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I have a late 2009 iMac 21.5". I am buying a new iMac and want the old one to be put to use. Is there a way to make it a 2nd monitor? What can become of the old components inside the 2009 iMac? The hard drive (replaced by Apple) is only 2.5 years old - can that somehow be used? Thanks for any suggestions.

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  • Have you tried Target Display Mode or Target Disk Mode?
    – airsquared
    Commented Aug 7, 2017 at 20:38

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Unfortunately the 21.5" late 2009 iMac model cannot be used as a display via Target Display Mode, although the 27" model could.

It's not clear what state your old iMac is in (working order or not), but if it boots then you can use it for a number of purposes (e.g. as a file and/or print server, for sharing a VPN connection, for sharing an iTunes library, etc).

If you really wanted to take advantage of its screen, you may have some limited success with a software solution. For example, people use Air Display to use existing iMacs as monitors for other devices/computers. However, this and other software solutions can be a little hit and miss.

Another option is to use your old iMac in Target Disk Mode. This is effectively a way of turning your iMac into an external hard drive. For more information on this you can read Use target disk mode to share files between two Mac computers.

Finally, if your old iMac is not in working order, you can sell some of its parts online (e.g. via eBay). If this is your scenario, you may want to consider keeping the hard drive and using it in an external case as an external hard drive for your new iMac. Whether this is worth doing will depend on its size etc.

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  • Thanks for your answer! The iMac is in very good condition...other than the fact that is it really slow and frustrating to use. I am told that the processors in there just aren't up to the task of 2017 comupting/graphics/video etc, to keep running quickly.
    – Sizzle
    Commented Aug 8, 2017 at 23:18
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    Once you've got your new iMac all set up you may want to consider doing a totally fresh install of macOS on the old iMac. This will almost certainly improve its performance and you could then keep it as a second computer (for basic tasks such as checking email, word processing, some web browsing, watching DVDs, etc). All the best with your new iMac! :)
    – Monomeeth ♦
    Commented Aug 8, 2017 at 23:35

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