Q: Can I attach an external monitor to my iMac G5 (ALS) if the video card is dead?
I don't know for a fact that the video card is dead, but the screen on my iMac (PPC/ALS) 20" gradually started flaking out over several months and is now dead. Computer boots up fine and I'm looking at it through target mode right now. I want to keep using the computer if I can, so I am wondering if I can attach an external monitor through the DVI slot even if the video card is kaput. I'd like to get an opinion or two on this before I buy a used monitor and cable. Thanks!
Posted on Nov 24, 2012 11:38 AM
You have found the answer. If the video chipset is OK but there is a fault in the internal display or its cabing, an external monitor will work. However, if the video chipset--which is farther "upstream" in the system--goes bad, the option of an external monitor is off the table.
Posted on Nov 25, 2012 11:31 AM