Connecting multiple displays to new iMacs?

[.parallelogram.]

Hi all,

I have had the same 2003 iMac for the past 10 and a bit years and I'm finally in a position to afford an upgrade. I'll be getting one of the new iMac models shortly.

I also have two 'spare' non-Apple monitors that my ex-flatmate left me with a year ago and has finally admitted he's not coming back for and I can have them. I'd really like to be able to connect these either side of my new iMac and have a three monitor setup. But I'm afraid I don't understand thunderbolt at all and after a bit of research into multi-monitor setups on Macs I'm even more confused.

The monitors are a Samsung and a HP in good condition, both have DVI and VGA connections. Will I be able to connect both of these to a new iMac? I assume I'll need some extra cables or adaptors, but I'm not sure what to get.

Thanks for any help!

 

[gavinstubbs09]

So the thing is, the iMac has 2 thunderbolt ports. By using 2 monitors you take up each one of those ports, as one port uses (lets say) a VGA adaptor and the other a DVI. But yes, it all should work!

 

[.parallelogram.]

Great, thanks for your help. I don't own anything else at the moment that needs a thunderbolt port so I'm OK with monopolising the ports with the monitors for now. If I get some snazzy thunderbolt device later I'll have to make some adjustments.

Cheers

 

[Apple fanboy]

So the thing is, the iMac has 2 thunderbolt ports. By using 2 monitors you take up each one of those ports, as one port uses (lets say) a VGA adaptor and the other a DVI. But yes, it all should work!

Only the 27" has two Thunderbolt ports. Just one on the 21.5".

 

[gavinstubbs09]

Only the 27" has two Thunderbolt ports. Just one on the 21.5".

*Late 2013 21.5" has 2 thunderbolt ports

 

[DeltaMac]

Only the 27" has two Thunderbolt ports. Just one on the 21.5".

… Incorrect
The 21.5-inch iMac has 2 thunderbolt ports since Late 2012 models shipped.
That was also when the iMacs went to USB 3.0

 

[Apple fanboy]

*Late 2013 21.5" has 2 thunderbolt ports

I stand corrected!

----------

… Incorrect
The 21.5-inch iMac has 2 thunderbolt ports since Late 2012 models shipped.
That was also when the iMacs went to USB 3.0

Funny thing is I own a late 2012 iMac! Just no thunderbolt accessories!