The Last Macs with IEEE 1394B (FireWire 800) and How to Connect Them

The latest Mac computers that featured an IEEE 1394B port, commonly known as FireWire 800, were the Mac Pro Late 2013. While older Mac models had FireWire 800 ports, modern Macs have shifted to faster and more capable technologies like Thunderbolt for high-speed data transfer.

IEEE 1394B (FireWire 800) Overview

IEEE 1394B, also known as FireWire 800, is a standard for serial bus connections that was widely used in consumer electronics and computers for high-speed data transfer. Its connector typically features a rectangular shape with a set of pins. For compatibility with modern Mac systems, you can use specific adapters to connect FireWire 800 peripherals to newer Macs.

Non-Built-in FireWire 800 Ports on Modern Macs

Today's Macs do not feature built-in IEEE 1394B (FireWire 800) ports. Instead, they use Thunderbolt technology, which is faster and more versatile. Thunderbolt ports typically come in two forms: Thunderbolt 2 and Thunderbolt 3. Thunderbolt 3 ports are commonly found on modern Macs and appear identical to USB-C ports.

Thunderbolt Connectors

Here are the appearances of Thunderbolt 2 and Thunderbolt 3 connectors:

Thunderbolt 2: Features a specific rectangular plug with four pins. Thunderbolt 3: Identical to USB-C but with the Thunderbolt logo.

Connecting IEEE 1394B (FireWire 800) Devices to Modern Macs

While modern Macs don't have built-in FireWire 800 ports, you can still connect IEEE 1394B devices to your newer Macs via Thunderbolt. Apple offers specific adapters to bridge the gap:

Thunderbolt to FireWire 800 Adapter: This adapter, produced by Apple, allows you to connect FireWire 800 peripheral devices to your Mac with Thunderbolt 2 ports. Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2/1 Adapter: Use this adapter to connect FireWire 800 devices to Macs with Thunderbolt 3 ports.

For instance, if you have a recent model of Mac with Thunderbolt 3 ports, you can first use a Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2/1 adapter to convert the port to Thunderbolt 2. Then, you can use the Thunderbolt to FireWire 800 adapter to connect your FireWire 800 peripherals.

I have used several FW-800 drives through the Apple TB 3 to TB 2/1 adapter, followed by the Apple TB to FW-800 adapter, all connected through a StarTech Thunderbolt hub. The entire setup connects to my Mac via a single Thunderbolt 3 cable providing both power and data.

Legacy IEEE 1394B (FireWire 800) Mac Models

While IEEE 1394B is no longer a standard feature in newer Macs, it was last seen in the following models:

2011 iMacs 2012 Mac Pros 2012 MacBook Pros

For those still using these legacy machines, you can utilize adapter dongles to connect FireWire devices to subsequent models through Thunderbolt.

Finding the Right Adapter

The choice of adapter depends on the specific Thunderbolt port your Mac has. Ensure you purchase the right adapter to match your Thunderbolt version and FireWire 800 interface requirements.

Conclusion

While IEEE 1394B (FireWire 800) is no longer a standard feature in modern Macs, recent adapters allow you to still connect these devices to your newer Macs via Thunderbolt. This setup ensures compatibility with legacy devices and modern day-to-day use.