Upgrading new iMACs

[Robertstandem]

I have read comments on forums that sugest that I may not be able to upgrade the RAM or HDD of the newest MACs. Is this the case?
A SSD drive would add £400 and 16Gb RAM £160.
These parts can be had cheaper and will come down in price so it would be cheaper to buy a new iMAC with the more basic spec.
I am currently a Linux user and normally have built my own PCs so buying a complete ready-to-go machine is a new experience!

 

[harryb2448]

Robert the memory on the 27" is user upgradeable and much cheaper than anything available from Apple. Concrning the SSD opening the iMac by removing the screen would void the warranty so best not to try. The 21.5" can be ordered with 16GB of memory.

For memory suggest OWC and Crucial both Mac specialists.

 

[Robertstandem]

I would be buying the 21.5" model.
It sounded as if the SSD drives go much faster.
Currently 8Gb RAM would seem ample but in 5years it would seem quite basic. Can it be upgraded on the 21" model?

If the machine was OUT OF WARRANTY (in a couple of years) can the HDD be accessed with reasonable care? and replaced?

 

[pigoo3]

I would be buying the 21.5" model.
It sounded as if the SSD drives go much faster.
Currently 8Gb RAM would seem ample but in 5years it would seem quite basic. Can it be upgraded on the 21" model?

If the machine was OUT OF WARRANTY (in a couple of years) can the HDD be accessed with reasonable care? and replaced?

In many cases the answer to upgrading the ram & the internal storage on a newer 21.5" iMac is a big fat NO! But this REALLY comes down to the abilities, the desire, and the intestinal fortitude of the owner.

Here's a procedure from ifixit.com for doing a ram upgrade on a 2012 model 21.5" iMac (the ram & storage on these "technically" according to Apple is not upgradeable).

https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iMac+Intel+21.5-Inch+EMC+2544+RAM+Replacement/16601

As far as 2013 model 21.5" iMacs. iFixit.com only has a tear-down for it. But if you look at the teardown procedure...it does show "upgradeable" ram:

https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/iMac+Intel+21.5-Inch+EMC+2638+Teardown/17829

- Nick

 

[Robertstandem]

Many Thanks Nick

 

[pigoo3]

Many Thanks Nick

You are welcome!

So you gonna do it...take the challenge??

- Nick

 

[Robertstandem]

They REALY don't want you to upgrade it!!!
I would try it if the machine was old but when I buy new I'll go for the higher spec.
Thanks
Chris

 

[chscag]

Good decision. The ifixit site will tell you that any upgrade on the 21.5" is a difficult procedure and probably best left to an experienced tech. Pretty much the same for the 27" models except that the memory is user accessible. I spent an entire career doing electronic and computer repair, but I let the Apple techs work on my iMacs.