Repurposing Late 2009 iMac 11,1 for standalone 5K display?

[BeatCrazy]

A kind friend gave me his Late 2009 iMac, that has issues. Going from memory, it either has a faulty logic board and/or torn connector on the board. I haven't cracked it open to fully diagnose just yet.

However, my goal is not (necessarily) to get it running as an AIO, but rather repurpose the casing and use it as an external 5K monitor, driven by my iMac Pro, MacBook Pro, etc.

I think I need the following parts, but I'm not sure if a 5K retina screen (LM270QQ1) will even fit in a 7th gen aluminum unibody?

For example, if I buy this: https://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/sop/d/frisco-original-lcd-screen-for-imac-27/7188303829.html

and this: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4001192143549.html

Should it technically work? Assuming I can route all the cabling and connections. I got inspiration from this thread here.

 

[Nguyen Duc Hieu]

A kind friend gave me his Late 2009 iMac, that has issues. Going from memory, it either has a faulty logic board and/or torn connector on the board. I haven't cracked it open to fully diagnose just yet.

However, my goal is not (necessarily) to get it running as an AIO, but rather repurpose the casing and use it as an external 5K monitor, driven by my iMac Pro, MacBook Pro, etc.

I think I need the following parts, but I'm not sure if a 5K retina screen (LM270QQ1) will even fit in a 7th gen aluminum unibody?

For example, if I buy this: https://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/sop/d/frisco-original-lcd-screen-for-imac-27/7188303829.html

and this: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4001192143549.html

Should it technically work? Assuming I can route all the cabling and connections. I got inspiration from this thread here.

Technically, it will work. Just need to modify the power supply and power button, and carve the case for IO ports.
The main issue is How do you get it to fit the case? It's a serious handcraft job.
Another issue is efficiency. Basically you only re-use the case, which occupies only a small part in the total cost of a 5k monitor. Isn't it more efficient to buy a used 5k iMac and use it in Target Display Mode?
For the free 2009 iMac you received, if a minor fix can get it works again, you can use it as a 2k monitor.

 

[r6mile]

Isn't it more efficient to buy a used 5k iMac and use it in Target Display Mode?

You can't use the 5K iMac in Target Display Mode.
If I were you I would just buy a 5K monitor! Unless you specifically want the iMac look?

 

[BeatCrazy]

Technically, it will work. Just need to modify the power supply and power button, and carve the case for IO ports.
The main issue is How do you get it to fit the case? It's a serious handcraft job.
Another issue is efficiency. Basically you only re-use the case, which occupies only a small part in the total cost of a 5k monitor. Isn't it more efficient to buy a used 5k iMac and use it in Target Display Mode?
For the free 2009 iMac you received, if a minor fix can get it works again, you can use it as a 2k monitor.

Yeah, that might be a lot of work. See below, I'm hoping to invest no more than $150 to get a fairly functional AIO. The case is in wonderful shape, unlike the "cheap" iMacs on eBay that are typically cracked and dented.

You can't use the 5K iMac in Target Display Mode.
If I were you I would just buy a 5K monitor! Unless you specifically want the iMac look?

Because I need several inputs, the LG 5K monitor won't be easy to use. I already have an iMac Pro, so even a 2009 next to it looks pretty decent.

I appreciate the insights. After a few days of noodling on it, I think my first course of action is to just get this thing up and running.

I have it completely disassembled the iMac. Parts that I've ordered that will need replacing include the logic board and a couple of the display-to-logic board cables that were torn. I found a 240GB SSD and a 2GB RAM stick (total of 6GB) that I found in a drawer. Total cost for repair parts ~$115USD.

Assuming I get it up and running, I'll put it on High Sierra, and see how I like Target Display Mode. Might just keep in on High Sierra and let the kids fool around with it. Unless I get real crazy and try to hack a Metal GPU in it?

 

[Nguyen Duc Hieu]

Yeah, that might be a lot of work. See below, I'm hoping to invest no more than $150 to get a fairly functional AIO. The case is in wonderful shape, unlike the "cheap" iMacs on eBay that are typically cracked and dented.



Because I need several inputs, the LG 5K monitor won't be easy to use. I already have an iMac Pro, so even a 2009 next to it looks pretty decent.

I appreciate the insights. After a few days of noodling on it, I think my first course of action is to just get this thing up and running.

I have it completely disassembled the iMac. Parts that I've ordered that will need replacing include the logic board and a couple of the display-to-logic board cables that were torn. I found a 240GB SSD and a 2GB RAM stick (total of 6GB) that I found in a drawer. Total cost for repair parts ~$115USD.

Assuming I get it up and running, I'll put it on High Sierra, and see how I like Target Display Mode. Might just keep in on High Sierra and let the kids fool around with it. Unless I get real crazy and try to hack a Metal GPU in it?

I've also thought of gutting an iMac 27in (2009 or 2010) and make a 2K monitor.
If you have to buy another logicboard, why not consider an LCD driver board?
The LCD driver board for 2K LG LCD cost around 70$. But it only has VGA, HDMI and DP total 3 input ports, maybe not enough to suit your needs.

Page Not Found - Aliexpress.com

 

[BeatCrazy]

I've also thought of gutting an iMac 27in (2009 or 2010) and make a 2K monitor.
If you have to buy another logicboard, why not consider an LCD driver board?
The LCD driver board for 2K LG LCD cost around 70$. But it only has VGA, HDMI and DP total 3 input ports, maybe not enough to suit your needs.

Page Not Found - Aliexpress.com

I was not aware of such a board for these Macs. I could probably get by with HDMI and DP, but where to route the ports without hacking up the case? As long as I keep the iMac on High Sierra, I can always use Target Display Mode. So, basically that board would let me add HDMI. But at the expense of ~$80 USD and hacking up the case?

 

[Nguyen Duc Hieu]

I was not aware of such a board for these Macs. I could probably get by with HDMI and DP, but where to route the ports without hacking up the case? As long as I keep the iMac on High Sierra, I can always use Target Display Mode. So, basically that board would let me add HDMI. But at the expense of ~$80 USD and hacking up the case?

I think you can use the open door of the RAM port. Or hack the ports out from old USB/LAN ports in the back. You will need to buy some male to female HDMI cable/adapter, or simple has the cables dangling from the back.

UP Angled 90 degree Displayport Panel Mount cable,DP Display port Male to Female Socket Extension Cord Cabo Adapter 1FT 4K| | - AliExpress

www.aliexpress.com

non-existent products

www.lazada.vn

US $2.65 |HDMI2.0 4K * 2K Ngắn Phải Trái Góc 90 Độ HDMI Nam Đến Nữ Cáp Nối Dài HDMI Bảng Điều Khiển gắn Với Lỗ Vít Cho PSP HDTV|Cáp & Đầu Nối Máy Tính| - AliExpress

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com

vi.aliexpress.com

 

[BeatCrazy]

I think you can use the open door of the RAM port. Or hack the ports out from old USB/LAN ports in the back. You will need to buy some male to female HDMI cable/adapter, or simple has the cables dangling from the back.

UP Angled 90 degree Displayport Panel Mount cable,DP Display port Male to Female Socket Extension Cord Cabo Adapter 1FT 4K| | - AliExpress

www.aliexpress.com

non-existent products

www.lazada.vn

US $2.65 |HDMI2.0 4K * 2K Ngắn Phải Trái Góc 90 Độ HDMI Nam Đến Nữ Cáp Nối Dài HDMI Bảng Điều Khiển gắn Với Lỗ Vít Cho PSP HDTV|Cáp & Đầu Nối Máy Tính| - AliExpress

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com

vi.aliexpress.com

Thanks. The RAM door on the these 2009 models is not on the back, rather the bottom, and there's no way to route a cable out of there without extensive case modification. But I will think about using one of the existing rear ports.

 

[BSoares]

There was no 5K display in 2009, was there? I'm pretty sure I would have purchased my 2012 iMac with a 5K display if that was an option then. 2009 I think it wasn't even the 16:9 format, it was still that 16:10 one.

I could be wrong though

 

[BeatCrazy]

There was no 5K display in 2009, was there? I'm pretty sure I would have purchased my 2012 iMac with a 5K display if that was an option then. 2009 I think it wasn't even the 16:9 format, it was still that 16:10 one.

I could be wrong though

Right there was no 5K iMac until 2014. The 27" 2009 model I have is 2560x1440.

I was asking about buying a 5K panel, then sticking it in the shell of my 2009 model, then adding the Controller/input board.

 

[BSoares]

Right there was no 5K iMac until 2014. The 27" 2009 model I have is 2560x1440.

I was asking about buying a 5K panel, then sticking it in the shell of my 2009 model, then adding the Controller/input board.

I see. So maybe my 2009 was early 2009 and had a 16:10 format and the late 2009 is 16:9? 2560x1440 is what I have now on my late 2012 iMac. So maybe you can make your project work.

 

[BeatCrazy]

I see. So maybe my 2009 was early 2009 and had a 16:10 format and the late 2009 is 16:9? 2560x1440 is what I have now on my late 2012 iMac. So maybe you can make your project work.

Correct, Late 2009 27" switched to 2560x1440.

 

[fiatlux]

You may find a way to stick a 5K panel in a 2009 iMac but I am not sure sizes would match perfectly and whether it would attach easily or even safely.

5K panels are very thin and supposed to be attached with adhesive strips all around the perimeter of 5k iMacs enclosures.

Older 27" iMacs had separate glass covers and LCD screens, and the latter was screwed to the enclosure. I am not sure a new 5K panel would have the same thickness and have enough support for the adhesive strips.

With enough sticky tape I am sure you could assemble something functional but it would look much nicer if you found a proper enclosure.

 

[Nguyen Duc Hieu]

You may find a way to stick a 5K panel in a 2009 iMac but I am not sure sizes would match perfectly and whether it would attach easily or even safely.

5K panels are very thin and supposed to be attached with adhesive strips all around the perimeter of 5k iMacs enclosures.

Older 27" iMacs had separate glass covers and LCD screens, and the latter was screwed to the enclosure. I am not sure a new 5K panel would have the same thickness and have enough support for the adhesive strips.

With enough sticky tape I am sure you could assemble something functional but it would look much nicer if you found a proper enclosure.

5k LCD is not very thin comparing to the old 2k 27in LCD.
5k LCD sold as PC parts (not iMac parts) does not include the glass. Therefore you can still re-use the 2009 model glass.
If they are both 27in, then it might just fit in nicely.
The hard part is how to re-use the rare-earth magnets on the old 2k LCD.

 

[fiatlux]

5k LCD sold as PC parts (not iMac parts) does not include the glass.

I am intrigued because I've never seen 5K LCD sold as PC parts. Do you mean 5k panels for the Dell, HP or Philips monitors (which were all very short lived)? They also use a different panel (Samsung as opposed to LG as far as I know) and would I guess require a dedicated control board, which I have never seen either.

 

[Nguyen Duc Hieu]

I am intrigued because I've never seen 5K LCD sold as PC parts. Do you mean 5k panels for the Dell, HP or Philips monitors (which were all very short lived)? They also use a different panel (Samsung as opposed to LG as far as I know) and would I guess require a dedicated control board, which I have never seen either.

Yes, it's easier to find iMac A1419 27" LCD sets. They include the glass.

I'm asking a dealer I know to help measuring the glass size of those 27in iMacs, to see if they are the same size.

I guess they are just the same size, though.