Need Data Transfer Cable

Given that you're trying to connect a new drive to an old computer, that raises a question. What type of input does this LaCie drive expect on its USB-C port?

If it is

• USB 2 or 3 – You're in luck. You can connect the LaCie drive to one of your iMac's four USB-A (USB 3.0) ports, with the aid of a USB-A (male) to USB-C (male) cable.
• USB4 – You can't use the drive, unless it supports a USB 3 fallback mode. USB4 came out at around the same time as the first Apple Silicon Macs … and your 2015 iMac doesn't have it.
• Thunderbolt 3 – You might be able to use the drive with the aid of an Apple Thunderbolt 3-to-2 adapter and an OWC Thunderbolt 2 cable, if the drive is self-powered, or if you also buy a self-powered Thunderbolt 3 dock (it has to be Thunderbolt 3, not Thunderbolt 4 or 5). If you're getting the idea that this would be so expensive that there wouldn't be much point in pursuing it, you'd probably be right.
• Thunderbolt 4 or 5 - You can't use the drive. Thunderbolt 4 and 5 accessories are NOT backwards compatible with Thunderbolt 2 hosts even with the aid of a bidirectional adapter.

gentlegeorge wrote:

maybe the OWC has a Thunderbolt 2 (male) transfer cable i can use that has a USB C (male) on the other end of the cord. Thanks immensely for responding and I hope to get something to work.

You're not going to find a cord that goes directly from Thunderbolt 2 (on the computer side) to USB-C (USB 3.*) (on the computer side).

Cords with USB-C connectors on one end, and Mini DIsplayPort connectors on the other, sure. But a USB-C to Mini DisplayPort adapter does not act as a Thunderbolt 2 to USB 3.* adapter when used in reverse. Nor does a Thunderbolt 2 cable + an Apple Thunderbolt 3-to-2 cable become a Thunderbolt 2 to USB.* adapter if used in reverse. The Apple Thunderbolt adapter is bidirectional, but only translates Thunderbolt protocol … and then only works in the cases of devices that have their own power supply.

Apple sells a Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter . I don't know how long it is for this world, but they haven't discontinued it yet. Other World Computing sells OWC Thunderbolt 2 Cables .

But those aren't going to solve your problem.

They'd help if you were attempting to go from a Thunderbolt 3/4/5 port on a modern Mac, to a Thunderbolt 1 or 2 port on an old drive. But you're trying to go in the reverse direction, and connecting the cables in reverse will not work.

Good Morning Ye Servant of Cats. I believe option 1 of a USB A (male) to a USB C (male) will work. I tried all the amalgamation of cords I have stockpiled at home but none of them work. I will try going to Best Buy to see if they have such a cord you mentioned and/or the local Apple designated store Charlotte Street Computers in Asheville. If neither of them has such a cord or an adapter to use on one of my existing cords, would you possible have one i can buy or maybe the OWC has a Thunderbolt 2 (male) transfer cable i can use that has a USB C (male) on the other end of the cord. Thanks immensely for responding and I hope to get something to work.

gentlegeorge wrote:

believe option 1 of a USB A (male) to a USB C (male) will work. I tried all the amalgamation of cords I have stockpiled at home but none of them work. I will try going to Best Buy to see if they have such a cord you mentioned and/or the local Apple designated store Charlotte Street Computers in Asheville. If neither of them has such a cord or an adapter to use on one of my existing cords, would you possible have one i can buy

It's easy to find USB-C to USB-A cables online. The main thing to watch out for is that some cables are "charging only" cables that do not have the data pins connected. If you get a cable whose description mentions "10 Gbps", you can avoid that problem.

The search Amazon – USB-C to USB-A cables brings up several possibilities, including. Amazon – Cable Matters [USB-IF Certified] 10Gbps Gen 2 USBA to USB C Cable, 3.3ft .