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User profile for user: lorifromknoxville
lorifromknoxville Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

Can I use my older iMac strictly as a monitor

I have a 24" iMac (early 2009) that I realize is a dinosaur! It still works ok, but we are getting a new MacBook soon. Can I use the iMac as a monitor for the MacBook when I desire a larger screen?

Posted on Jul 14, 2020 12:02 PM

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User profile for user: den.thed
den.thed
User level: Level 10
82,612 points

Posted on Jul 14, 2020 12:09 PM

No sorry, only the Late 2009 27" iMac plus a few other later models supported Target Display Mode.

The list of supported iMac's is at > Use your iMac as a display with target display mode - Apple Support

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User profile for user: woodmeister50
woodmeister50
User level: Level 7
20,503 points

Jul 15, 2020 4:58 AM in response to lorifromknoxville

Early 2009 iMac will definitely not work as a second display.

I own one and I know.


With that said, there is a way if you are willing to totally

gut the iMac, cut holes in the case, and take a chance on

some "hobbyists" graphics adapter card on eBay (which as

anything on eBay is a gamble) that is an

exact match to the LG panel in the early 2009 iMac and

possibly end up with a pile of scrap with a lot of money and

time spent...


Better off just donating it or recycle it.

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Can I use my older iMac strictly as a monitor

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