How can I use an Imac as a display for a MacPro?

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How can I use an Imac as a display for a MacPro?

I purchased a used 2009 MacPro with the understanding I could use my iMac as a monitor using a mini display cable. I was under the impression that plugging in the mini display cable would cause the iMac to automatically default as a display for the MacPro. In all of the examples I've seen are of a laptop using an iMac as a display. I don't know how to access the Mac Pro's system preferences without a monitor to set up the iMac as a display. Any suggestions?

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Mac Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.8)

Posted on Nov 25, 2012 12:46 PM

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Answer 1

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Kappy

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Nov 25, 2012 12:50 PM in response to John__Dev

Does your iMac support Target Display Mode and have a Thunderbolt port? You Mac Pro must have a GPU installed.

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Answer 2

John__Dev Author

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Nov 25, 2012 1:00 PM in response to Kappy

It's an early 2009 iMac with no Thunderbolt port. Sorry, I don't know what GPU is. Since I can't access the MacPro, I can't look at the specs of the video cards.

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Answer 3

Nov 25, 2012 1:09 PM in response to John__Dev

OS X Mountain Lion: Use another Mac as a display

The feature seems to require Thunderbolt or 27" iMac.

Then Command-F2 on the display Mac.

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Answer 4

John__Dev Author

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Nov 25, 2012 1:47 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Thanks, seems I'm out of luck. I have the 24" 2009 iMac and Command-F2 doesn't work. Looks like I'll be buying an Apple cinema. It appears that the new 27' display with thunderbolt won't work with my MacPro model. I'll have to use the older version.

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Answer 5

John__Dev Author

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Nov 25, 2012 4:15 PM in response to John__Dev

What are my options with the installed 512mb VRam Radeon HD 4870. Would updating to a Radeon 5770 or a 5870 help as far as compatibility with the newer 27' cinema displays? I don't think the 27" Thunderbolt is compatible, but Apple is still selling the previous 27" version.

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Answer 6

Kappy

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Nov 25, 2012 5:56 PM in response to John__Dev

GPU refers to your video card - Graphics Processing Unit.

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