2010 iMac - using it for a PC display

[GrumpyGeek]

Hello Macrumors,

I have a 2010 iMac that I very rarely use. I am mostly on my PC for gaming and can't game on the iMac. The iMac still has a very nice display and would like to use it on my PC. Is this possible? I think i have to get a video card with a mini displayport so i can go mDP to mDP and put the imac into target mode?

Is any of this correct?

Thanks
GrumpyGeek

 

[rkaufmann87]

Hello Macrumors,

I have a 2010 iMac that I very rarely use. I am mostly on my PC for gaming and can't game on the iMac. The iMac still has a very nice display and would like to use it on my PC. Is this possible? I think i have to get a video card with a mini displayport so i can go mDP to mDP and put the imac into target mode?

Is any of this correct?

Thanks
GrumpyGeek

If the iMac is a 27" that will work.

 

[GrumpyGeek]

If the iMac is a 27" that will work.

Yes, my 2010 iMac is a 27". My current video card in my PC is has just a display port. Will that work or does it have to be mini DP to mini DP?

 

[GrumpyGeek]

Does anybody know?

 

[rkaufmann87]

Yes, my 2010 iMac is a 27". My current video card in my PC is has just a display port. Will that work or does it have to be mini DP to mini DP?

It has to have a mini-display port, you will be connecting a mini-display port to mini-display port cable. Follow Apple's advice in their FAQ about Target Display Mode. You can find it by Googling it.

 

[ytk]

You should just be able to use an adaptor (such as this one) to convert from DP to MiniDP. Or you could use a DP to MiniDP cable, like one of these.

 

[rkaufmann87]

You should just be able to use an adaptor (such as this one) to convert from DP to MiniDP. Or you could use a DP to MiniDP cable, like one of these.

Don't be surprised if it does not work, however if you don't mind experimenting go for it.

 

[GrumpyGeek]

Don't be surprised if it does not work, however if you don't mind experimenting go for it.

Yeah i have been doing some reading i think that you are correct

 

[ytk]

Don't be surprised if it does not work, however if you don't mind experimenting go for it.

Why wouldn't it work? Displayport is electrically compatible with Mini Displayport, so there shouldn't be a difference between the two outputs with a simple passive adapter.

Here's an account from someone who successfully connected a laptop with a Displayport output to an iMac in target display mode by using a Displayport to mini DP cable.

 

[GrumpyGeek]

Why wouldn't it work? Displayport is electrically compatible with Mini Displayport, so there shouldn't be a difference between the two outputs with a simple passive adapter.

Here's an account from someone who successfully connected a laptop with a Displayport output to an iMac in target display mode by using a Displayport to mini DP cable.

This is very encouraging. I will be picking one up today and see if it works..

I will report back

 

[GrumpyGeek]

I ordered the cable for 10 buck off amazon. I have my fingers crossed that mDP to DP works cause then i would have to switch out my video card

 

[GrumpyGeek]

The mDP to DP cable work just great.

Thanks for all the help peoples.

Cheers!
GG

 

[akm3]

The mDP to DP cable work just great.

Thanks for all the help peoples.

Cheers!
GG

How good is this solution? Some people say they get audio through the iMac speakers, how does that work? Is there any lag or other issues?