Hey everybody! I'm looking into getting a new iMac ASAP and just wanted to know: what components can be replaced with aftermarket parts? I'd really like to have one of the 27" models within the week but I don't wanna regret not getting the i7 or upped GPU on a brick-and-morter store model. If I went with the top-of-the-line base model, are the graphics card or CPU capable of being upgraded? WOuld it be worth it in time/hassle?
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Aftermarket Installations
- Thread starter thehighesttree
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1) What is a "top-of-the-line base model"?
2) The CPU and graphics card are not considered user-replaceable.
the only user serviceable part is the RAM. An Apple Authorized Service Provider would be able to upgrade the hard drive under warranty (I do not believe the hard drive is a user serviceable part). Other than that, you're stuck with whatcha got BTO/pre-configured
You can upgrade the RAM easy enough. Hard disks take a good amount of effort to get to. It's essentially a weird hybrid desktop/laptop unit. If you are looking to tweak your PC in a couple years, you may want to look into a Hackentosh, but even those are limited to the hardware you can use.
Thanks for the quick reply, eawmp1. I was looking at the 3.1 GHz 27" model but would like to have a future-proof computer for animation/art/video editing, game design (Flash, modding and level design), moderate gaming and music production. Should I go with the 3.4GHz i7 for hyperthreading or would the i5 feel fast enough for up to 5 years?
You arent doing anything special, any will work.
Who the hell knows what you will be doing in 5 years.
In 2000 I was a total ski/surf bum, living in Lake Tahoe during the winter and then San Diego in the summer -- taking a month off in October and May to do some sweet mountain biking and kayaking. My rent was $75 a month and I lived with 5 chicks and 1 guy, non-stop partying.
Nothing could be sweeter. Not a friggin care in the world. plenty of cash. I didnt even need a computer.
By 2005 I was married, had a daughter with one more on the way, bought a new house, a new car, was painting rooms pink and shopping for sheets at Ikea.
Who the hell knows what you will be doing in 5 years.
In 2000 I was a total ski/surf bum, living in Lake Tahoe during the winter and then San Diego in the summer -- taking a month off in October and May to do some sweet mountain biking and kayaking. My rent was $75 a month and I lived with 5 chicks and 1 guy, non-stop partying.
Nothing could be sweeter. Not a friggin care in the world. plenty of cash. I didnt even need a computer.
By 2005 I was married, had a daughter with one more on the way, bought a new house, a new car, was painting rooms pink and shopping for sheets at Ikea.
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