[SOLVED] Mod a 2008 iMac to get Target Display Mode

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the_joey_o

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Apr 26, 2011
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I just picked up our first Mac for my company's lab, a $200 used 2008 iMac. While I was setting it up, I was looking at its nice screen and thought to myself, "Gee. It'd be nice to use this Mac's screen to display my PCs and servers." I did some Googling and found a feature called Target Display Mode, and wouldn't you know that it doesn't work until late year 2009 iMacs! Target Display Mode: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Apple Support

My question is: Can I grab another Motherboard/Processor and install it in this Mac to get the required hardware for Target Display Mode? I'm an experienced PC builder, so I've got the skills and tools to accomplish the task. If it is possible, can I get directed to a compatibility guide and potential issues? I'd like to Keep OS X functional and reliable.

Thanks in advance!
 
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TDM is using the Mac's mobo. You need a thunderbolt to vga/hdmi/dvi/displayport. I tried to use my 2011 imac this way with my pc, and nothing went on the imac's screen. You can get an lcd driver powered off vga, but then the imac is disconnected unless you make a lcd cable splitter.

https://support.apple.com/kb/PH19038?locale=en_US

http://makezine.com/2011/09/06/33-board-turns-your-bare-lcd-into-working-monitor/
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jbaker22

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TDM is using the Mac's mobo. You need a thunderbolt to vga/hdmi/dvi/displayport. I tried to use my 2011 imac this way with my pc, and nothing went on the imac's screen. You can get an lcd driver powered off vga, but then the imac is disconnected unless you make a lcd cable splitter.

https://support.apple.com/kb/PH19038?locale=en_US

http://makezine.com/2011/09/06/33-board-turns-your-bare-lcd-into-working-monitor/
 
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the_joey_o

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I understand that TeamViewer would accomplish this. However, in our lab, we install new OSes and wipe our boxes clean for testing new things all the time. I'd rather just turn my Mac into fancy KVM switch than install Teamviewer over and over again.

Is it possible to swap out the motherboard (possibly also the processor and other peripherals) for a motherboard from a 2011 or better iMac? Could I drop in a 3rd party motherboard and still have it work?
 
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