iMac 2.93 possible 6970m?

I was wondering, since I have a newer iMac 2.93 i7, could I possibly swap the 5750 for the 6970m? There is a website that sells the mxm card, but not sure if its apple compatible. Its either that or sell my iMac to get a new one. Although I haven't had much luck with the that, so hence, hardware gurus, hopefully you can help.

Anyone, anyone at all?

What do you do that would warrant the almost insignificant increase in speed?

well, I figure that the 6970m 2 gigs is a bit faster than my 5750 thats currently in the imac.

I very much doubt it. the only iMacs that have "user-replaceable" CPUs and GPUs (I use the term loosely, as it is not that straightforward to replace anyway) are the new Sandy Bridge lines that have just been released. Since you have a 2010 model, i am highly convinced it is not possible.

Most attempts i have seen at CPU replacements on iMacs have ended up with bricked machines. Apple use proprietary hardware specifically designed for the current CPU installed in the system and adding a new one into the mix probably isnt going to work, and the same will be said for graphics cards.

Not to mention the absolute PITA in would be to install in an iMac anyway -

Screen comes off, risk smudging the inside or dust contaminating the inside

you cannot disconnect the screen entirely, so you would have to prop it up

etc etc



oh, and driver issues.

Well, if I had the 5670, I know welovemacs sells the 5750 so I am pretty sure I can get the video card to work. I would obviously take it to a apple certified technician because i'm just lazy like that. I think its just about the hookups and the type of mxm card might be the only problem. Buying a apple service part 6970m should be possible, but I was just wondering if all the connections were the same.

I very much doubt it. the only iMacs that have "user-replaceable" CPUs and GPUs (I use the term loosely, as it is not that straightforward to replace anyway) are the new Sandy Bridge lines that have just been released. Since you have a 2010 model, i am highly convinced it is not possible.

Click to expand...

The 2010 iMac 27" machine has a removable GPU. It's on a daughter card plugged into the logic board. The 21" 2010 machines use a surface mounted GPU.

But I agree with your advice. If it's not broken.....

chscag said:

The 2010 iMac 27" machine has a removable GPU. It's on a daughter card plugged into the logic board. The 21" 2010 machines use a surface mounted GPU.

But I agree with your advice. If it's not broken.....

Click to expand...

interesting, i was not aware of this!

However yes, if i had an iMac of such calibur I would not pull it apart for an upgrade that isn't guaranteed to work.

For intensive graphics purposes I would almost always recommend buying a Mac Pro or a PC. But, if the OP is willing to try it, by all means.

If you try this make sure to get back to us. I love to see people moding there Macs.

Right now i'm just waiting on welovemacs to post up the price of the new video card. I know the 5750 goes for 400-500 bucks. So it would be a matter of them posting it so I can buy it. Than i'd probably sell my old video card to someone who has the 5670

It strikes me rather than going to all that hassle you'd be as well buying a new iMac and selling your old one which would surely still hold a good price......

I've tried selling it to no luck. I'm still under the 6 month mark even of it being brand new and I can't even get 2000 for it.