Early 2008 Mac Pro monitor

[lissyloola]

Hi,

I'm looking to get a bigger (27 / 30") Apple monitor for my early 2008 Mac Pro. It needs to be a second hand one really to save money... I have no idea what would be compatible though, so hoping to get some advice. I did notice that there were other threads on here but couldn't find anything newer than from around 2011 so assume things have changed since then?

I've currently got a 20-inch DVI‬ (1680 x 1050) with a ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT 256 MB graphics card.

Thanks, Lisa

 

[h9826790]

The 27" old Apple Cinema Display (using mini display port, not the thunderbolt one) should be good for you.

 

[lissyloola]

Thanks for your speedy reply... how do I know if it's an 'old' one? Is there a date / model code or something I need to look for in the description?

 

[davegoody]

Yes, simple.....

Thanks for your speedy reply... how do I know if it's an 'old' one? Is there a date / model code or something I need to look for in the description?

The one YOU need is the Apple 27" Cinema Display, the other is called the Apple 27" Thunderbolt display.

Or look at Dell's 27" screen, which is both cheaper and has a semi-matte finish that is better for colour fidelity than the Apple screen.

That is assuming that you can live with a Dell badge next to your shiny Apple kit.......

 

[lissyloola]

Am I right in that I need to make sure it's an LCD one, rather than LED, and that it also mentions DVI and that it is one of the aluminium case ones?

 

[anaqvi786]

Am I right in that I need to make sure it's an LCD one, rather than LED, and that it also mentions DVI and that it is one of the aluminium case ones?

At the Apple Refurbished page, the 27" Cinema display comes with an LED screen, all aluminum, and has only a thunderbolt connection to the machine. Just out of curiosity, can I get your budget?

 

[lissyloola]

I don't think I can use a Thunderbolt connected one as I have a DVI port? In terms of budget, obvs the cheaper the better. It needs to have a fully working screen though as I use it for graphics work. I'd say around £250 or less for a 27" one... I have no idea how much they are / should be though!

 

[Reason077]

I don't think I can use a Thunderbolt connected one as I have a DVI port?

There was never a 27" DVI Cinema display, only 20, 24, and 30".

The 30" ones aren't all that common, but you might get lucky and come across one on eBay.

Your alternatives are:

- upgrade the graphics card in your Mac Pro to one that has Displayport output, which will allow you to use the newer and better Apple cinema displays (not Thunderbolt!)

- buy a non-Apple 27" or 30" display, which will have a DVI connector and should plug right in to your Mac.

 

[lissyloola]

Thanks... I'll have a look on Amazon / Ebay...

 

[gpzjock]

I like Iiyama screens, used them with a Mac Pro 3,1 since 2008; this one will not break the bank: http://www.digitalversus.com/lcd-monitor/iiyama-prolite-xb2783hsu-p19573/test.html#full-review
Only 1080p but cheaper than the others by a major factor.
This one is higher res but higher price:http://www.digitalversus.com/lcd-monitor/iiyama-prolite-xb2776qs-p15746/test.html#full-review

 

[lissyloola]

Thanks for the links... looks like I'll need to up my budget if I want to get a good new one...

 

[Draeconis]

If you're doing graphic design, best screens to go for are made by Eizo. You want good colour reproduction, and they're perfect for that. Most of them even self-calibrate. Not cheap, but definitely worth the money.

 

[austinpike]

Skip the used Apple, look for a new 27" from another manufacturer, there are many options out there - cheap Korean imports like the Qnix start at $300US. They will have dual link DVI to work with your video card - no adapters necessary. Quality can vary a bit, but typically the screens are every bit as good as what Apple uses.

That said you may want to spend a bit more on something like this Asus with a decent warranty and DisplayPort (with an eye toward hopefully upgrading your video card at some point.)

 

[wesk702]

Quality can vary a bit, but typically the screens are every bit as good as what Apple uses.

Some are the exact same panels as the apple ones like the Catleap ones. Check slickdeals often for good prices on those. Those are big on that site. Also if you really want the style, go for the ACD. It's not thunderbolt like the other user said. The thunderbolt is on the ATD. Check the specs for the "Cinema" on on the apple site.