, e.g.:

Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter

Effortlessly connect your Mac to a Thunderbolt 2 device with the Apple Thunderbolt 3 Adapter. Buy now at apple.com

www.apple.com

or this cheaper version:

Thunderbolt 3 Usb 3.1 To Thunderbolt 2 Adapter Cable For Windows T2Q2 - Walmart.com

Buy Thunderbolt 3 Usb 3.1 To Thunderbolt 2 Adapter Cable For Windows T2Q2 at Walmart.com

www.walmart.com

and will I get USB3 speeds (i.e. 5Gbps or 10 Gbps)?

Thanks!

You can use a Thunderbolt 2 Dock with USB 3.0 Ports
Or a Thunderbolt 3 Dock with USB 3.1, connected by using an Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 adapter

take a look here:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/great-way-to-add-usb-c-to-2013-mac-pro.2213162/