Late 2014 iMac 5K, recently purchased a Studio Display to use with a work laptop, any way to use it as a second monitor?

[lancedragons]

I have a Late 2014 iMac 5K Retina that I'd added RAM and replaced the original fusion drive with an SSD, but it's getting sluggish + doesn't get any of the new software features (can't use Shared Photo Albums because it can't use the latest OSes)

I got transitioned to a work laptop, and so I pulled the trigger on a Studio Display. I have a 2016 Intel 15" MacBook Pro, which I believe is compatible with the Studio Display, as well as a base model M1 MacBook Air, so my plan is to use one of those to replace the iMac while connected to the Studio Display while not connected to my work laptop.

Is there any point in keeping around the old 5K iMac? It still can run most modern software, but is too old to have any trade-in value. I live in a condo, so I don't really have much space to keep it around (already have a smaller desk with a 24" M1 iMac) but could potentially use it as a 2nd monitor to the Studio Display.

 

[ignatius345]

Do you actually need another display? You listed two laptops, a Studio Display and a 24" iMac -- all in a condo!

From what I understand, your only options for using an iMac as an external are to do some rather involved hardware modifications, or to use something like this to let it be a virtual monitor extension.

I'd just pass the iMac on to someone who could use it. Could have a second life for a church, afterschool program, etc.

 

[velocityg4]

There are uses. Like running as a file server and Plex server. But you could sell it and get a much smaller used Mac Mini for that.

I’d say to sell it. If you aren’t attached to it. Put it on Facebook Marketplace or similar. Local pickup only, cash only. Look at sold items on eBay for value. You’ll probably get 20% less by selling local. But you’d lose more than that with fees and shipping. Plus it’s much lower risk.

 

[kk123]

OpenCore Legacy Patcher should help you install the latest MacOS

I use my old iMac as remote desktop to download stuff (because 512GB ssd on macbook is miserable)

And yes iMac can be used as a second external monitor via Screen Mirroring (even for M1 air which typically only allows one external monitor), it is sluggish for wireless mirroring (up to 1080p), but much better when wired (up to 4k with a Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter)

 

[lancedragons]

I just got the studio display, and it works well with my M1 air. I don't see the intel 5K iMac in the options for wireless airplay (I think this is limited to Monteray, and the 5K iMac only goes up to Big Sur). I'll have to look into Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 Adapters, although I don't know if the M1 air can drive both the Studio Display and the iMac display.

I think my current plan will be to keep the MacBook Air as my computer for the Studio Display, and try and sell the iMac. The older intel MacBook Pro is acting like a separate monitor for the M1 iMac using Universal Control. I'll probably replace the MacBook Pro with a mac mini once it goes on the obsolete list (the keyboard is already dead due to a toddler+spilled drink incident) and I'll be able to consolidate to only one laptop.

Thanks for all the advice!

 

[pshufd]

 

[curnalpanic]

Could turn it into a permanent, standalone display using a conversion board.