MP 1,1-5,1 2009 iMac as monitor for 2009 Mac Pro?

[Pecator]

I discovered Cinebench (late to the party). When my current iMac registered a 136, not a typo...136, I felt justified in upgrading. However, not knowing what all the future shift with Apple will be about, I went cheap. I ordered a fully maxed-out Mac Pro. I am wondering about using my old iMac for the monitor. I heard it can be done, but wondered the specifics. What cable will I need? Is there anything I can do to affect the iMac (does more RAM help)?

Also, I have a 3tb drive in it. I am a little hesitant about pulling it out as one of the connectors was wanky when I put it in. I could break it and the machine would be toast. If I leave it in, what is the best way to access it?

And if I do take it out. I would put a small ssd in its place. What is the minimum I would need to put on that disk. I am assuming I would need something in there.

I know these are a lot of questions. Hoping this is "old hat" for a few of you and they can be answered without too much bother.

Oh, and can FaceTime work with it?

thanks so much!!!


*********Sorry...overlooked this important point! it is a 27"*******************

 

[flaubert]

Here is Apple's old article on Target Display Mode:

Use your iMac as a display with target display mode - Apple Support (CA)

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

support.apple.com

You don't say which size iMac you have; it appears the small 20" and 24" ones don't work in Target Display Mode. I don't think that the hardware configuration of the 2009 iMac really matters much; it just has to boot into High Sierra or earlier MacOS. 2009 iMacs had a mini display port for video in/out; your iMac Pro should have USB-C Thunderbolt ports, so you'll need a USB-C Thunderbolt to DisplayPort adapter like this one from OWC:

OWC Thunderbolt 3 Dual DisplayPort Adapter for Mac and PC

Connect up to two 4K displays or one 5K display without draining resources or degrading performance. Bus powered and includes a Thunderbolt 3 cable.

eshop.macsales.com

Plus a DisplayPort to MiniDisplayPort cable to make it all work. Honestly, for the hardware just call OWC and get their tech support to recommend the right adapter and cable.

Edit: it appears I misread the post above, or at least I'm confused by it: if he's connecting a 2009 Mac Pro to his old iMac he probably only needs a minDP to miniDP cable, no adapter.

 

[EugW]

Works great with my 2010 27". For my 2017 iMac, I use a Monoprice USB-C to mini-DisplayPort adapter, with a mini-DisplayPort cable, but for a 2009 Mac Pro with mini-DisplayPort, all you need is a mini-DisplayPort cable.

Make sure it is a good quality cable though.