What to do with an old Mac?

[Hitman1717]

I have an old 21.5 inch iMac from about 10 years ago. It's running High Sierra and has a 2.7 GHz Intel Core i5.

I just ordered a new iMac, so I wanted to know what I could use this computer for. I was told it was too old to use as a second screen, and I couldn't sell it back to Apple because I will still need to take everything off of this one to put on the new computer.

Could it be used for anything? Any thoughts?

 

[bsamcash]

Linux box? Emulation machine? Give to me?

 

[Amethyst1]

if it does have a 2.7 GHz Core i5, then it's a Mid-2011, Late 2012 or Late 2013 iMac - and these can be used as a second screen for your new iMac via Thunderbolt Target Display Mode. You need a Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter and a Thunderbolt 2 cable.

iMac (21.5-inch, Mid 2011) - Technical Specifications - Apple Support

support.apple.com

iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2012) - Technical Specifications - Apple Support

support.apple.com

iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2013) - Technical Specifications - Apple Support

support.apple.com

Use your iMac as a display with target display mode - Apple Support

Target display mode is a feature available with certain older Mac models.

support.apple.com

 

[Hitman1717]

if it does have a 2.7 GHz Core i5, then it's a Mid-2011, Late 2012 or Late 2013 iMac - and these can be used as a second screen for your new iMac via Thunderbolt Target Display Mode. You need a Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter and a Thunderbolt 2 cable.

iMac (21.5-inch, Mid 2011) - Technical Specifications - Apple Support

support.apple.com

iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2012) - Technical Specifications - Apple Support

support.apple.com

iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2013) - Technical Specifications - Apple Support

support.apple.com

Use your iMac as a display with target display mode - Apple Support

Target display mode is a feature available with certain older Mac models.

support.apple.com

That would be great. I'm sure I could use it even just for YouTube or Netflix. On another thread, someone said it would be too old to use for that. I just looked on Amazon and attached a pic. Is that the adapter?

 

[Amethyst1]

It's not too old for Netflix or YouTube at 1080p. I don't see the pic?

This is the cable:

Apple Thunderbolt Cable (2.0 m) - White

Apple Thunderbolt Cable lets you conduct fast data transfers by connecting Thunderbolt-enabled devices to your Mac. Get fast, free shipping.

www.apple.com

This is the adapter:

Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter

Effortlessly connect your Mac to a Thunderbolt 2 device with the Apple Thunderbolt 3 Adapter. Buy now at apple.com

www.apple.com

 

[Hitman1717]

I'll check your links now. Thanks for the help. This was the pic.

 

[Amethyst1]

I'll check your links now. Thanks for the help. This was the pic.

That's the correct adapter.

 

[Hitman1717]

Thanks for your help. The new computer is coming in a few weeks, so I'll get those pieces. Hoping it works!
[automerge]1595254460[/automerge]
Does it matter which computer you plug the adapter into and which you just plug in the cord?

 

[Amethyst1]

Does it matter which computer you plug the adapter into and which you just plug in the cord?

Yes - the connectors are physically different. The adapter plugs into the new iMac. One end of the cable plugs into the adapter, the other end plugs into the old iMac.

 

[Amethyst1]

What model year is your iMac, just out of curiosity? About This Mac will tell you.