MacUpgrades.co.uk offers a wide range of fixed price upgrades and repairs for your Apple computers. You can drop in to our offices in Sawston, Cambridge or if you are not local you can either have us collect or send in your computer yourself. Sameday fitting is available for most items, contact us for details. We also offer on site installation services and training on your premises.
Macupgrades offers a wide range of on-site services for your Apple equipment. We offer all of our upgrade services, and most of our repair services too.
All our engineers have at least 15 years of experience with Apple hardware and software
Enter your serial number into the box below for specific upgrades for your machine. Each upgrade has been tested in the machine we list it for. Compatability is 100% guaranteed or your money back.
How to find your serial number in software
You can find your Mac's serial number in Apple System Profiler: Select the Apple Menu > About This Mac, then (depending on the version of OSX you are running) click the System Report button or the More Info button. This brings up System Profiler, and on the Hardware Overview that is displayed by default you should see your serial number, and be able to copy/paste it. The procedure does vary slightly between different versions of OSX.
If you can't boot your Mac
If your Mac is not working, the serial number is printed on the computer casing but the location varies. Here are the main locations of serial numbers on Apple computers.
Unibody MacBook Pro - Laser etched onto the base.
MacBook, Early MacBook Pro, PowerBook G4 - Inside the main battery bay. Remove battery to locate.
iBook (White) - Under the keyboard. To lift keyboard, pull back on the release tabs between the F-keys.
Intel iMac, iMac G5 - Underside of the foot/stand.
iMac G4, iMac G3 - Underside of the iMac.
Mac mini - On the underside of the Mac mini.
Mac Pro 2006-2012 - On rear of machine near graphics card ports.
PowerMac G5 - On lower chassis under side panel. To remove side panel, lift lever on rear of Mac.
PowerMac G3, PowerMac G4 - Label on the back of the Mac.
Your Mac's Model Identifier can be found in System Profiler. You can use the drop-down menus above to be taken to a page that displays upgrades specifically for your exact model.
COVID Update (Jan 2021): Online orders and mail-in repairs/upgrades are happening as normal. Collection and drop-off are operating by appointment - please call us on 01223 833 412 to book a slot.
iMac Intel (2012 and Later) Upgrades
This page covers all the upgrades we sell for the slim Unibody iMacs - iMacs from the Late 2012 revision onwards. Choose the type of upgrade you are looking for from the tabs below.
If you want specific upgrades for your exact model, choose it from the Model ID links below, or enter your serial number here:
Replacing the Aluminium iMac. The Late 2012 iMac brought in a new, much thinner, case design, tapering to a "razor-edge" 5mm thickness at the edges.
The new models brought faster processors, memory and graphics cards. FireWire was dropped and the USB 2.0 ports upgraded to USB 3.0. All models can be configured from new with a PCIe attached blade SSD, along with a SATA 600 2.5" drive bay (21.5" display models) or a 3.5" bay (27") models, which could typically be set up to make a Fusion drive. Some models however, when sold without an SSD (or Fusion Drive) do not have the connector needed to add a blade SSD at a later date (the SATA 600 bay can always be used for an SSD).
Upgrades became more difficult. The new case design is significantly harder
to open up than the previous models, making drive upgrades on all
models much more challenging. In addition while the 27" display models
has a hatch at the back that allows RAM replacement, the 21.5" model
has no easy access to the RAM sockets. Until the Late 2015 revision, with the exception of the
1.4GHz model released in 2014, the RAM is not soldered onto the
board (as was sometimes reported on release), but accessing the
memory sockets is as difficult as the drive bays on the 21.5" model. From the Late 2015 revision, all 21.5in display models have soldered, non-upgradeable, RAM.
How to Identify these Machines
The thinner, tapered (5mm thick at the edge) screen distinguishes
these iMacs from the earlier
model.
The Late 2012 iMac was released in a 21.5" and 27" form factor. The 21.5" had 2.7GHz and 2.9GHz quad-core i5, and 3.1GHz quad-core i7 processor options, and came with 8GB of PC12800 1600MHz memory (upgradeable to 16GB at purchase, or with difficulty afterwards). Apple specs here. The 27" had 2.9GHz and 3.2GHz quad-core i5, and 3.4GHz quad-core i7 CPU options, and came with 8GB of PC12800 1600MHz RAM, upgradeable (easily) to 32GB. Apple specs here.
The Late 2013 model was very similar, bringing upgraded graphics and drive
options, and slightly faster CPU speeds on the 27" model (3.2GHz and
3.4GHz quad-core i5, and 3.5GHz quad-core i7). RAM specs and options remained
the same. Apple specs for the 21.5" here,
and 27" here.
In Mid 2014 Apple released a new model, aimed to provide a lower priced option to the Late 2013 models (which remained on sale). This model has a much slower CPU - 1.4GHz dual-core i5, and comes with 8GB of RAM that is actually soldered onto the motherboard, and cannot be upgraded either at purchase or subsequently. Apple specs here.
In October 2014 the iMac Retina 5K was released, in a 27in form factor
only. Released in a 3.5GHz Core i5 and 4.0GHz Core i7, the machine
is internally very similar to the preceeding 27in models, apart
from the major upgrade to the display and the upgrade on the Thunderbolts
ports to Thunderbolt 2. RAM and drive upgrade options are the same.
Apple specs here.
In May 2015 a new 5K display 27in model was released with a 3.3GHz Core i5 CPU. Apple specs here.
A full new line-up was released in October 2015, with 4K 21.5in display options, and 5K standard accross the 27in display range. RAM speed was upgraded to DDR3 PC14900 DDR3 1866MHz, but importantly for upgrades, the 21.5in models moved to soldered RAM for all models, marking the end to RAM upgrades for the smaller screen size. The 27in models continued to have easilly RAM upgrades. Apple specs for the non-4K 21.5in models are here, and for the 4K 21.5in here. The 5K 27in models are here.
Memory Upgrades
Memory options for the 27" models are simple, memory can be fitted simply via a hatch on the back of the machine which reveals the 4 memory sockets. Models prior to the Late 2015 can take up to 4 modules of up to 8GB DDR3 PC12800 1600MHz SODIMM memory, for a maximum of 32GB. The Late 2015 revision can take up to 4 x 16GB of DDR3 PC14900 1866MHZ memory, for a maximum of 64GB
The 21.5" models are more difficult. The 1.4GHz Mid 2014, and all 21.5in models from the Late 2015 release cannot have its RAM upgraded at all. All earlier models have 2 slots which can take up to 8GB of DDR3 PC12800 1600MHz SODIMM memory, for a maximum of 16GB. Accessing the RAM is extremely difficult however, and we strongly advise professional installation (note: this will invalidate any remaining Apple warranty). It is also the same procedure that you need to follow to upgrade the drive in the machine, so we suggest combining the two upgrades due to the cost of installation (if you have us do the work, we only charge one install fee to do both).
Compatible with the iMac Pro 2017/2019. Note: RDIMM and LRDIMM modules cannot be mixed. Professional installation strongly recommended.
2
Compatible with the 2019 & 2020 iMacs, except the 21.5in with Core i3 CPU. User fitting recommended for the 27in models, professional fitting recommended for the 21.5in.
3
Compatible with the 27in 2019 & 2020 models.
4
Compatible with all the Mid 2017 iMacs. Also compatible with the 21.5in 2019 & 2020 with Core i3 CPU, User fitting recommended for the 27in models, professional fitting recommended for the 21.5in.
5
Suitable for the 27in Mid 2017 iMacs.
6
For the 2017 iMac with 21.5in display only - not compatible with the 27in model.
7
For the iMac Late 2015 revision. 27in only (the 2015 21.5in models do not have upgradeable RAM).
8
For 27in models prior to the October 2015 update. This Kingston module is not suitable for any 21.5in models, even those that take PC12800 RAM - use a different brand of memory.
9
For models prior to the October 2015 update, apart from the 1.4GHz Late 2014 model.
Any fitting information below is intended as a guide before purchase ONLY, when fitting these products you should refer to the original manual for your computer, and any instructions that come with the item. Please see this page for more information, or here for information on our fitting service.
On the 27" models, simply open the hatch on the back of the machine. For the 21.5" we strong recommend professional installation. Note RAM upgrades are impossible on the 1.4GHz Mid 2014 model.
CD/DVD/Blu-ray Drive Upgrades
These Macs do not have an internal optical drive. They can use external ones via USB.
Any fitting information below is intended as a guide before purchase ONLY, when fitting these products you should refer to the original manual for your computer, and any instructions that come with the item. Please see this page for more information, or here for information on our fitting service.
Internal Hard Drive & SSD Upgrades
These iMacs have the potential to have 2 internal drive bays. All models have a SATA 600 drive bay, used by Apple for a standard rotational hard drive (2.5" in the 21.5", and 3.5" in the 27"). Also many models were sold with a PCIe attached blade SSD (often configured as a Fusion Drive in conjunction with the rotational hard drive). However some models when sold with only a rotational hard drive lack the connector for the PCIe attached SSD - if you use our serial number or Model ID tools, our system will warn you if yours is one of these. Please note that currently we only have options for the PCIe bay for the Late 2012 revisions, third party replacement SSDs for later models are not yet available. In all models we can fit drives in either the 2.5" or 3.5" bays (an SSD can be fitted here instead of a rotational hard drive), although the procedure is not a simple one and will invalidate any Apple warranty remaining on the machine.
The procedure for fitting a drive is the same as doing RAM on those 21.5" models where the RAM is upgradeable
(the 27" has easily accessible RAM), so if you are considering a drive
upgrade in a 21.5" model that can take an upgrade,
we suggest combining the two upgrades to save on fitting costs.
Please note that if you have a Fusion drive setup, it is using a combination of both the PCIe SSD and a rotational drive in the hard drive bay. Replacing either will destroy all data on the Fusion drive, we recommend you use our cloning service to preserve it.
Please contact us if you want to discuss options for your machine in more detail.
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.
For the 21.5" display model (can be used in the 27in but requires an adaptor).
3
For all the Late 2012 iMacs apart from the 2.7GHz 21.5in (only some of which have can take a PCIe attached SSD). Not compatible with Late 2013 or later models.
Any fitting information below is intended as a guide before purchase ONLY, when fitting these products you should refer to the original manual for your computer, and any instructions that come with the item. Please see this page for more information, or here for information on our fitting service.
Difficulty 6/5 (Extremely Difficult)
Professional installation strongly recommended.
Graphics Cards and Displays
There are no graphics card upgrade options available.
There are none available.
Expansion Card Upgrades
All these iMacs have Thunderbolt ports, which allows a large range of upgrades to be used via Thunderbolt-attached expansion chassis.
There are none available.
Keyboards & Mice
These are the keyboards and mice we have for this Mac.
Any fitting information below is intended as a guide before purchase ONLY, when fitting these products you should refer to the original manual for your computer, and any instructions that come with the item. Please see this page for more information, or here for information on our fitting service.
Cables & Tools
Listed below are power cables, tools and related products we supply
for this Mac.
Works with any Mac with a USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 connection - also can be used on one with USB 3 Type A with an adaptor.
3
For models with Thunderbolt/Thunderbolt 2. Or Thunderbolt 3 with an adaptor.
4
This can be connected to this Mac to access a 2.5in SATA drive. But only 21.5in models wold with a hard drive (rather than SSD) use a 2.5in SATA drive internally.
5
For the iMac Late 2012 and later with 21.5in display. Not needed if we are doing the work for you - it is included in the fitting charge.
6
For the iMac Late 2012 and later with 27in display. Not needed if we are doing the work for you - it is included in the fitting charge.
External Drives & Enclosures
This iMac can used a wide range of external hard drives via its USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt connections.
Fully compatible with models with Thunderbolt 3, will work with an adaptor and at reduced speed with models with Thunderbolt 1 or 2.
2
This can be connected to this Mac to access a 3.5in SATA drive. But only 27in models sold with a hard drive (rather than SSD) use a 3.5in SATA drive internally.
3
This can be connected to this Mac to access a 2.5in SATA drive. But only 21.5in models wold with a hard drive (rather than SSD) use a 2.5in SATA drive internally.
Complete Machines - Refurbished
Any complete machines of this type or similar that we have for sale are listed here. Please note that these are refurbished models with a 3 month warranty, and that delivery is likely to take 3 - 5 working days. These can be purchased online with the standard website courier delivery charge for the mainland UK only. Please contact us for a quote on shipping to other areas.
There are none available.
Repair Services for this Mac
Here are the various repair services we offer for this Mac. You can have us take the machine in for evaluation, or book a fixed-price repair if you already know what the fault is and the service is listed below (for services without parts, please see the relevant tab on this page for compatible parts that we sell). If you know what the fault is, but we don't have a fixed-price repair listed below, please contact
us for a quote.