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Q: Problems with Target Display Mode

Hi, I've been using a late 2012 Mac Mini Server (16gb RAM, 2 TB, Maverick 10.9.5) with a 30" thunderbolt display as my main monitor, and have recently acquired a Late 2009 iMac (12gb RAM, 2TB, Yosemite 10.10.3) , and am attempting to use the iMac in Target Display mode.  I first tried with an HDMI cable with a Mini Display adaptor for the end going into the iMac, then when that didn't work I went and bought a HDMI to mini display cable.  I've trouble shot both cables, and my buddy tried getting target display to work when connected to his Macbook Pro Late 2013 to no avail

 

Any help is appreciated!

Mac Mini Server (Late 2012)

Posted on Apr 28, 2015 4:25 PM

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Q: Problems with Target Display Mode

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  • by lllaass,

    lllaass lllaass Apr 28, 2015 4:29 PM in response to NYXofSourceAct
    Level 10 (190,740 points)
    Apple Watch
    Apr 28, 2015 4:29 PM in response to NYXofSourceAct

    Do youhave the 27 inch iMac?

    What are the requirements for TDM?

    • A Mac notebook or desktop with a Mini DisplayPort or Thunderbolt connection
    • A Thunderbolt or Mini DisplayPort cable 
    • A supported iMac with OS X 10.6.1 or later. The table below shows iMac computers that support TDM, the required cables, and the port of the computer to which you are connecting the iMac.

    iMac Model

    Cable Supported

    Port on Source Computer

    iMac (27-inch Late 2009)

    Mini DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort

    Mini DisplayPort or Thunderbolt

    iMac (27-inch Mid 2010)

    Mini DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort

    Mini DisplayPort or Thunderbolt

    iMac (Mid 2011)

    Thunderbolt to Thunderbolt

    Thunderbolt

    iMac (Mid 2012 and later)Thunderbolt to ThunderboltThunderbolt

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

    How do I enable TDM?

    • Make sure both computers are turned on and awake. 
    • Connect a male-to-male Mini DisplayPort or ThunderBolt cable to each computer.
    • Press Command-F2 on the keyboard of the iMac being used as a display to enable TDM.
    • Note: In Keyboard System Preferences, if the checkbox is enabled for "Use all F1, F2, etc. keys as standard functions keys," the key combination changes to Command-Fn-F2.

    Target Display Mode: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Apple Support

  • by NYXofSourceAct,

    NYXofSourceAct NYXofSourceAct Apr 28, 2015 7:09 PM in response to lllaass
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Apr 28, 2015 7:09 PM in response to lllaass

    Yes it is the 27"

     

    I've read that thing like 20 times unfortunately.  I asked one of the apple geniuses at the store if the HDMI to mini display would work, he said yes... yet it is not.

  • by BDAqua,

    BDAqua BDAqua Apr 28, 2015 9:57 PM in response to NYXofSourceAct
    Level 10 (123,870 points)
    Apr 28, 2015 9:57 PM in response to NYXofSourceAct

    So much for that!

     

    • Connect a male-to-male Mini DisplayPort or ThunderBolt cable to each computer.

  • by lllaass,

    lllaass lllaass Apr 29, 2015 1:40 AM in response to NYXofSourceAct
    Level 10 (190,740 points)
    Apple Watch
    Apr 29, 2015 1:40 AM in response to NYXofSourceAct

    Sometimes Apple Genius are not Genius in all areas.

    Connect the two computers as the article says