Adapter StarTech Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 (female to male, 0.2 m, black)

The StarTech Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter provides a simple way to connect Thunderbolt 1 and Thunderbolt 2 devices to a Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) host. The adapter has a female Thunderbolt 3 connector and a short 0.2 m cable terminating in a male Thunderbolt 2 connector, with nickel-plated contacts and a black housing. It is certified for Thunderbolt 3 and supports Windows and Mac systems for attaching legacy Thunderbolt displays, external drives and other Thunderbolt peripherals.

Advantages

This adapter preserves backward compatibility with earlier generations of Thunderbolt devices, allowing first-generation devices to operate at up to 10 Gbps and Thunderbolt 2 devices to operate at up to 20 Gbps. It supports bi-directional data transfer and supplies power to bus-powered devices where supported by the host. The compact 0.2 m cable and durable connector plating help maintain a reliable physical connection while keeping cable clutter to a minimum.

Suitable for

• Connecting Thunderbolt 1 external hard drives and storage enclosures to a Thunderbolt 3 computer
• Using older Thunderbolt displays with a Thunderbolt 3 laptop or desktop
• Attaching legacy Thunderbolt docks and expansion devices to a modern TB3 host

Key specifications

• Connector A: Female Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C)
• Connector B: Male Thunderbolt 2
• Cable length: 0.2 m
• Data transfer rates: up to 10 Gbps (Thunderbolt 1), up to 20 Gbps (Thunderbolt 2)
• Contacts: nickel-plated
• Housing colour: black
• Weight: 0.058 kg
• Compatibility: Certified for Thunderbolt 3 hosts; compatible with Windows and Mac systems

How to use

Connect the female Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) end of the adapter to the Thunderbolt 3 port on your computer and insert the male Thunderbolt 2 connector into the legacy Thunderbolt device or display. Ensure the host computer’s Thunderbolt 3 firmware, drivers and BIOS are up to date if the port does not function immediately. The adapter supports bi-directional use: it allows a TB3 host to address older TB2/TB1 devices at their native speeds.

Usage recommendations

Check for available BIOS, Thunderbolt firmware and Thunderbolt 3 driver or software updates for your computer model before first use. For detailed update guidance and a list of affected systems, consult the official Thunderbolt website or your system manufacturer. Use the adapter with certified Thunderbolt 3 hosts for guaranteed interoperability.