Chosen Solution
I have an early 2009 2.9GHz 24" iMac with an NVIDIA GeForce GT 130 512 MB that is real close to dying. If I can find a replacement, it will cost way too much for this old of an iMac. I’d still like to try and run OS X Server (10.11-max) and know the Mac mini can run headless when configured properly. If I disconnect the graphics card, will the iMac still start up? With it running OS X Server, I can remotely connect to it and use it as a media server or something else. Thanks I just ordered a used late 2015 iMac to replace it before it doesn’t work anymore. The screen starts fragmenting, gets real fragmented, then locks up.
I’d try a reflow of the GPU with a hot air gun. Or replace it. NVIDIA GT120 (256Mb): part #661-4991NVIDIA GT130 (512Mb): part #661-4990ATI Radeon HD 4850 (512Mb): part #661-5135
The problem is within the graphics card so trying to use the system using an external display still won’t work here - Sorry ;-{ You need to fix or replace the graphics card. I would follow Mayer’s advice.
You might be able to boot it using the integrated CPU graphics functionality - dunno exactly about 2009 models, but my Mid 2011 27 with a bad graphics card can be booted to ignore the discrete AMD GPU and instead, use the Intel integrated graphics in the CPU; Here’s where I got the idea from SCM321; https://discussions.apple.com/thread/778… Be prepared for crappy latency and refresh rates - absolutely no good for video, but it is a functional desktop that supports (laggy) screen sharing from another Mac or PC. I imagine if you could get the integrated CPU graphics to work running OS X Server, then on screen setup of your server would be possible after which you could sleep the display, or turn it towards the wall.
