2009 iMac conversion to monitor - Help

[Danieltoby82]

Hi, I am trying to determine if it’s even possible for me to turn my old 2009 iMac into a monitor. It was purchased mid 2009 and I believe it’s 22 or 24”. I checked the ports on the back of the machine and I’ve included a photo here. There appears to be what I think is called a “mini display port” on the far right.

I would like to use this iMac as a monitor to use with my new MacBook Pro or my Microsoft Surface tablet (if it’s possible). Can anyone confirm if this is possible? If so, I assume I’ll need to buy a mini display port cord (other end USB?), correct? Recommends on where to buy this would be helpful.

Any help is appreciated! I’m not a computer guy! Thanks in advance.

 

[konqerror]

I don't think its supported on any iMacs of your generation.

Mac User Guide

Learn what’s new in macOS, how to get started with your Mac and use it with your Apple devices, and how to control privacy and security on macOS.

support.apple.com

 

[kschendel]

Unfortunately, you have an Early 2009 iMac and they did not support Target Display Mode.

 

[Danieltoby82]

Unfortunately, you have an Early 2009 iMac and they did not support Target Display Mode.

Thank you!
[automerge]1587090894[/automerge]

Unfortunately, you have an Early 2009 iMac and they did not support Target Display Mode.

Thank you! Oh well.

 

[Master123of]

It is only possible by opening up and removing everything but the display. Afterwards you have to buy a separate power supply as well as logic board for the screen. It is not easy and can be very very dangerous if done wrong!

Here is a example video instruction:

I did this to a 24 inch iMac and it is still running but was not worth the money and effort 😅

Here is a picture of my setup back then with my 2013 MBP retina running in clamshell mode. The monitor is still in use today as a ps4 display by my brother 🙂

 

[Brian Y]

Tbh, 24" 4k monitors are so cheap these days, it's really not worth doing the conversion!

 

[kschendel]

The one advantage that the 24" iMac has over most new displays is that it's 1920x1200, not 1920x1080. In other words it's a 16:10 aspect ratio display instead of 16:9. You can find 1920x1200 monitors (e.g. Dell U2412M) but they aren't as dirt-cheap as 24 inch "1080p" 1920x1080 monitors.

Bottom line, still not worth the trouble unless the journey is the goal, or unless you have a sentimental attachment and can afford it.

 

[Nguyen Duc Hieu]

Hi, I am trying to determine if it’s even possible for me to turn my old 2009 iMac into a monitor. It was purchased mid 2009 and I believe it’s 22 or 24”. I checked the ports on the back of the machine and I’ve included a photo here. There appears to be what I think is called a “mini display port” on the far right.

I would like to use this iMac as a monitor to use with my new MacBook Pro or my Microsoft Surface tablet (if it’s possible). Can anyone confirm if this is possible? If so, I assume I’ll need to buy a mini display port cord (other end USB?), correct? Recommends on where to buy this would be helpful.

Any help is appreciated! I’m not a computer guy! Thanks in advance.

If your iMac is still in working order, you can try installing AirServer (30-day free trial, 20$ license) to see if it can mirroring your Macbook Pro screen. Both machines need to be in the same network, best wired but wireless also work.
It might be a little laggy, but for many usages that don't need high response rate, it'll fit just well.