Why You Probably Can't Use Your Old iMac As a Display

[@DouglasKnisely]

2010 iMac 27” is absolutely golden as a 2nd monitor. I’ve been using it for 10 years. The sharpness and resolution is perfectly fine.

[@lucafoltranarte]

Man, how did you do that?

[@SpaceBalls_TheYouTubeName]

how ya doing it??

[@random45]

I have a 2010 iMac, how can I use it as a second screen ok my mac stidio?

[@MrBrandonLau]

Mini DisplayPort to thunderbolt

[@pokiblue5870]

Im currently trying to buy 2 imacs 27inch 5k and not sure if ill go for 2015 or 2017 😅 and i heard theres a device on amazon to unlock target display 😮

[@BigFoot-nd3sk]

IT WAS THE KEYBOARD!!! Fantastic Video - thank you! NONE of my 27 inch 2011 iMacs would connect in target display mode until I switched to the long flat wired keyboard with numeric keypad on the right. Like was mentioned in one of these helpful videos - the keyboard that came with the iMAC. Keyboard model A1243 EMC 2171. Now all four DO connect to my Macbook pro. The iMac wireless ones, Imac long wired ones with typewriter-like keys - none of these worked. Just the flat long keyboard (17 inch x 4.5 inch x less than 1/2 inch)

[@rellimjmot]

Luna Display over Thunderbolt works great. I have an Early 2017 imac and I am using it as a display for a MacStudio. Works great over thunderbolt. I watch videos and do everything across the thunderbolt. Luna display needs to be restarted a couple times a week as every now and then everything freezes.

[@BadspadeLive]

Just use a USB cable, just did a video about it. Works great!

[@alemoretti5138]

This is the answer I was looking for (and Astropad Luna Display is not mentioned on the video as a possible solution). Thanks for sharing, it was really helpful.

[@jonkoerber4723]

I have a M1 Macbook Pro that I regularly connect to my 27" 2019 iMac for gaming using AirPlay mirroring. As far as I can tell it is nearly real-time in the response speed. I've been playing No Man's Sky, 7 Days To Die, Baldur's Gate 3, etc. and all perform as fast as I am clicking with no image display lag that I can detect. Serves my needs just fine!

[@MrBrandonLau]

Is the resolution and picture the same quality?

[@KrycekA]

I am currently using both an iMac 27” 5K (2020) and the Apple Cinema Display 30” (2004) as external monitors for my Macbook Pro M1. Both are outputting a 1440P resolution. Regarding the iMac, I do use Airplay but I a also connect the iMac and Macbook with a thunderbolt 3 cable. This allows for a much smoother connection between the devices. I know that my setup is not very economical but it doesn’t matter that much as most of the power is covered by the solar panels on the roof 😅 Reason why I use those devices is because I like the aesthetic of them and the displays panels are really nice (especially the cinema display for its age) edit: I forgot to mention that I use a free tool called BetterDisplay that allows me to override the resolutions for the iMac when using Airplay. This makes sure that the 1440P HiDPI resolution can be chosen. By default, Apple will only let you use the low-res version of 1440P

[@squibblespawpaw7124]

Paired my M1 Mac mini with an old Thunderbolt Display and love it. Looks and works great for about $200.00.

[@maartenvandenbosch9985]

But please tell us.. HOW did you do this? As it does not work with only a cable....

[@MrHitthespot]

I’ve commented on your videos before about the inability to use my old 2015 iMac 27inch 4k monitor on my new computer. I didn’t know for years that wasn’t possible. I will never buy an Apple computer with a built in monitor again. Especially when I found out what the cost of the equivalent Apple monitor costs. I bought a Mac mini M2 pro with separate monitor and have been very happy.

[@Smartiebob317]

Apple should be shamed for not allowing these great monitors to be reused. Shame on them. They are forcing us to go to aftermarket products.

[@billymckee01]

@@Smartiebob317 Early iMac 2014 is the last one that worked as a secondary display.

[@saintless]

It’s a shame that it’s no longer a feature, and it’s certainly less environmentally friendly. But what I paid for my 2019 is what I’d pay for a decent monitor alone. Even if I only get five years more from it, still money well spent. If I’m going to bother with a mini, I’d rather just build a desktop.

[@steph1gaming]

nobody is forcing you to do anything.... yall just don't read up on products and then get mad. Who buys anything without research ?? @@Smartiebob317

[@BadspadeLive]

You actually can use the 2015 as a display with OCLP, Ventura and enable air display then add a USB for more resolution options.

[@artysanmobile]

I recently did a full rebuild to a 2013 i7 iMac 27”. When finished, I was stunned by the display. Apple’s formula at the time was very consumer friendly, dedicating a large part of the cost even then to the most important part of any computer - the display. I can understand the desire to use those. My customer now uses the iMac to screen share a 2018 Mini that is doing the heavy lifting. The iMac itself is still a fine machine following the fairly inexpensive changes I made.

[@kursatfedaioglu7437]

Hello, how did you do that? I have a 2013 imac 27'' computer and I want to use it as the main screen for the mac mini, thank'u.

[@donnabudgen2268]

How timely! I have just purchased a Mac mini and was thinking about using my 2009 iMac as a display. A 4K display monitor is now on my shopping list.

[@retrogroovtv]

if you own a 27” 2009 imac and buy a belkin av360 adapter you can use any “ HDMI “ capable device like game consoles, including the mac mini m1 as a second screen 👌🏽

[@RobertLeBlancPhoto]

I think it sucks that Apple deliberately prevented recent old iMac to be used as monitors. I have a 2015 and 2016 iMac 27" that I'd love to use as monitors for my Mac Minis.

[@saintless]

Not sure if deliberate vs not feasible.. might have been an issue with Apple silicon, or T2 chips, or something to do with security rather than a decision to drop it removed from that. Would love to know if there’s an underlying technical challenge.

[@BadspadeLive]

You actually can use it as a monitor, just made a video about it.

[@RobertLeBlancPhoto]

@@BadspadeLive Link?

[@crewgadjy]

Look up Juicy Crumb Systems they offer everything you need to use your old Imac as a monitor with a drop in replacement logic board.

[@LarsPlougmann]

Being able to use a 27" iMac with a retina display in target display mode would be amazing.

[@AZisk]

Thanks for the info - very useful.

[@jefskott99]

You are a wise man, and talked me out of a bad idea. I am better of selling off my old 2020 Intel iMac 27" iMac, which I love but is now considerably slower than the 2023 Macbook Pro M3s I've been looking at. I just love the 5k on my iMac. That will be hard to part with, and it's so pretty. Still, I agree with your logic, and selling my iMac to someone who values the legacy iMac for its classic status will put a dent in the price of my new box. Cheers!

[@genecpu7131]

I use a Macbook pro with Ventura connected to a 2009 High Sierra 27” imac no problems. Please update your information

[@genecpu7131]

I have done this with both a usb-c to DisplayPort cable and earlier DisplayPort to DisplayPort, don’t use a thunderbolt cable it didn’t work for me.

[@genecpu7131]

I’m also running high sierra on the late 2009 iMac. I was able to drive it with Sonoma on a MacBook Pro

[@LarsPlougmann]

My 2010 iMac works great in target display mode for my M2 Pro Mac Mini running Ventura. Connected them using a USB-C to Thunderbolt cable.

[@macmost]

It isn't supposed to work at all. Which version of OS X is the iMac running?

[@LarsPlougmann]

@@macmost I know, I didn't expect it to work, but I was pleasantly surprised when I tried. The 2010 iMac is running macOS Sierra 12.6.

[@tomlauryssens]

Do you have a 21.5 inch or 27 inch 2010 iMac @@LarsPlougmann ? Since I'm considering to have the same setup

[@Melih_R_Calikoglu]

I'm using my 2009 27 inch iMac as a second monitor with my M1 MacBook Pro for almost a year now. It is not retina but it is still good enough. The only thing you need is High Sierra on the iMac and a cheap display port to USB-C cable.

[@BadspadeLive]

You can actually upgrade it to Ventura using OCLP

[@loisskiathitis8926]

A very useful and informative video tutorial today! Thank you, Gary! 👏❤️

[@DerekZimmer]

Great video! I have to correct you and Apples website apparently. I have a late 2009 27” i7 working as a second monitor in Target Display mode with my M1 Mac mini on The latest OS.

[@peterscheepers5780]

Thanks for this useful information, I thought about using Target display mode on my older macs but as I run these with OCLP with new OSes that seems to be no solution. I do use screen sharing now and that works very well when you can interconnect them via Thunderbolt 2 with TB bridging and fixed IP addresses.

[@slowtospeakpodcast1598]

It works out best for most light weight users. Most of the cons you listed are for pro users who most likely can afford to upgraade. I am using a 2020 iMac with a late 2015 iMac as second display to edit with photoshop and edit short form videos with CapCut.

[@LouisWilsonGluefish]

I have an m2 mac mini, minimum setup. Connected with HDMI cable to a 25" tv. Selected my preferred resolution. NOW, I am also running a late 2012 27" iMac, running Catalina. Next, I am sharing the video from the M2 Mini onto the 27" iMac. Very easy setup. I hide the 25" tv behind the iMac, and after my initial installation, I leave it turned off.

[@BadspadeLive]

You can actually just hook up the 2012 directly to the M2, upgrade the iMac to Ventura using OCLP and enable airplay then use a USB to increase its capabilities

[@b.drivermusic1355]

Here using MacBook Pro 2015 ( Monterey ) and iMac 2012 ( Ventura ) as a second display via Target Display Mode with thunderbolt cable. But in Apple site says to press Cmd+Fn+F2. it works fine.

[@BadspadeLive]

OCLP for the WIN

[@dlhanson51]

I have a 2023 Mac Mini M2 Pro and a 2017 27 inch iMac. I bought Luna Display but it is also too slow both on Ethernet and thunderbolt 4 cable

[@gregorynp]

Use a old 27" as a beautiful photo frame. Its fantastic.

[@macmost]

Consider the power use and heat output though. support.apple.com/en-us/HT201918

[@PaulM_aka_4c21]

I find a 27” 1440p much superior to my old 4K LG monitor. Buy either 2K or 5K or above for best display on a Mac.

[@nicfarrow]

Bad news, but sees me a lot of time. MANY THANKS!

[@blairt3973]

For years, I kept my game-changing 13-gig graphite iMac on display as a cool piece of history.

[@JmarketingAus]

Great summary. This saved me a lot of time.

[@notscot6788]

Just a quick note to tell you how much I value your videos. I have recommended your channel/website to hundreds of people and think it's one of the best things I have found on the internet in a career that goes back to punched cards on mainframes. Top notch, no nonsense, excellent advice, organization, and presentation. It actually rates a "magnificent" rating in my world, and is to KZbin channels what Apple is to computers and consumer electronics... best in class by a wide margin. Thanks. I'll stay your patreon supporter as long as I own these things.

[@macmost]

Thanks!

[@billymckee01]

Having gone down this route - I don’t disagree with what Gary says - new kit and old monitors or their workaround (eg Luna) don't work. However what does work - in detail? I came from the position of lots of older Intel kit - MBP 2013 (MacOS 11), MBP 2015 (MacOS12) and MacPro2013(MacOS12) (sold up until 2019) and two iMacs - iMac 2009 (MacOS 10.13) and iMac early 2014 (MacOS10.12). All of these talk to each other and while not 4K they are better than HD. So if you have a stack of older iMacs and earlier Macs, you can avoid the inevitable costs of new kit and also avoid the prodigious wastage of modern desktop replacement cycle. Hope this makes sense and gives a clear steer of what works. Lastly the cables are related to the iMac . An early iMac need DisplayPort cables but later ones can use Thunderbolt 2.

[@macmost]

Not sure I understand your suggestion here. What are you saying "does work" for you?

[@billymckee01]

@@macmost I have listed the hardware and OS on them - that actually work.The Intel Mac OS can be more modern than Catalina (I make MacOS 11 and 12 work) , but the receiving iMac must always be "old" (ie earlier than. early 2014) and must be running 10.13 or earlier. I am trying to give folk explicit descriptions of what actually works. I take the view that having several older hardware devices has "redundancy" - if I use a MBP 15 travelling and the screen gets broken - I just pull a spare out of the cupboard. An M2 16 inch MBP is just as at risk in transit and a lot more expensive if accident occurs - and I doubt folk will have a spare readily accessible. In addition, in these times of economic crises, people do not have the money to upgrade as easily as before and this is aimed at those who are trying to "make do" with specific advice. Notice somebody has decided to look in their basement already. Hoep this is a bit clearer.

[@rivstg13]

exactly what I needed to know...thx so much for the explanation

[@michaelopp5389]

This helpful. I have an idea for a great simple tutorial. Show people how they can have two external displays with a modern MacBook Air. The trick is one display is plugged in to the USB-C port, the other is an iPad connected with Continuity.

[@macmost]

Do you mean using Sidekick with the iPad? kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWrGoK14h9GUpbc Of course the problem with this is the iPad is a very expensive second screen. But useful if you really need it and have an iPad anyway.

[@iggysixx]

Question: if the 27" iMac has the notorious Graphics Card issue... Will it still work as an external display..? (I have a 2012 non-retina Macbook Pro, btw. Considering a 2009-2011 iMac. I've been unable to find an answer to this exact question - every tutorial or article always references a working but 'out of date' iMac)

[@macmost]

I don't know what issue you mean, sorry. Even if you can get it working in some way with an old Mac, why would you want to use such an old display. You can probably thrift a display that is better than that for very little money if you want something that old.

[@eugenemoriarty74]

well, we just managed to use air play to connect a brand new macbook pro m3 to a 2012 imac 27 inch, and even figured out how to fill it to screen, took a bit of fihuring out, turn on screen sharing and then using air drop but it works

[@macmost]

But first, you are on a 2012 model, so 1440 and equivalent to a really cheap screen you can get today in 2024. Second, you have to have the whole 2012 iMac up and running for this, so lots of steps and boot time, plus full energy consumption. Third, the speed over a wireless AirPlay connection is fine for some things. But it is nowhere near a direct connection to a regular screen.

[@eugenemoriarty74]

Didn't say it was perfect but it works and not using target display mode....but on airplay... Since target mode isn't available after 2015..and didn't need to downgrade os either.... But then again apple make things so bloody complicated.. Anyhow 👍

[@hmaustips9742]

Thanks again Gary. We have some 2011 - 2012 MacMinis that we're trying to recycle. We also have a ton of 2011 iMacs. So would it make sense to use the 2011 iMacs as the display, camera and mic for the Mac Minis? It would save us having to find all those parts and hook them together.

[@macmost]

Well those minis are 11+ years old. So I'm not sure what you are asking here. I wouldn't use them for anything at that age. I would just recycle them.

[@gloris7gloris749]

Thank you. Very insightful. Moreover, can you give me any tips on how to use my access files on my Mac ?

[@BadspadeLive]

Just did a video on this. With OCLP you can use any old iMac as a display wirelessly. Also when you add a USB cable you get more resolution options.

[@macmost]

But is it worth it? You still have the problem that (truly) old iMacs are low resolution, lower quality than what you get today, large, and power-hungry. Newer iMacs are better screens, but you can probably sell them for more than the cost of a dedicated display.

[@BadspadeLive]

@@macmost it is worth it for a lot of people who have old macs laying around and want to use it as a budget friendly option, apples and oranges I suppose. If people want to spend the money on a dedicated display, absolutely go for it. Newer screens are amazing but I work with what I have.

[@macmost]

@@BadspadeLive But there are tons of budget friendly screens. Some are very cheap. If you are buying a Mac, the expensive part is definitely not the display. If on a really tight budget you can find used 4K displays too.

[@BadspadeLive]

@@macmost the cheapest 4k display i could find was around $200, there may be cheaper ones on eBay but i got my 2012 iMac for $200 bucks and it also doubles as my Bootcamp machine when i need it, can a 4K monitor do that?

[@macmost]

@@BadspadeLive No, of course you can't get a 4K screen that can boot to Windows. But you never mentioned that you'd be using the iMac as something other than a display before. I still wouldn't use a 2012 iMac as a screen under any circumstances. But do as you please.

[@jonmoceri]

I have a 2013 27" iMac that has a dying 3TB fusion drive, so I was interested in just using it as a display for a new MacBook Air. Another source said what Gary says here, so I bought a Dell S2722QC on Amazon for the MacBook. I"m very happy with the screen resolution and all. I use a Bose Flex SE SoundLink and it sounds just fine. Now I just need to figure out how to access my 1TB of old ripped CD's on iTunes that I now have on my Samsung T7 Shield external SSD.

[@BadspadeLive]

You can actually separate the Fusion Drive and it will still have a 128GB SSD and a 3TB dead drive, same thing happened to mine. But i still use it as a 128 and run Ventura with OCLP. Also Sonoma is compatible as well I just haven’t done that yet. With OCLP you can use it as an air display or use USB for full resolution options

[@seanohaimheirgin1047]

So sad that Apple are shafting people unnecessarily. This was tech they had and decided to remove to, presumably, push monitor sales. Bandwidth for retina would not be the issue. This hardly goes with their greenwashing nonsense.

[@saintless]

Might be a security issue, since the change happened around the same time as the T2 chip was introduced on most models (my 2019 iMac lacks a security chip though and would theoretically support it if that were the issue). Not convinced there wasn’t a technical wall.

[@anthonysiow894]

I'm connecting my 2011 27-inch iMac (High Sierra) to my 2017 27-inch iMac Pro (Monterey) with thunderbolt. When I press CMD-F2 on the 2011 iMac, it becomes the secondary display for my 2017 iMac Pro. It only works with original iMac keyboard and thunderbolt cables. But it does not wake back up when it goes to sleep. I need to press CMD-F2 again to get out of secondary display mode, this somehow wakes the 2011 iMac up, and I have to press CMD F2 again to get back to secondary display mode.

[@Anonymous-zv9hk]

Every now and again, when a Mac goes to "sleep", simply typing in the password of the old Mac on its keyboard will bring it back to life.

[@ComputerExercises]

Have you actually verified the information you are sharing? Hopefully, I did decide to try using my old mid-2011 iMac with OS X El Capitan as a second display for my MacBook 2019 with OS Ventura, and it works great! You just have to use the original Apple keyboard to be able to switch. I can't imagine selling an iMac now for a good price, enough to buy a 4k display.

[@macmost]

support.apple.com/en-us/105126

[@BrandonBurk]

1:11 Very very helpful. Thank you.

[@susanm9824]

This made me think of the iMac graveyard that I still have in my basement.😢

[@GrommieWolf]

Me too!!

[@BadspadeLive]

Pull them out and use them. You can upgrade them all the way to Sonoma now with OCLP

[@devinlpatterson]

Thanks, much appreciated

[@Burrko]

I am looking for a solution other than "luna display" to use my mac mini m2 on imac 2020 27''.

[@macmost]

AirPlay. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6uZc6SiacaZoc0 But it would only make sense if you were still using the iMac for other things as well. Otherwise, sell it and get a regular display .

[@mfam2371]

You actually don't need any of this if you're relatively handy with electronics. Regarding the hardware that is. These older iMac computers have gorgeous displays even in 2024 and a lot of the time. You can get a great looking display with current gen computing power just by taking apart an old iMac and putting it back together. The truth is the only thing limiting you is your skills when it comes to computer hardware and the electronic hardware in general. I can build a single iMac unit that uses m1 or M2 processing with sound for under $300 in most cases. Will the display look as good as a brand new iMac? Of course not. Is there a big noticeable difference? Negligible at best.

[@will.gallegos]

4:11 - couldn’t you just use OpenCore Legacy Patcher + use a usb cable for better experience?

[@macmost]

You can patch all you want but that doesn't add the hardware you need to the old Mac to use AirPlay.

[@BadspadeLive]

Yes it does, OCLP and Ventura for the win

[@macmost]

​@@BadspadeLive Are you sure? Have you tried it? Of course you don't know which iMac @WilliApple has. How would a wi-fi system in an old iMac that doesn't support computer-to-computer connections suddenly be able to do that because of a software patch?

[@BadspadeLive]

@@macmost @WilliApple what iMac do you have? Let’s get to the bottom of this!

[@fredestrada2428]

Im running Ventura os on my main iMac 27in 2019, is there any workaround to make it work? That would be the only thing preventing me from doing target display to a 2010 iMac running high ventura. 🤔

[@SBHealer]

I had read that I can use a Astropad Luna Display to use for a mini mac and my 2015 Imac

[@macmost]

But then you need to buy it ($) and keep maintaining your old iMac to use as just a display. Get a cheap 4K display instead: less complicated, more power efficient.

[@magiquemarker]

Thanks! Much need info but so damn disappointed to learn this.

[@wizardc2301]

Thank you!!!!!!

[@subbass16]

What about Luna Display?

[@Silverwing_99]

i wih apple reintroduced this. i have two 5k iamcs [one from 2015, other from 2019) id love to use these as 5k screens

[@sleepyreader666]

Very sad to have this nice 2017 27 inch iMac unable to upgrade and un able to use as a monitor...what a waste of high end hard ware!!!

[@BadspadeLive]

Actually you can upgrade, OCLP and Ventura will add airplay and a USB will increase the resolution options

[@shleprockshleprock]

Apple pretty short sighted

[@desertpatient]

Thanks bunches

[@MrWinger1951]

An idea for a video I'd like to see from you is adding a Mac mini as a companion 'server' especially for streaming purposes.

[@macmost]

Not sure what you are looking for. Streaming what? What is your GOAL in having a Mac mini as a server of some sort?

[@MrWinger1951]

@@macmost The Mac mini would be solely used as a Roon Core, and would be left on 24/7, and would be connected via ethernet to a streamer (in my case a WiiM Pro Plus). The Mac mini would store the Roon Core data (Qobuz) and its own OS, thereby ensuring a stable and fast connection to the Wiim Pro plus.

[@macmost]

@@MrWinger1951 Yes, but what is the GOAL? What are you doing with it?

[@MrWinger1951]

@@macmost the "goal" is to have the Mac mini just being the "source" for a Roon Core Storage and implementation to allow direct connection to the streamer and free up the iMac 2017 5K to continue being used as my primary computer. If you are familiar with Roon and its implementation in a stereo system then that would help answer your questions. Roon has its own hardware/device in its Roon Nucleus but it is very expensive.

[@macmost]

@@MrWinger1951 We're not communicating here, sorry. You've explained what software you want to run on the Mac. I'm asking WHAT FOR? What would you be using it for? Like "I have set up a Mac mini for Room Core Storage so I can X." What is X?

[@mt5276]

bro im stuck at imac 2017 i cant use it as 2nd moniter 💀

[@JenniferEliseAtchiso]

I use the remote desktop feature

[@maktinchi3171]

Hi May I ask a question? I have a 2020 Macbook pro, 13 inch, M1 chip, running Sonoma and I want to use my old iMac 21.5 inch, Late 2012 running Catalina. Can I use a thunderbolt 2 to type C for the Macbook pro and then use thunderbolt cable to connect to my iMac for the second monitor purpose? Thanks for helping.

[@macmost]

No. Watch the video. That is what I am talking about. Note that you can get a cheap display today that is much better than a small 21.5 inch display from 12 years ago, and much more worthy of your M1 MacBook Pro.

[@maktinchi3171]

@@macmost Thank you so much for your help 🙏🏻

[@ezradja]

So there's no way we could use 2009 27 inch iMac Pro as the main screen for M1 mac mini?

[@macmost]

There are ways, but it would be slow, and you'd still be using a 15-year old screen with low resolution. Be a shame to hamper a new M1 with old screen tech like that when you can get screens for cheap.

[@MatthiasHamilton]

thats a good idea in a pinch but i prefer my 32' oled sony tv to use with my mac mini as it has better clarity

[@mst3kanita]

aw, that's a shame. I got a mac mini for christmas, and didn't want to waste my old imac that's about 11 years old.

[@backseatbully]

So it works for me!!

[@adam872]

No word on using the Luna Display? That would appear to be a viable option.

[@macmost]

Then you are just throwing more money and still using your old outdated display over a slower connection. Spend that money on a modern display that is using the direct output from your Mac (speed) and probably uses a lot less energy than running a whole Mac just to use the display on it.

[@adam872]

@@macmost not sure I agree with that. I have a 27 inch retina 5k display on my iMac, which is still a better monitor than most things on the market. If I were to buy the modern Apple equivalent, the Studio display, it would cost me close to USD1500! The competitors products aren't a lot different. If I can run a Mac Mini via Thunderbolt and the Luna Display to the old iMac and still get 5k resolution then I'd call that a win.

[@macmost]

@@adam872 You didn't mention the model and since this is a video about "old iMacs" I assumed you meant one of the 10-year-old+ models that used to have Target Display Mode. The 5K display on yours is great, but you'd still need to have it booted up, updated and maintained, using full power, plus the Luna display hardware. Plus the lag time. If you absolutely need a 5K display and can't do with less then I suppose it would work. I'd still opt to resell and then get a $300 4K display or a $900 third-party 5K. Lots of options.

[@adam872]

@@macmost it's a 2017 model, that I imagine I'd get next to nothing for on the second hand market. I'm loathe to get a 4K display, because it won't be as good as the 5K retina I already have and the cost of an equivalent 5k display is super expensive, especially if I want a similar form factor to the iMac and not one of those curved things (we have them in the office and I'm not a fan).

[@macmost]

@@adam872 You seem like you really want to try it, so don't let me stop you. But I know other people who complain that 60Hz refresh rate on a standard screen isn't good enough, and using a workaround that would introduce real lag -- I'd rather use a cheap old 2K display than that.

[@furrytwinsmm55]

I have a 2013 Mac using Catalina and a macbook Pro M1. I can't get the imac to work as a display. It says the Thunderbolt port is not active. Is the cable I'm using no bueno? Both are connected via WIFI. Help please

[@macmost]

I point out in this video why it won't work.

[@furrytwinsmm55]

Thanks I'll look at it again@@macmost

[@ahmedshahabi1028]

I have an old windows laptop, can i use it as monitor for mac mini m1 , Also can i use any of my samsung tab as display for m1 or m2 chip ?

[@macmost]

No idea. You'd have to ask the manufacturer. But probably not. You don't want to use an "old" anything as a display as don't you want at least a decent modern display for your new Mac? 27-inch 4K displays are around $300 if money is an issue.

[@alanabley525]

What about using Luna display?

[@macmost]

You spend some money and you still are left with an old display that needs to be powered as an entire computer to use it.

[@jockaud]

Hi Gary, I have a 2009 duo-core iMac with slow HD. What would you suggest I do with it?

[@macmost]

Sorry, hard to advise since I don't know your situation. Is this your only/main computer? What do you use it for? Are you planning to replace it with something newer? Missing so many details...

[@jockaud]

@@macmost I have a 2021 M1 Mac-Mini that I use. The 2009 iMac has not been used for two years.

[@macmost]

@@jockaud So then why not recycle it?

[@jockaud]

@@macmost What's the cheapest and safest way to recycle it?

[@macmost]

@@jockaud Depends on what you have in your area. For instance, where I live I researched and found an office supply store that will take them. Apple also takes them for free when you buy something new. Maybe if you have an Apple Store nearby you can ask them if they will take it based on your previous purchase. www.apple.com/shop/trade-in

[@kevingoodwin5177]

Anyone know how to use migration assistant to move data from one MAC MINI to another with only ONE monitor ?

[@macmost]

Does the first Mac have a Time Machine backup? If so, just use that instead. Otherwise, you may be able to boot one Mac into Target Disk mode and use it that way. See support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/transfer-files-mac-computers-target-disk-mode-mchlp1443/mac

[@kevingoodwin5177]

I tried the back up disk method with a WD back up drive... backed everything up with Time Machine on High Sierra OS... but even though the drive mounts in the new M2 mac... the WD unlocker will not unlock drive. I am given a warning > WD unlocker quit unexpectedly

[@moribundmurdoch]

What about if you run linux?

[@macmost]

On the old iMac or the new Mac? I don't think running linux on either would help you to use the old iMac as a display.

[@mxbreed20]

I want to connect an M1 Mac Mini with 16 gig memory to a late 2015 5K retina display with (5120 x 2880) resolution. Is it possible?

[@macmost]

Should be, sure. If the display has a DisplayPort in, use DisplayPort. Is it the LG one?

[@mxbreed20]

Not LG. A late 2015 iMac 27". @@macmost

[@macmost]

@@mxbreed20 Oh, sorry, you said "a late 2015 5K retina display" not an iMac. See this video. You probably can't use it. At least not without drawbacks. Get a regular display to use your new Mac mini to its fullest.

[@marksmodellingmadness]

I was wondering about this just a few days ago... how did you know? ;) It's a pity this doesn't work in a straightforward way, I guess apple have their reasons.

[@BadspadeLive]

You can use OCLP to upgrade to Ventura and get airplay, its pretty straightforward

[@maaa8951]

luna display

[@macmost]

That's a solution for some, if you want to spend money on that instead of a new display and keep maintaining your old iMac for years to come to just use it as a display. But it isn't the same as a regular connection directly to a modern screen. You won't have the same speed and refresh rate, so quality will suffer.

[@giorgos7six]

can i use my 27" 2010 iMac as a standalone display, without using TargetDisplayMode?

[@macmost]

Not in any way that will work well. Just get a cheap 4K display, or if you are really short on cash you can probably find something used that is a comparable to a 2010 display.

[@giorgos7six]

Why don’t you think that a JuicyCrumb board or one of those available controller boards for my iMacs display will work well?

[@macmost]

@@giorgos7six The cheapest thing they list is $400. For that price you can get a modern NEW 4K display instead of using the 13-year-old 2K display in your old bulky iMac.

[@giorgos7six]

Ok I hear that. What about the controller boards that are available for $50 and can connect to the iMac display and make it a standalone display?

[@macmost]

@@giorgos7six You seem like you really want to do this, so go ahead. But if you use a 2010 iMac display the best you'll get is a 13-year-old display no matter what hardware and software you use. The expensive part of a new Mac is NOT the screen.

[@HDvids101]

Macs are good but things Apple do just does my head in. I use a Mac at home but have an Samsung phone. If you know you know why....

[@AkinBelieve]

Apple really are the landfill champions of the world

[@macmost]

www.apple.com/shop/open/free_recycling

[@richieb74]

Frustrating it doesn’t work. I have. 2013 iMac with that 1440p display. And it would be perfect to use as a second display for my new MacBook Pro. But no I have to go out and buy a new display 🙄🙄🙄

[@jotohomomoto]

I'm still kind of confused if Target Display Mode is obsolete bc apple 'couldn't' or 'wouldn't', continue development. It just seems like apple COULD make TDM a pretty sleek feature but doesn't see it as profitable or elegant for the brand to be repurposing old iMacs as displays. I dunno but I'm a cynic when it comes to corporate decision making

[@GettingOlderByTheDay71]

I remember the days when high tech was so much simpler. VGA display cable, Serial printer cable, and a Power cord. Now I have two shoe boxes crammed full of cables, converters, and dongles. Damn, I can't find my HDMI to USB-C converter dongle thingamajig. So now I'm on my way to BestBuy to fetch another to add to my collection... Oy vey...

[@macmost]

You can also go wireless on so much right now: keyboards, mouse/trackpad, charging iPhones, network connections, file transfer, printers, scanners. An iMac user can get away with just one power cord if they want.

[@jomynow]

You can def hack the hardware

[@RenderedThoughts]

This is heinous! Why has Apple done this to us! I mean I know why but this is completely unacceptable. 😡

[@defaultdefault812]

I just want to connect a generic PC.

[@kosinski-music]

The mental gymnastics fanboys need to go thru to explain what is purely greed. Since when graphic cards can't dispay lower resolutions on any monitors?

[@macmost]

Greed? I don't understand how that comes to play here. Apple doesn't sell any displays at this level, only high end. Instead of using an old iMac as a display, almost everyone would be buying a display from another company, not Apple.

[@shleprockshleprock]

This is why I hate Apple.

[@gilvillamor5066]

all talk

[@alangibson3293]

The real answer, apple makes sure it can't happen. Cook needs to be gone and someone with the buyers should replace him. Third Party Repair is the way to go. I own the machine, I will determine who will fix it, not so idiot at apple.

[@macmost]

Apple implemented self repair a while ago: support.apple.com/self-service-repair

[@alangibson3293]

You call that self repair, it's a joke, just like the way apple is headed.

[@rolando7263]

Mac get useless and useless as time goes

[@johngaspar4425]

no solutions just jibber jabber

[@macmost]

Sorry you didn't like the video. If you want my opinion, I suggest not trying to use an old iMac as a display at all. It is probably lower resolution and lower quality than what you can get today relatively cheaply. And a plain monitor would be easier to maintain and probably last longer.

[@johngaspar4425]

I have a 2019 I9 IMac 5k. I got to have the m chip while keeping my IMac. I know the older stuff is useless. Was hoping you had modern solutions instead of talking old stuff. This M- chip MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE!

[@macmost]

@@johngaspar4425 That's a good screen then, but you can still get something for it if you resell it today. And get a screen that is just a screen instead of an iMac will will continue to need updates, age and use a lot of power.

[@AllentheBeloved]

how about a 2017 or 2020 iMac? or can you buy two of them and use one as a monitor? I just bought a 2017 and need a second screen, you only talk about the really old dinosaur Macs, 2020 is supposed to have a way to use an external monitor, you never touched on that, those 2015 and before Macs are way too old for software support, they are obsolete

[@macmost]

No, you can't use them as screens. See 1:06 in this video. This is only on those older Macs. You wouldn't want to pay for a whole iMac to use as a screen when you can purchase a screen for much less anyway.

[@DontFuckWitDreDay]

Godspeed @ software engineers, Godspeed.....fix it ):