The Apple Studio alternative 5K Display // USBC & HDMI

[@VideoCameron]

I've been thinking about doing a part 2 of this, I've had it almost 6 months now, I'd probably talk about how it's performed, problems I've run into and updates from the driver board manufacturer. Would people want to see that?

[@PeterKaiser26]

definitely!

[@seanmitchell2520]

Yes definitely... about to start making my own two weeks from now

[@cambeswick]

Yes

[@Bryantheiron]

yes

[@DizzyAlic]

yes sure we would!

[@vistadrummer09]

Just some advice you really shouldn't be soldering line voltage connections together and wrapping them in tape. At minimum it should be a Wago in Europe or wire nuts in the US. It's one thing if it's DC output from the power adapter but entirely different for mains. Otherwise great job!

[@TRYTHISFIX]

I relieved my mind I thought I was the only one who thought about doing this seeing the good image quality is not given to everyone after the apple xdr screen which is too expensive there is this screen that you built good work my friends

[@VideoCameron]

Thanks!

[@thatmikeyouknow]

You're actually crazy 😂 really well done though dude. 👍

[@VideoCameron]

my man!

[@hakalogik]

If you want to change brightness on a monitor with keyboard key (like mac os) you can do it with DDC/CI standard. I think your controller board is compatible. You can find many app for mac and windows who use this standard to control brightness or sound level. I change brightness quite a lot every day, and it's really easy that way. More than all these anti-ergonomic UI for monitor.

[@VideoCameron]

I found it didn’t work sadly

[@ДмитрийГущев-с2т]

This is a best mod for dead iMac, but you can use 3d printed brackets for placing female connections, also you can hide control board inside case, if you have a remote control of display controller, I can make mistake at this point, but Apple logo at the front side infrared clear and can getting signals from remote control. Oh, one more thing, You can reuse built in speakers in case using amplifier board with Bluetooth. If You find this comment useful You can make a new video with this upgrade points 😅

[@kleverich]

You mention a replacement display. If I have an existing 27" 5K iMac that I want to convert, it there any reason to not re-use the existing display?

[@VideoCameron]

You could reuse an old display yes

[@SwithinFeely]

Why didn’t you connect the ground to the casing? The casing can then become statically charged?

[@Gianprad]

Hi, fantastic job. I saw your post on reddit and there are some short links about what to buy to use the original speakers and the original fan, but the links are not working. Can you provide those links here?

[@VideoCameron]

Thanks very much. Long story short they didn’t really work, they were cheap audio & fan PCB modules from eBay. I wouldn’t recommend bothering

[@LeMelleKH2]

Fantastic Vid! I am working on this myself and was wondering how you were able to use the hacksaw on the ports? Thanks so much!

[@VideoCameron]

You need to detach and place the saw inside the hole and cut from there. Other handheld saws will also work

[@Koplinjp]

I saw this today… if you’re using a 27 inch “fat” model (2009-2011), why didn’t you use magnets (and some small steel pieces, like the glass panel on those models 2009-2011) instead of double sided tape to keep the lcd panel in place?

[@VideoCameron]

I used the wrong case which I later replaced

[@Bort_86]

@@VideoCameron would the thick case work? I assume it’s easier to work in, and depending on the space, you count wire up the optical drive, SD-Reader and webcam to an USB-hub

[@VideoCameron]

Let me know if you have any questions!

[@januszja]

How was the adhesion Strips performing ? I read reviews that screens fell off after a week :) and to use 3M instead. Its kind of critical element of this build

[@NicVandEmZ]

Can you make this into a tv that uses dvr it be cool to make custom tv with apple imac shell

[@raddicon]

MonitorControl to control your monitor within macOS :)

[@VideoCameron]

Awesome thanks, apparently everyone but me knew about this software aha

[@robertoaguiluz7350]

can this be done with that older Cinema Display you have on your left?

[@VideoCameron]

Apparently there’s a model without glass, so you could in theory use that and make one out of a Cinema Display

[@stevehillock3162]

i don't understand. You managed to put a 5k screen onto a 2011 imac case? How does it fit when the 2011 is magnet and screws when 5k is supposed to use special stickers?

[@VideoCameron]

Yeah don’t worry about how I did, I replaced the case later Use the newer case

[@maxbayliss4049]

Another great video, please make more 👌

[@VideoCameron]

Thanks Max!

[@brothermalcolm]

Is this an original video mate?

[@VideoCameron]

Video yes. Idea no

[@rrlee9972]

Nice video. Do you have any idea if I can use 5K display with old 27" housing(ex. imac 2011)?

[@VideoCameron]

Not compatible sadly!

[@jamesguerrero8239]

What model shells can I use for this and if anyone told you there were cheaper was to get a 5k monitor they need to tell us how because i haven’t found it.

[@VideoCameron]

use the thin a1419 case. I agree, there's not really any other way as of yet

[@keanchoongtan608]

Hi the old 2009 lcd come with magnatic and screw to fix it.... this 5k lcd and glass panel come together... how do your fix it?

[@VideoCameron]

You need the glue strips

[@subcultura.1247]

I was thinking if maybe I could fit the entire ultrafine 5k in the thunderbolt display case so that way I could all the features such as camera speakers and usb-c ports that ultrafine 5k offers but in a much more beautiful design, do you think it would be possible, could not find any document of how to dissamble the 5k ultrafine.

[@seanmitchell2520]

Definitely possible-- I've been using mine with no issues. I went a step further and put in a Thunderbolt hub for a neat, one-cable solution, but I will say it's a bit tight forums.macrumors.com/threads/5k-apple-thunderbolt-display-build.2283725/

[@subcultura.1247]

@@seanmitchell2520 Mad love for you, will definitely give it a try, I will gather the parts and give it a shot.

[@chris-3903]

Hello, coud you please explain how you increased the hole for the cables with the hacksaw?

[@VideoCameron]

You see the diagram I made? I cut two holes into one

[@chris-3903]

@@VideoCameron Thanks but how did you make it, which tool did you use?

[@VideoCameron]

Any kinda of saw that can fit inside will do

[@Jrome4life]

I’m thinking of getting a APPLE THUNDERBOLT 27 display. I wanna know if i had the right cables could i hookup a ps4 or iPad Pro 2020 to it. Thanks

[@VideoCameron]

Sadly it cannot be done man, even if you found a way via a laptop/computer, the image wouldn’t be great. Hence this solution

[@techviewer8379]

Is there a way to get HDMI on my Apple Thunderbolt display?

[@VideoCameron]

Sadly no, that’s the entire reason behind this aha

[@djfernando16]

I bought an apple cinema display 23' with the intention of modding it, but never got around to do it

[@VideoCameron]

You might be able to get a driver board for that but I wouldn’t recommend, just buy a better monitor

[@djfernando16]

@@VideoCameron The problem is the weird aspect ratio

[@djfernando16]

@@VideoCameron I really love the design of the case (transparent). I would buy a new display to fit it inside.

[@sagarshirsat5743]

hi bro i want to connect my thunderbolt display to apple tv 4k, please guide me.. please.. please

[@VideoCameron]

Not really possible without a computer & video card to display the HDMI feed. Building this monitor would work though

[@rickved]

H is pronounced eych, not heych. And it's sodder, not sole-der. Yes, even in England.

[@VideoCameron]

Haha

[@MFEeee]

A 32” version of this would be dope

[@VideoCameron]

Would be great, I guess Apple don’t make a 32 inch version

[@missionabandoned]

Fantastic video here . Well presented. New follower here

[@VideoCameron]

Thanks man!

[@consideration8881]

Is it compatible with M1 MacBook?

[@VideoCameron]

I haven’t actually tried it but I’ve heard from others it works just fine. As long as the computer supports thunderbolt 3, it will work

[@consideration8881]

@@VideoCameron thank you! I was concerned because I heard someone said DIY monitor does not function as 5k.

[@c0nsti458]

Does it also work with normal usb type c port?

[@VideoCameron]

You need thunderbolt 3 usbc

[@consideration8881]

Don’t you need to calibrate the display panel’s color?

[@VideoCameron]

Not really, it should look pretty good out the box. Just make sure you have the white balance & colour space right

[@consideration8881]

@@VideoCameron thank you!

[@CristianJovanovic]

well done man|

[@VideoCameron]

thank you mate!

[@ErikLifted]

Incredible work dude 🤯🤯🤯

[@VideoCameron]

Thanks Erik!

[@Veranda4M]

Hy, do you Or anyone you know have interest to built another one ? Sadly I don’t want to get rid of my perfect 5k iMac 2015 …

[@VideoCameron]

Do it yourself pal, it’s easy

[@cutback443]

"custom made" haha

[@VideoCameron]

My most pro job yet haha

[@michaelw4620]

Great video but………… 1. Learn how to connect wires before soldiering there are plenty of videos on this. 2. Don’t use electric tape this is not its purpose! use heat shrink. 3. If you don’t bite your nails these tasks are considerably easier.

[@VideoCameron]

Great thanks

[@ThomasAdk]

"Here's what you'll need... A small amount of plutonium, 7 pieces of 1 inch dwarfs hair, 200 pounds of silicone and a science degree...." WTH??? Not helpful at all..

[@VideoCameron]

Hello beautiful, I guess if you think you need a science degree to build this, then yeah you’re probably not capable of this. Most of it is optional and things I had lying around the house

[@definitelymatt3708]

Great work on this man!! It looks amazing for the price and knowing you have something so unique is always super satisfying!

[@VideoCameron]

Thank you Matt! It really is, i'm so happy with it. I'm sure there are a few out there, this was just the first english speaking tutorial

[@o_tdiggity]

Nice video! One word of caution, my power adapter just died and if I had put it inside the monitor case, I would have had to open it all up and that would have been really annoying. Power adapter worked for about a year before giving up. Really great setup!

[@VideoCameron]

Agreed!

[@olboone]

For managing the brightness you can consider using a 3rd party app for it: github.com/MonitorControl/MonitorControl

[@VideoCameron]

Awesome thansk!

[@robfincher2685]

Sooner or later, those with now fully functioning 27 in iMac A1419s will find they no longer work with some future version of MacOS. What a waste of a 5K display. So a great option would be to convert the A1419 to a monitor using VC's method. This could then be connected to an M1 Mac Mini and its subsequent upgrades.

[@VideoCameron]

That’s the idea, when the 5K iMac has no value, people will use the screens for years to come

[@aramatkinson]

This is incredible. You're a brave man opening it up but well worth it by the looks of it!!!

[@VideoCameron]

thanks man!

[@VideoCameron]

FAQ HERE: www.reddit.com/r/hackintosh/comments/hrlf8x/the_secret_diy_apple_5k_display_usbc_hdmi/

[@VideoCameron]

I found a solution for the backlight brightness to be controlled from the OSX Keyboard: it's a little gitchy but it works! github.com/MonitorControl/MonitorControl

[@hazarussell]

Unreal this mate

[@VideoCameron]

Yes Harry! Thanks mate

[@danrichardson4671]

I just got my kit from eBay this week and cobbled it together to prove it worked, but was looking for some refinement tips. I had already purchased the extension cables, so we're of the same mind there. Also glad to hear that the hot glue worked, as I was leaning that way to adhere things. Thanks for posting this - it was super helpful! And my kit will do 5k over 1 cable. Not sure if it's a new version, firmware, or what.

[@VideoCameron]

Nice one, yeah there’s a new version of the board. Glad you got one up and running 👍

[@raygan]

If the driver board/adapter respond to DDC commands you may be able to control the brightness with your keyboard using MonitorControl. github.com/MonitorControl/MonitorControl

[@seanmitchell2520]

I didn't have any luck, myself

[@Appleloucious]

I really like that clean look, what kinda desk are you using and did your Playstations ever overheat? Also what kinda monitor stands are you using? (:

[@VideoCameron]

Thanks very much! The desk is an ikea desktop surface, 2.5m long I believe, the legs are a motorised standing desk, the cheapest I could find! The playstations don't really overheat, or at least, they haven't yet, I don't really play them for long periods of time, and never have the two on at the same time. The monitor stands, I have no idea, just some cheap stands!

[@dunkddd3652]

great video

[@DizzyAlic]

Please use mechanical connection next time you are joining AC cables. The connection will loosen over time if you don't secure it properly and that is quite dangerous, especialy if the monitor's case is made of conductive material. Use WACO clamps or butt connectors next time when dealing with AC.

[@VideoCameron]

Noted! Thanks

[@InvincibleViolinist]

If you don't have clamps, I would probably solder then put heat shrink around the cable for mechanical stability.

[@waynelinton5831]

A little late but for people that don't feel comfy doing electrical work but still want a clean look, you can get male to female 12v adapters so you can still kinda finesse a normal looking plug

[@VideoCameron]

Great thanks!

[@ascii2795]

Can you post a link to one of these please?

[@chris-3903]

Hello, I build my own 5K display and with the new Driver Board including USB-C 5 K is amazing. One question. Could you please share your settings from the display configuration? Thanks

[@protelin9801]

Hello, :) Maybe you can help me out? I buy the new board to and I don't unterstand why or.. what the USB-C is for? I think I need the Displayport 1.4 - Say 1 Cable for the connection ? I use a Mac mini M1 (the new one) ? Maybe you can explain that for me? Because USB-C is for charging or ?

[@chris-3903]

@@protelin9801 Hello, of course I can help you. With the USB-C port you can display 5K resolution with only one USBC-cable. With the thunderbolt ports of your MacMini this works fine. In case you are connecting a Notebook via USBC to the display it will get the power from this cable as well. No need for any power supply.

[@burakkarlidag1457]

Can you share the Link where i can buy the same driver board? Thanks 🙏

[@darvikpatel]

This is EPICNESS!

[@VideoCameron]

Thanks mate!!

[@VibesInMotion]

Great work but is there any reason you didn't go with the LG Ultrafine 5k panel (LM270QQ2) with no bezels instead of the iMac 5k panel (LM270QQ1)

[@VideoCameron]

Thanks mate, I didn’t know there was a bezel-less version at the time, I imagine it would cost more?

[@VibesInMotion]

@@VideoCameron In my country it's the same cost or less but it's pretty much impossible to find a broken 5k ultrafine to teardown and put it in

[@VideoCameron]

@@VibesInMotion Interesting, i'll be honest, i just followed the other tutotal and documented my experience. If I had known about the other screen, I might have used it

[@dominicvaughan1657]

Nice work man! So impressed!

[@VideoCameron]

Thanks Dom!

[@emanueldhaen2400]

Wild Thought… Can You Connect a PS5/Xbox Series X via a HDMI 2.1 to USB-c Port on the new MBP 120hz screen? (yes I know that the HDMI Port on the new MBP is 2.0 and only supports output, therefore I suggest using the Thunderbolt 4 Port…) I d like to try it out haha

[@Whit_Siever]

Starting thisbproject with the recised v4 native 5k board. Wired power but with a ring connect on the ground to the frame, same bolt factory geound uses. Hopefully Reddit can fuide me rest of way

[@mutzi2912]

with software like betterDisplay you can even controller the backlight.

[@cagdas5800]

great. I have the same thing with iMac G4 20"

[@jacobmullertv]

Absouletly amazing !

[@VideoCameron]

Thanks Jacob!

[@JuXuS1]

quickshade is the solution for backlight brightness kind of

[@hb6846]

Great vid, inspires me to make one !

[@VideoCameron]

Thanks so much! It's not that difficult, you just need to order the right parts

[@Murlock2000]

HOT GLUE ? That shit will break lose in a few months.. should have used epoxy oh yea and electrical tape ? that will also have a chance of getting lose and then putting live wires to the chassis - use a connection port instead where you can screw the cables together...

[@VideoCameron]

Thanks for the advice

[@khanscombe619]

Looks way cool. could I utilize the internal down firing speakers or add better ones w/ sub? Any idea to integrate a touch pwr behind the “Apple” logo?

[@VideoCameron]

Thanks! Honestly no idea

[@koenwillems119]

Why did you remove the ground cable from the chassis? Wouldn't it be better to leave it there for protection purposes?

[@VideoCameron]

I thought it was better the cable was grounded to original cable inside the power supply, although I realise I should have kept it maybe? Not entirely sure

[@pablodv57]

Amazing video! The power supply and mother board of my 4k 21.5 imac from 2017 just died, and you have given me some hope to at least bring the screen back to life! Do you think that this process will also work out for the 21.5 version? How can I found out the model of my display?

[@VideoCameron]

I don’t believe there is a driver board for the 4K version

[@davidlue3082]

A1312 case+ A1419 screen？

[@Mitchell3701]

Can you fit the board in a thin 5k iMac chasis?

[@VideoCameron]

Yes

[@brawlnator]

How would you use the Bluetooth speaker for your Nintendo switch?! 😵‍💫

[@VideoCameron]

There's a headphone port from the driverboard

[@Fractal70]

Hi. Excellent project! I want to do it as well. I have a 27" iMac Retina 5K 2017 with Radeon Pro 575 4GB with two Thunderbolt ports. Do I need to use both Thunderbolt ports connected to the two DP ports on the R1811 Driver board ( using a USB C to Display Port 1.4 Cable ) ?

[@VideoCameron]

Is it thunderbolt 3? If so, you don’t need one port with the right adapter

[@Dimanist]

Hi, did you manage to connect your iMac to a MacBook m1 ?

[@tubayongyut]

Really Fun Watching this clip.Well done. Whisking to be able to explore DIY like you just did.

[@VideoCameron]

Thank you very much!

[@afarid18]

Amazing Job, Well Done Mate, I have a Apple A1407 (27" Thunderbolt 2 monitor) Is there anyway I can connect to a PC with HDMI or DP output ?

[@VideoCameron]

If the graphics card supports thunderbolt then it will work. But there is no way to make hdmi work without building a monitor like this

[@afarid18]

@@VideoCameron Thank you for your prompt respond, Cheers.

[@stellarorbit1341]

Is there any way you can share your configuration for the driver board?

[@VideoCameron]

I can but I don't think it would be much help. Line up the display next to another monitor that you trust and calibrate it manually> I do talk about some of the settings in my FAQ

[@jbuccaran]

Nice work. Found the video on r/hackintosh. Almost wish I didn't just buy a 27" 4K monitor. Thanks for sharing.

[@VideoCameron]

thanks for the comment! It's to see that reddit is still a great place to share videos.. What did you buy? Why not have two? aha

[@jbuccaran]

@@VideoCameron I am already running a dual monitor setup... I already had a Dell S2716DG 2K GSync 144Hz Monitor and the new 4K monitor is a LG 27UD58-B IPS that was a decent deal at under $225 USD new... I really don't use the Dell as much for gaming, so I just might replace that. In the latest Catalina, anything over 85hz flickers and does not work well on the Dell Monitor.

[@JamesOversteer]

Great job man.

[@VideoCameron]

Thank you James!

[@larsolav_larsolav9668]

I think I will just work to save up $5000 for a Apple Pro Display XDR i think thats easier then doing whatever your doing

[@VideoCameron]

If you find earning $5000 easier than doing this then yes I agree, why would you do this if you’re earning that amount of money? The XDR display cannot display a HDMI input though, that’s kinda the entire point of this build

[@larsolav_larsolav9668]

@@VideoCameron adaptors

[@VideoCameron]

@@larsolav_larsolav9668 sadly that won’t work. There’s no way to display HDMI with the XDR display. It’s strictly a thunderbolt only input which HDMI is not

[@davidlue3082]

what model number is used imac 27 shell？ the A1419 screen intergity can put in？

[@VideoCameron]

It’s he a1419 case

[@davidlue3082]

Video Cameron you use A1312 case or A1419 case, from your video is A1312 case.my question is the 5k screen-QQ1 can assembly with old A1312 case? The A1419 case is hard to purchase

[@davidlue3082]

Video Cameron your video is A1312 case，this case can assembly with 5k screen- QQ1？

[@davidlue3082]

the case is A1419 ，or a1312？

[@VideoCameron]

It’s all in the video

[@seanmitchell4229]

Just to clarify, does this setup preserve the functionality of the FaceTime camera?

[@VideoCameron]

There is no camera!

[@seanmitchell4229]

@@VideoCameron Good to know! Do you think there would be a way to connect a camera if I purchased an enclosure that came with one? I've heard that it definitely won't work with the facetime cameras in the newer iMacs due to their dependence on the T2 chip, but I'm still not sure if it is possible with for example a 2014 or 2015 version.

[@VideoCameron]

You could find a very small usb web cam but I doubt it would work well

[@raulcaramizaru3162]

Great tip mate, I need to start building one.

[@VideoCameron]

Thanks Raul!

[@burakkarlidag1457]

I use it as an additional monitor for my macbook. But the colours are not quite the same. What colour space should I set for this so that the colours look the same on both the macbook and the DIY monitor when colour grading?

[@VideoCameron]

I cannot remember to be honest, I’ve recommend just experimenting. I did write about the setting in my Reddit post

[@Didckinho]

How can i put 5 k resolution? i have only 4k at 30 Mhz

[@VideoCameron]

Are you using both DP cables? It could be your computer, it could be the adapter you’re using or that you’re not on the dual DP INPUT?

[@Didckinho]

@@VideoCameron using hdmi port. To have 5k a 60 mhz mudt be using Dual DP input?

[@VideoCameron]

hdmi cannot do 5K, you need dual display ports like I mention in the video

[@ameyrupji]

Super crazy that you could pull this off! I am more inclined to do something like this with my broken Thunderbolt Display but still want to keep it thunderbolt enabled! Lot of the parts that you suggested would work for the build I would just have to move them internally. The question that I have for you is weather the glass of this display can be separated from the actual display assembly so that I can only mount the lcd/ led assembly of this display and use the glass from the Thunderbolt Display! Secondly why did you not remove the plastic enclosure of the power brick it might help with the cooling and intern better life of the unit? Thanks in advance!

[@VideoCameron]

Hey, so talk about this in FAQ. there's a version of the imac 5k display that doesn't have glass. it's the LM270QQ2. You cannot remove the glass from the other models, it's glued in and will damage the screen if you attempt to remove the glass. as for thunderbolt there's also a new version of the driver board that supports USBC, but you will loose, the firewire, usbc & webcam. I didn't remote the plastic enclosure because the board doesn't really get that hot and I didn't want to make the process any more complicated. m.aliexpress.com/item/4001084086628.html?trace=wwwdetail2mobilesitedetail&spm=a2g0o.detail.1000060.2.69f57765aQiY2l&gps-id=pcDetailBottomMoreThisSeller&scm=1007.13339.146401.0&scm_id=1007.13339.146401.0&scm-url=1007.13339.146401.0&pvid=1cf17b1b-689e-45f8-850f-d6392a179290&_t=gps-id%3ApcDetailBottomMoreThisSeller%2Cscm-url%3A1007.13339.146401.0%2Cpvid%3A1cf17b1b-689e-45f8-850f-d6392a179290%2Ctpp_buckets%3A668

[@ameyrupji]

Thanks! I will go check out the links in your reply!

[@ameyrupji]

@@VideoCameronMore question after doing some more research! The driver board with USB-C port is thunderbolt capable or video over USB-C. Second question is what is the USB 2.0 on the card for (it says support usb 2.0)?

[@VideoCameron]

Amey Rupji yes capable of video from usbc, not sure about the usb, maybe media playback

[@ameyrupji]

@@VideoCameron thanks!

[@whoamiwhoru]

Awesome job!

[@VideoCameron]

Thank you!

[@bemf3549]

Nice vid. I'm I right in thinking you've not earthed the metal case? 🤔

[@VideoCameron]

No, I don’t believe I need it, do I?

[@bemf3549]

@@VideoCameron There is a risk of shock with out it, especially with attaching the circuits too it. I would say that if your comfortable that's one thing but I'd maybe think twice about telling others not too. All it takes is someone to buy a board with out the backing and one terminal to touch the shell and it's live. If it was eathed it would blow the fuse if it's not it'll give a little shock. Btw Real good content I just used to work as a electrician so a little pedantic about earthing 😂

[@VideoCameron]

bemf I hear what you’re saying, I just followed the other tutorial, I did also mention in the top line of the description that you shouldn’t do this or take my electrical advice. Would the ground cable need to connect to both the cable from the board and the mains? So all three cables need to connect?

[@bemf3549]

I would add a wire to the incoming earth where you soldered it. I never read the description but that should like a good disclaimer to have. This would be right up my street if I was a apple fan boy and had £500 😂

[@xereeto]

@@bemf3549 the board is powered by DC supplied by the power brick. it can't shock you. the real danger is the electrical tape on the AC connections coming loose - I would use heat shrink tubing instead. earthing is definitely good practice though and I would recommend everybody who attempts this does so.

[@maximedelannoy3533]

C'est sale 🤮🤮🤮🤮