New iMac specs

[thelastgizmo]

I'm considering my first Mac and have been checking the specs. I shall go for the base model 27" i5 3.4GHz 8GB model. I note the specs for this give the max memory of 32GB whereas the higher models say 64GB. Has the base model been shackled in some way? I don't expect to need more than this anyway but am just a bit curious. Have Apple also restricted any form of processor upgrade from the base model?

 

[ZipZap]

I believe OWC ha already determined you can go to 64GB on that model.

 

[redheeler]

What Apple lists on that website is simply what they offer as a BTO option, not the actual max amount of RAM it will take. Based on the info here, the max memory is the same for all 27" models.

Edit: Seeing as even the 21.5" has a socketed processor now, I'm sure the situation is the same on the base 27". Performing the upgrade yourself is not an easy thing to do, however, but it is nice to know it can be done some years from now when the iMac is out of warranty.

 

[wmy5]

I'm considering my first Mac and have been checking the specs. I shall go for the base model 27" i5 3.4GHz 8GB model. I note the specs for this give the max memory of 32GB whereas the higher models say 64GB. Has the base model been shackled in some way? I don't expect to need more than this anyway but am just a bit curious. Have Apple also restricted any form of processor upgrade from the base model?

It depends on what do you mean by "restricted". Apple does not provide upgrade option on the base model. However, I don't think there will be any problem installing 64GB aftermarket RAMs. Processors are also kind of upgradable. The CPU is not soldered on the board so technically you could teardown the iMac and replace the CPU with an i7. It is quite complicated and will definitely void the warranty, but it is doable.

 

[thelastgizmo]

I'm more than happy to take the thing apart when out of warranty (I spent 40 years as an electronics engineer). But who knows what 3 years will bring in terms of technology improvements. At
least the memory is upgradeable by the user on the 27". It will be a rench paying Apples prices without giving them any more of my money for memory upgrades!