StarTech.com Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 1/2 Adapter TBT3TBTADAP
The StarTech.com TBT3TBTADAP adapter enables Thunderbolt 3 computers to connect with older Thunderbolt 1 devices at 10Gbps and Thunderbolt 2 devices at 20Gbps, preserving investments in high-speed peripherals.
- Legacy Device Support: Connects modern Thunderbolt 3 systems to existing Thunderbolt 1 (10Gbps) and Thunderbolt 2 (20Gbps) peripherals, extending their operational lifespan.
- Broad Compatibility: Ensures seamless integration with both Windows and macOS Thunderbolt 3 computers, supporting a wide range of professional workstations.
- High-Speed Data Transfer: Facilitates rapid data exchange for external hard drives and displays, maintaining workflow efficiency without performance bottlenecks.
- Investment Protection: Eliminates the need to replace functional Thunderbolt 1/2 devices, reducing capital expenditure for businesses and creative professionals.
Product Overview
Product Overview
The StarTech.com TBT3TBTADAP is a purpose-built adapter designed to bridge the gap between current Thunderbolt 3 systems and previous generation Thunderbolt 1 (10Gbps) and Thunderbolt 2 (20Gbps) peripherals. It features a male Thunderbolt 3 connector and a female Thunderbolt 1/2 port, with a compact 0.2m cable length.
This adapter is certified for Thunderbolt technology and compliant with RoHS standards, ensuring reliable performance and environmental responsibility. It supports a broad range of operating systems, including Windows 8.1, 10, 11, and macOS versions from 10.12 through 13.0, providing versatile compatibility for diverse IT environments.
- Backward Compatibility: Enables Thunderbolt 3 computers to connect with Thunderbolt 1 (10Gbps) and Thunderbolt 2 (20Gbps) devices, extending the useful life of existing high-speed peripherals.
- Cross-Platform Support: Fully compatible with Windows 8.1, 10, 11, and macOS 10.12 to 13.0, ensuring broad usability across different professional computing environments.
- High-Performance Connectivity: Supports the full data transfer speeds of legacy Thunderbolt devices, preventing performance bottlenecks for critical applications like video editing or large file transfers.
- Compact Design: Features a 0.2m cable and lightweight 58g construction, making it easy to integrate into any workstation setup without adding clutter or bulk.
- Operational Value: Preserves capital investment in specialized Thunderbolt peripherals and displays, reducing the total cost of ownership for professional IT setups.
This adapter is an essential tool for organizations seeking to maximize their existing Thunderbolt hardware investments while upgrading to modern Thunderbolt 3 workstations.
Technical Specifications
1Performance & Business Impact
2Connectivity & I/O
3Physical & Environmental
4Lifecycle, Warranty & Compliance
Full Specifications
Ports & interfaces4
Performance3
Weight & dimensions1
Certificates2
Packaging content1
Packaging data1
Logistics data1
What This Solves
Connecting Legacy Thunderbolt Displays
Many creative studios and design firms rely on high-quality Thunderbolt 1 or 2 displays for color accuracy and screen real estate. This adapter enables these valuable displays to connect seamlessly to newer Thunderbolt 3 workstations, maintaining visual fidelity and productivity.
Design agencies, video production houses, architectural firms, engineering departments, educational institutions
Integrating High-Speed External Storage
Organizations with significant investments in Thunderbolt 1/2 external hard drives or RAID arrays require consistent high-speed data access for large project files. The adapter ensures these critical storage solutions remain fully operational with updated Thunderbolt 3 systems, preventing data transfer bottlenecks.
Media production companies, data analytics teams, research facilities, IT operations teams, graphic design studios
Upgrading Workstations Without Peripheral Replacement
When upgrading to new Thunderbolt 3-equipped workstations, businesses often face the cost of replacing all associated peripherals. This adapter allows for a phased upgrade approach, connecting existing Thunderbolt 1/2 devices to new computers, thereby reducing immediate capital outlay and minimizing downtime.
Small to mid-sized businesses, professional home offices, IT departments managing hardware refreshes, educational labs
Key Features
Thunderbolt 3 (Male) to Thunderbolt 1/2 (Female) Connectivity
Enables modern workstations to interface with legacy high-speed peripherals, preserving existing hardware investments and reducing upgrade costs.
Supports Thunderbolt 1 (10Gbps) and Thunderbolt 2 (20Gbps) Speeds
Ensures full performance for connected devices, preventing data transfer bottlenecks and maintaining workflow efficiency for demanding applications.
0.2m (7.9 inch) Cable Length
Provides a compact and manageable connection, reducing cable clutter on professional desktops and improving workstation organization.
Compatible with Windows 8.1, 10, 11 and macOS 10.12-13.0
Offers broad operating system support, ensuring versatile integration across diverse IT environments and professional computing platforms.
RoHS, CE, FCC, and Thunderbolt Certified
Guarantees compliance with environmental and safety standards, providing assurance of product quality and responsible manufacturing for procurement teams.
Compatible With
Thunderbolt 3 Computers
Apple MacBook Pro, Dell XPS, HP Spectre, Lenovo ThinkPad, professional workstations
Thunderbolt 2 Peripherals
External RAID enclosures, high-speed SSDs, video capture devices, audio interfaces
Thunderbolt 1 Devices
Legacy external hard drives, older Thunderbolt displays, specialized I/O boxes
Professional Displays
Apple Thunderbolt Display, other Thunderbolt-enabled monitors
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of Thunderbolt devices can I connect using this adapter?
This adapter allows you to connect Thunderbolt 1 (10Gbps) and Thunderbolt 2 (20Gbps) peripherals, such as external hard drives, RAID arrays, and Thunderbolt displays, to a Thunderbolt 3 port on your computer.
Is this adapter compatible with both Windows and Mac computers?
Yes, the adapter is compatible with Windows 8.1, 10, and 11, as well as macOS versions 10.12 through 13.0, ensuring broad cross-platform usability.
Does this adapter support daisy-chaining of Thunderbolt devices?
Yes, this adapter supports daisy-chaining of compatible Thunderbolt 1 or 2 devices, allowing you to connect multiple peripherals through a single Thunderbolt 3 port on your host computer.
What is the maximum data transfer speed I can expect with this adapter?
The adapter supports the native speeds of the connected legacy device, up to 10Gbps for Thunderbolt 1 devices and up to 20Gbps for Thunderbolt 2 devices, ensuring optimal performance.
Warranty & Returns
Manufacturer Warranty
2 Years
Warranty is provided directly by the manufacturer and covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use.
Return Policy
Returns subject to manufacturer approval
Hardware returns are governed by the manufacturer's return policy. Some products are non-returnable or subject to restocking fees. Defective items are handled under the manufacturer warranty. Contact Zent Networks before initiating any return.