Graphics cards and logic boards in newer iMacs

[Rantipole]

Hello. So, it appears my graphics card on my old iMac G5 is toast. I took it to the Apple Store and they said they'd have to replace the whole logic board for around $680. After searching around this forum, that does appear to be the only fix.

My question is this: is the graphics card on the newer iMacs soldered into place as it was in the older iMacs (G5 and I believe the first gen Intels as well)? Because, if so, that is really lame and may affect my computer replacement decision.

Thanks.

 

[m1stake]

The current iMacs are the same way. I bought an iMac G5 back on early 2005 and would never buy one again. Also, $680 is more than the value of the computer.

 

[Muncher]

The current iMacs are the same way. I bought an iMac G5 back on early 2005 and would never buy one again. Also, $680 is more than the value of the computer.

Actually, I think the 24" imac has a "removable" card. It still isn't user serviceable, but I don't think it's soldered on.

It may be time for a new computer, OP.

 

[Rantipole]

Actually, I think the 24" imac has a "removable" card. It still isn't user serviceable, but I don't think it's soldered on.

It may be time for a new computer, OP.

I agree. Just waiting on the "imminent" iMac line refresh. I don't mind tooooo much a non-user serviceable card, as long as you don't have to remove something else that is otherwise perfectly fine. If the current 24" has this, maybe the new 20" ones might when they are finally released.

And, while yes I do need a new primary computer, I was really hoping to keep the old one as a jukebox.

 

[Muncher]

I agree. Just waiting on the "imminent" iMac line refresh. I don't mind tooooo much a non-user serviceable card, as long as you don't have to remove something else that is otherwise perfectly fine. If the current 24" has this, maybe the new 20" ones might when they are finally released.

And, while yes I do need a new primary computer, I was really hoping to keep the old one as a jukebox.

Well, I would think trying to replace the video card will be hard regardless, because with the aluminum imacs the only way to access the hardware is to remove the screen . What you should be hoping for is some better midrange graphics cards, like a 9600/9500 Nvidia at the least.

 

[vivegannaidoo]

Well, I would think trying to replace the video card will be hard regardless, because with the aluminum imacs the only way to access the hardware is to remove the screen . What you should be hoping for is some better midrange graphics cards, like a 9600/9500 Nvidia at the least.

Sounds like a plan! I also have the Radeon 2600 HD (256mb) on my imac. The guy at the Mac Store said I can upgrade to Nvidia (512mb). Would it make much difference?

 

[harry454]

yeah they are all soldered

 

[Muncher]

Sounds like a plan! I also have the Radeon 2600 HD (256mb) on my imac. The guy at the Mac Store said I can upgrade to Nvidia (512mb). Would it make much difference?

You cannot upgrade video cards in iMacs.

But yes, the Nvidia 9600 is a solid card; it would be faster.

 

[rfrankl]

Since iMacs went to Intel chips, I think the 20" have soldered video cards and the 24" don't.