USB to Thunderbolt cable

interstellaflyer

I have a late 2013 iMac and it's currently running on an external SSD in and enclosure via a USB port, it's running fine but is a bit slower to boot up than I feel it should be, I've be lead to believe that using a Thunderbolt port might be more efficient and it would certainly please my daughter as it would free up a USB port.   Anyway does anyone know where I can get a USB to Thunderbolt cable as all my searches just bring up USB to USB C and Thunderbolt to Thunderbolt? 

Jenni_D

What's the port on the non-Thunderbolt side? (You say USB, but which USB?). Assuming it is a normal USB port on the enclosure, will it support the higher speeds of the Thunderbolt port?

There are options on Amazon (mainly adaptors or adaptor cables) but most refer to 2016+ Apple devices.

interstellaflyer

Jenni_D said:

What's the port on the non-Thunderbolt side? (You say USB, but which USB?). Assuming it is a normal USB port on the enclosure, will it support the higher speeds of the Thunderbolt port?

There are options on Amazon (mainly adaptors or adaptor cables) but most refer to 2016+ Apple devices.

Hi, the USB ports are USB 3.0,  the link you provided gives the same results as I was getting, they are USB to USB C what I need is a cable or adaptor that goes from USB to Thunderbolt.

https://support.apple.com/kb/sp687?locale=en_GB

Jenni_D

Does the 2013 Apple machine support Thunderbolt 3? If not then the USB-C adaptor may be suitable. https://www.pcmag.com/news/thunderbolt-3-vs-usb-c-whats-the-difference

What data rate does the existing SSD enclosure support?

interstellaflyer

Jenni_D said:

Does the 2013 Apple machine support Thunderbolt 3? If not then the USB-C adaptor may be suitable. https://www.pcmag.com/news/thunderbolt-3-vs-usb-c-whats-the-difference

What data rate does the existing SSD enclosure support?

No, doesn't support Thunderbolt 3

Jenni_D

In which case I suspect a USB-C cable/adaptor will do fine ... for the cost what have you got to lose?

interstellaflyer

Jenni_D said:

In which case I suspect a USB-C cable/adaptor will do fine ... for the cost what have you got to lose?

I'm pretty sure USB C won't fit

molerat

Thunderbolt 1 & 2 use mini display port connectors, Thunderbolt 3 uses the USB C connector.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Thunderbolt-3-Type-C-USB-C-to-Mini-DisplayPort-Cable-for-New-Macbook-2m-Black/332690333341?hash=item4d75e39e9d:g:~RAAAOSwqABbJ9cW

interstellaflyer

molerat said:

Thunderbolt 1 & 2 use mini display port connectors, Thunderbolt 3 uses the USB C connector.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Thunderbolt-3-Type-C-USB-C-to-Mini-DisplayPort-Cable-for-New-Macbook-2m-Black/332690333341?hash=item4d75e39e9d:g:~RAAAOSwqABbJ9cW

The problem is USB C to mini dis0play port is no good to me as I've nothing I can plug the USB C into

molerat

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Type-C-USB-3-1-Female-to-USB-A-Male-Adapter-Converter-Connector-Adapter-Data/393214399105?hash=item5b8d679281:g:aZIAAOSwWfNgWZuz&LH_BIN=1

Jenni_D

I tried a quick search but couldn't find any Mini-DP male to USB-A female cables or adaptors. (I think that's what you're really needing - thanks above for confirming the TB layout).