iMac 2011 to Monitor Conversion
I have an old mid-2011 iMac 21.5” that I no longer use, but I still keep it around out of nostalgia. Instead of letting it just be a piece of decor, I decided to convert it into a functional monitor that I can use as a secondary display for my computers.
The conversion process is not too complicated, but it does take some work. I used this LM215WF3-SDC2 Display Kit from AliExpress.
In the iMac, we have the display, but it lacks a controller board with essential components like HDMI input, a button panel for adjusting monitor settings, a power supply, and other necessary parts required for it to function as a standalone monitor. This kit provides all these components. Additionally, you’ll need a 12V 6A DC power supply. The disassembly guide from iFixit proved to be incredibly helpful in this process.
It's fairly easy to remove the glass panel, it is only held on magnetically. After that, just 8 screws hold the display panel in place. I hooked up the LM215WF3-SDC2 display kit and tested it, and it works. Next, it's stripping out all the internal components that we no longer need.
The RAM slots under the middle of the iMac was the perfect spot to place the display controller button panel. I just had to saw off the middle screw mount and cut off part of the plastic frame. I also cut a piece of 5mm high density PVC foam board to mount the button panel and screwed that down to the original RAM slot cover screw holes.
For the display controller and power supply boards, I actually cut 2 pieces of 5mm PVC foam board and drill holes to put plastic standoffs, and screwed the boards on, then hot glue the foam boards to the back of the iMac aluminum casing. I know some people just directly hot glue the boards to the aluminum case, but the problem with that, is that the boards can get hot and potentially soften the hot glue, causing the board to fall off eventually.
That's pretty much it. Finally, connect the cables, reinstall the display and glass panel. Remember to clean the display and glass panel properly before closing it.
So, for about USD27 and a couple of hours of work, my iMac is useful again ... Hahaha.