How I Got a 5K Retina Apple Display for $400

How I was able to create a 5K retina Apple Display for $400 using an old 5K iMac.

[@theslowmoguys]

I’m doing this

[@RunYoungShoots]

My god. Can't believe you watched my video, thanks!!

[@baoquoc3710]

damn SMG, you flying to small channels too?

[@ansoncall6497]

Probably the best value of those 5k iMacs was the screen. Awesome that you were able to reuse it so neatly.

[@RunYoungShoots]

Thank you! Yes I agree, practically the same panel that is used in the new Studio display!

[@justsomeguy1074]

That was the only reason Apple separated the screen from the computer on the 27" so they could charge more!

[@CHWarwick]

What did you do for ports?

[@LifeofBrinc]

This was one of the cleanest retrofits I’ve seen. Great job.

[@RunYoungShoots]

Thank you!

[@ducksauz]

As I've got a 2017 5k iMac, I'll do this in a few years when it stops getting security updates. I've been checking out a bunch of folks videos for doing this and yours is by far the best. So nice to see you use the speakers, built in power connector, and use a grommit on the ram door for a super clean look. Also, major props on the lead weights. All told this is a great build. 👏

[@RunYoungShoots]

Thanks man!

[@Jorda5s]

I like that you made the original power port and power button that’s a huge difference and having a remote to adjust settings not having to make holes for buttons. Nice build great way to upcycle products for the long term.

[@RunYoungShoots]

Thank you!

[@michaelfields7794]

Awesome! When I was 13, in 1967, I first saw headphones at a department store. It wasn't long until I ripped the speakers from 2 transister radios, hard wired them to a record player, stuck them in a couple of ashtrays, and strapped them to my head with a belt. Would have been nice to post it on a KZbin channel back then! I tip my hat to you sir!

[@TadGilliland]

I've been thinking about a full kit to provide faster or easier install or even a fully done option for a few years now. But.... Time.... And... Money.... When I did my 1st in 2021 I did the power cable and the power button the same way. I mounted the power supply in the same spot but the board above the hinge and that required no extra weight. I also wired an IR sensor to the button board and had it peek through where the oem camera lives so remote was easy to use. Lastly, I've never used the crossover kit, but I have seen that some are shipped with some of the wires reverse polarity so that can cause highs to sound rough. As for the buzz it can come from being so close to the other components like the board and especially the power supply. A ferrite bead around the wire coming off the main board could help. There are other isolation methods, including a separate digital amp, but most importantly distancing from the other electronics and creating some actual shielding. If anyone wants to chat about the possibilities of all this I'm open!

[@RunYoungShoots]

Sounds like a great build!

[@rubenmendez768]

Very nice and clean. Thanks for sharing 👍🏼 👍🏼

[@nopnop5920]

This is awesome. Thank you for sharing. It would be great if you could integrate the camera also.

[@Remy_Zee]

Very helpful video, I think I might do this with old 27inch retina display

[@RunYoungShoots]

Thanks, Its a great option!

[@thaihoangcfc]

love that cable job at the back.

[@RunYoungShoots]

Thanks man!

[@nycx]

I’ve been considering this! Looks really great, nice job! Using the original power button was nice. Maybe you could add a led color strip on the back to make it “next level”

[@RunYoungShoots]

Thanks man!

[@maxmustermann1225]

amazing work!

[@PowerBuffBoys]

Another great video. Awesome DIY 🔥

[@RunYoungShoots]

Thanks bro!

[@user-pr5vf3oi9h]

Nicely done, great job!

[@RunYoungShoots]

Thanks!

[@user-pr5vf3oi9h]

Subscribed!

[@georgehall2882]

This is a great video. I am going to do the exact thing. Thanks

[@RunYoungShoots]

Thanks for watching!

[@artofalfenito]

This would be cool to them also convert to a vesa mount.

[@bradley_smith]

Nice work mate, looks great and a pro job

[@RunYoungShoots]

Thanks man!

[@kenzito6753]

Pro level work! A+ Very nice job. Very clean.

[@RunYoungShoots]

Thanks!

[@moeskido]

This was impressive. I never expect a power brick to be shielded well enough to avoid magnetically distorting the display in some way. I guess that's naïve. :)

[@RunYoungShoots]

Thank you!

[@peterpayne2219]

Cool idea.

[@Otek67]

Great Video and Solution Sir!

[@RunYoungShoots]

Thank you!

[@akritsovas]

Great job man!

[@RunYoungShoots]

Thanks!

[@BornAgainFarmGirl]

Fabulous job the instructions are so clear even I think I might be able to do this to my 2009 iMac but I’m not sure if if that year will be able to be used to like you’re using your 2014 but shoot you did a great job 🎉!

[@RunYoungShoots]

Thank you! Yes they have kits for your 2009, and I think it will be even easier, as they did not use adhesive to hold on the screens for those years.

[@CollynPlayz]

@@RunYoungShootsye those old iMacs use the magnets to hold the screen

[@joseph3164]

solid I have wanted to do this for a while now! might just have to

[@RunYoungShoots]

Its a great display!

[@ChillwithElla]

Very Impressive 👏🏾

[@RunYoungShoots]

Thanks!

[@testimony-]

Dope video!!

[@danielpilkavideo]

I bought a luna display. There is no need to destroy the iMac. I mainly work in FCPx, I can render two projects at the same time. Of course, iMac is slower than Mac Studio. There are many uses for having a Mac Studio and a functioning iMac at the same time. Best of all, Luna Display costs only $79

[@romanle6821]

Awesome build, especially with the original power button. But how did you know which cables you had to solder to the button?

[@REWREW789]

Solid DIY

[@RunYoungShoots]

Thanks!

[@thomaslogan1]

Impressed!

[@jasm817]

Well done . I wonder if they make something to convert the camera in the screen to USB so that you have use of that also. Excellent how you got a kit for the speakers to work too. Excellent 👍 and of course you have a camera in your other system there so the need for the camera to work isn't necessary. So you have a awesome set up there.

[@RunYoungShoots]

Thanks for watching!

[@nasimahm3d]

maybe you can use the old internals like some sort of apple tv if they still work, maybe 3d print a custom case for it too

[@MIN_Tech]

great job!! 👍🏻

[@RunYoungShoots]

Thanks!

[@fodiographer]

You are so smart! I would never be able to do this though 😔

[@RunYoungShoots]

Hey man, take your time and follow what I did in the video, I’m sure you can get it done! Thanks for watching!

[@vickihenderson8468]

You could probably make 3d printed brackeds that go over the mount points within the shell to help hold those items in if you didn't want to use hot glue

[@mailjabber]

Awesome Job!!!! Tx for the video! Liked & Subbed.

[@RunYoungShoots]

Thanks!

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Great job and video! What are you connecting the monitor to and with what interface? TB? USB?

[@RunYoungShoots]

Thank you! I am connecting the monitor to a late 2015 iMac. I am using mini displayport, as that is what is on the back of the iMac.

[@anthonyenglish5709]

Could you test an iPad Pro on this display and see if it works perfectly? Not just mirror the display, but also the desktop mode. Thanks much

[@JeGo-ee7ts]

Very interesting and impressive project. I‘m wondering what you did with the speaker crossover divider you also bought? You didn‘t install it? For what reason?

[@RunYoungShoots]

Thank you! I think it may have been defective, the speakers would make a high pitched squeaking noise all the time, so I did not install it.

[@RobStill]

Very cool!

[@Afro3dprinter]

👍Nice job

[@rinnin]

would have been nice to know how much did all the accessories cost? And what is the total cost of conversion versus a different external extended monitor?

[@luisdiegosalas]

I love this. I will do it. It would be awesome if someone made a custom minimalist back (chasis) for this 5K panel. Even better if it already had the power supply and controller built in, without the lower aluminum band.

[@RunYoungShoots]

Thanks for watching!

[@Derpy1969]

I’ve considered this as an alternative to AAPL’s high-priced 5K display.

[@AnonTubeUser123]

Great video! In the process of the same project. How did you know where to connect the 2 wires to integrate the OEM power button?

[@RunYoungShoots]

Thanks! I had to inspect the circuit board closely, its the last two wires on that harness.

[@vitalis]

Awesome

[@trumpcard3372]

Could you drop links to the items you purchased? Great DYI

[@RunYoungShoots]

Thanks! Adhesive and Roller Tool: www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003776361300.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.9.15e76abbamYMNQ&algo_pvid=2e51d06b-fe7b-4c41-b871-de3e78ebd672&algo_exp_id=2e51d06b-fe7b-4c41-b871-de3e78ebd672-4&pdp_npi=4%40dis%21CAD%217.58%215.31%21%21%215.50%213.85%21%402103277f17060766830348998e1f37%2112000031374651115%21sea%21CA%210%21AB&curPageLogUid=BNlpDrdfRbtD&utparam-url=scene%3Asearch%7Cquery_from%3A Logic Board: www.ebay.ca/itm/165959752487?var=465459649479 Power Supply: www.ebay.ca/itm/155900624046 Speaker Crossover Kit: www.ebay.ca/itm/166098261769 Trackpad Cover: www.aliexpress.com/item/10000214078180.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.1.7e8a15c9ffWI0n&algo_pvid=5d91b012-322a-4e22-beb3-332eae24b3da&algo_exp_id=5d91b012-322a-4e22-beb3-332eae24b3da-0&pdp_npi=4%40dis%21CAD%2113.11%214.58%21%21%219.52%213.33%21%402103247017060769447823563eaf7b%2112000027029036649%21sea%21CA%210%21AB&curPageLogUid=MUhCYB2V7cGB&utparam-url=scene%3Asearch%7Cquery_from%3A

[@paffelt]

Great video! Can the board support multiple inputs (can you switch between 2 computers)?

[@RunYoungShoots]

Thanks, unfortunately this control board cannot support multiple inputs

[@pixk]

pense que iba a reutilizar los parlantes originales

[@nugrohoadhitya]

Nice work. Very neat. Shame that Aliexpress stopped service to where i live

[@RunYoungShoots]

Thank you! Where do you live?

[@Bionicleforever]

Hey nice mod was thinking of doing the same since I can't find a good condition Thunderbolt Display and this is 5k anyway. Was wondering how did you do the power button like which wires from the switch board did you cut and solder to the oem power button. Also do you still have access to the other ports in the logic board or did you just not think those ports are needed. Also how is the display for other non Mac stuff, was thinking this would be good for a game console or a steam deck. Thanks!

[@RunYoungShoots]

Hey, thanks for watching! The two wires I soldered were the last two from the controller board. I don't have access to the other ports, for me there were not necessary. I have not tried it for non Mac stuff, but considering that its a Dell controller board, I think it will work well! I am not much. of a gamer, but keep in mind these displays are 60Hz, so not the highest refresh rate.

[@Bionicleforever]

That is true, Thanks for the reply :)@@RunYoungShoots

[@fe-lix]

so sick

[@paul.ignacio]

Thank you!!! Do you also have a guide on checking the wiring with the multimeter? I'd love to do this, too!!!

[@RunYoungShoots]

I just used the multimeter to check continuity on the wires, so I could determine the polarity!

[@paul.ignacio]

@@RunYoungShoots cool, sounds simple enough. Now to hunt for a cheap iMac :D haha

[@RunYoungShoots]

@@paul.ignacio Good luck!

[@paul.ignacio]

@@RunYoungShoots thank you!:)

[@xGhandiiix]

the hot glue just took me out gang lmao

[@rodfer5406]

Nice

[@jonathanwood358]

Great vid. Are you plugging the two display port cables into your computer to get 5k? What graphics card was in the iMac?

[@RunYoungShoots]

Yes my iMac requires both display cables to be plugged in. It has a Radeon M390 2GB, which is a bit old.

[@jonathanwood358]

@@RunYoungShoots Gotcha, thank you!

[@abgechecktt]

Very cool I also want to do this, already got a iMac late 2015. I now wait for the video board, I want to ask why 2 display ports, I gonna use the iMac as a primary display for my MacBook Pro 2021, do I need there also two display port cable to connect or just one? Nice video and channel I subscribe you, thanks for video Greetings from Vienna

[@RunYoungShoots]

Thanks for watching and subscribing! Because your Macbook is newer, I believe you will only need one display port cable.

[@abgechecktt]

@@RunYoungShoots thanks a lot

[@pboni]

Very interesting! Doesn’t the panel require some cooling mechanism?

[@RunYoungShoots]

No, the manufacturer does have a higher end board with a fan (more complex board), but this version is fine without one. I have not had any overheating issues.

[@teflonhav]

thanks

[@RunYoungShoots]

No problem!

[@mosando]

Duuuude that was bad ass !!! I would try it for my next mac mini but I am all thumbs and destroy everything hahaha. You take any orders ???? HEHEHE Again awesome video

[@RunYoungShoots]

Thanks man, really appreciate it! After parts labour and shipping, you might be getting close to new Apple studio display territory haha

[@mosando]

@@RunYoungShoots so true ahahah. How did you come up with the idea to do it ? I was a really ingenious idea

[@RunYoungShoots]

@@mosando Thanks! I got the idea from some other youtubers, I wanted to improve on their versions with integrating the power block and remote

[@justsomeguy1074]

You should get an M3 Mac mini and stick the internals in there!

[@RunYoungShoots]

I might try that!

[@gubski1]

Excellent gig! Did you manage to calibrate the colors to match your master display?

[@RunYoungShoots]

Thanks for watching! I honestly never bothered, it was close enough for me to

[@gubski1]

@@RunYoungShoots thanks for responding. I'm contemplating this project and was wondering if color profile would match my workflow. I'm a pro photographer and use Photoshop and Lightroom a lot. I love apple displays but prefer working on PCs. It's always a lot of hassle to make it work properly.

[@michaelshroyer]

I'm interested in doing something like this but only if I can get the speakers to work? Your specific crossover kit was simply defective?

[@RunYoungShoots]

Yes I believe it was defective, as there was a constant squeaking/buzzing noise when no audio was being played.

[@MattP-oz6ps]

Just note these 5k iMacs will all suffer from the purple haze effect as the glue that holds on the glass display will change colors giving it a purple haze effect around the edges of the display. Also for some reason, the LG LCD displays have image retention issues which can be fixed with a Reddit search. I just about have the same model as yours running OCLP and it otherwise works fine as a daily use machine.

[@RunYoungShoots]

Yes my actual computer a hue of pink and some ima,ge retention issues. Quite unfortunate. Luckily the monitor I converted does not.

[@Satwamassive]

It might be too late but this is an inexpensive way to deal with the hinge not working properly and not having to put lead in your Imac: iBofans Repair Replacement Hinge Broken Solution

[@asideofthings2526]

Eeeeuuuuh, a 2014 27 inch iMac as monitor would work by just installing OS Sierra, then connect through thunderbold as display? Tell me if I am wrong of course.. ...clean conversion though. I know this is quite some steps and getting it right needs a good amount of attention and care. Top!

[@RunYoungShoots]

Thanks! Yes I believe you can get target display mode working through certain MacOS versions. I just wanted to use the latest OS available to my Mac.

[@dfhm-pq2cf]

Would there be a way to convert the original ports to work as a hub? Instead of just covering them up.

[@RunYoungShoots]

Im sure there is, but it world require a lot of effort. Not worth it for me, as I dont need any of them.

[@emmfdez812]

The main downside of those screens is the burn in issue when you use them for long periods of time

[@RunYoungShoots]

Yes, I have noticed it on my computer, my monitor seems to be fine

[@rbus]

Did this with iPad 3rd gen Retina display, so I got 8 more.

[@RomiPetrut]

I have a question, maybe you can help me.: I bought a Mac mini1 16gb 512gb and I need to decide between a 27" iMac 2010 as monitor vs a Dell 27" ultrasharp ips monitor .Both are 2k it's enough for me but iMac is half of price.I make photo editing. Thank a lot

[@RunYoungShoots]

In your case I would go with the iMac, since it is half the price.

[@timjameson1385]

Can you provide an update? How is it working out? Are you pleased with the picture compared to your iMac? There is a reference to 8bit color, have you noticed a difference compared to the iMac? Is the board that you installed reliable? Overall, was it worth it? Thank you for your response. Great video!!

[@RunYoungShoots]

Thanks for watching! Its working great! The picture quality is identical to my iMac. The color are a bit different, which could be tuned to match better, but it doesn't bother me, so I haven't taken the time to do it. The board has proved to be very reliable, I use the monitor everyday. I think it was worth it, I am very happy with the outcome.

[@timjameson1385]

@@RunYoungShoots Thank you for your response. I just retired my Late 2015 iMac and, thanks to your video, plan on turning it into a 5k monitor for my new Mac Mini. Parts are ordered!!! Thanks again!

[@RunYoungShoots]

@@timjameson1385 Great to hear, enjoy!

[@Victor-fw5md]

Giga Chad voice👍

[@RunYoungShoots]

Thanks man haha

[@-coal]

if i've ever got the money i might actually do this whole thing

[@johnplainsong9769]

I plan on doing this with my late 2015 27" iMac. I've seen some controller boards that have 1 HDMI and 1 DP input. Will give me 5K, or do I need a board that has 2 DP inputs? thx

[@RunYoungShoots]

That depends on what graphics card your computer has. I recommend asking the seller of the control board.

[@ReflexVE]

I've always wanted to somehow liberate the display of the Microsoft Surface Studio. It's a beautiful display unfortunately tied to an obsolete computer...

[@elitefamilyparkour]

What power supply did you use? I am worried about mine (24v 5A) running to hot inside of the iMac chassis.

[@elitefamilyparkour]

I just realized that when keeping the speakers I don't think Ill have enough space left for the power brick, anyway :D

[@RunYoungShoots]

Hey man, I used a 12V 6A power supply. I have not had any heat issues at all.

[@anupalbains92]

How does the speaker's audio quality hold up afterwards? Is it still good, or should I consider using external speakers instead?

[@RunYoungShoots]

I would recommend external speakers

[@anupalbains92]

@@RunYoungShoots Thank you for the swift reply

[@ImagineAS]

I wish someone would sell a space grey version of this to me. I would pay good money for one.

[@dreamdriver4731]

only thing i noticed was that you kept calling it a macbook

[@paultinajero9733]

Was that imac not working or why did you convert it to screen only?

[@RunYoungShoots]

It was slow and outdated

[@cottagekeeper]

Will the power adapter heat up the hot glue and drop down?

[@RunYoungShoots]

No it wont get hot enough to do that

[@techpchouse]

thanks m8. can you like the products?

[@RunYoungShoots]

Yeah Im loving the setup so far!

[@lebluedragon3]

how are you cooling all this? won't it get awfully hot in there w the graphics n power adapter?

[@RunYoungShoots]

So far it seems temperature has not been a problem

[@lebluedragon3]

@@RunYoungShoots cool😂

[@paullee107]

Link to the board?? I want to do this - love the monitor and prefer Linux...

[@RunYoungShoots]

www.ebay.ca/itm/165959752487?var=465459649479

[@grandmasterjo1]

Highly professional I have a 2010 iMac Can I use it as a monitor for a mini Mac Please assist Thanks 🙏

[@RunYoungShoots]

Yes you can, the resolution wont be as high, but the logic board and the installation would be easier!

[@grandmasterjo1]

Thank you so much for your reply Sadly I’m not a champion techie like you 👍 I thought it’s would be just a thunderbolt cable connection Is it possible without opening the iMac ? Thanks again

[@RunYoungShoots]

@@grandmasterjo1 No worries, unfortunately you would have to open it up. Its actually not as hard as you may think, In have not worked on any computers before making this video. You may also want to look into Target display mode for older imacs

[@TadGilliland]

I think ​​⁠that year did have "target display mode" that used the Thunderbolt cable to make it a monitor. You'd need a thunderbolt 2 cable and thunderbolt 2 to 3 adapter from Apple. (Not a USB C adapter that is everywhere.) However it may use more power than a gut and reboard. Also the board to do this is less than $50 since the resolution is lower.... But you've got options!

[@grandmasterjo1]

@@TadGillilandThank you so much for your support and kindness. Truly appreciate. Just that I love my iMac resolution. Sadly my iMac is not booting. After the Apple logo shows up the bar moves 85% and then a blank white screen 😭😭 I feel I’m invading and asking for too much from you Is it the hard disk that has packed Or does the iMac need to boot up before I use the TB cables Thanks again 🙏🙏🙏

[@iosdeals]

maybe don't use actual lead as counterweight?

[@Plymouthmusicschool]

Won’t that power supply heat up inside that thing?

[@RunYoungShoots]

No I haven't had an issue with it, it just doesn't seem to get hot. The huge aluminum case might act like a heat sink as well, although I'm not sure how well hot glue conducts heat lol.

[@envyby]

Luna display is an alt option?

[@RunYoungShoots]

Yes but there is latency with that

[@frederickhall8252]

@@RunYoungShoots and you have the run the iMac itself - drawing about 150watts on average whereas this build is probably drawing maybe 40watts

[@RunYoungShoots]

@@frederickhall8252 Good point, didn't even think about that

[@xGhandiiix]

brooooo the tape lmaooo im doing this

[@RunYoungShoots]

Thanks for watching bro!

[@sinlokemp]

👍👍👍

[@user-rx8ck8vu5g]

I KNOW WEAR 2 OF THEM ARE NOW 100 A .PEACE. .SUD I BUY THEM.???

[@bluecar5556]

he said SOLDER-ING. haha

[@jjmag3107]

Noice

[@mccoomer]

So I was wrong, you didn’t pay some guy $400 to visit an Apple Store overnight?

[@RunYoungShoots]

Hahaha that could work as well

[@mikeybc1]

Versus selling the imac??? Seems silly]

[@RunYoungShoots]

Mkay

[@yannisgk]

nothing like an original studio display or an apple silicon iMac!!!

[@TheSchwarzengger]

Soder

[@timeout...4nva]

I would like to know, but do not want to spend 10 minutes learning how you did it. Unfortunately, KZbin forces you to produce 10 minute videos.

[@sandrvoxon]

Sell me this monitor plssss ))))

[@RunYoungShoots]

Anything is for sale at the right price haha