[SOLVED] Lights on no one home

[DrWho345]

I have an old mac, running macOS High Sierra 10.13.6 (can't go higher)
iMac 27 inch Mid 2010
Processor 3.2 GHz Intel Core i3

I had it fixed ages ago because it was giving me the same problem it is now, and it seems to have come back

I think it is the GUI card that is broken, I will be using it, and the screen just goes black, as if the screen saver has started, but it doesn't come back on
I only know it is still on by pushing the volume button on the keyboard and, if I hear anything that is my answer

I don't have the money or time to take it to get fixed again, and I know everything else is fine with it, because I can remote login, and through my phone I can use the computer but I am writing to ask

1. I can attach a second monitor to it and use that instead right?
2. Can I attach it to my current iMac via display cable, and use both at the same time, sort of split screen them somehow? maybe through an app (see current iMac details in signature)

Please let me know what you think

Thanks

 

[ArchitSahu]

I do not think there is an app for the iMac to display two different screens on one screen, but I do not see an issue with you using a second monitor for the 2010 iMac. Give it a shot, it should work. Perhaps consider ensuring that the screen is duplicated across both screens in case the original screen turns off. However, if it is a problem with the GPU, then regardless of external monitors, if the GPU gives up you will not see anything on either monitor.

 

[DrWho345]

I do not think there is an app for the iMac to display two different screens on one screen, but I do not see an issue with you using a second monitor for the 2010 iMac. Give it a shot, it should work. Perhaps consider ensuring that the screen is duplicated across both screens in case the original screen turns off. However, if it is a problem with the GPU, then regardless of external monitors, if the GPU gives up you will not see anything on either monitor.

Thanks sorry I meant GPU, i'll give a second monitor a go

 

[firelighter487]

it's possible the display cable (the cable connecting the display to the motherboard inside of the iMac) has come loose, since the backlight comes on but nothing displays. normally if there is a gpu failure the machine will crash, which yours doesn't do.