iMac (Intel) Upgrades

The white Intel iMac is very distinctive. The only machines that look similar are the earlier iMac G5s. To tell the difference between the G5 and Intel iMacs, open System Profiler and check the CPU type. These newer iMacs also have a mini-DVI video output, rather than the mini-VGA on earlier models.

You can identify between the first and second generation Intel iMacs by looking at the processor type in the System Profile utility - the first generation (Apple specs here) had Core Duo CPUs, the second generation (Apple specs here) had Core 2 Duo CPUs.

The third, forth and fifth generation (Aluminium and Glass) Intel iMacs have a very different casing from the earlier models (see pictures). To distinguish between these two models the simplest way is to check the RAM speed in system profiler (Apple menu > About this Mac, click the "More Info.." button, and select Memory in the left-hand panel).

The third generation (August 2007 - April 2008) uses 667MHz RAM, which should appear in the speed column. Also called PC5300. This was available as a 2GHz and 2.4GHz 20" model, and a 2.4GHz and 2.8GHz 24" version. Apple specs here.

The forth generation (introduced 28th April 2008) uses 800MHz RAM, which should appear in the speed column. Also called PC6400. This was released as a 2.4GHz and 2.6GHz 20" model, and a 2.8GHz and 3.06GHz 24" version. The bus speed on this model was raised to 1066MHz. Apple specs here.

The fifth generation (March 2009) uses DDR3 1066MHz RAM, which should appear in the speed column. Also called PC8500. This was released in a 2.66GHz, 2.93GHz, 3.06GHz configuration. The bus speed in this model is 1066MHz. Apple specs here.

The sixth generation (October 2009) uses DDR3 1066MHz RAM, which should appear in the speed column. The number of sockets was increased from 2 to 4. This was released in Core 2 Duo 3.06GHz and 3.33GHz (21.5" display) and Core i5 2.66GHz and Core i7 2.8GHz (27" display) CPUs. Apple specs here.

The seventh generation (July 2010) uses DDR3 1333MHz RAM, which should appear in the spped column. This was released in 3.06GHz and 3.2GHz Core i3, and 3.6GHz Core i5 (21.5" display). And 3.2GHz and 3.6GHz Core i5, 2.8 GHz Core i5 Quad, and 2.93 Core i7 Quad (27" diosplay) configurations. Apple specs here.

If you are still unsure you can contact us on 01223 833 412 or by email for confirmation. If you want to upgrade but aren't happy to install your upgrades then we can help. Simply ask our engineers for further details.

See the "How To Identify this Mac" section above for information on how to identify which model iMac you have.

Up to 28th April 2008, all Intel iMacs use DDR2-PC2-5300 SODIMM RAM (667MHz), and have 2 slots. The original Core Duo model could take maximum of 2GB, the later Core 2 Duo model could take up to 3GB using 1 x 1GB module and 1 x 2GB. The first Aluminium and Glass iMacs can take up to 4GB in 2 x 2GB modules.

The second Aluminium iMac (April 2008) uses DDR2 PC6400 RAM (800MHz), it has two slots each of which can take up to a of 2GB module for a maximum of 4GB.

The third Aluminium iMac (March 2009) uses DDR3 PC8500 RAM (1066MHz), it has two slots each of which can take up to a 4GB module for a maximum of 8GB.

The fourth Aluminium iMac (October 2009) uses DDR3 PC8500 RAM (1066MHz), it has four slots each of which can take up to a 4GB module for a maximum of 16GB.

The fifth Aluminium iMac (July 2010) uses DDR3 PC10600 RAM (1333MHz), it has four slots each of which can take up to a 4GB modules for a maximum of 16GB.

There is no need to install RAM in matched pairs in any iMac.

Memory is very much a user installable part on the Intel iMac.

The Intel iMac came equipped with a SuperDrive optical drive, which is a slot loading unit on the front top left of the machine. It is possible to use an External writer via USB 2.0 or FireWire.

The internal hard drive in the Intel iMac can be upgraded to a larger volume. Please note that fitting a hard drive will invalidate any remaining warranty on these machines unless you get an Authorised Apple Service Centre to fit the unit.

WARNING: The late 2009 iMac and mid 2010 iMac (the models that have 4 memory sockets rather than the 2 on earlier models) has an issue with the hard drive temperature sensor relying on both manufacturer specific hardware and proprietary Apple firmware on the hard drive. Unless/until this is resolved we cannot advise upgrading this hard drive, since doing so will cause the hard drive fan to run a full power - see the OWC (Other World Computing) blog for more information.

If you don't want to fit a new hard drive yourself, you can take advantage of the MacUpgrades Installation Service. Add the installation service from the list below to your cart along with your chosen hard drive. We can also clone your existing hard drive onto the new one, simply add the Clone Original Hard Drive service below to your cart.

Once you have booked the service, send your machine to us, we will carry out the work and return it to you. Alternatively, we do offer a Collection Service with our courier, please see here for details.

The graphics card in your Intel iMac is part of the main logic board. Unfortunately therefore it is not possible to increase or change the graphics card.

Your Intel iMac has no available PCMCIA or PCI sockets for connectivity expansion, it does have a slot for an Airport Extreme card - all models of this machine were sold with a card fitted as standard.

The following keyboards and mice are compatible with this Mac.

Listed below are power supplies, batteries and related products we supply for this Mac.

Listed below are power cables, tools and related products we supply for this Mac.

This Mac can use any of the following external hard drives.

Please note that the March 2009 revision removed the FireWire 400 ports so to use a FireWire 400 only drive you will need an adapter or a 6pin - 9pin FireWire cable.