I have a newer Mac Mini and a late 2013 iMac 27". I would like to use the iMac occasionally as an external display (I assume that means Target Display Mode). What cable do I need to connect the Mac Mini to the iMac?
iMac 27″, macOS 10.14
Use your iMac as a display with target display mode - Apple Support
If the iMac is running Mojave or Catalina, you will need to downgrade it to High Sierra.
To connect the iMac, plug a Thunderbolt 3 adapter
Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter - Apple (CA)
into one of the Mac mini's Thunderbolt 3 ports and connect a Thunderbolt cable
https://www.apple.com/ca/shop/product/MD862LL/A/apple-thunderbolt-cable-05-m-white
from the adapter to the iMac.
Use your iMac as a display with target display mode - Apple Support
If the iMac is running Mojave or Catalina, you will need to downgrade it to High Sierra.
To connect the iMac, plug a Thunderbolt 3 adapter
Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter - Apple (CA)
into one of the Mac mini's Thunderbolt 3 ports and connect a Thunderbolt cable
https://www.apple.com/ca/shop/product/MD862LL/A/apple-thunderbolt-cable-05-m-white
from the adapter to the iMac.
bill2975 wrote:
Wouldn't a Thunderbolt 2 cable work just fine without an adapter?
Depends on what the year model Mac Mini is.
The 2012 and 2014 Mac Mini's have Thunderbolt 2 ports.
The 2018/2020 Mac Mini's have Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports and require the adapter.
Thanks, den.thed.
I guess the easiest thing to do would be to just run an HDMI cable from the 2018 Mini to my 43" TV nearby. After thinking about it, I don't really want to downgrade from mojave.
Thanks for your help, Malcolm and den.thed!
You won’t really know, until you try it for yourself.
Personally I have an older Mac Mini that I use as a media server. It is connected to 32” Samsung TV and it makes for a decent desktop system in a pinch.
I was originally planning to use the 2018 Mini as a media server, but then discovered it would not pass BOTH audio and video through my Marantz home theater system via HDMI. Never did figure out why it wouldn't pass video when it does just fine going directly into a TV.
Wouldn't a Thunderbolt 2 cable work just fine without an adapter?
Thanks.
You're welcome.
Good plan. The 43" TV could be a little rough for doing detailed desktop work, but it will be awesome for movies, videos and games.
Actually, the applications would be iMovie and Final Cut Pro. Do you think the resolution would be too rough for that? The TV is a Samsung 43" LED screen?
Thanks again for any advice.
I have a newer Mac Mini and a late 2013 iMac. I would like to use the iMac sometimes as an external display (I assume that means Target Display Mode). What cable do I need to connect the Mac Mini to the iMac?
