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mindquest

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Oct 25, 2009
540
109
I have a late 2009 Imac i7 27" and want to use it with my new 2012 iMac 27" that I am ordering next month. It is such a great screen and would make a great second monitor.

I have searched and can't find a way that it will work, if anyone has any ideas please let me know.

Cheers!
 
You might check the 2009 iMac specs closely or check in your owner's manual for video input capability on the mini display port. The 2010 27" iMac does allow video input to the screen through the display port, but I don't think any newer iMacs have that feature (useful for displaying a game console, etc).
 
You might check the 2009 iMac specs closely or check in your owner's manual for video input capability on the mini display port. The 2010 27" iMac does allow video input to the screen through the display port, but I don't think any newer iMacs have that feature (useful for displaying a game console, etc).

So does that mean an adapter is not available to make this work:

2009 iMac =>MDP to Thunderbolt => 2012 iMac

Thanks for all your help, this adapter stuff is confusing. :confused:
 
So does that mean an adapter is not available to make this work:

2009 iMac =>MDP to Thunderbolt => 2012 iMac

Thanks for all your help, this adapter stuff is confusing. :confused:

Looks like your equation above is trying to put the 2009 video out onto the 2012? iMac screen ... I think you are trying to go the other way aren't you?

Very few iMac models have the direct cable video-IN capability ... I know my 2010 27" is one of them. Your's might have it too.


-howard

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EDIT:
I just checked the specs, and I think your iMac DOES allow video input:

http://support.apple.com/kb/SP576

Mini DisplayPort output port with support for DVI, VGA, and dual-link DVI (adapters sold separately). 27-inch models also support input from external DisplayPort sources (adapters sold separately).
 
Last edited:
Looks like your equation above is trying to put the 2009 video out onto the 2012? iMac screen ... I think you are trying to go the other way aren't you?

My bad yes I want the 2009 iMac as the second monitor. So video out is from the 2012 iMac.
 
Late 2009 and the 2010 models will do it for you. 2011 models only take Thunderbolt signal, the other 2 take mini displayport.
 
Late 2009 and the 2010 models will do it for you. 2011 models only take Thunderbolt signal, the other 2 take mini displayport.


So if I can find a MDP to Thunderbolt cable the iMac late 2009 should work as a second display for the 2012 iMac? Or is the Thunderbolt adapter the same size as Thunderbolt meaning I just need a TB to TB cable

Thanks for everyone's help on this
 
So if I can find a MDP to Thunderbolt cable the iMac late 2009 should work as a second display for the 2012 iMac? Or is the Thunderbolt adapter the same size as Thunderbolt meaning I just need a TB to TB cable

Thanks for everyone's help on this

You don't need an expensive Thunderbolt cable ... just a mini display port cable, if the 2012? has the same ports as expected.

Your 2009 has a simple bi-directional video port which allows direct video input from an external source.


-howard
 
So if I can find a MDP to Thunderbolt cable the iMac late 2009 should work as a second display for the 2012 iMac? Or is the Thunderbolt adapter the same size as Thunderbolt meaning I just need a TB to TB cable

Thanks for everyone's help on this

Mini DP to Mini DP is all you need. Probably $5 or so. Thunderbolt cable is super expensive and your 2009 iMac would not take it anyways.
 
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