About the iMac GPU being socketed

[CptBucky]

I just wondered if any one really knows if the iMac GPU is upgradeable? I heard about the CPU being socketed but details about the GPU are sketchy. If it's a mobile GPU, it's normally soldered on or built-in to the logic board.

 

[Hellhammer]

I think it's not soldered but there are only few possible cards due firmware so IMO it's not worth the hassle.

 

[MacApple21]

I think it's not soldered but there are only few possible cards due firmware so IMO it's not worth the hassle.

In the future there may be options. If it's upgradeable, then I could easily see some 3rd party vendor produce upgrades.
It does require some firmware, but if Apple chose to put a eg. 5850 in a future iMac, then you could extract that firmware, and Netkas could maybe do some magic.
I think it could be done, and there probably going to be a market.

 

[300D]

Its in a slot.

It is a proprietary form though, so you'll be limited to what has been used in previous, and possibly future, iMac models.

 

[negatv1]

This looks like a pic from a service manual? Can you tell us whether the CPU socketed on the new iMacs?

 

[Muncher]

Can you tell us whether the CPU socketed on the new iMacs?

A much more interesting question. I wonder if swapping in a faster processor will be possible down the line.

 

[cherry su]

yes the imac cpu is socketed. the dual core models use a LGA 775 socket, while the quads use a LGA 1156 socket. and yes, imacs are using desktop processors

 

[negatv1]

Socket 775 you say.. Hmm, that means that potentially a q9550 could be swapped in, which I happen to own...

What processor is the 3.06 then? E7600?

 

[J the Ninja]

Socket 775 you say.. Hmm, that means that potentially a q9550 could be swapped in, which I happen to own...

What processor is the 3.06 then? E7600?

Judging from Apple's specs, yes. If you punch the FSB, L2 Cache, and clock into Intel's Processor Finder, it's the only one that comes up. As for the upgrade, I really don't see why not. No guarantees it will be recognized, but people have done things like this to the Mac Pro successfully with a quite a few CPUs. If you happen to have one laying around, give it a shot if you want.

 

[negatv1]

Yeah, except it will totally void the warranty. Ahh well, if for some reason I still own the machine in 3 years and still care enough.

 

[sporadicMotion]

It's probably a lot like the first gen mac mini. Which would mean it will accept any processor of the same generation and socket. I'm looking forward to seeing the results from the first brave soul to attempt it! At least in regards to the CPU. As for the GPU, I would suspect third parties will be the ones to offer upgrades similar to the "good ole days"

 

[Hellhammer]

I don't get it why people wants to upgrade their components in iMac... Take a look at CPUs, if you get dual core and upgrade it to quad, it'll be the same as going for quad straight away and still have warranty. As for quads, there aren't many which are faster than 2.8GHz i7 and they cost A LOT. Is it worth it? IMO absolutely not

 

[Eidorian]

No one is going to make new video daughterboards but Apple.

It's a dice roll on supporting Core 2 Quads as well. LGA 775 has no future as well so don't expect to drop something in faster than we you can get off the shelf today.