2010 Imac to PC

[RSAofYAP]

I have a 2010 iMac. It is too slow to run AE, but I just love the display. From what I've read I should be able to use this model as a monitor only for a PC. I have a Dell Precision Workstation with a Nvidia K4200 video card. Suggestions on how to get the 2 together?

 

[rgd1101]

https://support.apple.com/kb/SP588?locale=en_US
I don't see it say anything about video input

 

[cryoburner]

I found an article here that provides some details...

https://www.tekrevue.com/tip/ins-outs-imacs-target-display-mode/

It sounds like for the 2010 iMac, you just need a DisplayPort cable (or an HDMI/DVI to Displayport adapter) to connect the PC's graphics card to the iMac's screen, then hit Command + F2 on the iMac's keyboard to switch over to the PC or other device. This apparently can't be done on newer iMacs that require a Thunderbolt connection though, unless you're using them with another Mac.

 

[rgd1101]

"Thunderbolt outputs DisplayPort"
i doubt your dell have one

 

[cryoburner]

"Thunderbolt outputs DisplayPort"
i doubt your dell have one

What they're saying is that a newer Mac using Thunderbolt can connect to the DisplayPort connection of the 2009 and 2010 iMacs, but not the other way around. The 2009 and 2010 iMacs should work as a display for just about anything that can output video via a DisplayPort, HDMI, or DVI connection, provided you have an appropriate cable or adapter that can connect to miniDisplayPort.

It does sound like only the 27 inch models support Target Display Mode though. So, if you have a smaller one it might not work.

 

[RSAofYAP]

Thanks everyone. Yes, I have a 27" iMac. I tried a couple of recommended cords
with my laptop with no success. I was hoping maybe this desktop would work,
but the cord from the Imac ends in a hdmi connection. I guess my video card
is too old to have a hdmi connection. Hate to spend more money on a third cord,
but I have to know whether this will work otherwise I sell the Imac to buy a monitor.

Thanks for your help.

 

[cryoburner]

I was hoping maybe this desktop would work,
but the cord from the Imac ends in a hdmi connection. I guess my video card
is too old to have a hdmi connection. Hate to spend more money on a third cord,
but I have to know whether this will work otherwise I sell the Imac to buy a monitor.

Actually, if you have an Nvidia Quadro K4200, it should have a pair of full-size DisplayPort connections on the back, which look similar to HDMI, but a bit more rectangular. It's a modern connection, and is actually a bit newer than HDMI, and is common on modern monitors. You would likely need a cord like one of these, with a DisplayPort plug on one end, and Mini DisplayPort on the other...

https://www.amazon.com/Cable-Rankie-Plated-DisplayPort-Resolution/dp/B00YOQYQWY

The DisplayPort end would connect to the K4200 graphics card, while the Mini DisplayPort end would connect to the back of the iMac, and presumably that should work.

 

[RSAofYAP]

Thank you so much. Under $10 I can afford. I appreciate you taking the time to help me.

 

[RSAofYAP]

Just wanted to say thank you again. I used the Amazon link and received the cord yesterday and hooked it up. Wow!! My 2010 Imac may be old, but the display is so much better than my 2 year old 24" Dell!! If someone else wants to do this and you find it does not work you have to go into keyboard settings and uncheck the F1 and F2 keyboard short cuts.

Also audio comes from my Imac, not from my Dell, but I'm still looking to see how to turn off the Imac audio and turn on the Dell audio. Also, you still need your Apple keyboard. It is not a 1 time fix and go. You have to do the F2 on and off every time, but again, thank you, thank you, thank you.