iMac: Worth total tear down to clean/replace thermal paste?

[Jimmy-Chivas]

Hi, Long time lurker here.

I just picked up a few used iMacs. A mid 2011 21.5" and a late 2013 27". I've never opened one of these units before, but I'm very familiar fixing other machines, laptops, desktops, etc.

My question is: Is it worth tearing these units down enough to replace the thermal paste and clean them out properly? These units have never been opened before.

I imagine the thermal paste on the CPUs/GPUs has gotta be ready for a replacement.

Can anyone share their experience in this area? Much appreciated!
-Jimmy

 

[diego.caraballo]

Hi there!
The 2011 is easy to open and it can be worthy of a deep cleaning and thermal paste replacement.
However, it's important to remember that the components inside the iMac (including connectors and cables)
has been "baked" up to 80-90C degrees for over 10 years. So, it's VERY easy to break a connector just by
unplugging it. You need to be extremely careful.

The 2013 comes with a glued-on display. Is not that difficult to open it (OWC have some good videos), but
it's a delicate procedure and it requires A LOT of patience. Also the display is heavy, that adds to the
difficulty. If you decide to open it, remember to purchase the display adhesive kit to put all together again.
Unless you are really confident in your repair abilities, I wouldn't recommend to open it just for cleaning.

 

[Jimmy-Chivas]

Hi there!
The 2011 is easy to open and it can be worthy of a deep cleaning and thermal paste replacement.
However, it's important to remember that the components inside the iMac (including connectors and cables)
has been "baked" up to 80-90C degrees for over 10 years. So, it's VERY easy to break a connector just by
unplugging it. You need to be extremely careful.

The 2013 comes with a glued-on display. Is not that difficult to open it (OWC have some good videos), but
it's a delicate procedure and it requires A LOT of patience. Also the display is heavy, that adds to the
difficulty. If you decide to open it, remember to purchase the display adhesive kit to put all together again.
At least you are really confident in your repair abilities, I wouldn't recommend to open it just for cleaning.

Thanks a lot. Good info! I think I will start with the 2011 first, considering what you've mentioned. 2011/2012 seem to be the best overall to upgrade and maintain. Anything newer seems like a lot more work.

 

[WarthogARJ]

And I'd look at adding a SATA SSD while it's open. They are pretty cheap now.
Plus you can clean the dust out of the fan etc.