Experienced console gamers always look for the best displays and generally outstanding performance in their gaming equipment. You may be looking at your 27″ iMac wondering how incredible it would be to play Xbox games on the massive screen. If your search for answers in Apple forums has been futile, this article is the ultimate guide on all matters iMac as a gaming monitor.
So, can you use the iMac as a Monitor for Xbox? You can use an adapter that plugs into either the iMac Thunderbolt or Mini DisplayPort and uses a HDMI cable plugged into the HDMI interface on the adapter to connect to the Xbox. Only iMacs with Target Display Mode are capable of connecting physically to other devices like the Xbox. You can also stream from the Xbox to iMac display using OneCast streaming software.
By connecting a HDMI cable to the Xbox console and the other part to the Thunderbolt or Mini DisplayPort adapter’s HDMI interface, then from the other end of the adapter connecting the cable to the iMac Thunderbolt or Mini DisplayPort will link with the Xbox to iMac display. When you click Command + F2, you will have enabled the Target Display Mode and immediately see the image display on the iMac screen.
It’s best to start with a lower resolution like 720p just to ensure the iMac screen can display this and then change the screen settings to a higher resolution like 1020p. Otherwise, you could end up with display problems if the iMac model and its operating system version are unable to deal with high resolution.
Apple introduced the 24” and 27” iMacs between 2009 and 2014, featuring Target Display Mode for users to convert the computer’s Mini DisplayPort (mDP) into an input. However, if you want to use it to connect with another device besides Apple products, you will need an HDMI- mDP adapter, and there are several makes in the market serving the exact needs. This mDP, therefore, makes it easier for gamers to connect their gaming PCs and their consoles to the iMacs.
You can also take advantage of the massive display size and high image quality. For your Mac to work perfectly with your Xbox, it is vital to check that it has An mDP or Thunderbolt port; otherwise, it cannot be an external monitor.
Besides, you can use more than one iMac for the same output as long as they have a Thunderbolt cable to link to the other Mac. Luckily, the setup process is straightforward and will take very little time, even if you are not tech-savvy.
Similarly, if you want to mirror gaming images from your PC to the iMac, the first step is to turn off everything before connection. You will then firmly plug the monitor with an MDP or Thunderbolt cable. When everything is in place, activate Target Display Mode on the iMac, and it will immediately mirror your PC. Tap Command+ F2 on your iMac keyboard and adjust its screen resolution.
For OneCast streaming, as long as your Xbox is on the same network like a home network, the detection of the Xbox by the OneCast application will be automatic. Prompting you then to log into your Xbox with your Microsoft account credentials, that is the same username and password used for logging into the Xbox.
Connecting over the same network, could be over Wi-Fi or via hard connection to the router ports with both the Xbox and iMac having network cables plugged into the router. The hard connection might be a better option as this will reduce any latency compared to Wi-Fi connections, especially if the Wi-Fi signal isn’t very strong.
The iMac macOS version must be greater than Yosemite (10.10). The first step is to download the OneCast software to your iMac and then open the corresponding DMG file. From here the OneCast app can be dragged to the Applications folder and launched by clicking onto the icon.
On the Xbox, a little configuration is required to get the streaming to work,
- From the controller, press the Xbox button
- Select the Settings tab (gear icon)
- Choose the Settings option
- Choose Preferences
- Choose “Xbox app connectivity”
- Choose “Only from profiles signed in on this Xbox”
- Choose “Allow game streaming to other devices”
It’s important to note, OneCast is not officially supported by Microsoft and there will always be concerns this software might stop working if Microsoft made changes to the Xbox to limit third-party streaming service.
An iMac serves as a fantastic LCD for work or entertainment and is one of the go-to monitors. Fans love the massive size, especially the 27″ model, and always want to try out new things with it. If you are a professional or casual gamer and hope that you can link it with your Xbox, here is what you need to know.
Thanks to its high image resolution, quality sounds, fast speeds, and massive screen size, an iMac is an incredible option for an external gaming display. Before setting up the iMac as a gaming monitor, it is essential to make a compatibility test to ascertain that the design is perfect for the job.
An iMac makes an excellent external display for your Xbox gaming needs. It offers clear and high-resolution images, excellent sound output, and speed, all preferred qualities by gamers. To make the setup using the non-streaming method, that is using the cables for HDMI to Thunderport or Mini DisplayPort connectivity.
To physically connect the Xbox to the iMac, connect an HDMI wire to the Xbox and the other part to an adapter. Next, link the adapter to the iMac, turn on the console, and click Command + F2 for Target Display Mode.
With this, your screen will mirror your Xbox, and you can adjust the resolution for better picture quality. For this hook-up to work, ensure you have an updated iMac and have the required cable and adapter.
You will notice that the iMac is a fantastic choice for all your Xbox gaming needs, offering the best quality and all the features coveted by avid gamers. Besides entertainment, it is also an excellent choice for work due to its speed and dependability.
Can You Use an iMac as a Gaming Monitor?
Over the years, the iMac has faithfully served users with the market’s best features. Other than using the computer independently, you can tether it to external devices for a broader and better experience. If you consider using your iMac as part of your gaming but are unsure of the possibility, the following are the answers you need.
iMacs can effortlessly tether to a gaming device since they feature the “Target Display” mode, allowing you to run other external devices with them as the display using a Thunderbolt or Mini DisplayPort adapter. Some gaming devices like the Xbox can stream to the iMac using streaming software like OneCast.
Also, the iDevice has a more massive screen than most computers, boasts capable graphics for gaming images, and has the correct ports to link a gaming console and other related gadgets. If the ports don’t match, there are still adapters in stores to make them compatible.
The 24” and 27” Apple desktops from 2009 to 2014 are unique designs to run your PC and console games. These iMacs can serve as additional monitors since they have the Target Display Mode to help provide excellent displays for your gaming needs. However, besides the mode, the computer also has other means to communicate with the external gadgets through the Mini DisplayPort and Thunderbolt ports.
If your gaming device doesn’t have a compatible slot, you will be glad to know that there are several adapters in online shops and retailers to help connect the gadgets. For instance, you can acquire a Mini DisplayPort to an HDMI or a Thunderbolt port to HDMI adapters. However, remember that iMacs lack the HDMI port your gaming console has, and you may need to find a suitable adapter to facilitate the process.
The iMac’s display screen is unbeatable by other computers as it features a massive high-resolution screen, perfect for your gaming needs. Therefore, your video games’ color quality will be exceptionally higher than regular monitors, and the graphics capability surpasses most dedicated cards, making the iMac a significant entertainment component. The most impressive aspect is that the iMac has a larger screen size than other monitors with displays that can measure up to 27″.
It makes gaming better and more fun because your friends and family can join in and won’t struggle to view the images. Generally, the iMac computers make excellent monitors for your games, provided that your iDevice is compatible with the gadget. Lastly, it is advisable to focus on specially designed iMacs, possibly from 2009 or later releases, since most of them have the Mini DisplayPort and Thunderbolt ports.
Requirements Your iMac Should Meet To Be a Gaming Monitor?
Although it is clear that the iMac is an unmatched gaming monitor, there are some irreducible minimums to meet first. If you want a seamless and the best quality gaming experience, it is best to consider the aspects below.
Your iMac should have a Thunderbolt or MDP (Mini DisplayPort). All 27″ computers made in 2009-2010 have the MDP by default, while the 2010-2014 designs have the Thunderbolt. Your gaming PC must also have the two ports for mirroring, and you also need the corresponding cables.
Additionally, if your iMac is a 2011-mid 2014 release, it should run the macOS High Sierra, while your Mac must be a 2019 make or earlier operating on at least macOS Catalina. All these requirements also apply to owners of the 2009-2010 models except for the Mac’s OS, which in this case can be at least High Sierra.
Before turning your iMac into an extra gaming monitor, it is advisable to confirm your system and iMac version because various models come in different designs. It is also crucial to check that the computer has a two-way Thunderbolt port or Mini DisplayPort to facilitate data transfer between the connected devices. The versions supporting the use of these cables are the models released after 2009 because they have the ports by default.
If you have a later model from 2011 to mid-2014, the requirements are different from the models of 2009-2010. The former requires that you install High Sierra or an earlier OS, and the Mac to mirror from must be a 2019 construction or earlier running MacOS Catalina or a better update. Since the computers have a default Thunderbolt port, you need a compatible cable.
However, if your iMac is a 2009 or 2010 design, it comes with a Mini DisplayPort, needing an MDP cable for the link. You should have updated the computer to the High Sierra operating system or a better version. Additionally, your Mac should be a 2019 or better design and run at least High Sierra. It is also essential that the device you are linking with the iMac should also have a compatible port.
However, several adapters in the market can help to connect non-Apple gaming PCs. The last thing to improve the iMac’s image display is to adjust the screen resolution, preferably to 2560 by 1440. You can go to the QuickRes icon, Preferences, and click the Apple icon as you navigate to About and Display. Lastly, tap Advanced, then Show Stretched Sizes as you set the resolution.
Pros and Cons of Using an iMac as a Gaming Monitor?
The fame following iMac computers is not a surprise because Apple is keen on making unbeatable gadgets. Understandably, now that you know that your iMac can serve as an additional monitor for gaming, you may have some questions about the advantages and disadvantages to expect when you decide to include it as a gaming rig.
The iMac has a remarkable retina display and a widescreen that can accommodate multiplayer game modes. It also has terrific graphics capabilities than regular monitors, and it is easier to tether it to the gaming gadget.
The design is sleek and compact, allowing you to move it effortlessly from one point to the next. Conversely, the iMac cannot run hardcore games, and it is relatively more expensive to acquire than other monitors. Also, not all iMacs are compatible with the setup because older models don’t feature the MDP or Thunderbolt ports.
The iMac computers may not be solely for video gaming, but you will enjoy your experience. Luckily the upsides outweigh the drawbacks, and if your titles are not demanding, you can opt for the iMac monitors for your gaming needs.
Many users incline to them because they have in-built solid graphics capabilities and offer more precise image displays. You can get spectacular visuals with better resolutions depending on your iMac model.
With the large screen size, this feature ensures that you won’t strain while playing video games, even when other players join you. Thus, it will be handy if you are a multiplayer mode fan. Besides, you will notice that linking the iMac to a gaming PC is relatively straightforward. You can use a Thunderbolt or Mini DisplayPort cable to tether the devices using their respective slots.
Also, the iDevice is quite portable, sleek, and compact, occupying less space on your gaming table. On the other hand, there are some downsides to expect when using the iMac as a monitor. First, not all models support the connection based on their year of construction. Apple only features the Target Display Mode in the later releases to facilitate use as monitors, leaving out the older models.
Additionally, the iMacs accepting video input usually have lower refresh rates of 60Hz, making them susceptible to lagging when running heavier games. Moreover, buying an iMac for gaming will be costly; many players prefer buying dedicated monitors instead. However, it would be a viable option if you already have an old iMac lying around, saving you the cost of making a new purchase.
Moreover, some gamers are confident that the monitor isn’t built for serious gaming unless you play less demanding titles for fun. Therefore, if you are a professional gamer and need a monitor, you may have to compromise some aspects offered by dedicated gaming monitors. Otherwise, you can use it if you only play for fun with other people.
Parting Shot
If you have an old iMac, you will be glad to know that there are ways to put it to good use. As long as it is a 2009 model or later release, you can hook it up to your console and gaming PC to serve as an extra monitor.
It is a brilliant idea because it has a massive screen size and generally offers unmatched image quality. The condition is that the iMac must have a Mini DisplayPort or a Thunderbolt port that connects to the other gadgets. You will also need an MDP or Thunderbolt cable and an adapter that links to the HDMI slot. Finally, ensure that your iMac and PC are updated.
