Upgradeable graphics cards?

[MacWindows]

Hello,

Is it easy to upgrade a graphics card in an iMac? I'm hoping to purchase a new 21.5" iMac before next summer, and I don't want to go any higher than the $1,200 for the base configuration of the computer. Everything else is very powerful for my needs (a 3.06GHz processor with 1066MHz FSB, 4GBs of RAM and a 500GB HDD are great for video editing), but I'm a little concerned about the graphics (though 256MB is decent, I may need a little more power for 3D applications). I was hoping I could just open up the back of the computer and just pop a new card in?

Thanks to all who respond!

 

[pigoo3]

Hello,

Is it easy to upgrade a graphics card in an iMac?

Graphics cards in iMacs are NOT upgradeable! You "got what you got" when you buy an iMac.

- Nick

 

[MacWindows]

Thanks!

I guess I'll just save up a bit more and pay for the next model up ($1,500), which will also get me a 1TB hard drive as well as the ATI Radeon card.

 

[pigoo3]

Thanks!

I guess I'll just save up a bit more and pay for the next model up ($1,500), which will also get me a 1TB hard drive as well as the ATI Radeon card.

Probably a good plan...but remember you won't be able to upgrade that graphic card either.

Also...if you're going to spend $1500 on the 21.5" iMac...you might as well get the 27" iMac! Same specs as the $1499 iMac...but you get the awesome 27" display!!!

$200 extra is a BARGAIN to go from the 21.5" to the 27" display!

- Nick

 

[MacWindows]

if you're going to spend $1500 on the 21.5" iMac...you might as well get the 27" iMac! Same specs as the $1499 iMac...but you get the awesome 27" display!!!

$200 extra is a BARGAIN to go from the 21.5" to the 27" display!

True, but I have to stay within a certain budget. The 21.5" is more than enough for my needs at the moment, and the resolution is certainly adequate. It's definitely better than the 13" MacBook Pro I was originally considering (until I realized I couldn't easily edit true HD video on a screen with a 1280x800 resolution).

 

[pigoo3]

True, but I have to stay within a certain budget. The 21.5" is more than enough for my needs at the moment,

I can certainly understand budgets...you only have so much...but believe me for $200 extra you're getting a great bang for the buck going from a 21.5" to a 27" monitor.

Regarding your "needs at the moment". Given that you cannot upgrade iMac's (except ram & hard drive)...and especially since you cannot upgrade the "internal" monitor...your needs may change.

Also think about resale. Sure you haven't even purchased the computer yet...but believe me...one day in the future you will want to sell it...and I can almost guarantee you having the 27" monitor will be much more attractive to potential buyers than a 21.5" monitor.

Food for thought,

- Nick