2019 27" iMac and connecting a 2nd Monitor

[Phil Shadow]

Hi all, this is my first post on the forum and looking for some set-up advice.

I would like to connect my existing Asus (ProArt 1920x1200) monitor to my iMac as a 2nd monitor.
However, I also wish to continue using the Asus monitor with my existing windows computer.

Question:- Can I set it up to do both and if so what connections/switching gear, if applicable, would I need.
Any help would be most appreciated as this is my first Apple computer and 2 screen set-up.
Many thanks

 

[theluggage]

Question:- Can I set it up to do both and if so what connections/switching gear, if applicable, would I need.

If your monitor has multiple inputs (all but the cheapest non-Apple monitors usually do - a quick Google shows that the ProArt PA248 if that's what you have - has plenty: HDMI, DisplayPort and DVI) then all you usually need to do is connect (say) the Mac to DisplayPort and the PC to HDMI or DVI and switch between the two inputs using the front panel controls on the display. Monitors vary on how many button presses that takes, which - along with how often you need to switch - will determine whether that's a practical solution. Again, the PA248 webpage says that it has two programmable shortcut buttons so you may be in luck...

Otherwise there are plenty of monitor switches available, or "KVM" switches if you also want to switch the mouse and keyboard - only snag there is that they don't usually mix multiple types of video port, so you'll need one with the same type of port (HDMI/DVI/DisplayPort) as your PC. Might want to ask around to check which ones people have had working with iMac.

On a 2016 or earlier iMac with a Thunderbolt 1/2 socket you'll need a MiniDisplayPort to either full DisplayPort, single-link DVI or HDMI dongle or cable.

For a 2017 or later iMac you'll need USB-C to whatever cable/dongle. USB-C can be tricky, so get a cable with reviews/specs that confirm it works on 2017 or later Macs (I've used the USB-C to DisplayPort cables from Plugable). Both DisplayPort and HDMI are available - personally I'd stick with DisplayPort since, with USB-C, anything else includes an active adapter, which is something else to go wrong.

 

[Phil Shadow]

I am most grateful for your comprehensive reply.
I will certainly follow your first suggestion and can confirm there are two programmable shortcut buttons on the ProArt PA248.
It would be useful to use the same keyboard and mouse for both computers and whilst I have heard of "KVM" switches I am not sure how they work with the Apple Keyboard and mouse that are wireless.

My iMac is a 2019 model and has USB-C /Thunderbolt 3 sockets and as you mention you can get a compatable cable with either a DisplayPort, DVI or HDMI at the PC end.

For reasons unknown I have both a DVI and HDMI cable connected between computer and ProArt monitor so I could take either of theses out if I need to free up the socket on the monitor.

I had thought of connecting the iMac to the HDMI port of the monitor but will take your suggestion onboard to connect to the DisplayPort. You obviously think this would be better than both HDMI or DVI and I could then leave the HDMI cable between monitor and PC.

Thanks again for your help which is really appreciated.

 

[Fishrrman]

If the display has a displayport connection, what you want is:
USBc (iMac end) to displayport (display end).

Then switch back and forth using the display's settings.

 

[Phil Shadow]

Yes, the monitor does have a DisplayPort connection so many thanks for confirming the cable I need.
I will have a look on Amazon tomorrow and order one.