Level 1

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Can a late 2009 iMac be used as a screen for the new Mac mini?

I recently tried using an apple thunderbolt cable to connect a mid 2014 macbook air to the imac to test target display mode and it would not work. I then bought a new MDP cable (both sides) and it works fine. Since i don't see any MDP capability on the Mac mini, how would i go about connecting if i did upgrade to the mini?

thanks

iMac, macOS 10.12

Posted on Apr 23, 2020 1:39 AM

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3 replies

Level 10

103,455 points

Apr 23, 2020 9:30 AM in response to juna112

Hello,

Target Display Mode requires an iMac with Thunderbolt. iMac (2009) does not have a Thunderbolt port.

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Apr 23, 2020 11:15 AM in response to juna112

Use your iMac as a display with target display mode - Apple Support

Target Disply Mode uses Mini DisplayPort for the 27" 2009 and 2010 iMacs, and Thunderbolt for 2011-2014 iMacs.

To get Mini DisplayPort from a 2018 (and 2020) Mac mini you need a USB-C to Mini DisplayPort cable or adapter, such as:

https://www.startech.com/AV/display-and-video-adapters/usb-c-video-adapters/usb-c-mini-displayport-cable~CDP2MDPMM6B

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Level 1

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Apr 23, 2020 1:03 PM in response to Malcolm J. Rayfield

Thank you. i'll see if there's any way to test it before i end up buying.

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Can a late 2009 iMac be used as a screen for the new Mac mini?

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