Regarding Applecare

[outlandos]

I am going to order an iMac and Asus Nvidia 8600 GT 512MB Video Card to replace the crappy card that comes with it.

Now my question is, will I still be able to use the Applecare service when something happens with the machine (let's say it has nothing to do with the video card)?

 

[EricNau]

Are the video cards user replaceable? If so, that's news to me.

 

[xUKHCx]

I am going to order an iMac and Asus Nvidia 8600 GT 512MB Video Card to replace the crappy card that comes with it.

Now my question is, will I still be able to use the Applecare service when something happens with the machine (let's say it has nothing to do with the video card)?

You cant install video cards in the imacs (maybe MXM ones but id didn't hear this in the new iMacs). So that surely is the end of that.

 

[outlandos]

Are the video cards user replaceable? If so, that's news to me.

I wont replace the card myself, but there is a company specialized in repairing iMacs in my neighborhood.

I hope they are able to replace it!

 

[xUKHCx]

I wont replace the card myself, but there is a company specialized in repairing iMacs in my neighborhood.

I hope they are able to replace it!

I doubt they'd do it for you. Even if this was possible it would definitely void the warranty.

 

[xUKHCx]

I've been trying to see any mention of MXM regarding the new iMacs and cant see it. Leads me to be believe it may be soldered on but this is based on by far no means extensive research. IF the standard card is a MXM module then it would be more likely that you could do it. There could be issues with OS X drivers for that card. You could phone up apple and ask if it has MXM cards and if you can replace them.

Edit:Found this site which suggests it is still MXM however you will have problems getting it to work.

Apple seems to stick to the MXM formfactor for some of their iMac models, but they abandoned nVidia. As a reminder: Apple MXM cards are not swappable with other MXM cards because of vBios limitations. If a Mac - Mac swap is possible we don't know.

 

[outlandos]

I've been trying to see any mention of MXM regarding the new iMacs and cant see it. Leads me to be believe it may be soldered on but this is based on by far no means extensive research. IF the standard card is a MXM module then it would be more likely that you could do it. There could be issues with OS X drivers for that card. You could phone up apple and ask if it has MXM cards and if you can replace them.

Edit:Found this site which suggests it is still MXM however you will have problems getting it to work.

Thanks, I guess ill pass on the mac and go for a Dell desktop instead.

For the same amount of money a far better specced pc, although no OS X nor the sweet look of the iMac.

 

[rainydays]

For the same amount of money a far better specced pc, although no OS X nor the sweet look of the iMac.

It's all about compromises. If the higher specs are more important to you than the software, looks, form factor and noise level, then go with the Dell (or even better, build your own).

 

[outlandos]

It's all about compromises. If the higher specs are more important to you than the software, looks, form factor and noise level, then go with the Dell (or even better, build your own).

I am using a DELL right now and there is zero noise.

I dont like building my own as the last time I did it I have had lots of trouble with it.

While this DELL has given me no problems so far (using it for about 2/3 years now).

But the looks and feel of an iMac and it's software definately is a miss, although I have no clue what Apple was thinking when selecting that video card, it's just one big shame, as everything else is just perfect.

 

[rainydays]

I am using a DELL right now and there is zero noise.

What model is that? I've honestly never heard a Dell with "zero noise". But then again I'm very picky about noise (spent a lot of money building a fanless computer back in 2002 for example).

Dells in general does have a low noise level compared to many others though. I'll give you that.

But the looks and feel of an iMac and it's software definately is a miss, although I have no clue what Apple was thinking when selecting that video card, it's just one big shame, as everything else is just perfect.

It's probably all about heat and money. The thin case comes with some trade-offs. Too bad they don't offer a high end option on the GPU. Perhaps there will be one later on.

 

[outlandos]

What model is that? I've honestly never heard a Dell with "zero noise". But then again I'm very picky about noise (spent a lot of money building a fanless computer back in 2002 for example).

Dells in general does have a low noise level compared to many others though. I'll give you that.



It's probably all about heat and money. The thin case comes with some trade-offs. Too bad they don't offer a high end option on the GPU. Perhaps there will be one later on.

The Dell I got is a Dimention 8300.

Maybe Apple will add a better GPU later on (maybe when introducing Leopard, or maybe at the Macworld 08 in Jan.), but for now, the performance difference is far to big to justify an iMac for me right now, as i am planning on playing at least a few upcoming games like Bioshok, Hellgate and Quake Wars.

But I personally think Apple is working on a new Mac Pro or maybe even a total new line of products, specialized for gaming.