‘True’ Thunderbolt to DisplayPort or DVI cable

displayportdvithunderboltthunderbolt-display

Is there a native Thunderbolt to DisplayPort or DVI cable?

I understand that Thunderbolt is downwards-compatible to Mini DisplayPort, however I'm looking for an adapter cable using the Thunderbolt port in a native fashion;

Background: I want to run two displays off a Belkin Thunderbolt Express Dock 2, however it doesn't allow the Thunderbolt port to run in Display Port mode and using the HDMI port at the same time..

So I'm looking into some kind of adapter from (native) Thunderbolt to a non-Thunderbolt display without using the Mini DisplayPort compatibility mode..

Any hints much appreciated!!

Best Answer

I took a look at Belkin's website on this particular product and they clearly state that it "Supports dual displays & 4K cinema resolution."

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Now, there is no "Thunderbolt" to DVI/HDMI because Thunderbolt is an extension of PCIe. So, in a very basic sense, this would be like trying to plug your monitor in directly to the logic board and not go through the video adapter; it cannot happen.

However, Thunderbolt "multiplexes" the DisplayPort signal on that single cable. You are going to get both. Now, if you use a a Thunderbolt compatible cable, you can daisy chain additional TB devices off your monitor, albeit at a reduced data transfer rate. This is why monitors are the last in the chain. If you use a non-TB cable, you will only get display and no TB signal.

EDIT:

It was really bugging me that this didn't work because I was close to reccomending this product for a friend and I wanted to do my due diligence. I found this on their support site:

Belkin FAQ

So, basically, in order for you to get dual displays, you need a native Thunderbolt Display like these.

If you do go that route, remember you will need a Thunderbolt/Thunderbolt 2 cable

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