Can I use it as a display only?

Question

iMac Intel 27" EMC 2390

Model A1312 / Mid 2010 / 3.2 GHz Core i3 or 2.8 & 3.6 GHz Core i5 or 2.93 GHz Core i7, ID iMac11,3

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genik @genik

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crwdns2931729:0crwdne2931729:0: Maw 30, 2021

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Can I use it as a display only?

Is it possible to connect a mac mini to my iMac and use its display? How can i do that, what will i need and are there issues that i might face?

Will i encounter issues like the following?
- The iMacs display will be at maximum brightness
- iMacs fans will run at full speed because of the heat

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You can use the brightness keys on the Mac Mini's keyboard to adjust the brightness. I'm not sure why the iMac's fans are running at full speed.

crwdns2934271:0Maw 31, 2021crwdnd2934271:0 Andrew S crwdne2934271:0

@andrewsawesome have u actually tried to make the brightness adjusting from the mini keyboard and it works?

crwdns2934271:0Maw 31, 2021crwdnd2934271:0 genik crwdne2934271:0

@genik I don't have an iMac. You can also use the Display Preferences on the Mac Mini.

crwdns2934271:0Maw 31, 2021crwdnd2934271:0 Andrew S crwdne2934271:0

@andrewsawesome on what Mac have u tried your suggestions?

crwdns2934271:0Maw 31, 2021crwdnd2934271:0 genik crwdne2934271:0

I haven't tried my suggestions.

crwdns2934271:0Maw 31, 2021crwdnd2934271:0 Andrew S crwdne2934271:0

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Andrew S @andrewsawesome

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crwdns2931729:0crwdne2931729:0: Maw 31, 2021

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Apple Support Article

You will only be able to use Target Display Mode (to display a Mac Computer on an iMac) if:

2009/2010 iMac:

The iMac is running MacOS High Sierra or earlier and has a Mini DisplayPort connection on the back.
The Mac you want to view on the iMac was introduced in 2019 or earlier, is running MacOS Catalina or earlier and has a Mini DisplayPort connection.
You have a Mini DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort cable.

2011-Mid 2014 iMac:

The iMac is running MacOS High Sierra or earlier and has a Thinderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 connection on the back.
The Mac you want to view on the iMac was introduced in 2019 or earlier, is running MacOS Catalina or earlier and has a Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 connection.
You have a Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 cable.

How to use Target Display Mode:

2009/2010 iMac:

Turn on the iMac.
Turn on the other Mac and log in to your user account.
Connect the two computers using a Mini DisplayPort cable.
Press Command+F2 on the iMac's keyboard to enter/exit Target Display Mode

2011-Mid 2014 iMac:

# Turn on the iMac.

Turn on the other Mac and log in to your user account.
Connect the two computers using a Thunderbolt/Thunderbolt 2 cable.
Press Command+F2 on the iMac's keyboard to enter/exit Target Display Mode

To control brightness: On the Mac that is being displayed, use the brightness keys on the keyboard.

To control sound: Click Apple Menu>System Preferences>Sound>Output and select the iMac as the sound output device.

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My iMac is a mid 2010 version and it’s equipped with a mini display port.

crwdns2934271:0Maw 31, 2021crwdnd2934271:0 genik crwdne2934271:0

What Operating System is your Mac Mini running? What Operating System is your iMac running? Does the Mac Mini use an M1 processor? Does the Mac Mini have a Mini Display Port output on the back?

crwdns2934271:0Maw 31, 2021crwdnd2934271:0 Andrew S crwdne2934271:0

Mini uses ElCap and the iMac uses HighSierra.

Mini has an IntelCore2Duo processor and the iMac a corei7

Both have a MiniDisplayPort at the back

crwdns2934271:0Maw 31, 2021crwdnd2934271:0 genik crwdne2934271:0

Do you have a Mini DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort cable?

crwdns2934271:0Maw 31, 2021crwdnd2934271:0 Andrew S crwdne2934271:0

Are there short ones i can use?

crwdns2934271:0Maw 31, 2021crwdnd2934271:0 genik crwdne2934271:0

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You can use the brightness keys on the Mac Mini's keyboard to adjust the brightness. I'm not sure why the iMac's fans are running at full speed. — Andrew S
@andrewsawesome have u actually tried to make the brightness adjusting from the mini keyboard and it works? — genik
@genik I don't have an iMac. You can also use the Display Preferences on the Mac Mini. — Andrew S
My iMac is a mid 2010 version and it’s equipped with a mini display port. — genik
What Operating System is your Mac Mini running? What Operating System is your iMac running? Does the Mac Mini use an M1 processor? Does the Mac Mini have a Mini Display Port output on the back? — Andrew S
Mini uses ElCap and the iMac uses HighSierra.

Mini has an IntelCore2Duo processor and the iMac a corei7

Both have a MiniDisplayPort at the back — genik

iMac Intel 27" EMC 2390

Can I use it as a display only?

Update (07/31/2021)

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