Mac OS Ventura TARGET DISPLAY MODE IS BACK!! Using an old iMac as a monitor OCLP

Sam Spade Tech
16 Jan 202309:34

Summary

TLDRIn this update video, the creator demonstrates using Target Display Mode on older iMacs running unsupported macOS versions via OpenCore Legacy Patcher. They showcase a late 2013 iMac on Ventura and a late 2012 iMac on Monterey, highlighting seamless functionality with both Mac and Windows keyboards. The video covers setup, troubleshooting, and performance, including zero-lag display, hotkey usage, and resolution adjustments. The creator also discusses compatibility issues, forward compatibility quirks, and cost-effective alternatives to modern displays. Viewers gain practical guidance for reviving older iMacs as secondary monitors, making it a useful resource for tech enthusiasts looking to extend the life of legacy hardware.

Takeaways

  • 💻 The video demonstrates using Target Display Mode on older iMacs, specifically a late 2013 27-inch running Ventura and a late 2012 27-inch running Monterey.
  • ⚡ Both iMacs are unsupported Macs running newer operating systems via OpenCore Legacy Patcher to enable installation of newer macOS versions.
  • 🖥️ Target Display Mode works with both Mac and Windows keyboards, including wireless keyboards, using the Command + F2 hotkey.
  • 🔗 The two iMacs are connected via a Thunderbolt-to-Thunderbolt cable, providing a lag-free display experience.
  • 🖨️ The older iMac running Monterey allows sharing of a printer to the Ventura system, compensating for lack of official drivers.
  • 🚨 Upgrading macOS via OpenCore Legacy Patcher can cause issues such as boot loops if post-install patches are not applied correctly.
  • ✅ Target Display Mode works across two different macOS versions (forward compatibility from older to newer OS), though reverse compatibility may cause graphical issues.
  • 📦 Budget-friendly solution: Both iMacs were purchased on eBay for around $700 combined, providing two 27-inch monitors as a cost-effective alternative to a Studio Display.
  • 🔧 Ventura’s system settings are different from older macOS versions, but the new setup runs smoothly with zero lag on Target Display Mode.
  • 📌 Not all iMac models support Target Display Mode; Retina iMacs (2015 and newer) do not support it. Check Apple’s website for compatibility before attempting.

Q & A

  • What operating systems are being used on the two iMacs in the video?

    -The late 2013 27-inch iMac is running macOS Ventura, while the late 2012 27-inch iMac is running macOS Monterey.

  • What tool is used to install unsupported software on these older iMacs?

    -The OpenCore Legacy Patcher is used to install unsupported software on the older iMacs.

  • How does the presenter demonstrate Target Display Mode?

    -The presenter shows Target Display Mode by using the hotkey Command + F2 to turn one iMac into an external display for the other iMac.

  • Can Target Display Mode work with wireless keyboards?

    -Yes, the video confirms that Target Display Mode works with both wireless Mac and Windows keyboards.

  • What is the connection method used between the two iMacs?

    -The iMacs are connected using a Thunderbolt-to-Thunderbolt cable.

  • What issue did the presenter encounter when using the OpenCore Legacy Patcher?

    -The presenter experienced a boot loop after reinstalling post-install root patches, which required upgrading one iMac to macOS Ventura.

  • Is Target Display Mode forward compatible between older and newer macOS versions?

    -Forward compatibility is limited. The presenter initially experienced graphical issues when attempting to target display from Monterey to Ventura, but after reseating the Thunderbolt cable, it worked properly.

  • Why is the older iMac kept on macOS Monterey?

    -The older iMac is kept on Monterey to maintain compatibility with a printer for which drivers are not available on Ventura.

  • What budget considerations does the presenter mention for acquiring two iMacs?

    -The presenter acquired the iMacs on eBay for approximately $400 and $300, totaling around $700 for two 27-inch monitors, which is a budget-friendly alternative to buying a new studio display.

  • Which iMac models do not support Target Display Mode?

    -Retina iMacs, starting from around the 2015 model, do not support Target Display Mode. The presenter advises checking Apple's website for specific compatibility.

  • How does the presenter manage printer sharing between the two macOS versions?

    -Since the printer is incompatible with Ventura, the presenter shares the printer over the network from the Monterey iMac so Ventura can access it.

  • What advantage does Target Display Mode provide over software solutions like Air Display?

    -Target Display Mode offers a native, zero-lag external display experience, which works more reliably than software solutions like Air Display.

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Related Tags
Target DisplayiMacOpenCore PatchermacOS VenturamacOS MontereyWireless KeyboardTech TutorialBudget SetupDual DisplaysApple HacksRetro MacComputer Tips