What do I need to connect the Monoprice 27" monitor to late 2012 iMac 27?

[dandingo]

Hey everyone,

I need to run dual displays on my late 2012 iMac and would like to pick up the Monoprice 27" monitor. I know it has VGA, HDMI, and Dual Link DVI-D and I believe what I need is a mini displayport to dual-link dvi adapter, correct?

Also, is mini displayport the same as Thunderbolt?I'm a bit confused. If so, is there a cheaper/better alternative to the Apple version? Thanks in advance!

 

[tyche]

I would get a Mini DisplayPort to hdmi. Thunderbolt port is compatible with with the Mini DisplayPort. Thunderbolt can just do some other things as well but you plug in the adapter cable and all is good.

 

[dandingo]

I would get a Mini DisplayPort to hdmi. Thunderbolt port is compatible with with the Mini DisplayPort. Thunderbolt can just do some other things as well but you plug in the adapter cable and all is good.

Thanks, tyche. Will running HDMI allow me to get full 2560x1440 resolution out of the Monoprice?

 

[tyche]

Ah, now I'm out of my comfort zone. You're right, this is probably an issue. I was thinking 1080p. According to this Apple KB, you need a 2013 iMac to get 1900x1200 https://support.apple.com/en-ca/HT204388

So to get 2560x1440 you do need dual link dvi to get >1080p which I have no experience with. Sounds like it should work if the monitor supports it. Sorry to get your hopes up.

 

[dandingo]

Ah, now I'm out of my comfort zone. You're right, this is probably an issue. I was thinking 1080p. According to this Apple KB, you need a 2013 iMac to get 1900x1200 https://support.apple.com/en-ca/HT204388

So to get 2560x1440 you do need dual link dvi to get >1080p which I have no experience with. Sounds like it should work if the monitor supports it. Sorry to get your hopes up.

Thanks, I think I figured it out. Appreciate the responses, though!

 

[daviesaz]

Thanks, I think I figured it out. Appreciate the responses, though!

What I use is Mini-DisplayPort on the Mac to DisplayPort (DP) on the Monoprice monitor. You can save some money by buying this specific cable https://www.monoprice.com/product?c_id=102&cp_id=10246&cs_id=1024606&p_id=12001&seq=1&format=2 (from Monoprice, of course) rather than using a dongle and another cable.

 

[dandingo]

What I use is Mini-DisplayPort on the Mac to DisplayPort (DP) on the Monoprice monitor. You can save some money by buying this specific cable https://www.monoprice.com/product?c_id=102&cp_id=10246&cs_id=1024606&p_id=12001&seq=1&format=2 (from Monoprice, of course) rather than using a dongle and another cable.

Perfect, thanks! Will this allow me to run the Monoprice at 1440p?

 

[daviesaz]

Perfect, thanks! Will this allow me to run the Monoprice at 1440p?

Yes. I run the Monoprice monitor off a Mid-2012 Macbook Air, and (apart from processor power and memory) it's just like having a 27" iMac, with the Air screen as a little auxiliary monitor. My family got three of these monitors on Black Friday 2014, and we couldn't be happier with them.