When you troubleshoot issues with a Thunderbolt cable there are some quick tests that you can complete to rule out potential problems. You can test to make sure that the following components are working correctly and are not the source of the issue:
Thunderbolt peripheral
Thunderbolt port
Thunderbolt cable
To test your setup components, try the following:
Use the Thunderbolt peripheral, port, and cable in another setup to see if the problem is with the components or the setup.
Use a Thunderbolt peripheral, port, and cable in your setup to see if the problem persists. Ideally, you should test a component that you know works in another setup.
When you test your cables, it is recommended that you do the following:
Test each cable individually.
Use short cables when you are testing.
When you test the Thunderbolt peripheral, port, and cable, it is recommended that you do the following:
If you are using Thunderbolt 1 or Thunderbolt 2 cables, make sure that the computer and peripheral are both Thunderbolt compliant. Thunderbolt 1 and Thunderbolt 2 use the same connector type as Mini DisplayPort. If the computer port is Mini DisplayPort, only DisplayPort devices will work.
If you are using Thunderbolt 3 cables, make sure that the computer and peripheral are both Thunderbolt compliant. Thunderbolt 3 uses the same connector type as USB-C. If the computer port is USB-C, only USB devices will work.
Install the latest drivers for the Thunderbolt peripheral available on the manufacturer's website.
Install the latest drivers for the Thunderbolt port controller card.