Buying a new iMac but need help

camelsmaycry · camelsmaycry #1 (**permalink**)

08-02-2011, 04:25 AM

Hi

Im interested in buying a new 21 inch imac , But the only one I can afford is the Low end model ($1200) and I was wondering if it was possible to upgrade it (to 2 Tb hdd and a 128 SSD) by myself or is it not possible. (if not I will save up for a 27 inch core i7, but dont know if its possible to do the same upgrade on that as well)

thanx

StMFA · StMFA #2 (**permalink**)

08-02-2011, 08:05 AM

From everything I've read- it's doable, but it involves doing some pretty extensive disassembling; i.e. you have to take the screen apart to gain access to it.
Also- the primary hard drive that comes installed CANNOT currently be upgraded because it is firmware locked and uses a special SATA connector.
So you're probably going to want to spring for the 2tb off the bat.

I'm hoping someone else can confirm this for me.

camelsmaycry · camelsmaycry #3 (**permalink**)

08-02-2011, 08:17 AM

So I cannot even upgrade to SSD later on as it too will be Firmware locked right, ehhh I guess I will have to wait for a couple of months until I am able to afford it

StMFA · StMFA #4 (**permalink**)

08-02-2011, 08:21 AM

No you should be able to install a second hard drive that can be an ssd- but like I said you'll have to take the front screen off to get access to it. Also not sure what this does to warranty.

BrianLachoreVPI · BrianLachoreVPI #5 (**permalink**)

08-02-2011, 08:25 AM

It's possible to do both - but it's a non-trivial activity. I'd suggest you spend sometime researching the process before deciding whether or not it's something you're comfortable tackling.

chscag · chscag #6 (**permalink**)

08-02-2011, 03:43 PM

Agree with Brian. And, there is a good possibility that you will void your warranty in the process. Doing any kind of work that requires opening up an iMac is not an easy task and also requires several special tools. (Suction cups, Torx drivers.)

BrianLachoreVPI #5 (permalink)
Member Since: Feb 24, 2011 Location: Maryland Posts: 3,742 Mac Specs: March 2011 15" MBP 2.3GHz i7 Quad Core 8GB Ram \| Mid 2011 27" iMac 3.4 GHz i7 16 GB RAM 2 TB HDD	08-02-2011, 08:25 AM It's possible to do both - but it's a non-trivial activity. I'd suggest you spend sometime researching the process before deciding whether or not it's something you're comfortable tackling. Community Guidelines
	QUOTE Thanks

chscag #6 (permalink)
Member Since: Jan 23, 2008 Location: Fort Worth, Texas Posts: 32,378 Mac Specs: 21.5" iMac 2.5 GHz i5, iPad 3rd Gen., 3 iPods	08-02-2011, 03:43 PM Agree with Brian. And, there is a good possibility that you will void your warranty in the process. Doing any kind of work that requires opening up an iMac is not an easy task and also requires several special tools. (Suction cups, Torx drivers.) Community Guidelines
	QUOTE Thanks

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camelsmaycry #1 (permalink)
Member Since: May 09, 2011 Posts: 2	08-02-2011, 04:25 AM Hi Im interested in buying a new 21 inch imac , But the only one I can afford is the Low end model ($1200) and I was wondering if it was possible to upgrade it (to 2 Tb hdd and a 128 SSD) by myself or is it not possible. (if not I will save up for a 27 inch core i7, but dont know if its possible to do the same upgrade on that as well) thanx
	QUOTE Thanks

StMFA #2 (permalink)
Member Since: Jun 06, 2011 Location: NYC Posts: 223 Mac Specs: 2011 27in iMac i5 3.1GHz, AMD 6970, iPhone 4, Wi-Fi iPad 2	08-02-2011, 08:05 AM From everything I've read- it's doable, but it involves doing some pretty extensive disassembling; i.e. you have to take the screen apart to gain access to it. Also- the primary hard drive that comes installed CANNOT currently be upgraded because it is firmware locked and uses a special SATA connector. So you're probably going to want to spring for the 2tb off the bat. I'm hoping someone else can confirm this for me.
	QUOTE Thanks

StMFA #4 (permalink)
Member Since: Jun 06, 2011 Location: NYC Posts: 223 Mac Specs: 2011 27in iMac i5 3.1GHz, AMD 6970, iPhone 4, Wi-Fi iPad 2	08-02-2011, 08:21 AM No you should be able to install a second hard drive that can be an ssd- but like I said you'll have to take the front screen off to get access to it. Also not sure what this does to warranty.
	QUOTE Thanks

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