I just finished my 5k monitor conversion using a JRY-W9CUHD-AA1 board ($112 AliExpress, and it arrived in 10 days). I'm using this monitor with a Mac Mini in a home recording studio. Here's what I ended up doing:
- I used the iMac's 12V power supply with the stock AC cord. I won't be powering or charging any peripherals off of the JRY board, so feel that the supplied voltage will be adequate. I'll be monitoring the interior temperature to make sure I don't more ventilation or a fan.
- I wired the iMac power button to the JRY control strip as detailed earlier in this thread, which worked as expected. If I want to turn off the PSU completely, I have it plugged into a switchable power strip.
- I used a single USB-C (Mac end) to DP1.4 (JRY end) cable for connectivity. I routed it through the Ethernet hole in the back of the iMac. I have peripheral hubs for my Mini, so won't be using any other ins/outs in the monitor.
- I didn't change any of the JRY control strip OSD settings, as everything looked good out-of-the-box. I did change Chinese to English, and am attaching a screen shot of the JRY menu in case others need to figure out how to navigate to the setting. I left the control strip inside the monitor, but if I need it I can reach it through the RAM door.
- My studio is already equipped with plenty of speakers, so I removed the iMac speakers (a 1-1/2" woofer? Seriously?!!). I don't want to listen to tiny speakers housed in plastic, and then sealed inside an aluminum case. Likewise, I don't need a camera or microphone in the monitor, so I didn't have to worry about that either.
- The JRY board cost significantly less than the other 5K boards. I don't care "a bit" about 8- versus 10-bit; I'm not doing color-critical graphic work. The output from this board looks as beautiful to my eyes as the original iMac did. Yes, this is a newer board ... but the layout and design looks first-class, and it was manufactured by StoneTaskin who I believe also make the R1811, R9A18 and U49 driver boards. I'll report back if it explodes!
- Cost? I already had the old 2015 iMac, so only spent an additional $112 for the board and $16 for the DP cable.
- I'm still working on an elegant solution for holding the display glass in place while allowing for quick and easy opening of the monitor. I'm no longer using the temporary bungee, and am focused on a small adjustable strap that attaches to the back of the display and threads through a small slot in the rear of the monitor. I refuse to use any more of that two-sided devil's tape!
Thanks again to everyone who has shared great ideas and insight in this thread!!