Can you change the video card in the iMac's?

[Cranka]

I've decided to get one of the new iMac's... i'd rather get the 2.93 ghz 24" one, but can get the 3.06 ghz... just that small of a bump doesn't really warrant the extra dough to me.

the 2.93 comes standard with the gt 120... and well... i'd rather have something a little more powerful, which is one of the only reasons i'd go with the 3.06 (since it comes with a gt 130 standard)

really I would like to just get the HD 4850 inside of the iMac, but don't want to wait the 4-5 weeks shipping, so i'd rather just pick up the iMac now (already called, they're in stock at my apple store) and install the HD 4850 when they become more available later on.

I have a HD4850 in my PC right now, so I know that it is a powerful enough card for everything that I need and want it to do.

Is it possible to replace the video card down the line, or do you need to have it changed right as you purchase the iMac?

A buddy of mine told me you can't swap the cards out, but I don't see how that would work unless the card is an on-board gfx card... which would suck.

Thanks

 

[RemarkabLee]

Under normal circumstances, it would warrant a logic board replacement.

4-6 weeks may change to 2-4 weeks by next week, so it may be worth some patience

 

[woody57]

Under normal circumstances, it would warrant a logic board replacement.

4-6 weeks may change to 2-4 weeks by next week, so it may be worth some patience

what sort of money is that Lee.?

 

[RemarkabLee]

what sort of money is that Lee.?

Sorry I don't know, but as the logic board is essentially the heart of the iMac and it's made by Apple, you're probably not talking peanuts

Give your local Apple Store a call and make sure your seated before they tell you...

 

[LeeTom]

no, the graphics card is not replaceable.

 

[ltldrummerboy]

It all depends. The GPUs on the early 2008 iMacs come off the logic board with only a few screws. Since they plugged in via PCI slot you could probably upgrade it later. But you're going to pay something like $400 for the part and have to do the labor yourself. If at all possible, get the best card you can right now.