Turning a 27" iMac into an Apple Cinema Monitor for the Mac Mini M1 and Review

In this video we will talk about turning a 27" 2011 iMac into an Apple Cinema monitor for the Mac Mini M1. The process converts the monitor into an HDMI monitor that can be used with any HDMI source.
Link to Driver Board
amzn.to/3bNRcbg

[@johnmcleod5677]

Hey Chris, I think this is the best video on KZbin going over this process. You have a great cadence, super easy to listen to - great stuff! New subscriber here showing some appreciation. Thank you!

[@ZooLoo69]

Great video, I’m glad I found it. Thanks for taking the time to make it.

[@RealziesCuts]

I bet this is gonna be the best video already just because you already had the electrical warning at the beginning. 🏆

[@joekestrada9476]

Thanks! This was super helpful man! Major props!

[@Spoolingturbo6]

Thanks Chris ! Exactly what I was searching for !

[@Maxtannone]

thanks for the info, it helped me out!

[@SD-cu1ir]

I did this with a 2009 iMac. I also took a thunderbolt dock out of its case and put it in the iMac. This let me hook up the iSight camera, DVD burner, microphone and speakers as well and have it all connected on the inside. I have plans to also connect the SD Card reader and make (most of) the old ports on the back of the iMac live and connected to the dock as well.

[@odduser1634]

A video please.

[@yaelmilo70]

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[@marcellusjorge9298]

@Yael Milo instablaster :)

[@yaelmilo70]

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[@yaelmilo70]

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[@antwaanhemisphere7956]

Thank u fam for the info ✅

[@steinijg]

You have a great voice!

[@MartyGerman]

Thanks for this video! I've got a friend with a dead iMac that can use this with a MacMini to get going, again! Let me add a tip for eliminating the problem with fingerprints ... As an old, retired, film photographer, a trick I always used in my darkroom was to wash my hands with Ivory soap, just before working with film negatives because then, I didn't leave ANY fingerprints! Ivory removes all of your skin's oils so, no fingerprints!

[@InTheTechKnow]

Thanks for the tip.

[@kairos_studios]

Which power supply did you purchase for this driver board? I'd like to know if it's center positive or center negative polarity. Thanks!

[@YamatoHD]

I did exactly thesame with exactly thesame model (except i used actual screwholes on the board and not glue). To match the color and brightness of the original you need to bump about 20% of gamma and 2% brightness. In linux you do it with xrandr, in windows using screen calibration app, no idea what you do in mac os, but im sute theres a way

[@DrumApe]

My original control board works fine, but the GPU is dead. Would it be possible to use the original driver, instead of this generic driver, which seems to be off the shelf on Amazon. Thanks for the video!

[@sinautical]

Great video, but the link is broken. What is the model number of the board? Or is there a newer version out?

[@cyberkhronos7233]

I want to assume that the brightness can be corrected with a simple led strip as does the same system of imac 2011.

[@spencerm293]

thanks for putting up. I don't want to mod my 09 imac if it won't work with the new macbook m1 laptops.

[@InTheTechKnow]

It will work with any HDMI capable computer. You will just need a usb-c to HDMI adapter.

[@devcybiko]

This is wonderful. I have two old Thunderbolt 27" monitors. I wonder if I can convert one of them into HDMI. That would make it work on my M1 MacMini.

[@sjm8510]

Since this been a year ago, but in case you haven't already found out, you can buy a thunderbolt to thunderbolt 3 (30 bux or so) adapter and it will work fine with the apple M chips, I use one myself with no issue. Keep in mind the M1 only supports 2 monitors though. (Although you can add additionals with the display link workaround if you didn't already know).

[@auxorion]

It's so odd that Apple won't just facilitate this for us. I have an old 2015 iMac 27" and it's pretty useless next to my new computer. But the screen looks so good, I wish I could just use it as a monitor. But it's like such a touchy subject, and no one wants to do this. Finally this video shows someone tear into it and give it a try.

[@retrogroovtv]

if i own a late 2009 imac and if i got the mini dvi to hdmi adapter would i be able to just play my games on it ? i see a lot of videos using the imac as a second monitor for their pc/m1 mac setup but i havent seen any that just talks about hooking up gaming consoles on it ! dope video ! appreciate any feedback

[@Booyamakashi]

I was considering doing it with imac2013, now i know its too hard :)

[@liverenders]

Excellent video, have you tried any other brands/ versions of the board and gotten any brighter results? Are you able to tell if the resolution and refresh rate are true?

[@cyberkhronos7233]

I want to assume that the brightness can be corrected with a simple led strip as does the same system of imac 2011.

[@liverenders]

@@cyberkhronos7233 does the iMac have a led strip in the display panel? And if so wouldnt be bright enough as is if the display panel itself was built correctly? Only difference being the driver board

[@liverenders]

I haven't seen anything about that led strip. I am very intrigued. Could you help me with an article or take apart diagram?

[@giorgos7six]

How are those plastic pins called? Im talking about the ones that Chris has mounted on each corner of both boards and is securing them by gluing them on the chassis with the glue gun?

[@armandomarjanovic7621]

Great video! I am ordering one for my 2011 imac 27” and i was wondering if the speakers work (it has a speaker connector on the display board), and is the screen much dimmer then before?

[@InTheTechKnow]

The built in speakers did not work. They need a more powerful amplifier than what this board can provide. Yes the screen is dimmer. It is a shame that it is not as nice as it was with the Apple driver board.

[@GGOMEZAVLIS]

Muy bien!! Una consulta: ¿La camara sigue trabajando?

[@MrHxChris]

How exactly did you get the Mac Mini M1 working with the Apple Cinema Display? I can’t seem to find any success stories online, even three weeks after your video! Thanks I’m advance, and good video!

[@InTheTechKnow]

Great question. I will do a video on this question and mention you. The answer is: it depends. There are two different Apple Cinema Displays, one is based on Mini Display Port and one is based on Apple Thunderbolt. The easiest way to know the difference is the Mini Display port has three connectors, mini display port, USB A, and a mag safe power connector. The Apple Thunderbolt has a thunderbolt (mini display port format) and a mag safe power connector. Both of them work, but they require a different adapter. The Mini Display Port Display (three connectors) uses the USB C (Thunderbolt 3) to mini display port adapter. amzn.to/3bi0Dzx You will still plug in the USB A cable to the Mac Mini to have speakers, iSight Camera and usb ports. Whereas the Thunderbolt Display (two connectors) uses the Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter from Apple. amzn.to/3s9dsmS. With this adapter, you on get access to the Apple Display ports with only one connection. So which one do you have? The mini display or the thunderbolt? (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases and I may earn a commission)

[@Murlock2000]

@@InTheTechKnow Correction - There are many more Cinema display however for modern types there are only 2(3) - A1267 which is 24 inch , A1316 which is 27 inchand A1407 THUNDERBOLT DISPLAY which is 27 inch and has thunderbolt docking and more connectors on the back. the other 2, a1267 and a1316 only have 3 usb ports. Apple themselves named the A1407 "Thunderbolt display" and not Cinema display

[@Murlock2000]

Edit: All 3 of them have USB, camera, mic, speakers and you can control the Brightness with software instead of stupid old clicky buttons ( yes also on Windows 10 - holstschumacher.dk ) Good day and nice to see someone making videos about these LVDS controler boards and panels for / from apple :)

[@BinarySmurf]

Thanks for this! I have a 27" Late 2012 iMac I could protetially repupose for exactly this. How long did the process actually take you, and what did you pay for the driver board? The linked item is currently unavailable. :)

[@baslotto]

Any luck with it? I also have a late 2012 iMac that I would love to convert into a monitor for mu Mac Studio.

[@auntielisa5943]

Great video, just downloaded the longer version to watch later today. Going to check out your other videos, as well. .. But, I have a question, or 2, maybe 3. Your iMac, was still working? I am not familiar with the upgradeability of the 2011(or latest OS version it can run etc.), but i couldn't help but wonder if you could recycle the iMac Motherboard+ CPU+Ram etc. i am looking for an older model mac mini or mac book to upgrade and use to get acquainted with the Mac OS>, in addition to keeping my eyes open for an older iMac to recycle the monitor(i got a great deal on an iMac hdmi control board kit). SO, perhaps that is why i am curious... would it be possible to keep the iMac running and still add hdmi input to the monitor? Does the iMac natively have any kind of video out? Could you rebuild the iMac into a desktop with hdmi or displayport out and then use it and your new Mac with the newly converted to hdmi display? I hope you are able to answer, i am very curious. I have medical limitations/ disabilities. There is some great disability software and hardware devices that work only on, or best with Mac. I haven't used a mac since the Macintosh Apple 2. Looking to get my feet wet on an older model or Hackintosh, i think. Last month, I was winning an auction for a unibody MacBook Pro 2011/12 ; in the last minutes i was still researching, and a video on Luke's channel revealed some GPU issues. I stopped bidding and was relieved to be out-bid. I had spent an exhausting month online looking for used MacBooks and minis and i had curated a list with models with i5s and i7s and dedicated graphics, only to discover they were all "models to avoid",; and now i just found info saying 2007 and 2011 iMacs are also to be avoided? Any insights into best used mac minis? Thanks So much.~ 🕹Lisa♿

[@InTheTechKnow]

I'll try to answer most of your questions. First, yes I was able to sell or repurpose the original parts. Second, there is no easy HDMI in on the iMac. There was an option for "target display mode" on the older macs if you connected another mac to it by thunderbolt cable, but it no longer works with the newest macs. That being said, if you get an old MacBook and an older iMac, this will still work. Third, old macs are pretty reliable. But any computer that is ten years old will have problems eventually. I would just buy whatever one is in your budget. If you can get newer than the 2012 models, I would recommend it. It that age, hard drives and cooling fans start to fail.

[@auntielisa5943]

@@InTheTechKnow Thank you so much, for your quick and thorough reply. I really appreciate it. I also appreciate all of the time and effort that goes into making these videos for us to enjoy and learn from. thanks for sharing ~🕹Lisa♿

[@a_mouse6858]

Why not just use the original computer power supply for the panel (24V) and control board (12V)? I think all you would need is a cable to convert motherboard input to +/- of control board.

[@minucciterry2908]

Has anyone tried to solve the brightness issue using third party external monitor apps via the keyboard, like Lunar, Clearlight, Monitorcontrol?

[@edouardmalot51]

Thanks for this vidéo. Did you found a way to improuve brightness ?

[@giorgos7six]

Thats what im asking too, perhaps with a diff/newer board?

[@edouardmalot51]

@@giorgos7six I just saw this vidéo : kzbin.info/www/bejne/aoCvlGeojayGeMk

[@giorgos7six]

@@edouardmalot51 wow thanks Edouard, this solution is awesome! Speakers seem to be working, not sure about the camera though!

[@carlosaspires]

Hi Crhis. Question: The LCD circuit board has connection for speakers. Is that possible to connect the old iMac speakers to it? because the circuit board even comes with a volume changer. And if it is possible, would you be able to show in a video? Thank you.

[@InTheTechKnow]

Unfortunately, no. The board does not have an amplifier strong enough to drive the iMacs speakers.

[@ptbuber5027]

As you know, there is a brightness issue using this KIT. Do you have any ideas addressing this brightness issue? I have same KIT and same LCD and same brightness issue.

[@giorgos7six]

Which kit is it that has the brightness issues?.Please let me know

[@giorgos7six]

Great video!!! A. Is it possible to utilise the speakers and the camera that the 27" mid 2010 iMac is equipped with? B. I have a mid 2010 27" iMac. Are the steps i need to take for my iMac, exactly the same as the ones taken for the featured iMac in this video? C. Are there any newer boards that have fixed the brightness issue that you adress?

[@litemint09]

I would like to know too

[@YamatoHD]

Sure, process is thesame, i utilized the speakers by using an amplifier from aliexpress, it gets both image and sound via hdmi

[@giorgos7six]

@@YamatoHD thanks for the reply but i don't understand how the speakers and camera are utilised! Also, have you done this conversion, turn the iMac to a display?

[@giorgos7six]

@@litemint09 im afraid that nobody will aid us in this brightness issue, not even the video creator :-(

[@NicVandEmZ]

There is another company working on something similar that will allow you to still use the webcam and speakers of the original IMac

[@andrewcale6100]

Did you ever get the brightness sorted. Also the Amazon link no longer works (unavailable)?

[@InTheTechKnow]

No. The brightness is still off. Ebay has some option if you search for "27" LM270WQ1-SDE3"

[@onpoint7501]

can you put the link of the board you use???

[@InTheTechKnow]

I just added it to the description above. Thanks.

[@mrnet9946]

Sorry for my poor knowledge, does it also works with a 27” iMac Late 2013? And does it use the same controller that you put in the description?

[@ramonbs6075]

No

[@jojoherrmann7800]

It does but you'll need the spezific controller for your Display Model. Look it up on Aliexpress

[@keithwhisman]

Can you get the speakers to work as well?

[@giorgos7six]

Thats exactly what im asking for too. I hope that speakers and camera could be used also, perhaps with a newer board?

[@spikesstudios1330]

So if I add the Mac mini M1 to my 2019 iMac would it speed up and boost my ability to use multiple apps as it use both processors? or would the M1 be the main processor and the Mac itself just becomes a monitor?

[@InTheTechKnow]

This is for the older styled iMac pre 2012 model before the iMac was a sealed unit. It does just make it a monitor and no longer a computer. This video does not apply to the 2019 iMac.

[@branxing6929]

Could you please kindly re-provide the link to the Driver Board. The above link does not work. Thanks in advance.

[@luowill3461]

The link works again.

[@gabrielsap]

What do you think about the colors? I'm a photographer/Filmmaker and I'm thinking about selling my Dell P2421DC and buy a broken 2011 iMac to use as display with my M1 Macbook Air. This Dell monitor I use has 300 nits and is kind of dimmer than I would like but if the iMac gets even as bright as that, I'm in :)

[@InTheTechKnow]

I can not recommend using this for photo or film editing. The colors are not accurate enough.

[@gabrielsap]

@@InTheTechKnow thank you! Good to know :)

[@ralphwebb8162]

Has anyone been able to used the audio out on the converter board? I've tried but the sound it useless.

[@oscarperdomo8274]

I'm having the same problem with my board. I wanted to use a simple little powered speaker as I don't need anything crazy for this project.

[@MethodAudioVisual]

Is this possible with a 5k Retina display from a late 2014 iMac 27 inch?

[@InTheTechKnow]

Not using the techniques and parts in this video. The 2014 iMac is a sealed unit. There is glue that needs to be removed to open the case up, and then it would need to be resealed. It is a lot more complicated.

[@MethodAudioVisual]

@@InTheTechKnow thanks for your reply, much appreciated

[@soulinspiration1]

Does this work on my 2017 iMac?

[@InTheTechKnow]

No. The 2017 uses a different panel. Also the 2017 is a sealed unit. It does not use screws and magnets like the older units.

[@frantisekjilek2533]

Would it be difficult to put Mini internals into iMac and make it first M1 iMac?

[@CyclingAroundToronto]

that's a brilliant idea, ha ha

[@InTheTechKnow]

I like the way you think. The only issues I see are; 1. The video is not that good. Like I said in the video, this has to be a symptom of the driver board. 2. There may be an issue with cooling. Even though the fan is whisper quiet, it does spin up when needed and is designed for the current case. 3. Lastly, the Mac Mini already seems to have Bluetooth and Wifi issues that may be worse throwing them inside the aluminum enclosure. I fast forward as I am removing bluetooth and Wifi antennae’s strategically placed in the iMac.

[@frantisekjilek2533]

There is guy who mage iMac G5 upgrade. But a lot of hassles instead just buy cheap monitor. But very interesting and cool anyway :)

[@desembrey]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2OTdoevpZmdrpY&ab_channel=LukeMiani

[@CyclingAroundToronto]

is it not possible to do "Screen Sharing" from the iMac to the Mac Mini? That would almost do the same thing?

[@InTheTechKnow]

Not with the new Mac Mini M1 and the 2011 iMac. Target Display Mode is no longer available on any of the M1 Apple computers.

[@CyclingAroundToronto]

@@InTheTechKnow hmmm, not really thinking of Target Display... more like connecting to the Mac Mini thru the network (probably thru ethernet) and using the "Share Screen" option in the Mac OS (from another Mac).

[@charlievarley]

@@CyclingAroundToronto Hi, yes it is. That is exactly the set up I have. A 4k monitor and the iMac 27". I use a dummy HDMI adapter so it is seen a second display. Runs at about 30fps using adaptive quality. It's quite neat and has the advantage of file sharing, clipboard sharing, having the second display in a window at multiple resolutions and sharing the keyboard and mouse. I prefer it to a real second display.

[@devcybiko]

Yes. I have 2 27" Thunderbolt displays. I run the second one on a 2011 mac min (quad-i7) and run Apple Remote Desktop on it. I (like the other poster) put a HDMI dummy dongle in the M1MacMini and remotely display that on the 2011 macMini. It's serviceable. But it takes a lot of power. The poor quad-i7 runs hot and blow the fan. And there are delays and occasional network drop-outs. It's an imperfect solution.

[@sinusshephard5314]

An you do this for an 27” acer predator monitor?

[@InTheTechKnow]

No need to. It is already an HDMI monitor. Just connect it to the HDMI on the computer.

[@sunnydivino]

I wish there was a for dummies alternative that doesn't involve opening the computer. Still great video though :D

[@mikejaques4702]

That board came with a keyboard with around 5 buttons that you keep inside a iMac, those buttons are responsible for LCD settings control

[@angelpimienta6819]

@lukemiani he did it first

[@InTheTechKnow]

I'm certainly not the first person to do this. Post a link to his video in the comments.

[@DaveMasonCS]

@@InTheTechKnow kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2OTdoevpZmdrpY

[@JohnWM816]

Hey Chris, I think this is the best video on KZbin going over this process. You have a great cadence, super easy to listen to - great stuff! New subscriber here showing some appreciation. Thank you!

[@auntielisa5943]

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