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.

100% Compatibility Guarantee

If you want specific upgrades for your exact model, choose it from the Model ID links below, or enter your serial number here:


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History

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).

DDR4 PC21300 2666MHz DIMM for iMac Pro

OWC DDR4 PC21300 2666MHz RDIMM 64GB iMac Pro Kit (4 x 16GB)Stock: Out of Stock£339.74 + vat (£407.69)1
OWC DDR4 PC21300 2666MHz RDIMM 128GB iMac Pro Kit (4 x 32GB)Stock: Out of Stock£608.50 + vat (£730.20)1
OWC DDR4 PC21300 2666MHz LRDIMM 128GB iMac Pro Kit (2 x 64GB)Stock: Out of Stock£694.91 + vat (£833.89)1

DDR4 2666MHz PC21300 for iMac 2019 & 2020 except i3 CPU

OWC DDR4 PC21300 2666MHz SODIMM - 8GBStock: Out of Stock£43.67 + vat (£52.40)2
OWC DDR4 PC21300 2666MHz SODIMM - 16GB (2 x 8GB)Stock: Out of Stock£84.21 + vat (£101.05)2
OWC DDR4 PC21300 2666MHz SODIMM - 16GBStock: Available£77.17 + vat (£92.60)2
OWC DDR4 PC21300 2666MHz SODIMM - 32GB (2 x 16GB)Stock: Available£148.62 + vat (£178.34)2
OWC DDR4 PC21300 2666MHz SODIMM - 32GBStock: Available£140.96 + vat (£169.15)2
OWC DDR4 PC21300 2666MHz SODIMM - 64GB (2 x 32GB)Stock: Available£271.08 + vat (£325.30)2
OWC DDR4 PC21300 2666MHz SODIMM - 128GB (4 x 32GB)Stock: Available£520.46 + vat (£624.55)3

DDR4 2400MHz PC19200 for Retina iMac 2017 & 2019/20 with i3 CPU

OWC DDR4 PC19200 2400MHz SODIMM - 8GBStock: Out of Stock£43.44 + vat (£52.13)4
OWC DDR4 PC19200 2400MHz SODIMM - 16GB Kit (2 x 8GB)Stock: Available£84.29 + vat (£101.15)4
OWC DDR4 PC19200 2400MHz SODIMM - 16GBStock: Available£76.87 + vat (£92.24)4
OWC DDR4 PC19200 2400MHz SODIMM - 32GB Kit (2 x 16GB)Stock: Available£148.56 + vat (£178.27)4
OWC DDR4 PC19200 2400MHz SODIMM - 64GB Kit (4 x 16GB)Stock: Out of Stock£285.50 + vat (£342.60)5
OWC DDR4 PC19200 2400MHz SODIMM - 64GB Kit (2 x 32GB)Stock: Out of Stock£313.44 + vat (£376.13)6

DDR3 1866MHz PC14900 for October 2015 Revisions (27in only)

Kingston DDR3L 1866MHz PC14900 SODIMM - 4GBStock: Available£33.17 + vat (£39.80)7
Kingston DDR3L 1866MHz PC14900 SODIMM - 8GBStock: Available£59.37 + vat (£71.24)7

DDR3 1600MHz PC12800 for Models before October 2015 (21.5in 1.4GHz Mid 2014 Excluded)

Kingston DDR3 PC12800 SODIMM - 4GBStock: Available£33.25 + vat (£39.90)8
Kingston DDR3 PC12800 SODIMM - 8GBStock: Available£58.45 + vat (£70.14)8
OWC DDR3 PC12800 SODIMM - 16GB Kit (2 x 8GB)Stock: Available£78.64 + vat (£94.37)9
1Compatible with the iMac Pro 2017/2019. Note: RDIMM and LRDIMM modules cannot be mixed. Professional installation strongly recommended.
2Compatible 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.
3Compatible with the 27in 2019 & 2020 models.
4Compatible 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.
5Suitable for the 27in Mid 2017 iMacs.
6For the 2017 iMac with 21.5in display only - not compatible with the 27in model.
7For the iMac Late 2015 revision. 27in only (the 2015 21.5in models do not have upgradeable RAM).
8For 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.
9For 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.

Difficulty 1/5 (Easy) 27", 6/5 (Extremely difficult) 21.5"

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.

External USB 2.0 CD/DVD-RW Drive - Bus PoweredStock: Available£29.00 + vat (£34.80)

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.

Installation Services

INSTALL SERVICE - Internal Drive in Intel iMac Late 2012 and LaterStock: Available£129.00 + vat (£154.80)
INSTALL SERVICE - Clone Original Internal DriveStock: Available£25.00 + vat (£30.00)
INSTALL SERVICE - Fit Customer Supplied PartStock: Available£17.50 + vat (£21.00)

3.5in Hard Drives (for 27in models)

Seagate Barracuda SATA 600 1TB 7200RPM 32MBStock: Available£40.49 + vat (£48.59)1
Seagate Barracuda 7200RPM SATA 600 2TB 7200RPM 64MBStock: Available£52.28 + vat (£62.74)1
Seagate Barracuda 5900RPM SATA 600 8TB 256MBStock: Available£166.68 + vat (£200.02)1

2.5in Hard Drives (for 21.5in models)

Seagate Barracuda Pro 1TB 2.5in SATA 600 7200RPMStock: Available£53.13 + vat (£63.76)2

3.5in Solid State Drives (for 27in models)

Samsung 870 EVO 250GB SSD with 2.5-3.5 adapt SATA 600 Stock: Available£62.47 + vat (£74.96)1
Samsung 870 EVO 500GB SSD with 2.5-3.5 adapt SATA 600 Stock: Available£90.16 + vat (£108.19)1
Samsung 870 EVO 1TB SSD with 2.5-3.5 adapt SATA 600 Stock: Available£129.48 + vat (£155.38)1
Samsung 870 EVO 2TB SSD with 2.5-3.5 adapt SATA 600 Stock: Available£232.20 + vat (£278.64)1
Samsung 860 EVO 4TB SSD with 2.5-3.5 adapt SATA 600 Stock: Available£425.10 + vat (£510.12)1
Startech 2.5in - 3.5in SATA drive enclosure adaptorStock: Available£22.00 + vat (£26.40)1

2.5in Solid State Drives (for 21.5in models)

Samsung 870 EVO 250GB SSD SATA 600Stock: Available£45.47 + vat (£54.56)2
Samsung 870 EVO 500GB SSD SATA 600Stock: Available£73.16 + vat (£87.79)2
Samsung 870 EVO 1TB SSD SATA 600Stock: Available£112.48 + vat (£134.98)2
Samsung 870 EVO 2TB SSD SATA 600Stock: Available£215.20 + vat (£258.24)2
Samsung 860 EVO 4TB SSD SATA 600Stock: Available£408.10 + vat (£489.72)2

PCIe Attached storage for Late 2012 iMacs

OWC Aura 6G PCIe Attached SSD for iMac Late 2012 - 240GBStock: Out of Stock£89.05 + vat (£106.86)3
OWC Aura 6G PCIe Attached SSD for iMac Late 2012 - 480GBStock: Out of Stock£122.71 + vat (£147.25)3
OWC Aura 6G PCIe Attached SSD for iMac Late 2012 - 960GBStock: Out of Stock£198.33 + vat (£238.00)3
1For the 27" display model.
2For the 21.5" display model (can be used in the 27in but requires an adaptor).
3For 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.

Trust 3 button USB Optical MouseStock: Available£6.75 + vat (£8.10)
Cherry Strait 3.0 USB Keyboard - UK Mac LayoutStock: Available£32.00 + vat (£38.40)

Power Supplies & Batteries

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

INSTALL SERVICE AND PARTS - Power Supply for iMac Intel 2012 and LaterStock: Available£239.00 + vat (£286.80)

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.

Cables & Adaptors

USB-C to USB 3 (Type A) M/F AdaptorStock: Available£5.00 + vat (£6.00)1
i-tec Adaptor/Hub USB-C to 3 x USB 3 Type A + 1 x Gigabit EthernetStock: Available£20.53 + vat (£24.64)2
Apple Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 AdaptorStock: Available£49.00 + vat (£58.80)1
USB 3 to 2.5in SATA Drive Cable (for accessing a 2.5in SATA drive via USB)Stock: Available£6.49 + vat (£7.79)3

Tools

iMac 21.5in 2012 & Later VHB Display Tape Repair KitStock: Available£17.50 + vat (£21.00)4
iMac 27in 2012 & Later VHB Display Tape Repair KitStock: Available£17.50 + vat (£21.00)5
iMac 2012 & Later Display Removal Tool with Cutting DiskStock: Available£18.00 + vat (£21.60)
Precision Screwdriver Set, 31 Piece - Phillips/Torx/TR6Stock: Available£12.50 + vat (£15.00)
Anti Static Wrist StrapStock: Available£8.50 + vat (£10.20)
1For models with Thunderbolt 3.
2Works 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.
3This 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.
4For 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.
5For 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.

3.5in USB 3 External Drives

SanDisk Extreme Portable 1TB USB-C & USB 3 External SSDStock: Available£136.50 + vat (£163.80)
SanDisk Extreme Portable 2TB USB-C & USB 3 External SSDStock: Available£270.00 + vat (£324.00)
WD Elements USB 3 (USB 2 compatible) 3.5in External HDD - 4TBStock: Available£89.72 + vat (£107.66)
WD Elements USB 3 (USB 2 compatible) 3.5in External HDD - 6TBStock: Available£141.51 + vat (£169.81)

2.5in USB 3 External Drives

Seagate 1TB Portable 2.5in USB 3 External Hard DriveStock: Available£42.50 + vat (£51.00)
Seagate 2TB Portable 2.5in USB 3 External Hard DriveStock: Available£59.28 + vat (£71.14)

Thunderbolt Enclosures

OWC Thunderbay 4 - Thunderbolt 3 Enclosure for 4 x 2.5in or 3.5in DrivesStock: Out of Stock£339.68 + vat (£407.62)1
OWC Thunderbay 4 - Thunderbolt 3 Enclosure for 4 x 2.5in or 3.5in Drives - JBOD, RAID 0, 1, 4, 5, and 10Stock: Out of Stock£385.88 + vat (£463.06)1
OWC ThunderBay Flex 8 Thunderbolt 3 Enclosure (0 Drives)Stock: Out of Stock£882.10 + vat (£1058.52)1

3.5in USB Enclosures

Startech USB 3.0 Enclosure for 3.5in SATA DrivesStock: Available£34.94 + vat (£41.93)2

2.5in USB Enclosures

Startech USB 3.0 (USB 2 compatible) Enclosure for 2.5in SATA Drive with UASPStock: Available£17.27 + vat (£20.72)3
OWC Envoy Pro Enclosure for PCIe SSDs from Select MacBooks, Mac Pros, iMacs and Mac MinisStock: Out of Stock£90.11 + vat (£108.13)4
1Fully compatible with models with Thunderbolt 3, will work with an adaptor and at reduced speed with models with Thunderbolt 1 or 2.
2This 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.
3This 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.
4Compatible with Apple-supplied PCIe SSDs from iMac revisions between Late 2013 and 2014 (excluding those manufactured by Toshiba).

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.

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.

Refurb iMac 21.5in Late 2012, 2.7GHz Core i5, 8GB RAM, 500GB SSD (SATA), No Keyboard & Mouse, UnboxedStock: Available£300.00 + vat (£360.00)
Refurb iMac 21.5in 2015, 1.6GHz Core i5, 8GB RAM, 500GB SSD (SATA), 3rd Party Keyboard & Mouse, UnboxedStock: Available£420.00 + vat (£504.00)

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.

Evaluation Services

Mac Repair - Evaluation ServiceStock: Available£39.00 + vat (£46.80)

Repair Services

INSTALL SERVICE AND PARTS - Power Supply for iMac Intel 2012 and LaterStock: Available£239.00 + vat (£286.80)

Installation Services (parts not included)

Collection ServiceStock: Available£24.68 + vat (£29.62)
Collection Service - iMac with box provided (not 2009-11 27in)Stock: Available£55.00 + vat (£66.00)
INSTALL SERVICE - Internal Drive in Intel iMac Late 2012 and LaterStock: Available£129.00 + vat (£154.80)
INSTALL SERVICE - Clone Original Internal DriveStock: Available£25.00 + vat (£30.00)
INSTALL SERVICE - RAM in an iMac (excludes 21.5in Late 2012 and later)Stock: Available£10.00 + vat (£12.00)1
INSTALL SERVICE - RAM into a 21.5in iMac Late 2012 or LaterStock: Available£129.00 + vat (£154.80)2
INSTALL SERVICE - RAM into an iMac ProStock: Available£250.00 + vat (£300.00)3
1For the 27" display model.
2For the 21.5" display models prior to October 2015, excluding the 1.4GHz iMac Mid 2014.
3For iMac Pro