DIY 5K Apple Studio Display V2

[@james.a]

For those wondering I was able to get this panel to do 3840x2160 @ 120Hz without issues using Nvidia Control Panel to make a custom resolution. 5K seems to be limited to 60Hz.

[@zachtenbensel1440]

Can it be ran 5k through hdmi? The dock I have for MacBook is hdmi only. 4k 60hz is max from one hdmi. Is using 2 an option to get full resolution?

[@james.a]

Can’t do 5k with 2 HDMI cables as far as I know. If your dock has a thunderbolt port it might be able to use a thunderbolt to display port cable but it would need to be a cable that can do 5K (display port 1.4 or better).

[@zachtenbensel1440]

@@james.a I completely forgot about using thunderbolt with an adapter. Thanks

[@TLC.The.Nonsense]

So, a read this board specs and, allegedly, this board works at 4k 144hz... is worth checking it out!

[@stephen1014]

Im converting my 2017 iMac 5k into a standalone 5k display now and I came across this. Your DIY build is awesome dude and blows the iMac route out of the water just with weight savings alone. Really cool to see !

[@james.a]

Thanks for the kind words. I hope my files can help you build something cool too. Share some pics when it's done!

[@joseph3164]

Yo this is sick af! I love how small the bezels are on this panel when compared to the iMacs. Great work keep up the good content!

[@james.a]

Thanks! Will do!

[@trashtbyghosts]

this is literally the coolest project on youtube rn - so awesome thanks for making it!

[@james.a]

Wow, thanks!

[@DataScienceStudent-URI]

How did u remove the front glass on your 5k display. I believe it's glued on. Heat gun?

[@james.a]

I bought the panel by itself without the glass. The panel model number is LM270QQ2. www.aliexpress.us/item/3256801164527599.html

[@mkoenig52]

Makes me envious! I want to do this as I have a 2017 5k iMac sitting in my basement. Just don't have to know how or tools to d this conversion correctly. Plus where do you find the parts for all this? It is a great project you have done. I hope you make more videos, very enjoyable.

[@williambrisa]

I’m impressed. Pretty cool build!

[@thenldn]

This is exactly what I was looking for. Awesome project. Can it be assembled without the metal bezel visible from the front?

[@james.a]

The back panel doesn’t show at all in the front. The metal bezel in front is part of the display panel itself. I’m probably going to paint the metal part of the panel black on the front so it doesn’t stand out so much.

[@serg3615]

Great video; however, the prices of materials have changed. The LCD panel is now $330+95 shipping, and the board is $250+27 shipping. Overall the project is cool, but for less money, you can pick a used 2019 LG 27 5K ultrafine with a camera and speakers.

[@james.a]

That’s a bummer about the prices. The biggest issue for me that this solved though was that every other 5K monitor on the market only has Thunderbolt and the board I have for mine gives me the option to use HDMI and Display Port cables. This way I can use it with both my MacBook Pro and my PC at the same time and switch between the 2 with a keyboard shortcut. In addition to the extra ports I also added keyholes to the back plate and now I can hang stuff on the back like my SSD reader, a camera, and my Hub etc. Also I was able to attach an old MacBook Pro Display to the side as an extra display for my desk. The modularity of my own diy build is worth the cost in parts for me. Still cheaper than an Apple Studio display. Hoping to have a V3 video soon!

[@KS-wr8ub]

Great stuff! 🙌 Seen your v3 design on Printables, looks great! I have 2 iMac 27” 5Ks at home that I’m contemplating doing a similar mod to. At least one of them. Only downside would be that the iMac screens bezels would be an eye sore.. 😅 Wouldn’t pair nicely with the LG 5K next to it. Also really like your MBP screen on the side, looks very clean despite the “rawness” of the build! Any chance you’d do a video on v3?

[@james.a]

Thanks! I’ve been working on the v3 video for a while but I’ve had to take breaks because of work and life stuff. Finally 3d printed a frame to close the gaps around the sides and planning to put it back together this week so I can film the process. Editing is also not my strong suit so that’s really my biggest bottleneck right now after recording.

[@awsedrfenigma]

Great job on this project! I think you did great :)

[@cotiew]

Its been a while and this is no longer available. Any recommendations for alternate parts?

[@dericmiguel1]

subscribed! random, but is that a custom desk as well? I'm looking at building a custom riser like that for my two 62" husky workbenches. They're a bit shallow to support my lg ultrafine 5k, asd, and 2 lg ultrafine 4ks (24" and 32"). looking forward to part 3!

[@james.a]

Thanks for the sub! It’s actually just a random standing desk I got on Amazon back in 2020. I liked that it has 2 tiers. amzn.to/45aeJ0V

[@dericmiguel1]

@@james.a awesome thanks for the link! i ended up just rigging up some 3/4" black pipe with some 90 degrees elbows and a 2x12" for about $40. not the prettiest but sturdy enough for 3 of the 4 monitors 🙃

[@james.a]

@@dericmiguel1 Nice. "Whatever works" is what I always say. 🙌

[@luukje]

absolutely love this project! been thinking about either converting an old 5k retina imac to a display or doing something like this:)

[@james.a]

Awesome! Share some pics when you do!

[@luukje]

@@james.a been rewatching these videos for a couple of times. quick question: what brand is your desk from? and do you have any build footage from the monitor? also is there a v3 version on the way?🫣

[@james.a]

I got my desk a while back on Amazon here: amzn.to/496mkzg

[@james.a]

I am working on a v3 video that will show more of the build too. Sorry for the delay!@@luukje

[@luukje]

@@james.a is there any way i can contact u? would love to have a chat about this monitor because it's still on my mind to build it lol. would love to know some problems you've ran into and how you fixed it etc.

[@peterr.4768]

Nice build. For V3 I would propose a completely printed back panel like the Apple display and integrated Power Supply + using and old iMac27” Stand for it with the original Power Cable then. That the way I want to go. Im looking to use the Speakers from an iMac as well but not sure they can work with a normal amplifier. Do you think using Alu frame instead of steel would be still stiff enough?

[@james.a]

How would you completely print a back panel this big? It would likely need to be split into multiple pieces and thus reduce rigidity by a lot. I used a single piece of metal because it needs to be strong enough to connect the vesa mount to the panel. I think an aluminum plate would work though. Maybe slightly thicker than the steel plate I used.

[@peterr.4768]

@@james.a surely it would be separate pieces. Purely aesthetic not structural, hide away some cables and potentially integrate the power brick somewhere

[@james.a]

Yeah, on my current version of the monitor I changed the back plate to 1 solid piece with keyholes on the back so I can hang stuff on the back of the monitor. I'll make a new video showing this version.

[@realjohnfox]

Main component links are dead, any chance for updated ones? Thanks. Also, would you consider making another one? I would gladly buy it.

[@james.a]

I would consider making another. I’m just working on some minor upgrades to my current design I’ll show in my next video. I’d have to check and see what prices are for parts too but how much would you be willing to pay I guess is the main question?

[@realjohnfox]

@@james.a Well, whatever the parts cost, shipping and + for all the effort. Although not sure how shipping to the UK would work.

[@WestAard]

Is there a war to make this actually look good? Like a proper back?

[@james.a]

war? See my short I just posted about the next version (v3). It has a new back.

[@WestAard]

@@james.a Practical but not aesthetically pleasing

[@james.a]

Well aesthetics are subjective. I like how it looks but to each their own 🤷‍♂️

[@philipb1889]

Your video and build are amazing. I am REALLY interested in making my own 32" or 34" "fancy" build like Kuycon's 34' but half the price. Is it possible? Thank you :)

[@RogerTrier]

I'd like to offer a suggestion. In my previous role, I worked as a framer at an art gallery, and I have an idea for you. Have you considered obtaining a custom metal or wooden frame and then securing it in place with a backing to complete the framing process? This approach would provide you with a beautifully framed piece while ensuring everything is held securely in place. It's a cost-effective solution that I'm planning to implement myself

[@james.a]

Would love to see pictures of your implementation!

[@RogerTrier]

@@james.aabsolutely, I actually ordered another frame, give me a week.

[@jimi272]

Wouldn’t it be awesome to have a Facebook group about Conversions on iMacs, diy 5k displays etc? So people could share their photos, questions etc…

[@theobookey]

@@RogerTrier any update?

[@scottrblock]

Amazing build! Did the buttons come with the driver board or did you buy/build that separately? Very excited for part 3! It would also be cool to remix this to use a screen from a recycled 27" imac, with or without the extra glass - especially as the price of those keeps dropping as the apple silicon migration happens, If I figure out the cables and buttons, I might try to use the JRY-W9CUHD-AA1 driver board for something similar to this, cheers!

[@james.a]

Thanks! The buttons came with the driver board. V3 is in the works. You could use the same board with a recycled iMac panel but it’s practically impossible to remove the glass if you don’t want that huge chin on the bottom or the wide bezels all around. I have thought about the feasibility of cutting the glass but not sure if that would also be worth the effort. Definitely share photos of your future build too!

[@realavx]

Nice build. What's the wake from sleep time of that 5k driver?

[@james.a]

Wakes up quickly. Just about 3 seconds.

[@realavx]

​@@james.a That's great. The only thing left is to integrate automatic brightness via a light sensor (BH1750). You can pair a microcontroller or esp32 and a mosfet between the backlight connections to archive native auto brightness control without any 3rd party app.

[@james.a]

@@realavx I find that I rarely change the brightness and being able to change all 3 of my displays with my keyboard is good enough for me. With the software I’m using my keyboard brightness buttons only change the display that has my mouse cursor on it.

[@hellbryan1299]

can we do this but with 4.5 iMac display? that would be my dream set up

[@james.a]

What's a 4.5 iMac display? 4.5 inches?

[@hellbryan1299]

@@james.a 4.5k

[@james.a]

Oh I don’t know of any boards for the 4.5K display panel in those newer iMacs. Plus why do 4.5k when you can do 5k?

[@optimalix]

Amazing job man! It's unbelievable that the panel itself is only 270...

[@james.a]

Yeah it’s pretty reasonable considering how great the display looks. You do also need to get the driver board though to get it running.

[@MMartyMM7]

Well the panel cost at my country 270+delivery 120euro and the controller board 220+30delivery. Slowly these LG Ultrafine 5k display are appearing second hand around 700euro. That is more reasonable than building one like this, but the connectivity possibilities through the controller board ist then missing.

[@stephfredhall6032]

What did you use as a power supply for the driver board?

[@james.a]

24V 5A (120W) Power Supply like this one: amzn.to/3Rj1ypN

[@stephfredhall6032]

NVM - saw your description and you bought the package with the suppply!

[@james.a]

@stephfredhall6032 Yeah but the one I linked above is the same model in case you wanted more info on the power supply.

[@stephfredhall6032]

@@james.a Most of the boards I'm seeing in these "imac refresh" videos take a 12V supply - the one you linked is 24v. But thanks for the info!

[@james.a]

Yeah that's weird. The power supply that came with my board is 24V. My driver board is the R1811 v4 for LM270QQ2. (Package B) www.aliexpress.us/item/3256802320446594.html

[@jimi272]

Ok, i know I’m commenting kinda late. But does that driver board support p3 color profile? Because the panels can, only question is wether this excact board can too👍

[@james.a]

I'm not sure. How can I check?

[@jimi272]

@@james.a idk. I got the same R1811 Bord today and made a test setup. P3 color „P3 display“ color profile looks identical to the „apple p3 display xdr“ on the 16“ m1 MacBook Pro so I guess P3 Color is supported🤷🏻‍♂️👍

[@james.a]

Awesome. Thanks for the info!

[@spacemangalaxy9987]

This is awesome, thank you! I'm looking for a 5K monitor, check. But, I'm also hoping to find one that will support 4K@120hz from my PS5. The panel seems to support that refresh rate, and so does the driver board. Have you tried getting this above 60hz with any other sources such as a game console or gaming pc?

[@james.a]

I actually haven’t tried anything higher than 60hz on resolutions lower than 5K. Will have to give it a try with my PC.

[@spacemangalaxy9987]

@@james.a Hey James, did you ever try out a refresh rate higher than 60hz?

[@james.a]

@spacemangalaxy9987 i don’t think it can do more than 60hz at least with the driver board I’m using. I couldn’t find a way in any settings to choose higher than 60hz. But 5K at higher than 60hz isn’t too common either I don’t think.

[@spacemangalaxy9987]

@@james.a Ya, not surprising I guess. I was just hoping it would do 4k @ 120hz for dual use with consoles.

[@futtymad]

Great build. Do you have any idea how durable these 5K driver Boards are? I like the idea of using one but just don't know how long they will last. Thanks.

[@james.a]

My board has been working great for over a year now

[@futtymad]

Thanks!

[@futtymad]

Thanks!

[@futtymad]

Thanks!

[@futtymad]

Thanks!

[@MarshallRichards]

Was this done with the LM270QQ2-SPA3 or the LM270QQ2-SPA1? And what, if any, differences are there between the two models?

[@james.a]

I used the LM270QQ2-SPA1 model. Not sure what exactly is the difference between the two are. Here’s a comparison of both panels though: www.panelook.com/modelcompare.php?ids=33044,49164

[@vanpapoet4189]

I just need to buy "Buy - 5K Display Panel LM270QQ2 - $270" to use it, right? I'm sorry because I'm not familiar with electrical engineering

[@james.a]

You need that panel and also the “driver board” that’s compatible with it. Check the links in the description.

[@benNdaKen]

so most of the video u just moving the display arround

[@AntonSN83]

интересно, реально ли было бы его встроить в корпус Apple led cinema display?

[@james.a]

Я работаю над новым видео, показывающим мою новейшую версию дисплея. Если смогу, обязательно покажу видео о качестве дисплея.

[@siyaram2855]

What are your thought on kuycon moniter?

[@james.a]

I think it’s pretty cool but it was still cheaper to make my own and my driver board has 2 Display Ports and 2 HDMI compared to only 1 of each on the Kuycon. It is nice that they fit the power supply inside the monitor. Wish I had access to a CNC to make aluminum enclosure for mine though. Someday!

[@ИгорьСергеевич-е9э]

It's wired. 5k 27 monitor is a problem to find but not very big. What about 34 ultra wide 6k ?

[@james.a]

Is there a 6K 34in Ultrawide panel that exists???

[@ИгорьСергеевич-е9э]

@@james.a there isn't and that's the big problem

[@CabrioDriving]

I have 49 inch Samsung tv as my high quality 4k 60 HDR monitor and would not buy any smaller monitor than what I have. Would love 50 inch 5k panel to make it bigger screen. 27" is a waste of time. Cool project though.

[@james.a]

I get your point about wanting a bigger screen, but the idea behind a 27” 5K monitor is the pixel density. When I’m at my desk, the pixels are so fine I can’t see them without a magnifying glass. It’s almost as sharp as my MacBook Pro display, which is saying something. Using a 4K 49” TV as a monitor is like reading a book printed on a billboard; you either sit close and see the pixels or sit far back, which isn’t great for non-gaming tasks. For gaming, sitting back might be fine, but for other computer work, it’s not ideal. I switch my PC to 2K for gaming because of my older GPU, and it still looks awesome.

[@loaxzs]

Dude this is fucking insane, good job! What is your desk called?

[@james.a]

Thanks dude. Desk is just a random one I got on Amazon. Bought it back in 2020 and it's worked great. amzn.to/3XHetnb

[@james.a]

That’s awesome. I built my PC too. Way more fun than buying one. I’m planning to replace the top too on my desk. Just haven’t gotten around to it yet. The legs and motor are great considering the price.