Repurpose iMac screen as monitor

[commddot]

I have a late 2011 27" iMac. I've seen videos of how to use the screen of 2009-10 iMacs as a monitor. They don't mention how, whether, if other year iMacs can be similarly modified.
Where would I find specific info on repurposing a late 2011 27" iMac as a monitor?
Thanks!

 

[mikas]

2009 and 2010 iMac works similar to each other, and are the most versatile with allowed cables.
2011 to 2014 require thunderbolt cables to be used with both, target and host.

5K and 4K models after mid 2014 do not support target display mode.

Use your iMac as a display with Target Display Mode

edit. I forgot to mention that not all screen sizes are supported with target display mode, it depends on manufacture year too. Please read the link carefully.

 

[commddot]

Thanks mikas.
I realize I should have included more information. My 2011 iMac no longer functions as a computer; the motherboard's connection to the lcd screen are broken.
The videos I've seen (

) regarding the 2009 iMac has the computer completely gutted of everything but the screen and a $40 part that allows the screen to be put back in the housing and used as a monitor via an external monitor cable like a VGA, or HDMI or something like that.
Thanks again.

 

[mikas]

Ok, I see.
I have thought sometimes about something similar. I've got couple of broken iMacs (for parts now). I found some chinese/taiwanese kits one day which could have been worked. There were many different ones for different display brands and types. They promised to work allmost with any screen, just pick up the right kit for your purpose. I didn't have the guts to try them.

Good luck.

 

[commddot]

Cool. I have nothing to lose. Where did you find the kits? Do you have a link?

 

[mikas]

This is most probably not the right one for iMac, but I thonk you could find the proper search words from the title, I believe: HDMI DVI VGA Audio LCD LED Screen Controller Board Kit.

It's too much of a hassle for me right now to tinker with these kind of things, though interesting it would be, most certainly.

 

[commddot]

Thanks! I sent them a question regarding my specific LCD and whether they had detailed instructions about using the case and gutted computer as a monitor. I'll let you know.
There are probably quite a few 27" iMacs whose screens are salvageable as monitors.

 

[rocketbuc]

Thanks! I sent them a question regarding my specific LCD and whether they had detailed instructions about using the case and gutted computer as a monitor. I'll let you know.
There are probably quite a few 27" iMacs whose screens are salvageable as monitors.

@commddot, did you end up doing the mod?