Getting the Best Performance from Thunderbolt Connections on a 2013 Mac Pro

Hey there! Today, I want to talk to you about how to optimize your Thunderbolt connections on a 2013 Mac Pro for the ultimate performance. So, let’s dive right in!

First things first, let’s make sure we understand what Thunderbolt is all about. Thunderbolt is a super-fast data transfer technology that allows you to connect high-performance devices to your Mac Pro. With Thunderbolt, you can transfer data at lightning speed and connect multiple devices in a daisy-chain, which is pretty cool!

Now, when it comes to setting up your Thunderbolt connections for maximum performance, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. And don’t worry, I’ll guide you through it step by step.

1. Check Your Thunderbolt Cable:

The first thing you’ll want to do is make sure you’re using a certified Thunderbolt cable. A good-quality cable will ensure a reliable and high-speed connection. So, take a look at your cable and if it’s worn out or damaged, it’s time for a new one. Trust me, it’s worth it!

2. Update Your Mac Pro:

Now, let’s make sure your Mac Pro is up to date. Keeping your operating system and firmware updated is crucial for optimal Thunderbolt performance. So, head over to the Apple menu, click on “Software Update,” and let your Mac Pro do its thing. It’s always good to stay up to speed!

3. Enable Thunderbolt Connections:

Next, let’s make sure Thunderbolt connections are enabled on your Mac Pro. To do this, go to the System Preferences, click on “Network,” and select the Thunderbolt adapter. Make sure the checkmark box is ticked, and you’re good to go. Easy peasy, right?

4. Properly Connect Your Thunderbolt Devices:

When connecting your Thunderbolt devices, it’s important to follow the right order. Start by connecting the device closest to your Mac Pro directly to its Thunderbolt port. Then, daisy-chain additional devices in the order of their importance. This will ensure smooth communication and avoid any hiccups along the way.

5. Maximize Performance with SSD:

If you’re looking for some extra performance boost, consider using a Thunderbolt SSD. Solid State Drives are faster and more reliable than traditional hard drives, which can make a noticeable difference in your data transfer speeds. So, if speed is your game, SSDs are the way to go!

6. Monitor Your Thunderbolt Connections:

Lastly, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your Thunderbolt connections. You can do this by checking the Thunderbolt software on your Mac Pro. It’ll show you an overview of all your Thunderbolt devices and any potential issues. Stay vigilant, my friend!

And there you have it! By following these steps, you’ll be able to configure your Thunderbolt connections on a 2013 Mac Pro for maximum performance. Now go out there and enjoy your lightning-fast data transfers!

The 2013 Mac Pro is equipped with an impressive six Thunderbolt 2 ports, which is three times more than any other currently available Mac. This means I can connect a whole lot of devices to my Mac Pro, but if I want the best performance, I should pay attention to how the Thunderbolt ports are set up.

To power the six Thunderbolt 2 ports and the single HDMI port, the 2013 Mac Pro makes use of three Thunderbolt buses. According to Apple Knowledge Base Article HT5918, the first bus powers ports 1 and 3, the second bus powers ports 2 and 4, and the third bus powers ports 5, 6, and the HDMI port.

Hey there! Check out this cool image from Apple KB HT5918.

So, here’s the deal – each of these three busses in the system has its own special amount of bandwidth from the PCIe controller. This means that each bus gets around 5 gigabytes per second. It’s important to note that there’s a difference between gigabytes (GB) and gigabits (Gb). One gigabyte equals 8 gigabits. The cool thing is that the bandwidth of one bus can be completely used up without affecting the other busses. Isn’t that neat?

Apple tells us in their Knowledge Base article that we can only connect up to two displays per Thunderbolt bus. This is because more than two displays would use up too much bandwidth for that bus. And that’s not even considering any other devices connected to the Thunderbolt chain. But it’s not just displays that are affected. High performance Thunderbolt peripherals like RAID arrays, hubs, and PCIe expansion chassis also need to be careful with the bandwidth. Most Mac Pro setups will work fine with any random connection of ports and devices, but if you want your expensive peripherals to work at top speed, listen up to these recommendations!

Keep Displays and Storage on Separate Thunderbolt Buses

Displays, especially really good ones like the 27-inch Apple Thunderbolt Display or the 28-inch Dell P2815Q 4K Monitor, take up a lot of the bandwidth on each Thunderbolt bus. So make sure you keep your high performance storage arrays, like an SSD RAID array, on a different Thunderbolt bus.

Give Your Most Important Device its Own Bus

Even though not many devices can use up all the bandwidth on a bus, it’s a good idea to play it safe. If you have a limited number of devices, try giving the most important device its own bus. That way, you won’t have to worry about any conflicts with the bandwidth. For example, if your SSD RAID array is the main storage device for your Mac Pro workstation, plug it into Thunderbolt Port 1. Then, plug all your other displays and devices into the other ports on that bus, except for port 3 which is on the same bus as port 1.

Group Low-Performing Devices Together

Similarly, you can keep a Thunderbolt bus free for your high performance devices by grouping your less important and lower performing devices together. Connect things like memory card readers, single-drive HDD-based enclosures, and low-resolution displays on one of the three busses. This way, you’ll save the other busses for the really important stuff.

Consider Using USB 3.0

Now, I know Thunderbolt is super cool, but not everything needs to be connected via Thunderbolt. Some devices can be connected through USB too. For example, the Buffalo MiniStation works great with both Thunderbolt and USB. If you’re running short on Thunderbolt busses, you can just connect the drive to one of the Mac Pro’s four USB 3.0 ports. But keep in mind that the USB configuration of the Mac Pro has its own limitations, so don’t rely on it for ultra-high-performance devices.

The 2013 Mac Pro is really impressive, but its new design means that a lot of pro users, especially those upgrading from the old Mac Pro tower, will have a ton of external accessories to deal with. But with a little thought and consideration for the Thunderbolt layout of the 2013 Mac Pro, most users will be able to transition easily and enjoy the high performance they need for their work. Stay awesome!