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User profile for user: amac2009
amac2009 Author
User level: Level 1
8 points

Using iMac (late 2009 27 inch model) as additional monitor for Apple Mac Pro (Late 2013)

Hi there,


I am trying to activate target display mode on my 2009 iMac to no avail. According to apple's instructions this should be possible, but when I connect the two computers with a thunderbolt cable and press command-F2 on the iMac I get an error sound and nothing happens. I have tried troubleshooting (turning off/on, resetting MSC, experimenting with different thunderbolt ports on the Mac Pro and reinstalling OS X) but to no avail.


Could you please help with any additional suggestions? The thunderbolt chord is functional (I have tested it) but is there a way to test whether the Minidisplay port is functional/ active?


Thank you!


A

Mac Pro

Posted on Mar 26, 2020 9:38 PM

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User profile for user: Malcolm J. Rayfield
Malcolm J. Rayfield
User level: Level 7
23,059 points

Posted on Mar 26, 2020 9:44 PM

Use your iMac as a display - Apple Support

The 2009 iMac has Mini DisplayPort, not Thunderbolt. Even though a Thunderbolt plug will fit, it will not work.

If it's a 27" iMac, it will work if you use a Mini DisplayPort cable, such as:

https://www.startech.com/Cables/Audio-Video/DisplayPort/6-ft-Mini-DisplayPort-Cable-Male-to-Male~MDISPLPORT6

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User profile for user: Malcolm J. Rayfield
Malcolm J. Rayfield
User level: Level 7
23,059 points

Mar 26, 2020 9:44 PM in response to amac2009

Use your iMac as a display - Apple Support

The 2009 iMac has Mini DisplayPort, not Thunderbolt. Even though a Thunderbolt plug will fit, it will not work.

If it's a 27" iMac, it will work if you use a Mini DisplayPort cable, such as:

https://www.startech.com/Cables/Audio-Video/DisplayPort/6-ft-Mini-DisplayPort-Cable-Male-to-Male~MDISPLPORT6

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Using iMac (late 2009 27 inch model) as additional monitor for Apple Mac Pro (Late 2013)

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