Can I use my iMac as monitor without replacing its broken video card?

[Declanimation]

I have an old late 2009 27" iMac with a wrecked video card. I've never bothered to fix it because it broke around the same time I got myself a new Mac Pro, but I've been thinking I'd love to use it as a second monitor.

Can anyone advise me re whether or not this is doable?

From what I've read online, it's generally possible to turn an iMac into a monitor using a thunderbolt cable, but I'm wondering specifically if it's possible to do it if it's got a bung video card. Thunderbolt cables are a bit pricey, so I wanted to ask here before going out and buying one.

Thanks!

 

[Samuelsan2001]

You don't need a thunderbolt cable, Display port (or DVI as it's 2009) cables or adapters are what you need check your mac models specs.

I am not sure on the use with a busted graphics card but I don't think it'll work if you cant get the computer to boot up...

 

[rkaufmann87]

I have an old late 2009 27" iMac with a wrecked video card. I've never bothered to fix it because it broke around the same time I got myself a new Mac Pro, but I've been thinking I'd love to use it as a second monitor.

Can anyone advise me re whether or not this is doable?

From what I've read online, it's generally possible to turn an iMac into a monitor using a thunderbolt cable, but I'm wondering specifically if it's possible to do it if it's got a bung video card. Thunderbolt cables are a bit pricey, so I wanted to ask here before going out and buying one.

Thanks!

It likely will not work however you can try it though. You will need a Mini Display Port to Mini Display Port (same physical size as a Thunderbolt) and then attempt to use the thing in Target Display Mode. DO NOT get a Thunderbolt cable, the iMac's from 2009 did not have Thunderbolt.

Good luck.

 

[Declanimation]

> "You don't need a thunderbolt cable, Display port (or DVI as it's 2009) cables or adapters are what you need"​

Whoops yep, sorry, should've known that. Cheers!

> "I don't think it'll work if you cant get the computer to boot up..."​

Yeah, that's my concern :/

 

[Declanimation]

It likely will not work however you can try it though. You will need a Mini Display Port to Mini Display Port (same physical size as a Thunderbolt) and then attempt to use the thing in Target Display Mode. DO NOT get a Thunderbolt cable, the iMac's from 2009 did not have Thunderbolt.

Good luck.

Alright, looks like I might just have to buy the cable and hope for the best. Thanks so much!

 

[rkaufmann87]

Alright, looks like I might just have to buy the cable and hope for the best. Thanks so much!

They're cheap, contact Monoprice for one. I am assuming the computer boots up of course, if it doesn't do that then you're wasting your time with it.

 

[old-wiz]

The OS has to be running for TDM to work.

 

[Significant1]

With broken gpu i could boot my 2009 iMac up in safe mode (shift down during startup) and use tdm.