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This guide is an evolution of an answer which I posted to this iFixit question: The question "Can I mod my older iMac to use it as a monitor?" has been asked on iFixit and many other internet forums for over a decade, and it is rarely answered correctly.
This guide is a serious hardware mod. This is not target display mode. This is not a software fix. When this guide is followed, the user will be able to string a video cable between another computer and the iMac and have the iMac behave just like an external monitor.
In summary:
1) Completely teardown the iMac, removing everything.
2) Install a video control board, new inverter, and new power supply for the screen.
3) install new video-in ports on the exterior case.
4) Re-install the screen, reassemble the iMac case.
Prerequisites
- Having followed the guide How to Identify The Make & Model Of The iMac's Screen For The Purpose Of Buying The Correct Video Driver Board and purchased the appropriate Video Driver Board and Power Supply for your iMac.
- Having completely disassembled your iMac. Following the guide for iMac Intel 20" EMC 2105 and 2118 Logic Board Replacement will allow you to teardown most of the iMac. The rest
iMac Intel 20" EMC 2105 and 2118 Logic Board Replacement
so that the case is empty.
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Read and follow the iMac Intel 20" EMC 2105 and 2118 Display Replacement guide, and remove your screen completely.
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Flip the screen over, placing it on a towel to keep it safe. Locate the manufacturer's sticker on the back of the screen, which should contain the screen's Model Number
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The screen used in this particular iMac 20" A#### EMC#### is an LG-brand model-LM201W01, though yours may be different.
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Search either AliExpress.com or Ebay.com using the search phrase “Your-Screen-Model-Number Control Board”.
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If your iMac is a 20", they should be around $30-$40. If 24", $60-$80.
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Order the video driver board for your screen. It will probably ship from Asia, and take 2-3 weeks to get to you.
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It probably will not come with a power supply. This is normal. Most video control boards require 12v 5A power supplies. You may have one in your spare electronics bin, so check there before buying one: Old routers, PC laptops, etc may have compatible power supplies.
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Follow X guide for complete iMac disassembly.
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Placeholder for info about build
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conception phase.
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#show a pic of mine when it was done
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To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.
To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.
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As my 2009 24” iMac just died (third, and maybe final, drive failure), I am very eager to see this completed.
Can you comment on the differences between available video control boards/ inverters?
It’s over a year since Paul K (above) asked if this page could be completed. I’d also be keen to see it. Any chance?
Hi, will this page be completed? I would love to mod my 2011 iMac
I have news. I normally use my old iMac as an external monitor with my macbook pro, connecting it via the firewire port and adapter.
I had to use the SwitchResX app to get a decent screen size and experienced only very sluggish performance.
Today i discovered that you can get far better results with native macOs stuff. Doing:
System Settings -> Displays -> Show resolutions as list -> Show all resolutions
works like a charm, with a lag that is very acceptable. I have no idea when this feature showed up.
It has been a long wait, but thank you apple.
Can you do this with a Mac (27-inch, Late 2012)?
