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Using An iMac As A Display

Tags:
  • iMac
  • Graphics
  • Displays
Last response: in Graphics & Displays
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December 20, 2013 6:30:53 PM

I was interested in building my own PC, and have been working on deciding on what parts to buy. I currently use a 21.5" iMac from mid 2011, and plan to continue using it along with my new PC when I get one. I thought that things would be a lot easier if I could use my iMac as a display for both the internal computer and an external tower, as then I can simply switch back and forth as I please as well as save money. Is there any way to use my 21.5" iMac as a display for a new PC? Thank you.
EDIT: Alright, so if this isn't going to work, then is there any way that I can essentially have my iMac and a PC playing on the same monitor, and can easily switch inputs between the two at any time? Thank you!

More about : imac display

December 20, 2013 7:00:02 PM

Unless you see "HDMI In" on that MAC - no way. That's the tax you pay to be iFan ;(
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December 21, 2013 6:32:53 PM

You can either get a monitor with multiple inputs (HDMI and dvi) and then it should switch to the device sending a signal or something like a HDMI switch (press a button to switch :) )
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December 21, 2013 8:59:45 PM

Could you provide an example of this, and explain it a little more in depth? If you could it would be greatly appreciated.
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December 22, 2013 6:28:03 AM

Here's an example from Amazon (one of many, random pick): http://www.amazon.com/Fosmon-Switch-Switcher-Remote-Ada...
This will help you find some more: http://lmgtfy.com/?q=HDMI+switchswitch

In general a switch switches between two or more states, a HDMI switch switches between HDMI inputs and usually has only one output.
You can only use one input at a time. That's pretty much it, actually a simple box... :D 
Monitors should use the first input with a signal automatically. It will switch to the other input if one of two is turned off (at least my display does that, just tested). Most monitors come with DVI and HDMIHDMI, so you could connect your iCrap and a PC to it
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December 23, 2013 4:11:33 AM

Quote:
Do you know if this would work from the PC to the 21.5" iMac, and I can unplug it whenever I want to use my iMac?


You can use the 1st adapter to connect your iMAD to a monitor, with the 2nd (female) you could connect a HDMI cable to a thunderbolt port and then connect it to a monitor. 2nd adapter makes no sense for you and costs the same...

You could simply use both PC/monitor and iPC next to each other.
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December 23, 2013 9:00:55 AM

hypergon said:
Quote:
Do you know if this would work from the PC to the 21.5" iMac, and I can unplug it whenever I want to use my iMac?


You can use the 1st adapter to connect your iMAD to a monitor, with the 2nd (female) you could connect a HDMI cable to a thunderbolt port and then connect it to a monitor. 2nd adapter makes no sense for you and costs the same...

You could simply use both PC/monitor and iPC next to each other.


Alright, I guess I'll just have to do that. Thank you.
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December 23, 2013 10:25:52 AM

@Hypergon - for what I do understand, TehCoolDawg wants to use his/her iMac as a display for another PC. I don't think any external hardware could help him achieve that, unless that iMac has the capability to be used as an monitor by providing an external input.

And don't think iMac can do that.
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December 24, 2013 3:19:12 AM

Quote:
EDIT: Alright, so if this isn't going to work, then is there any way that I can essentially have my iMac and a PC playing on the same monitor, and can easily switch inputs between the two at any time? Thank you!


Well I kinda gave possible solutions to what he wants to do... You missed the edit part/update of op's post
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