The iMac's screen is the same 5120 x 2880 panel Apple uses in the Studio Display. We take the computer out, put in a display driver board, and the iMac becomes a full-resolution monitor for any Mac with USB-C or Thunderbolt.
This plan only fits a 27-inch iMac with Retina 5K display, 2014 to 2020 (model A1419 or A2115, printed under the stand). When the screen comes off, the sticker on the back of the panel should read LM270QQ1 or LM270QQ2. The board is ordered to match that sticker, so we read it before buying. Apple's Target Display Mode does not work on 5K iMacs, which is why the conversion needs new hardware.
Unplug it and wait 30 minutes so the internal power supply drains. Cut the screen adhesive with an opening wheel and lift the glass panel off.
Take out the logic board, Apple power supply, drive, and Wi-Fi antennas. Keep the speakers, the fan, and the power inlet cable.
Plug the panel's data and backlight cables into the new board and confirm a 5K picture from a Mac before anything gets mounted.
Fasten it on standoffs so its ports line up with the memory door. That door becomes the cable opening.
A Mean Well 24 V supply sits inside the case. It is wired to the iMac's original power socket with a small connector and grounded to the case, so the stock power cord still works.
The iMac fan runs through a Noctua speed controller so it stays quiet. The speakers connect through a capacitor and coil on each side.
Check picture, sound, charging and heat. Then apply new adhesive strips and press the glass back on.
Rough time: a basic board swap runs about 1 to 2 hours. The full build above (internal power supply, speakers, quiet fan) is closer to a full day, plus the wait for parts.
| Part | Where | Price | Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|
| R1820 driver board, Package A (LM270QQ1) | StoneTaskin | $220.00 | 7 to 15 days |
| Mean Well NSP-200-24 power supply | Mouser or TRC ($54.07) | $42.21 | In stock |
| Molex 43640-0300 plug and 43031-0021 pins | Mouser | $1.50 | In stock |
| Micro-Fit crimping tool | Amazon | $24.96 | 1 to 2 days |
| Noctua NA-FC1 fan controller | Amazon | $26.95 | 1 to 2 days |
| Speaker crossovers: 2 capacitors, 2 coils | Parts Express | $11.98 | 3 to 5 days |
| Cable Matters USB-C to DisplayPort 1.4, 6 ft | Amazon | $18.99 | 1 to 2 days |
| iFixit screen adhesive strips | iFixit | $29.99 | Ships same day |
| iFixit opening wheel | iFixit | $7.99 | Ships same day |
| Power lead, Kapton tape, standoffs, 18 AWG wire | Amazon | $46.95 | 1 to 2 days |
| Total | about $432 | plus shipping and tax |
Prices checked November 12, 2026, and they move. Optional: a $16.99 Silkland 40 Gbps USB4 cable if you want one cable to carry picture and laptop charging. If you already own the tape, wire and standoffs, the total drops to about $395.
Plus your time, a soldering iron, and Torx screwdrivers. Best if you are comfortable with electronics and mains wiring. The guides below cover every step.
We order the parts, do the build and testing, and hand back a finished display. Call me for labor rates or book a time.
No one has published a start-to-finish video for the R1820 yet. It mounts and connects like the older R1811 and SA1 boards, so these guides apply.