What cable should I use to connect my Mac Mini 2018 to iMac 27" late 2009 in target display mode?

I recently bought a new Mac Mini 2018 and I want to use my old iMac 27" late 2009 as the display.

Since there is no Thunderbolt or Mini DisplayPort on the new Mac Mini. So what cable or adapter combination should I use to connect to the iMac?

  1. Mini DisplayPort to Mini Display Port Cable + Adapter: Mini Display Port (Female) to USB-C
  2. Adapter: Mini DisplayPort to HDMI + HDMI to HDMI Cable

Posted on Jun 11, 2019 3:10 AM

Reply
Question marked as ⚠️ Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jun 11, 2019 11:47 PM

Thunderbolt adapters don't work for non-Thunderbolt displays.

About the Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter - Apple Support

"This adapter is not compatible with displays that use DisplayPort or Mini DisplayPort"


You need a 4K 60 Hz USB-C to Mini DisplayPort cable.

https://www.startech.com/AV/display-and-video-adapters/usb-c-video-adapters/usb-c-mini-displayport-cable~CDP2MDPMM1MB

https://www.startech.com/AV/display-and-video-adapters/usb-c-video-adapters/usb-c-mini-displayport-cable~CDP2MDPMM6B

2 replies
Sort By: 
Question marked as ⚠️ Top-ranking reply

Jun 11, 2019 11:47 PM in response to rockyw94

Thunderbolt adapters don't work for non-Thunderbolt displays.

About the Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter - Apple Support

"This adapter is not compatible with displays that use DisplayPort or Mini DisplayPort"


You need a 4K 60 Hz USB-C to Mini DisplayPort cable.

https://www.startech.com/AV/display-and-video-adapters/usb-c-video-adapters/usb-c-mini-displayport-cable~CDP2MDPMM1MB

https://www.startech.com/AV/display-and-video-adapters/usb-c-video-adapters/usb-c-mini-displayport-cable~CDP2MDPMM6B

Reply

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

What cable should I use to connect my Mac Mini 2018 to iMac 27" late 2009 in target display mode?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.