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Anarchy99

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Dec 13, 2003
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I've just been given the opportunity to get A barely used Lowest end 2017 iMac for cheap.

I see it's 1080P but I know they make a 4K variant
Ideally I'd like to upgrade the screen to the 4K version ( I imagine Apple wouldn't do it )
But if they would if anyone happens to know how much it would cost that would be awesome to know

But honestly I'm just hoping to confirm the 1080P in 4K screen share a common connecter type and maybe see if anyone knows the part number for the 4K screen so I can try to eBay it
 
That would probably be an expensive endeavor. I doubt the Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640 has enough horsepower to drive a 4K display.
 
That's not going to likely work. It isn't just a matter of connector, it's the GPU that's behind it that's driving the display. The 1080P version GPU likely isn't going to push the 4K resolution. Also, there's like some coding (hardware level) to indicate what the display is, so even if the connectors between the 1080P and 4K screens are the same and you plug the 4K screen in, it will likely only work at 1080P (if it worked at all)..
 
too much hassle and probably wouldn't work, because this iMac wasn't designed for support 4K LCD screen, you will see nothing on the 4K screen and there is also a risk of damage logic board
 
While you are thinking about it, I would also consider the spinning drive on the entry model vs. SSD. I don't think I could stand a regular HDD any more seeing how snappy computers are w/ SSDs. Screen is definitely a big issue, but the user experience suffers quite a bit w/ a regular HDD (at least to me).
 
I think GPU won‘t be a problem, the latest Intel onboard GPUs can easily handle 4k resolution (but not 4k gaming, just MacOS UI and stuff).
 
That's not going to likely work. It isn't just a matter of connector, it's the GPU that's behind it that's driving the display. The 1080P version GPU likely isn't going to push the 4K resolution. Also, there's like some coding (hardware level) to indicate what the display is, so even if the connectors between the 1080P and 4K screens are the same and you plug the 4K screen in, it will likely only work at 1080P (if it worked at all)..

Wrong. The 2015 models with 4k screens have weaker integrated cards than the 640.
 
It can support dual external 4K displays at 60hz. If the internal connectors are the same as the 4K model. The only reason I could see it not working is if Apple did some software tweak to prevent it.

Looking at the pictures I can find of the display panel connectors for a 1920x1080 iMac. They look physically different than the 4K. But these panels I found are listed for up to the 1920x1080 2015 model. The connectors are 30 pin in 1920x1080 and 60 pin in the 4K 2017.

You can always open it up and see if the connectors are the same. 4K 2017 pictured
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For the 2015 1920x1080 connector see the attached Untitled-1.jpg


Untitled-1.jpg


That can just mean the displays use different cables. What really matters is if the motherboard connector is the same. The second attachment is the best of the 4K 2017 iMac Motherboard connectors I found on iFixit. There others at other angles on their motherboard replacement guide.


4K 2017 Motherboard.jpg

You'd have to check if the 1920x1080 2017 are the same. Both 2015 models look like the motherboards may have the same connectors but the pictures are not detailed enough to be certain. I found none for the 2017 i5-7360u model.

While there is always the risk of damage. I think the biggest risk is having to eat shipping fees and possibly a restocking fee if it doesn't work. You'd need the panel and display ribbon. The panels look to go for around $200 to $250 on eBay, ribbon cables run $25. As far as I can tell the 2015 and 2017 4K iMac use the same panel based on connector appearance.

I suppose you could buy the ribbon cable first and see if it plugs into the motherboard.

All you can do is collect all the data you can then try at your own risk. If it works you'll get huzzahs and a deal on a 4K imac. If it fails you'll be out some money.

As an interesting note. The i5-7360u in the base iMac has a higher MSRP than than the i5-7400 $304 vs $182. So, Apple spent more money just to hobble the base iMac. They could have saved money with the Pentium G4560 for the same result.
 
The max resolution for that iGPU for an integrated panel (eDP) is 4096x2304@60hz so you'll be fine there. And since its currently using the integrated graphics and its essentially DisplayPort (embedded) it may just work. Assuming you can find the right cable.

I would be more weary of how MacOS will take the news though. It can be finicky but with a display I'm not so sure.

I've done this with Linux and Windows laptops (same thing as an AIO like the iMac) without a problem. It just detects the higher resolution screen like it came from the factory with it. However Linux and Windows have more tolerance to varying components then MacOS does.
 
I've just been given the opportunity to get A barely used Lowest end 2017 iMac for cheap.

I see it's 1080P but I know they make a 4K variant
Ideally I'd like to upgrade the screen to the 4K version ( I imagine Apple wouldn't do it )
But if they would if anyone happens to know how much it would cost that would be awesome to know

But honestly I'm just hoping to confirm the 1080P in 4K screen share a common connecter type and maybe see if anyone knows the part number for the 4K screen so I can try to eBay it
Hi, I'm in a similar predicament. Did you try it and did it work?
 
Sumthin' tells me that if you go through with this "bargain", it's gonna end up costing you A LOT more money than you figured on...!! :confused:
 
Sumthin' tells me that if you go through with this "bargain", it's gonna end up costing you A LOT more money than you figured on...!! :confused:
Haven’t tried it yet, still plan on doing it eventually just life has gotten in the way
 
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