crwdns2936637:0crwdne2936637:0 crwdns2853008:0crwdne2853008:0 crwdns2918746:0crwdne2918746:0

crwdns2944351:0crwdnd2944351:0How To Convert An iMac Into An External Monitorcrwdnd2944351:0crwdne2944351:0

crwdns2933797:0Olympia Mac Repaircrwdnd2933797:0crwdne2933797:0

crwdns2936043:0crwdne2936043:0 crwdns2933505:0crwdne2933505:0 Olympia Mac Repair

crwdns2933769:0crwdne2933769:0
crwdns2933771:0crwdne2933771:0
crwdns2933801:0crwdne2933801:0
crwdns2866306:0crwdne2866306:0
iMac Intel 20" EMC 2105 and 2118
Type
how-to
Title
How To Convert An iMac Into An External Monitor
Introduction
This guide is an evolution of an answer which I posted to [https://www.ifixit.com/Answers/View/117066/Can+I+Mod+an+early+2009+24%22+iMac+to+external+monitor|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.
Time Required Min
crwdns2931291:02crwdne2931291:0
Time Required Max
crwdns2931291:02crwdne2931291:0
Difficulty
Difficult
Conclusion
To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.
Author
Olympia Mac Repair
Public
crwdns2853046:0crwdne2853046:0

crwdns2943215:0crwdne2943215:0

  • TR10 Torx Security Screwdriver x1 added.
  • TR8 Torx Security Screwdriver x1 added.
  • T6 Torx Screwdriver x1 added.
  • PH2 Phillips screwdriver x1 added.
  • PH00 Phillips screwdriver x1 added.
  • Plastic Credit Card x1 added.
  • Electrical outlet tester x1 added.
  • Soldering Gun / Iron and Solder x1 added.
  • Small hand saw x1 added.
  • Dremmel x1 added.
  • Dremmel saw blade bit #### x1 added.

crwdns2943213:0crwdne2943213:0

  • 20" iMac Intel - White x1 added.
  • Outlet Adapter x1 Must have holes in the electrical prongs, to aid in soldering to it. added.
  • 1x 12V 5A generic power supply x1 added.
  • Video Driver Board with CCFL Inverter varies x1 *** READ SCREEN IDENTIFICATION GUIDE BEFORE PURCHASING *** added.
  • Female-female HDMI keystone jack x1 added.
  • short HDMI cable Male-Male x1 should be 18" or less added.
  • Optional VGA Decora Plate x1 added.
  • Optional Short VGA Cable Male-Male x1 should be 18" or less added.
  • Heat Shrink Tubing Assortment x1 added.
  • Zip Ties assorted sizes x20 used for internal cable management and securing certain components. you should have several sizes on hand. added.

crwdns2935255:0crwdne2935255:0

  • In Progress added.
  • Community-Contributed Guide added.

crwdns2933623:0crwdne2933623:0

crwdns2933815:01crwdne2933815:0
crwdns2933769:0crwdne2933769:0
crwdns2933771:0crwdne2933771:0
stepid 93111 stepid 93111
crwdns2933815:02crwdne2933815:0
crwdns2933769:0crwdne2933769:0
crwdns2933771:0crwdne2933771:0
stepid 93112 stepid 93112
crwdns2933815:03crwdne2933815:0
crwdns2933769:0crwdne2933769:0
crwdns2933771:0crwdne2933771:0
stepid 93113 stepid 93113
crwdns2933815:04crwdne2933815:0
crwdns2933769:0crwdne2933769:0
crwdns2933771:0crwdne2933771:0
stepid 93114 stepid 93114
crwdns2933815:05crwdne2933815:0
crwdns2933769:0crwdne2933769:0
crwdns2933771:0crwdne2933771:0
stepid 93115 stepid 93115
crwdns2933815:06crwdne2933815:0
crwdns2933769:0crwdne2933769:0
crwdns2933771:0crwdne2933771:0
stepid 93116 stepid 93116