I use a late 2012 Mac Mini as a music server. My expensive, external audio digital to analogue converter (DAC) was connected to the Mini by FireWire. After a lightning strike the Mac Mini FireWire and Ethernet ports do not work.
Is it likely that the Thunderbolt port is also burnt out. I am proposing to use a TB/FW adapter.
Any suggestions please.
Best Answer
The Mac mini got hit by lightening and still functions? I am surprised that you only lost two ports
Likely, but it's impossible to tell from this distance. To know for certain, you need to plug in a device to test functionality.
This sounds like an excellent idea. If you plug it in and it works/doesn't work then you have your diagnosis.
The only other suggestion other than trying things to see if it works is to run Apple Hardware Test (AHT). Hold the D key while booting from a powered off state with the AC adapter connected.
However, it sounds like you lost some key functionality when the Ethernet port died. It's probably a good time to take it in for service or upgrade to a newer model.
On a side note, a good (and cheap) bit of insurance is to get a UPS Back-Up Power Supply with surge protection. I personally use CyberPower UPSs on all my Apple gear (APC everywhere else) because they are compatible with macOS.
Speaking from personal experience...in 25+ years in IT in the lightning capital of the US (Florida), I have been hit by lightning twice and never lost a single piece of gear. I did lose two APC units to lightning strikes (both at work), but I never lost any equipment.