Mini DisplayPort Cable Question

[greedyshark]

I want to use an old G5 monitor with my current version iMac for extra landscape. From all that I have read, all that I need is a plane-jane male-to-male Mini DisplayPort cable. Correct?

 

[pigoo3]

I want to use an old G5 monitor with my current version iMac for extra landscape. From all that I have read, all that I need is a plane-jane male-to-male Mini DisplayPort cable. Correct?

I think that we need more info as to what exact monitor model this is before we can definitely say what video adapter or video cable is needed.

- Nick

 

[bobtomay]

What is an old G5 monitor?

What is your current version iMac?

Neither the PowerMac G5 nor the iMac G5 has a mini displayport and no monitor built during the time of those computers will have such a port either.

edit:
(See what happens when you're watching TV while typing a post out...)

 

[pigoo3]

edit:
(See what happens when you're watching TV while typing a post out...)

I hear ya Tom. I do the same thing from time to time.

- Nick

 

[greedyshark]

My apologies for not providing enough info with the original post. The G5 "model identifier" is iMac6,1 (Intel Core 2 Duo)...about 8 years old. The current iMac is 2 years old. Both appear to have Mini DisplayPorts on the back of the monitors. The G5 is not Thunderbolt...the new one is...but, again, from what I have read, Thunderbolt cables are not required to add a monitor.

 

[pigoo3]

The G5 "model identifier" is iMac6,1 (Intel Core 2 Duo)...about 8 years old.

Sorry…but you're misidentifying this iMac. It is not a "G5" iMac…it is simply an Intel iMac.

Both appear to have Mini DisplayPorts on the back of the monitors.

The older iMac doesn't have a mini-displayport…it has a mini-DVI port. The newer iMac has a Thunderbolt port…but you can use mini-displayport hardware with this port.

Now we have the computer info figured out. But we still don't really know what sort of external monitor we are talking about (what exact model it is & what ports it has).

And since you mentioned two iMac's…I'm not understanding which iMac you want to use the external monitor with (one or both). If both…your going to need two different video adapters (one with a mini-DVI and the other with mini-displayport).

- Nick

 

[bobtomay]

If your plan is to use the old iMac as an external display with the new iMac, you are not going to do that by connecting a video cable between the 2 of them. The port on the old iMac is a video output port, it is not a video input port.

 

[greedyshark]

The plan is to use the old iMac as an external display with the new iMac. Is this possible, or do I need to purchase a new monitor to use with the new iMac?

 

[bobtomay]

As stated above, you are not going to connect a video cable between the 2 of them.

Personally, I would sell/donate the old iMac and purchase a new monitor.

If the old iMac is still functioning (you can boot into the OS) you might try an app called Screen Recylcer.
Here is one review, you can search for others.
The app gets installed on the new iMac, not the old one.

Try the demo out prior to purchase and make sure it will function as you expect for your intended use.

 

[greedyshark]

Thanks to all for your assistance...greatly appreciated.