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a mini using an iMacs display
- Thread starter zoran
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You are correct but I think the experience of someone that has actually done this, and it works, would be very reassuring.
Use your iMac as a display with target display mode - Apple Support
Target display mode is a feature available with certain older Mac models.
Use your iMac as a display with target display mode - Apple Support
Target display mode is a feature available with certain older Mac models.support.apple.com
OP's GPU is dead. Not usable until he fixed it
If the target iMac need to use it's own GPU in target mode, then you are correct.
I thought it was worth a try if you have the relevant cable, just to see if the iMac turns into a "dumb" screen in target mode.
If the target iMac need to use it's own GPU in target mode, then you are correct.
I thought it was worth a try if you have the relevant cable, just to see if the iMac turns into a "dumb" screen in target mode.
There is no "If" here.
Both of my iMac 2009 and iMac 2010 will not work in Target Display Mode with a dead GPU (black screen).
A slightly-defected GPU (thick strips on the LCD) may works, but not a half dead GPU (artifact & freeze, boot screen and freeze)
Because the iMac's GPU is what is rendering the iMac's screen in TDM. So if the iMac's GPU is inoperative, it cannot drive the iMac's display.
I have connected my iMac and macMini with a miniDisplayPort cable, but without pressing Command+F2 as soon as i booted the macMini i could see it booting on my iMac. Isnt that strange?
Nor can i shift to the iMac by pressing Command+F2
And another worrying issue im encountering, is the fact that the MagicMouse that is connected to my iMac cannot be connected to the mini when i boot it... should i better use a wired mouse for my mini or just a different Magic mouse?
Nor can i shift to the iMac by pressing Command+F2
And another worrying issue im encountering, is the fact that the MagicMouse that is connected to my iMac cannot be connected to the mini when i boot it... should i better use a wired mouse for my mini or just a different Magic mouse?
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If your iMac still has the dead GPU but can be used in Target Display Mode, then congratulations, you have saved the money needed to fix the GPU.
For iMac 2009 and 2010, by default, the iMac will detect an input video siganl and turn itself to target display mode.
Pressing Command + F2 will actually switch to normal mode.
I've experienced this situation. It even helped in my case, as my iMac 2010 (GPU = WX4150) booted up to High Sierra with a black screen, pluging-in a video feed from my Windows PC via the mDP port and it displayed Windows desktop. Turning off the Windows PC and the iMac displayed High Sierra log-in screen.
I don't quite understand you second question about the Magic Mouse.
Do you expect the Magic Mouse to magically switch to the Mac Mini once you power the Mini up?
Apple Magic Mouse is not that smart.
For iMac 2009 and 2010, by default, the iMac will detect an input video siganl and turn itself to target display mode.
Pressing Command + F2 will actually switch to normal mode.
I've experienced this situation. It even helped in my case, as my iMac 2010 (GPU = WX4150) booted up to High Sierra with a black screen, pluging-in a video feed from my Windows PC via the mDP port and it displayed Windows desktop. Turning off the Windows PC and the iMac displayed High Sierra log-in screen.
I don't quite understand you second question about the Magic Mouse.
Do you expect the Magic Mouse to magically switch to the Mac Mini once you power the Mini up?
Apple Magic Mouse is not that smart.
On 22Sept2021 i sent u a thank you msg saying that i purchased a used GPU and fixed my iMac, so thanks again
Dont know why but it works fine now.
The only thing that doesn't seem to be working is the display's brightness through the keyboard buttons.
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I never found out if i would still be able to connect the macMini and use the iMacs display when the GPU was dead.