James Almeida
I really wanted a 5K monitor but didn’t want to pay for a really expensive Apple Studio Display or the LG Ultrafine display. Besides the cost, they also only have Thunderbolt ports and I wanted the option to use HDMI and regular DisplayPort cables too. My solution was to order just the panel that comes in the 5K iMac and also is the same panel that comes in the LG Ultrafine Monitor. From the same store I was able to buy a driver board that would power the panel and give me the ports I was looking for. The difference between package A and B is that B also comes with the power supply so I recommend you get that one if you also need the power supply.
Once I had the panel and board I was able to mount them temporarily on a piece of plywood to test them out but I wanted a better solution for an enclosure so I made one for the driver board with my 3D printer and then ordered a flat steel back panel from Oshcut (). This normally would have cost me $86 but I got a referral link from JerryRigsEverything’s Hummer EV video that gives you $45 off your first order (See his video description for the code: https://youtu.be/rcP7ZvzyZwM).
The steel back panel has holes that let you mount it directly to the holes on the back of the display panel. This will use 16 M3x5mm screws. The current design of the controller board has it mounted to the bottom backside of the display and you can slide it up and down to hide it or show it. This is something that will probably evolve as I use it and think about it some more. Part of me wants to solder extensions to the controller board so I can make my own board without needing to have the big ribbon cable have to move up and down with the buttons.
Parts:
1. Buy – 5K Display Panel LM270QQ2 – $270 (https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256801164527599.html)
2. Buy – 5K Driver Board for LM270QQ2 – $250 (https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256802320446594.html)
3. 3D Print – Driver Board Case and the Controls Case parts (https://www.printables.com/model/486985-diy-5k-monitor-v2)
4. Order 2x Steel Back Panels from OSHCut. Outer and Inner panels. Drawings are linked on my Printables page with the 3D models ( Don’t forget to use the coupon code mentioned above for $45 off your first order.)
Software Options:
On MacOS, you can install MonitorControl and/or DisplayBuddy. In both cases you’ll want to install the latest versions from Github rather than the versions on the Mac App store. The App store version doesn’t seem to be able to have all the needed permissions and thus has fewer options compared to the version you can download off of Github. One of the features missing in Monitor Control Lite is the ability to adjust the brightness of all your external displays using the standard brightness keys on your keyboard. DisplayBuddy is also missing features if installed through the Mac App Store. For Windows I’ve been told Monitorian works well but I haven’t tested it myself yet.
Monitor Control: https://github.com/MonitorControl/MonitorControl
DisplayBuddy: https://sids.gumroad.com/l/displaybuddy
Monitorian (Windows): https://apps.microsoft.com/store/detail/monitorian/9NW33J738BL0?hl=en-in&gl=in&rtc=1&activetab=pivot%3Aoverviewtab
Follow me here:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/_JamesAlmeida
Printables: https://www.printables.com/@SirPrintsALot
Hackaday.io: https://hackaday.io/project/191738-diy-apple-studio-display-5k-monitor
For those wondering I was able to get this panel to do 3840×2160 @ 120Hz without issues using Nvidia Control Panel to make a custom resolution. 5K seems to be limited to 60Hz.
Is there a war to make this actually look good? Like a proper back?
this is literally the coolest project on youtube rn – so awesome thanks for making it!
Nice build. For V3 I would propose a completely printed back panel like the Apple display and integrated Power Supply + using and old iMac27” Stand for it with the original Power Cable then. That the way I want to go. Im looking to use the Speakers from an iMac as well but not sure they can work with a normal amplifier. Do you think using Alu frame instead of steel would be still stiff enough?
Makes me envious! I want to do this as I have a 2017 5k iMac sitting in my basement. Just don't have to know how or tools to d this conversion correctly. Plus where do you find the parts for all this? It is a great project you have done. I hope you make more videos, very enjoyable.
Nice build. What's the wake from sleep time of that 5k driver?
интересно, реально ли было бы его встроить в корпус Apple led cinema display?
It's wired. 5k 27 monitor is a problem to find but not very big. What about 34 ultra wide 6k ?
What did you use as a power supply for the driver board?
absolutely love this project! been thinking about either converting an old 5k retina imac to a display or doing something like this:)
Ok, i know I’m commenting kinda late. But does that driver board support p3 color profile?
Because the panels can, only question is wether this excact board can too👍
I'd like to offer a suggestion. In my previous role, I worked as a framer at an art gallery, and I have an idea for you. Have you considered obtaining a custom metal or wooden frame and then securing it in place with a backing to complete the framing process? This approach would provide you with a beautifully framed piece while ensuring everything is held securely in place. It's a cost-effective solution that I'm planning to implement myself
Great build. Do you have any idea how durable these 5K driver Boards are? I like the idea of using one but just don't know how long they will last. Thanks.
What are your thought on kuycon moniter?
Was this done with the LM270QQ2-SPA3 or the LM270QQ2-SPA1? And what, if any, differences are there between the two models?
This is awesome, thank you! I'm looking for a 5K monitor, check. But, I'm also hoping to find one that will support 4K@120hz from my PS5. The panel seems to support that refresh rate, and so does the driver board. Have you tried getting this above 60hz with any other sources such as a game console or gaming pc?
Yo this is sick af! I love how small the bezels are on this panel when compared to the iMacs. Great work keep up the good content!
subscribed! random, but is that a custom desk as well? I'm looking at building a custom riser like that for my two 62" husky workbenches. They're a bit shallow to support my lg ultrafine 5k, asd, and 2 lg ultrafine 4ks (24" and 32"). looking forward to part 3!
Amazing job man! It's unbelievable that the panel itself is only 270…
Amazing build! Did the buttons come with the driver board or did you buy/build that separately? Very excited for part 3! It would also be cool to remix this to use a screen from a recycled 27" imac, with or without the extra glass – especially as the price of those keeps dropping as the apple silicon migration happens, If I figure out the cables and buttons, I might try to use the JRY-W9CUHD-AA1 driver board for something similar to this, cheers!
Im converting my 2017 iMac 5k into a standalone 5k display now and I came across this. Your DIY build is awesome dude and blows the iMac route out of the water just with weight savings alone. Really cool to see !
Dude this is fucking insane, good job!
What is your desk called?