Connecting 2016 MacBook Pro to late 2009 27 inch iMac as a display

[toastytreat]

Hey I hope this is in the right section!

I have a late 2009 27 inch iMac and I've read that it is somehow possible to use it as an external display for my new (on the way) MacBook Pro. However, the more I read, the more complicated it seems. Multiple cables, adapters, and compatibility issues!

Has anyone gotten a USB C MacBook to work with the late 2009 27 inch iMac? Which cable or cable combination did you use?

iMac specs: 27 inch, late 2009
2.8 GHz intel core i7
8gb 1076 MHz DDR3 ram
ATi Radeon HD 4850 512 MB

Macbook is the new MacBook Pro, 15 inch

Thanks!

 

[ferrarr]

As far as I can tell, you only need to plug the input into the Mini Display port and it should work. See this Apple Support Article, https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204592.

 

[toastytreat]

Aye that's the problem, Apple makes it sound so easy, but I can't find a USB 3.1 or Thunderbolt 3 to Mini DisplayPort cable. I could try cable to adapter etc, but from what I've read, some cables and adapters don't work. I'm hoping I can find someone that has gotten it to work and can share which specific cable combination they used.

 

[ferrarr]

I don't think the USB connection is going to work, but if the USB port outputs the video, then it should work. Yes, you will need the cable and the adapter will be needed for the older iMac. Mini Display port is the same as Thunderbolt 1 & 1, if I'm not mistaken. So, you will need a Thunderbolt to Thunderbolt 3 adapter, https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...bt3tbtadap_thunderbolt_3_to_thunderbolt.html#!.

 

[chscag]

Aye that's the problem, Apple makes it sound so easy, but I can't find a USB 3.1 or Thunderbolt 3 to Mini DisplayPort cable.

Give it some time and adapters should be available. Keep your eye on www.monoprice.com as they usually are the first to come out with new adapters. Also, keep checking with Amazon. Besides, anything from Apple will likely cost a small fortune.

 

[ericpgreen]

No. I purchased the USB C Thunderbolt 3 to 2 adapter from Apple and tried connecting my late 2016 MBP to my late 2009 iMac (both running latest Sierra) via the MiniDisplay port. No luck. Confirmed with Apple Care engineering team that is not possible with Apple's adapter. It might be possible with a third party adapter.

 

[pm-r]

No luck. Confirmed with Apple Care engineering team that is not possible with Apple's adapter. It might be possible with a third party adapter.

Gee, congratulations Apple, you've done it again it seems!!!

If I recall, it wasn't that long ago that it took them months to finally come out with a working adapter for some other models and even it was restricted for some setups.

I would expect better.

And not much help from this:
Something else to keep in mind: Earlier today we noted that Apple’s Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 MacBook Pro adapter doesn’t support your Mini DisplayPort displays, which means you’ll need to opt for another adapter or solution to connect your new MacBook Pro as noted above.
https://9to5mac.com/2016/11/17/macbook-pro-external-display-requirements-4k-5k-adapters/

But +1 on what chscag said.







- Patrick
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[pm-r]

toastytreat, I just came across this and it seems it might work or as a solution for you:

Use your iMac as a display with Target Display Mode
https://support.apple.com/en-ca/HT204592

But I'm not really sure what they mean as to what cable to use (or adapter):

iMacs you can use as a display




Also:
Using iMac As Monitor Requires Very Specific Cable

To use the new 27-inch iMac as an external monitor requires a very specific cable to work: a Mini DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort cable, to be exact.

It does not work with a HDMI cable or a DVI cable, even when they are strung between a pair of Apple-branded Mini DisplayPort adapters.

There seems to be a lot of confusion about the issue on the web and even at Apple’s retail stores.




Oh really, and there still is it seems!!!






- Patrick
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[ericpgreen]

I can confirm that this adapter from AV Express works: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CJHHTR8/?tag=macforums0e4-20

 

[pm-r]

I can confirm that this adapter from AV Express works: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CJHHTR8/?tag=macforums0e4-20

Good to know.

Thanks for the info for those that need it and can use it.





- Patrick
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