Hack a 2008 iMac to get Target Display Mode

Question

Level 1

0 points

Hack a 2008 iMac to get Target Display Mode

I just picked up our first Mac for my company's lab, a $200 used 2008 iMac. While I was setting it up, I was looking at its nice screen and thought to myself, "Gee. It'd be nice to use this Mac's screen to display my PCs and servers." I did some Googling and found a feature called Target Display Mode, and wouldn't you know that it doesn't work until late year 2009 iMacs! Target Display Mode: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Apple Support

My question is: Can I grab another Motherboard/Processor and install it in this Mac to get the required hardware for Target Display Mode? I'm an experienced PC builder, so I've got the skills and tools to accomplish the task. If it is possible, can I get directed to a compatibility guide and potential issues?

Thanks in advance!

iPad

Posted on Jun 21, 2015 6:35 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Kappy

Level 10

361,719 points

Jun 21, 2015 6:51 PM in response to the_joey_o

Sell what you have or trade it for a 2009 or later iMac.

Reply

Answer 2

the_joey_o Author

Level 1

0 points

Jun 24, 2015 1:59 PM in response to Kappy

Why don't I restate my questions:

1) Can I swap out the motherboard (and processor and/or other peripherals if necessary) in my 2008 iMac for a 2009 or later iMac motherboard in order to get Target Display Mode functionality?

-OR-

2) Can I swap out the motherboard for a 3rd party motherboard that would give me said functionality?

If not, I would appreciate a very brief explanation as to why.

Reply

Answer 3

Kappy

Level 10

361,719 points

Jun 24, 2015 2:10 PM in response to the_joey_o

You can always hack anything you want. I can't tell you if you will find a motherboard that will fit. If you can, and it does, then hack away. Search Google for help.

Reply

Answer 4

the_joey_o Author

Level 1

0 points

Jun 24, 2015 2:12 PM in response to Kappy

So, if it physically fits, Mac OS X will still boot with a new motherboard?

Reply

Answer 5

Kappy

Level 10

361,719 points

Jun 24, 2015 2:23 PM in response to the_joey_o

In theory, yes. But stripping down an iMac and reassembling it is not an easy task, and requires more than a screwdriver. Visit OWC or iFixIt and see about finding a disassembly tutorial for that model. Study it carefully before doing anything. Determine the tools you need and get them in advance.

If you don't get it right there is no place you can go for help. Apple will not provide any support of any kind. Although the board may fit that doesn't mean it will work. The board will be a pull from another iMac with hardly any assurance that it is any good. Unless you have test equipment there is no way to test the board. Lastly, if you don't know what you are doing, then you con't know if it will work or not. No offense intended, just pointing out a consideration.

Reply

Answer 6

babowa

Level 9

78,097 points

Jun 24, 2015 2:29 PM in response to the_joey_o

Additionally, iMacs usually will not work with any graphics card, logic board, etc. except the exact same model/part they came with. The only thing user replaceable has been RAM; even hard drives aren't easy to do yourself.

Reply

Answer 7

the_joey_o Author

Level 1

0 points

Jun 24, 2015 2:30 PM in response to Kappy

Gotcha. I'm not too worried. I've been repairing and building PCs and laptops for over a decade. I've repaired a number of Macbooks and larger tower-based Macs as well. I've just never put a part in that wasn't the intended to be there before. I wasn't sure if Apple had some special way of locking their systems down, so if you changed something as critical as the motherboard (and therefore the BIOS/UEFI/Firmware), it wouldn't allow the system to boot. If that's not the case, then this'll be a fun undertaking.

Reply

Answer 8

Kappy

Level 10

361,719 points

Jun 24, 2015 2:42 PM in response to the_joey_o

I do not know to what extent different motherboards are compatible with different cases. And, I have no idea about connections to the LCD panel. Good luck.

Reply

Answer 9

Dec 19, 2015 9:01 PM in response to the_joey_o

HI, did you manage to do it? I have a late 2009 21.5 inch model which doesnt support target display mode as well.

Reply