Chosen Solution
The LCD on my 27" thunderbolt display (LM270WQ1) burnt out about a year ago. I haven’t had the time to repair it and Apple told me it would be ~$600 to repair if they did it (of course). However, on the 27" Thunderbolt display tear-down here on iFixit it shows that the 2009-2011 27" iMacs use the same display (LM270WQ1) but a different sub-model. I’ve found a few of those displays on eBay, but before I pull the trigger I want to make sure Apple didn’t do some stupid $@$* like change the ports so you can’t do what I intend to. Unfortunately, Apple themselves won’t answer the question despite discontinuing the product all together.
I would be very hesitant - Even the iMac has different connections going to the board, from that display in that range of years. Would be very surprised if they were compatible - Would be very unlike for Apple
You can change the panel display from the LM270WQ1 SD B3 to any version. You’ll need to change the backlight cable from the right to the left. The most important is the T-CON board LM270WQ1 SD B3, replacing SD A2 T-CON board.
i’m so very happy For the LM270WQ1, set for only 2009-2011 for use with the Thunderbolt Display and the most important you have a T-CON board SD B3
Sorry, no. The connectors are slightly different and therefore will not function if swapped. It’s pretty typical of Apple to do this and after coming to this conclusion I was not surprised. However, if you do want a replacement LCD that will work with your Thunderbolt Display you can buy one from eBay at the link below. https://www.ebay.com/p/LG-27-Replacement…
Can I swap a LCD from a 27" Apple Cinema into a 27" thunderbolt display?
