Trying to utilize a Mid-2010 27-Inch iMac in Target Display Mode as external monitor for a mid 2011 iMac...this has opening pandora's box

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Trying to utilize a Mid-2010 27-Inch iMac in Target Display Mode as external monitor for a mid 2011 iMac...this has opening pandora's box

There are numerous articles and posts concerning using a 2010 27-inch iMacs and a 2011 iMacs as Secondary Monitors using TDM or Target Display Mode NOT Target Disk Mode. The requirements for doing so are rather straightforward with each. Each requires the system to be powered up>booted into macOS > logged into a Users account. > AND... it is at this point where I have run into a wall. As it seems all the articles I've read, forums, posts, videos watched are assuming the primary Mac (or even a PC) is one that does not have TDM capability...meaning, the iMac being used as the secondary monitor is the only one of the 2 that has this function.

In any case, if this were the situation in my circumstances then one using a 2010 or 2009 iMac as the 2nd Monitor must use a mini-display cable to connect the two devices due to the mini-display port being the "type" of port on those models. beginning in 2011, Apple introduced the Thunderbolt-2 port. Therefore, those who wish to use the 2011 iMac as the second monitor must use a Thunderbolt/Thunderbolt-2 cable (one with a lightning bolt) for the same reason...or with applicable adapters.

However, in my circumstances, I am needing to use a TDM capable iMac (2010 27-inch with mini-display port) as a secondary monitor for a 2011 Thunderbolt-2 port Imac. One of my numerous questions, the only one I will ask at this time is whether or not a 2010 27-inch iMac can be used as a secondary monitor for a 2011 iMac due to having different TDM compatible ports?

I have attempted using a mini-display cable attached to the 2010 and by default using the other end of the mini-display cable attached to a Thunderbolt port in the 2011 iMac. I've also attempted to use a Thunderbolt Cable. Neither work

I am assuming then that if possible an adapter would have to be used. Grant it, I have not researched this part as of yet but thought I would share just in case others have and or are dealing with this similar issue and are as frustrated as I am. ... If the adapter route is possible then the question I have is would the adapter need to be a THUNDERBOLT-2 to MINI-DISPLAY PORT ADAPTER or a MINI-DISPLAY PORT to a THUNDERBOLT-2 ADAPTER?

I realize many may be scratching their head asking why is this person attempting to do this if he is able to power, boot, and logged into a user account on each iMac...why not just use them separately. That is my pandora's box part of my statement and I will elaborate at a later time. I will simply state the internal hard drive on the 2010 iMac is basically non-functional...Yes, it boots up and I had to perform a clean install on it...actually using an external USB drive to boot up from. To open a single app or attempt to move the cursor literally takes 5-10 minutes. I do have a new computer, still in the box, unopened but do not have a monitor for it. My 2011 iMac also still functions relatively well although I do boot from an external drive for that one as well. For now, I will leave it there...Even if I use the new computer as a second monitor it would be nice to know it will work as such before I bother with setting it up and reconfiguring my office basically...

Thanks in advance,

SLR

PS. The email used was created to sell random things online and was not created based on being vain...For clarity :-)

iMac 27″, macOS 10.13

Posted on Feb 2, 2022 11:07 PM

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Answer 1

John Galt

Level 10

158,640 points

Feb 3, 2022 5:06 AM in response to AUCEO

I will simply state the internal hard drive on the 2010 iMac is basically non-functional...

That's probably the reason TDM isn't working. A Mac in TDM is not just an external monitor; everything else about it still needs to work, and work well.

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

In your circumstances I would replace the inoperable hard disk drive. It's a tedious procedure, but those models are easier to work on than later ones. Better yet replace it with a SSD. I have Macs older than that and they work quite well with one.

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Answer 2

AUCEO Author

Level 1

6 points

Feb 3, 2022 8:41 PM in response to John Galt

Thanks for the response. There are a few other considerations I would like to mention and or inquire about. With respect to TARGET DISPLAY MODE, I find it strange when I run different system analyzer programs to monitor or examine the system overall and the internal Hard Drive's "health" etc. including performing S.M.A.R.T. analysis with a program such as DiskDrill or Onyx...also using 1st aid with Disk Utility- all conclude the Internal HDD is functional and in good working order. The results may be accurate but what I can not understand is why the system is SOoooo extremely slow & why TDM doesn't work.

Anyway, my understanding is once the 2010 27-inch iMac "goes into" Target Display Mode that basically, all internal processes cease...including the inability to use the USB ports from that point...the only processes are the incoming power, but the rest are from the Primary computer...in other words, the Targeted or in my circumstances the 2010 iMac basically goes into "sleep", hibernation or energy-saving mode. I mentioned having a brand new PC but no Monitor... My 2011 iMac works fine or relatively fine...I assume if I connected another compatible Mac the 2011 iMac would work or run in Target Display Mode... Considering to exit out of Target Display Mode one simply uses the COMMAND + F2 option... and since from my understanding, the iMac, in essence, enters into sleep, hibernation, energy-saving mode...would I be able to use my 2011 monitor as my New PC Primary (temporary) Monitor while SIMULTANEOUSLY being able to toggle back and forth between Windows/PC and macOS High Sierra iMac...simply by using CMD + F2

or

Theoretically, if there were no issues with my 2010 iMac's HDD & it was running fine...but I still wanted to use it as a second monitor to provide more screen space/real estate...HOW CAN SOMEONE CONNECT 2010, 27-inch iMac w a mini-display port MDP) to a 2011 iMac that has a Thunderbolt TB) port...From my understanding, the TB cable & port is backward compatible with a mini-display cable but the MDP is not compatible with a TB cable... It seems if that were true then using an MDP cable (both ends having a male mini display port connector) would bridge/connect the 2010 27-inch iMac to the 2011 iMac... but it's not in my case...Regardless, my primary question remains unclear whether using a MiniDisplay to Thunderbolt adapter would solve the issue...By using a mini display cable with one end connected to the 2010 mini display port and the other end of the cable attached to a mini display to Thunderbolt adapter > and the adapter connected to the Thunderbolt port on the 2011 iMac. If such an adapter exists it seems that would satisfy the mini display port and the thunderbolt port requirements...resulting in the thunderbolt port performing as a mini display port ... In short, does a MINI DISPLAY TO THUNDERBOLT ADAPTER EXISTS?

or

Is there a TERMINAL COMMAND (in any mode) that would result in manually forcing TARGET DISPLAY MODE being enabled, activated, engaged on a 2010 27-inch iMac? I will do some research on this specific issue but if someone knows off the top of their head then would appreciate knowing.

FINALLY

Due to the internal HDD being extremely slow..and I can't figure out why or how to resolve I have given consideration to the following. Once the 2010 iMac is booted where I can open System Preferences...I will be able to set the bootable external thumb drive as the Default Start-Up Disk vs having the internal HDD boot up High Sierra... Considering how slow the internal HDD is...I also contemplating connecting a 2TB external SSD (Samsung T%--it's not bootable is the only reason wouldn't use just one external USB drive-I realize the speed or data transfer rate will be limited by the USB 2.0) ... Even so, once the SSD is connected, High Sierra Booted up & logged into > open 2 Finder Windows > highlight the Internal HDD/Disk Volume > Copy and Paste or Drag and Drop all the files within the internal volume to the external SSD...if I can not do it that way then can download directly from a TimeCapsule back-up (NAS actually)...The point being, in theory, all the files, native apps; utilities, etc. would be on the ext SSD... Would be able to access any application through FINDER...again, although limited by the USB transfer speed it still would be faster than what is occurring now...it seems to me that booting from an external source would be faster (or less slow) than booting from the internal HDD. IN SHORT, objective is to bypass the internal HDD altogether for both booting up macOS and for functioning... Is this feasible, rational in my unique circumstances?

THANKS TO ANYONE PATIENT ENOUGH TO READ ALL OF THIS. REALLY APPRECIATE IT.

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Trying to utilize a Mid-2010 27-Inch iMac in Target Display Mode as external monitor for a mid 2011 iMac...this has opening pandora's box

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