Hosted by site sponsor WebMate.







White Intel iMac Q&A - Updated May 8, 2008

To be notified of new Q&As, sign up for EveryMac.com's bimonthly email list.




Is it possible to upgrade the processor in the White iMac "Core Duo" and "Core 2 Duo" models?

Officially, Apple does not intend for the processor in any Intel-based iMac models to be upgraded. However, based on teardown photographs, the processor in the original iMac "Core Duo" is mounted on a ZIF socket, which makes upgrading the processor possible. The always faithful Kodawarisan tore apart the "White" iMac Core 2 Duo as well and confirmed that these systems have the processor mounted in the same way as their predecessors (the "Core Duo" and "Core 2 Duo" are pin-compatible).

Most of the attention has been focused on upgrading the processor in the Intel-based Mac mini systems, but the Intel-based iMacs also are good candidates.

What type of video processor is provided by the White iMac "Core Duo" and "Core 2 Duo" systems? Is it upgradable?

Details regarding the video processor provided by each White Intel iMac are included on the applicable specifications page. However, standard configurations also are included below for your convenience:

iMac

Video Processor

iMac "Core Duo" 1.83 17-Inch (IG)

64 MB Intel GMA 950

iMac "Core Duo" 1.83 17-Inch

128 MB Radeon X1600

iMac "Core Duo" 2.0 20-Inch

128 MB Radeon X1600

iMac "Core 2 Duo" 1.83 17-Inch (IG)

64 MB Intel GMA 950

iMac "Core 2 Duo" 2.0 17-Inch

128 MB Radeon X1600

iMac "Core 2 Duo" 2.16 20-Inch

128 MB Radeon X1600

iMac "Core 2 Duo" 2.16 24-Inch

128 MB GeForce 7300GT

Based on photographs from those whom have disassembled the iMac "Core Duo" and White iMac Core 2 Duo models, the video is soldered to the motherboard and cannot be removed after purchase, with the exception of the White iMac "Core 2 Duo" 2.16 24-Inch.

Although Apple makes no mention of it in technical documents (subsequently deleted), a number of third-parties have reported that the video in the White iMac "Core 2 Duo" 2.16 24-Inch system uses a MXM module, so it theoretically could be upgraded, although to date (see top), MXM modules for purchase by individuals are few and far between.

Regardless, if expansion is a top priority, you would likely be better served by a Mac Pro, or particularly if cost is a factor, a used model from the Power Macintosh G4 or G5 series.



Permalink | Report an Error/Typo | Sign Up for Site Update Notices




<< White Intel iMac Q&A (Main)



Established in 1996, EveryMac.com has been created by experts with decades of experience with Apple hardware. EveryMac.com includes, and always has included, original research incorporating detailed, hands-on inspection of packaging, computers, and devices as well as extensive real-world use. All information is provided in good faith, but no website or person is perfect. Accordingly, EveryMac.com is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind whatsoever. EveryMac.com, and the authors thereof, shall not be held responsible or liable, under any circumstances, for any damages resulting from the use or inability to use the information within. For complete disclaimer and copyright information please read and understand the Terms of Use and the Privacy Policy before using EveryMac.com. Copying, scraping, or use of any content without expressed permission is not allowed, although links to any page are welcomed and appreciated.