Use iMac late 2009 as a second display connected to iMac late 2014

Not sure if possible, is it possible to use my iMac Late 2009 as a second display for the iMac late 2014 build.

The old iMac has a Mini display port and the new iMac has only thunderbolt connections?

I am confused after reading apples FAQ's

Appreciate any help, thank you

John

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3 Answers from the Community

  • Best Answer:

    Yes, the iMac late 2009 supports Target Display Mode (TDM)

    Cable Supported: Mini DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort

    Port on Source Computer: Mini DisplayPort or Thunderbolt

    Thunderbolt ports are backwards compatible, meaning they support MiniDisplay Port cables. Your iMac 2009 with MiniDisplay Port does not support Thunderbolt. So you will need a Mini DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort cable; this would then be plugged into Mini DisplayPort in 2009 iMac and Thunderbolt port on 2014 iMac.

    Command F2 on the 2009 iMac would put this computer into TDM, with the 2014 iMac as the source computer.

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  • Actually contrary to the 2 previous answers, the late 2009 21.5" iMac does not support TDM. I have attempted to make this work with computers that I own and it does not support. The closest thing you can do is use finder to locate shared computers. There is an option to screen share. This is just a mirrored display and not an extended display so if both computers are in the same room it really serves no purpose.
    The only iMacs that support TDM are shown here:
    iMac (27-inch, Late 2009)
    iMac (27-inch, Mid 2010)
    iMac (Mid 2011-Mid 2014)

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  • I know this reply is a bit late to the party, but for the benefit of future readers, the iMac Late 2009 does support Thunderbolt (not just Mini DisplayPort). Take a look in "About this Mac" under System Information and you will see Thunderbolt listed under the Hardware section.

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