Need 2nd monitor for new 2019 iMac 27

[Metalgator]

Hello

I have been using a Mac Mini for the last several years. I just ordered a new iMac 27" 5K with the i9 8 core processor. I don't do anything that demands a lot of graphics power but I'd like to add a second 27" monitor. I started looking around and got sticker shock with I started pricing 5K monitors. 4k monitors seem to be reasonability priced. My question is, can I use a 4K monitor for the 2nd monitor and still have the same screen size as the built in 5K? I know the resolution will be different but I hate moving windows between monitors when the screen size is different. I am used to Windows so I'm not sure how this works with Macs. I'm not sure if I am explaining this correctly but I just want to be able to move windows between the 2 monitors where the windows stay the same size. That's why I'd like to purchase a 27" monitor as it's the same physical size as the iMac monitor.

 

[ruslan120]

Yup. Mostly any 27” 4K monitors should do. They have the same aspect ratio. You’ll probably want one with an adjustable stand or put it on a VESA monitor arm to match up with the iMac perfectly.

P.S. you’ve described my conundrum perfectly, I’m using a 5K iMac and 24” 4K side by side :-/

P.P.S. If you get a monitor with the same pixel density as the iMac 5K the windows won’t change size

 

[mikehalloran]

Very close, not exact. You can see the difference—not hard. I run a pair of LG 4Ks, one on each side on my iMac Pro and they look fine as far as I’m concerned.

If you want exact, spring for the extra $$$$ for the LG UltraFine. I decided not to.