Adding more purpose to your iMac 27″, use it as monitor for any HDMI device, like your xbox, PS4, media player, set top box, etc. etc. etc.

Remon Pel

8 years ago

Just a quick note for those wondering;

YES YOU CAN! Use a 27″ iMac in Target Display Mode with a non-Apple device on the other end of the cable!

The 27″ iMac (last sold in 2010) can be used as DisplayPort monitor. This is important!; the 24″ iMacs that came after the 27″ also have a Target Display Mode, but they require a ThunderBolt connection, as opposed to a Mini-DisplayPort connection.

(Source: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204592)The 27″ is lenient in this matter and that is our loophole.

What you need:

You need an iMac 27″ (Duh!) with Mini-DisplayPort (2009 or 2010 model)
An ACTIVE HDMI to DisplayPort convertor. DO NOT confuse this with a DisplayPort to HDMI adaptor; you need SOURCE: HDMI, OUTPUT: DisplayPort. This device is one that is confirmed to function!; the DeLock 62667. Note the terminology; convertor as opposed to adaptor.
The proper cable for your HDMI to DisplayPort convertor. For me a DisplayPort to Mini-DisplayPort cable was the proper one.

I tested this with my Asus ROG G752, and it works beautifully :)

Next step (and goal for this exercise) is to hook up a game console. This one springs to mind… The xbox one s with BattleField1.