coengi
Level 1 (25 points)

Q: Can i connect my Windows desktop pc to a Retina iMac using thunderbolt?

Hi,

 

I have a bit of a complicated question here... I am about to buy myself a newer iMac then i already have... what version do i need? i am willing to go for the Retina-edition but they say you cant connect a second computer/xbox/ps(3 or 4)...

now what im interested about is, what kind of graphic card do i need to hook up my Windows PC to my iMac?

i personally now have the mid 2010, so i need a new one, it has minidisplayport only, witch can only be used as an output device. i need thunderbolt for input.

 

bottomline...

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can i buy myself a Windows-PC with a MiniDisplayPort-graphic card and will that be enough to support my iMac as a input device? or do i need to work with a HDMI-Graphic card and use a converter-cable to get the deal done?

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at a local aMac-store in Doetinchem (Netherlands) they told me the retina-iMac isnt going to support these things anymore...

 

 

regards

Coengi

iMac (27-inch Mid 2010), OS X Mavericks (10.9.2)

Posted on Nov 4, 2014 2:17 AM

by timeshifter,Solvedanswer
timeshifter timeshifter
Level 1 (15 points)
A:

The answer to your main question I'm afraid is NO.  In the FAQ that BobHarris links above it states:

"Note that the iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2014) does not support Target Display Mode. "

 

I've been using my Late 2009 27" iMac as a display for a Windows PC.  Note that I only use it like that for a few hours a week to play a PC game, the rest of the time I use it as a Mac.  When I built the Windows PC back in 2011 I had a **** of a time getting a graphics card with a DisplayPort output that worked right.  If I recall correctly the Radeon 5700 series cards had chips with incompatible timing for this purpose.

Posted on Nov 11, 2014 9:32 PM

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coengi

Q: Can i connect my Windows desktop pc to a Retina iMac using thunderbolt?

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  • by BobHarris,

    BobHarris BobHarris Nov 4, 2014 6:19 AM in response to coengi
    Level 6 (19,553 points)
    Mac OS X
    Nov 4, 2014 6:19 AM in response to coengi

    I am unsure what you want to do?

     

    Do you want to use the iMac as an external display for the PC?


    If that is the case, then the miniDisplayPort "Can" be used as an input.  I have successfully turned my Late 2009 27" iMac into an external display for my Macbook Pro via a miniDisplayPort to miniDisplayPort cable.  An older iMac than yours.  (I only did it as an experiment, as my 27" iMac is a very functional workstation for me, but if some day I want to get a new 27" iMac, I'll turn the old one into an external monitor for the new one and have even more screen real estate ).

     

    <Target Display Mode: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Apple Support>  And if it says Thunderbolt, just substitute miniDisplayPort.  They are compatible ports, except the miniDisplayPort is limited to video, where as the Thunderbolt can carry other data.

     

    Now whether or not the PC can drive the iMac display is a totally different question.  But you should be able to verify that using your current iMac.  No need to buy a new iMac.

     

    If you want to do something else, I think we would need more information in your question.

  • by timeshifter,Solvedanswer

    timeshifter timeshifter Nov 11, 2014 9:32 PM in response to coengi
    Level 1 (15 points)
    Nov 11, 2014 9:32 PM in response to coengi

    The answer to your main question I'm afraid is NO.  In the FAQ that BobHarris links above it states:

    "Note that the iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2014) does not support Target Display Mode. "

     

    I've been using my Late 2009 27" iMac as a display for a Windows PC.  Note that I only use it like that for a few hours a week to play a PC game, the rest of the time I use it as a Mac.  When I built the Windows PC back in 2011 I had a **** of a time getting a graphics card with a DisplayPort output that worked right.  If I recall correctly the Radeon 5700 series cards had chips with incompatible timing for this purpose.