A hardware question .... Mini DisplayPort vs Thunderbolt at DVinfo.net

Andrew Smith · February 24th, 2015, 01:57 AM

Hi guys,

Greetings from a Windows user who is in the process of buying a new laptop. I'm getting a top-end one (aka 'gaming') that can be used for video editing out in the field. To this extent, the Windows laptops are coming with Thunderbolt ports and it makes sense to have one for future connectivity options.

This is the laptop model that I've chosen: ASUS ROG G750JS-T4193H which in the specs tab has listed "1 x mini Display Port" which I believe can also be a Thunderbolt port. In other models, this is a Thunderbolt only port. (That other model where this is the case doesn't have the ability to write to BluRay discs which is something I definitely want to be able to do.)

The big question is .... will I be able to properly connect Thunderbolt devices if I have this "Mini DisplayPort" on the laptop?

Mini DisplayPort and Thunderbolt ports are the same size and shape.

According to an article on CNET, I will, and everything will be just wonderful. See: Confusing Mini DisplayPort with Thunderbolt - CNET

But over on the Apple community support Q&A section, the answers are a bit all over the place. See what is difference between 'display port' vs. thunderbolt port?? - Apple Store (Australia)

Can anybody enlighten me please? It's presently doing my head in.

Andrew

Paul Wood · February 24th, 2015, 02:05 AM

Hi Andrew,

No expert here, but I have some older Macs with a Mini DisplayPort which are just that - Thunderbolt cables fit, but there is no functionality except for running displays.
A later one labeled Thunderbolt, does work - I think that for it be be Thunderbolt it has to be labelled as such.

Andrew Smith · February 24th, 2015, 05:26 AM

Hi Paul,

Thanks for that.

What I seem to bne finding out at the moment is that the DisplayPort Mini port will not be suitable for attaching a Thinderbo;lt perpheral. I need to get a different model laptop (ASUS ROG G750JX) with the separate dedicated Thunderbolt port in addition to the DisplayPort Mini.

Andrew

February 24th, 2015, 01:57 AM	#1
Andrew Smith Equal Opportunity Offender Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia Posts: 3,066	A hardware question .... Mini DisplayPort vs Thunderbolt Hi guys, Greetings from a Windows user who is in the process of buying a new laptop. I'm getting a top-end one (aka 'gaming') that can be used for video editing out in the field. To this extent, the Windows laptops are coming with Thunderbolt ports and it makes sense to have one for future connectivity options. This is the laptop model that I've chosen: ASUS ROG G750JS-T4193H which in the specs tab has listed "1 x mini Display Port" which I believe can also be a Thunderbolt port. In other models, this is a Thunderbolt only port. (That other model where this is the case doesn't have the ability to write to BluRay discs which is something I definitely want to be able to do.) The big question is .... will I be able to properly connect Thunderbolt devices if I have this "Mini DisplayPort" on the laptop? Mini DisplayPort and Thunderbolt ports are the same size and shape. According to an article on CNET, I will, and everything will be just wonderful. See: Confusing Mini DisplayPort with Thunderbolt - CNET But over on the Apple community support Q&A section, the answers are a bit all over the place. See what is difference between 'display port' vs. thunderbolt port?? - Apple Store (Australia) Can anybody enlighten me please? It's presently doing my head in. Andrew

February 24th, 2015, 02:05 AM	#2
Paul Wood Major Player Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Madrid, Spain Posts: 485	Re: A hardware question .... Mini DisplayPort vs Thunderbolt Hi Andrew, No expert here, but I have some older Macs with a Mini DisplayPort which are just that - Thunderbolt cables fit, but there is no functionality except for running displays. A later one labeled Thunderbolt, does work - I think that for it be be Thunderbolt it has to be labelled as such.

February 24th, 2015, 05:26 AM	#3
Andrew Smith Equal Opportunity Offender Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia Posts: 3,066	Re: A hardware question .... Mini DisplayPort vs Thunderbolt Hi Paul, Thanks for that. What I seem to bne finding out at the moment is that the DisplayPort Mini port will not be suitable for attaching a Thinderbo;lt perpheral. I need to get a different model laptop (ASUS ROG G750JX) with the separate dedicated Thunderbolt port in addition to the DisplayPort Mini. Andrew