Mac Mini with an older iMac

[meddyliol]

My wife has an older iMac but because it's too old the OS cannot be upgraded. If she gets a Mac Mini could that be plugged into the iMac? Essentially using the iMac as a large monitor. This would be cheaper than a new iMac.

Thanks

Brian

 

[nicho]

My wife has an older iMac but because it's too old the OS cannot be upgraded. If she gets a Mac Mini could that be plugged into the iMac? Essentially using the iMac as a large monitor. This would be cheaper than a new iMac.

Thanks

Brian

It depends how much "older" is "older.

Use your iMac as a display with target display mode - Apple Podpora (SI)

Target display mode is a feature available with certain older Mac models.

support.apple.com

If it is a 27" imac from late 2009, mid 2010 or mid 2011 - yes. since you said it's too old to upgrade the OS it isn't any newer than that, I guess.

If it is a 21.5" imac, it will only work if it is the mid 2011 model. Earlier ones weren't compatible.

If it is a 24" imac... no.

 

[Fishrrman]

You'd probably do better to get a 2018 Mini and a standalone display to go with it...

 

[meddyliol]

Thanks for your relies, will dig it out and check the date.