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Aluminum iMac Q&A - Updated November 2, 2009

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What type of video processor is provided by the Aluminum iMac systems? Is it upgradable?

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

Aluminum iMac

Video Processor

iMac "Core 2 Duo" 2.0 20-Inch (Al)

128 MB Radeon HD 2400 XT

iMac "Core 2 Duo" 2.4 20-Inch (Al)

256 MB Radeon HD 2600 PRO

iMac "Core 2 Duo" 2.4 24-Inch (Al)

256 MB Radeon HD 2600 PRO

iMac "Core 2 Extreme" 2.8 24-Inch (Al)

256 MB Radeon HD 2600 PRO

iMac "Core 2 Duo" 2.4 20-Inch (08)

128 MB Radeon HD 2400 XT

iMac "Core 2 Duo" 2.66 20-Inch (08)

256 MB Radeon HD 2600 PRO

iMac "Core 2 Duo" 2.8 24-Inch (08)

256 MB Radeon HD 2600 PRO

iMac "Core 2 Duo" 3.06 24-Inch (08)

512 MB GeForce 8800 GS

iMac "Core 2 Duo" 2.66 20" (Early 09)

256 MB GeForce 9400M

iMac "Core 2 Duo" 2.66 24" (Early 09)

256 MB GeForce 9400M

iMac "Core 2 Duo" 2.93 24" (Early 09)

256 MB GeForce GT 120

iMac "Core 2 Duo" 3.06 24" (Early 09)

512 MB GeForce GT 130

iMac "Core 2 Duo" 3.06 21.5" (Late 09)

256 MB GeForce 9400M

iMac "Core 2 Duo" 3.06 27" (Late 09)

256 MB Radeon HD 4670

iMac "Core i5" 2.66 27" (Late 09)

512 MB Radeon HD 4850


Officially, Apple provides some models with upgraded video options at the time of purchase, but the video is not intended to be upgraded by a third-party. However, based on disassembly photos, teardowns, and guides it appears that some models have the video mounted on its own card and it is theoretically upgradable in these systems.

If you have additional information regarding the upgrade potential of the graphics in any of the Intel-based iMac models, please share.

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.

Site sponsor Operator Headgap Systems specializes in heavily upgraded expandable systems with an eye on both backwards-compatibility and the future. PowerMax also sells a large number of new and used Macs free of sales tax.


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