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Using an iMac without a hard drive as a second display?

  • 08-06-2017 08:25PM
    #1
    OU812
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,102 ✭✭✭


    Anyone know if it's possible to use an iMac as a second display (off another iMac) if the hard drive in one isn't working? I'm familiar with Apple's TDM, but I can't find a straight answer to this.

    My current iMac looks like it's having issues with the hard drive & since I was thinking of upgrading anyway, I was going to swallow the loss of selling on as I'd need to get it repaired first & instead have the two of them on my desk with the "faulty" one acting as a second screen.

    If there's no hard drive attached I get a grey screen with a question mark, so the display is working.


Comments

  • #2
    awec
    Administrators Posts: 55,698 Admin ✭✭✭✭✭awec


    I don't believe it's possible. To use TDM I think you need OSX installed and obviously you need a hard drive for that.


  • #3
    ED E
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 36,094 ✭✭✭✭ED E


    OU812 wrote: »
    If there's no hard drive attached I get a grey screen with a question mark, so the display is working.

    In that case you've already opened the case? Why not just swap in the cheapest drive you can get and reinstall OSX?


  • #4
    OU812
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,102 ✭✭✭OU812


    ED E wrote: »
    In that case you've already opened the case? Why not just swap in the cheapest drive you can get and reinstall OSX?

    Because the hard drive sensor is failing & it keeps shutting down the system thinking it's overheating. Solution is a new logic board & at that I may as well have a new mac.


  • #5
    ED E
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 36,094 ✭✭✭✭ED E


    Theres a hack to short out those pins so it forever reads 0*C. A paper clip and some tape is all it takes.

    Have a google if you're interested.


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