2009 iMac conversion to monitor - Help

[Danieltoby82]

Hi, I am trying to determine if it’s even possible for me to turn my old 2009 iMac into a monitor. It was purchased mid 2009 and I believe it’s 22 or 24”. I checked the ports on the back of the machine and I’ve included a photo here. There appears to be what I think is called a “mini display port” on the far right.

I would like to use this iMac as a monitor to use with my new MacBook Pro or my Microsoft Surface tablet (if it’s possible). Can anyone confirm if this is possible? If so, I assume I’ll need to buy a mini display port cord (other end USB?), correct? Recommends on where to buy this would be helpful.

Any help is appreciated! I’m not a computer guy! Thanks in advance.

 

[konqerror]

I don't think its supported on any iMacs of your generation.

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[kschendel]

Unfortunately, you have an Early 2009 iMac and they did not support Target Display Mode.

 

[Danieltoby82]

Unfortunately, you have an Early 2009 iMac and they did not support Target Display Mode.

Thank you!
[automerge]1587090894[/automerge]

Unfortunately, you have an Early 2009 iMac and they did not support Target Display Mode.

Thank you! Oh well.

 

[Master123of]

It is only possible by opening up and removing everything but the display. Afterwards you have to buy a separate power supply as well as logic board for the screen. It is not easy and can be very very dangerous if done wrong!

Here is a example video instruction:

I did this to a 24 inch iMac and it is still running but was not worth the money and effort 😅

Here is a picture of my setup back then with my 2013 MBP retina running in clamshell mode. The monitor is still in use today as a ps4 display by my brother

 

[Brian Y]

Tbh, 24" 4k monitors are so cheap these days, it's really not worth doing the conversion!

 

[kschendel]

The one advantage that the 24" iMac has over most new displays is that it's 1920x1200, not 1920x1080. In other words it's a 16:10 aspect ratio display instead of 16:9. You can find 1920x1200 monitors (e.g. Dell U2412M) but they aren't as dirt-cheap as 24 inch "1080p" 1920x1080 monitors.

Bottom line, still not worth the trouble unless the journey is the goal, or unless you have a sentimental attachment and can afford it.

 

[Nguyen Duc Hieu]

Hi, I am trying to determine if it’s even possible for me to turn my old 2009 iMac into a monitor. It was purchased mid 2009 and I believe it’s 22 or 24”. I checked the ports on the back of the machine and I’ve included a photo here. There appears to be what I think is called a “mini display port” on the far right.

I would like to use this iMac as a monitor to use with my new MacBook Pro or my Microsoft Surface tablet (if it’s possible). Can anyone confirm if this is possible? If so, I assume I’ll need to buy a mini display port cord (other end USB?), correct? Recommends on where to buy this would be helpful.

Any help is appreciated! I’m not a computer guy! Thanks in advance.

If your iMac is still in working order, you can try installing AirServer (30-day free trial, 20$ license) to see if it can mirroring your Macbook Pro screen. Both machines need to be in the same network, best wired but wireless also work.
It might be a little laggy, but for many usages that don't need high response rate, it'll fit just well.