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DustyShaw

macrumors member
Original poster
Sep 26, 2018
51
4
I want to use an iMac 2011 as a monitor for a Mac Pro 2008. I'm not familiar with iMac but the Mac Pro has DVI inputs I believe.
What type of connector or adapter would I need to make the connection?
 

mikas

macrumors 6502a
Sep 14, 2017
898
648
Finland
I don't think it is possible. You would need an older iMac (like iMac 2010 27") with TDM support through displayport cable. That would work allright. An iMac 2011 would work as an external monitor only with thunderbolt port and with a TB-cable.
 

mikas

macrumors 6502a
Sep 14, 2017
898
648
Finland
I don't think any conversion cables and/or adaptors would work either. An iMac 2011 will want thunderbolt for TDM to work no matter what.
 

DustyShaw

macrumors member
Original poster
Sep 26, 2018
51
4
Right, and the iMac does have a thunderbolt input I believe... it has an input with a lightning bolt icon. So that should work right? Unless I'm misunderstanding.
 

Amethyst1

macrumors G3
Oct 28, 2015
9,821
12,240
Right, and the iMac does have a thunderbolt input I believe... it has an input with a lightning bolt icon. So that should work right? Unless I'm misunderstanding.
No. It won't work. There are no DVI/Displayport to Thunderbolt adapters.

It might work if you add a flashed GC-ALPINE RIDGE Thunderbolt 3 card to the Mac Pro and use a Thunderbolt 3 to 2 adapter.



Important: Best to stay clear of the TITAN RIDGE. There are reports of it being incompatible with Thunderbolt 1 and 2 devices.
 
Last edited:

mikas

macrumors 6502a
Sep 14, 2017
898
648
Finland
Exactly. I believe instead it would be more convenient to buy a 27" WQHD display, new or used.
iMac 2011 unfortunately is of limited use as TDM display.
iMac 2010 on the other hand is a really good TDM display for numerous DP/MDP sources.
 
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