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jasper.vdl

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Apr 11, 2017
1
0
Hello,

I am a complete macnoob that is trying to understand the logic in the Mac-connectors world.
Here is the case:
I received an older Imac (not sure which type) that still functions correctly but sometimes blocks when in use. I'd like to use it just as a monitor, basically a tv-screen.
Therefor I need to input an hdmi (from the tv decoder) or vga (from my laptop).

Firstly, will this work? Can such an imac easily be used as a 'dumb' screen?

Secondly, I bought what seemed to me a matching piece that fits within the Imac (thunderbolt) to hdmi female.
(http://www.lightinthebox.com/nl/thunderbolt-male-naar-hdmi-v1-4-vrouwelijke-kabel-wit-voor-macbook-air-macbook-pro-imac-mac-mini-0-3-m_p732188.html?litb_from=crm_payment_shipped&user_email=vdl.jasper@gmail.com&merchant=1&customer_id=17645907&utm_source=nl-sysmail&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=LITB20160428)
Put turns out it's not a perfect match, the port in this imac turns out to be something slightly different then thunderbolt.

So I figured it might be the mini displayport that is on this imac?
In that case I just need to buy this cable:
http://www.miniinthebox.com/nl/mini..._Jd58HLlE3ODjnhJWROS1HYR0bqx3qwsJ7RoCE4fw_wcB

Any hints on this one?

Jasper

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Last edited:

dwig

macrumors 6502a
Jan 4, 2015
907
449
Key West FL
That is a mini-display port. No guarantees without knowing the model, ...

While the older aluminum/silver iMacs had mini-display port, the even earlier white/plastic iMacs had mini-DVI and do not support targeted display mode. The OP's pic looks like one of the white iMacs and the display jack looks like mini-DVI.
 

EugW

macrumors G5
Jun 18, 2017
14,631
12,549
Correct. That is NOT mini-DisplayPort. It is mini-DVI on the iMac.

That's why the adapter does not fit. This is mini-DVI:

Kobushi-mini-dvi.jpg


That iMac can't work as a monitor anyway. Even if you bought the right adapter, all you would be able do is to attach a second monitor.
 
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