Upgrading Your Late 2013 iMac Thunderbolt Version: A Cautionary Tale

If you're still rocking a Late 2013 iMac with Thunderbolt ports, you may be feeling left behind as the world moves on to faster and more powerful connectivity options. I recently made the mistake of thinking that upgrading my setup would be a straightforward process, but it's been a costly and frustrating journey.

I started by ordering an OWC Mercury Elite Pro Mini externally powered enclosure with a 1TB SSD drive, hoping to future-proof my system. However, when I tried to connect it using an Apple Thunderbolt Cable (2m) and an Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter, nothing happened. It was as if the adapter didn't exist.

I soon discovered that this was not an isolated issue. After some research, I found that even with a Seagate SSD drive connected through the same setup, things still wouldn't work. According to online forums and articles, this is actually a normal occurrence when trying to connect Thunderbolt 2 devices to newer systems with Thunderbolt 3 ports.

Frustrated and disappointed, I had spent over $300 on adapters, cables, and docks, all of which seemed to be for naught. If only I had read the comments section of online articles before making my purchases, I would have saved myself a lot of trouble and expense.

But what's a Mac user to do? Apple seems to be leaving those with older systems behind, forcing them to shell out small fortunes just to keep up with the latest technology. It's not just about speed – it's about compatibility and being able to use peripherals and devices that are no longer supported by newer systems.

OWC prides itself on helping customers extend the life and usability of their Macs, but when it comes to Thunderbolt 3, they seem to be more focused on selling expensive adapters and cables than providing a solution for those who can't afford to upgrade.

As someone who's still stuck with a Late 2014 mini running macOS 11.6 Big Sur, I know how it feels to be left behind. When your perfectly fine Mac becomes an oversized paperweight because everything has been updated and your computer no longer plays nicely with hard drives, apps, or other peripheral devices, it can be disheartening.

So if you're still using a Late 2013 iMac with Thunderbolt ports, take heed of my cautionary tale. Unless you're willing to break the bank on adapters and cables, you may find yourself stuck in the 'dark ages' while your friends and colleagues are editing video at Thunderbolt 3 and 4 speeds of 40Gb/s (on a Mac).

Late 2013 imac thunderbolt version