sepps3
Level 1 (4 points)
Desktops

Q: Using 2011 iMac as an external monitor for a Dell XPS with Thunderbolt 3 technology.

I recently got a Dell XPS with Thunderbolt 3 technology for work, but also have a 2011 iMac with Thunderbolt.  I am wanting to use the iMac as an external monitor for the Dell, so I found a Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt adapter to utilize TDM.  However, I have not had any luck making it work when pressing command-F2.  Through my research, I've found that using a pre-2011 iMac with a mini display port and a PC with a mini display port has worked no problem.  I've also found that using a post-2011 iMac as an external monitor with a PC should also work no problem if both computers have Thunderbolt technology.  In addition, I contacted Apple Support and they told me my connections should work since I have stepped the Dell's Thunderbolt 3 down to Thunderbolt, and connected the two machines via a Thunderbolt cable.  I am able to tell that my Dell recognizes the iMac, but have no way of knowing if the iMac recognizes the Dell.  Is there something that I'm missing?  Is there software that would make this work?  Has anyone had success getting this to work?  Any input would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks.    

iMac, OS X El Capitan (10.11.5)

Posted on Jun 6, 2016 5:33 AM

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sepps3

Q: Using 2011 iMac as an external monitor for a Dell XPS with Thunderbolt 3 technology.

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  • by rkaufmann87,

    rkaufmann87 rkaufmann87 Jun 6, 2016 7:41 AM in response to sepps3
    Level 9 (58,184 points)
    Photos for Mac
    Jun 6, 2016 7:41 AM in response to sepps3

    Sorry but your research is flawed and it simply will not work, please read Apple's Use your iMac as a display with Target Display Mode - Apple Support article. They are very specific about what will work. In short Mac's with Thunderbolt ports will not work as displays for PC's with Thunderbolt ports. This has been asked many many times before and the answer is the same each time, "No it will not work."

     

    Your only possible method is to use something like ScreenRecycler however I believe you will be very disappointed in the performance.

  • by sepps3,

    sepps3 sepps3 Jun 6, 2016 7:31 AM in response to rkaufmann87
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Desktops
    Jun 6, 2016 7:31 AM in response to rkaufmann87

    That page only discusses connection between Apple products as they aren't going to advertise it working with PCs.  I have read on various boards that it works with PC, and the Apple support tech told me that it should work based on what I am doing.

  • by rkaufmann87,

    rkaufmann87 rkaufmann87 Jun 6, 2016 7:42 AM in response to sepps3
    Level 9 (58,184 points)
    Photos for Mac
    Jun 6, 2016 7:42 AM in response to sepps3

    The Apple tech you spoke to is in error, you can continue looking however I am afraid you will find it to be a waste of time and effort.

     

    If you found on other boards that have proof it will work (meaning I am in error) please write what steps those users (and yourself took) to make it work.