Can the Apple Cinema Displays work with a PC?

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TechStuey05

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Aug 5, 2005
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Hi is it possible to connect the 24" or 27" Apple Cinema LED Display to a PC?

I'm not referring to the new Thunderbolt Apple Cinema Display

Thanks
 
the old displays used micro DVI right?


if so.. search apple's website for the correct adapter.
 
If one has a graphics card with display port, how does one go about adjusting/calibrating the monitor in Windows 7? How kludgy is it?
 
Hi,

There is actually a thread dedicated to this display here:
http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1504231&page=32

The ACD27" Thunderbolt cannot be used on PCs yet, but the mini-DisplayPort version works perfect on PCs with a DisplayPort video card. It's not terribly kludgy at all to adjust in Windows 7. All you do is download "applecontrolpanel.exe" and run the utility (Same as you would on a real Mac).
http://rapidshare.com/files/424506361/AppleControlPanel.zip

That's it. The only tricky thing is that if your BIOS is set to AHCI mode (i.e. you have a SSD) you need to put a bootable disc such as the Windows 7 DVD into your DVD drive, or the Apple utility will not launch.
 
Yes, it works. I have my Dell XPS 15z connected to it, and it works like a charm. I'm not quite as lucky finding a video card that has a mini displayport to put in my newly build system. Just recently found a card that actually has one (Sapphire Toxic I believe). I just got it today, so I'm going to put it in my new system once I get home, and see how it performs (or even work for that matter).

Since the card doesn't really get the thumb of approval here, I did more research and finally found an adapter that has the female mini-displayport on one end. Meaning, if the Sapphire sucks like the folks here say it does, then I can look into a better card with the full size displayport, and be able to use the adapter for it.

As for the question about calibrating/adjusting. I'm using the applecontrolpanel.exe or something that is discussed in this forum. You can search for it, as I don't have it handy. Anyway, it works for adjusting the brightness, but I noticed when I use my Spyder pro to calibrate the ACD, it becomes worst. So I just kept it at default, and can't really complain on how beautiful this screen is.

Hope that helps.
 
Oh, there's a trick to run the applecontrolpanel.exe without having a bootable disc. It's actually one of the thread I've started here weeks ago. One of the guys actually found a solution about creating an account, and running it. Look for the thread, and you should be golden. It worked for me.
 
Visual360 said:
As for the question about calibrating/adjusting. I'm using the applecontrolpanel.exe or something that is discussed in this forum. You can search for it, as I don't have it handy. Anyway, it works for adjusting the brightness, but I noticed when I use my Spyder pro to calibrate the ACD, it becomes worst. So I just kept it at default, and can't really complain on how beautiful this screen is.
Click to expand...

This is important for me, as my wife does some sRGB photo editing for the web. Color accuracy does not have to be phenomenal, but it does need to be good (either OOB or with calibration).
 
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Here is the original post on an alternative method to running applecontrolpanel.exe, probably a little easier than worrying about a bootable disc:

cide_ said:
I actually found a better way to get the AppleControlPanel for Brightness to work in Windows 7.
#1) Right Click on "Computer" -> Select "Manage" and in the users area create a user account called: Test (with password: Test) -> Not an admin account!

#2) You have to create a shortcut to the EXE itself, and in the shortcut box change the part that points to the EXE itself (Not the 'Start In" area) Change to: C:\Windows\System32\runas.exe /user:test "C:\AppleControlPanel.exe" (Or whatever/whereever your ControlPanel filename is...If shortcut is in the same folder as Exe you do not need to enter a harddisk or filepath before AppleControlPanel.exe)

Before creating shortcut like this I was getting the Startup Error every time I tried to control brightness, And there was no way I was going to depreciate my Win7 install with unneeded bootcamp pollution. BTW: My disk drives run in AHCI mode and theres no chance I'll be changing that to IDE to make something run right :)
Click to expand...
 
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I have a 24" ACD hooked up to my PC. All you need is a video card with Displayport.
 
Zinn said:
I have a 24" ACD hooked up to my PC. All you need is a video card with Displayport.
Click to expand...

Can you run the 24 ACD with a non displayport card? I have a EVGA gtx580 and would love to use the 24 monitor !!
 
coolhandm3 said:
Can you run the 24 ACD with a non displayport card? I have a EVGA gtx580 and would love to use the 24 monitor !!
Click to expand...

Actually, you can. You'll have to buy the Atlona DP-400 DVI to Mini DisplayPort Converter. The converter used to be extremely expensive, but Atlona just slashed the price to $79.99.
 
Yes, it has two Mini Displayport connectors. That is exactly what the Cinema Display connects to.
 
Thanks! Will it work if I have the 24" Apple Display connected to a mini display port extension cable? Also will sound play through the 24" Apple Display's speakers?
 
TechStuey05 said:
Thanks! Will it work if I have the 24" Apple Display connected to a mini display port extension cable? Also will sound play through the 24" Apple Display's speakers?
Click to expand...

Yeah, I use a miniDisplayPort extension cable on my ACD27" and it works fine. I also get audio out of the speakers when its hooked up to my PC. :)
 
i guess the thing is a "display" after all...:D

is this display really the best there is i know it is fully digital and all?
 
If I buy ACD 27", and get the Mini DP to DVI, Can I get the 2560x1440 resolution with it? Does anyone know?
 
mangomilk said:
If I buy ACD 27", and get the Mini DP to DVI, Can I get the 2560x1440 resolution with it? Does anyone know?
Click to expand...

If you are referring to the Atlona DP400 adapter, then yes, you will get the full resolution.
 
Talked about the cheap apple cable, aww man that adapter is expensive lol this would be a expensive buy. I guess I'll keep looking ..
 
mangomilk said:
Talked about the cheap apple cable, aww man that adapter is expensive lol this would be a expensive buy. I guess I'll keep looking ..
Click to expand...

Well Atlona just dropped the price on the DP400 from $150 down to $79.99
 
At that price - it's just cheaper to get a newer video card with a mini DP or DP out.
 
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