Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)
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27" Apple iMac teardown (Model: A1312)
27" Apple iMac teardown (Model: A1312)
ntIn 2011, Apple updated the iMac line with Intel’s second-generation Core CPU family and AMD’s new Radeon HD 6000-series graphics processors. Apple also replaced the old Mini DisplayPort input with a Thunderbolt port.
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ntIn March, I took a look inside the HP Compaq 6000 Pro All-in-one Business PC and couldn’t wait to see how the new iMac compared. Follow along as I crack open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011).
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ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Hardware specifications
27" Apple iMac teardown: Hardware specifications
ntAs of this writing, the 21.5″ iMac starts at $1,199 (US), and the 27″ iMac starts at $1,699.
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ntOur 27″ test unit cost $1,768 (before taxes), and the following technical specifications:
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- nttProcessor: 2.7GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i5
- nttGPU: AMD RadeonHD 6770M 512MB GDDR5
- nttRAM: 4GB 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM
- nttStorage: 1TB Serial ATA Drive
- nttDisplay: 27-inch LED-backlit glossy screen (2,560 x 1,440 resolution)
- nttOptical drive: 8x SuperDrive with 4x double-layer burning (DVDu00b1R DL/DVDu00b1RW/CD-RW)
- nttPorts: SDXC card slot, audio line output, audio line input, four USB 2.0, one FireWire 800, two Thunderbolt, Mini DisplayPort output (DVI, VGA, and dual-link DVI), Gigabit Ethernet, and IR receiver
- nttSpeakers: Built-in stereo speakers and two internal 20-watt amplifiers
- nttCamera: FaceTime HD camera
- nttInput device: Apple Wireless Keyboard, Magic Trackpad, and Magic Mouse
- nttWireless: 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
- nttWarranty: 1-year limited warranty
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ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Box contents
27" Apple iMac teardown: Box contents
ntOur test machine came with an Apple Wireless Keyboard, Magic Mouse, Magic Trackpad, power cable, OS X disc, and product documentation.
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ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Front
27" Apple iMac teardown: Front
ntThe 27″ Apple iMac weighs a hefty 30.5 pounds and measures 25.6″ (W) x 8.15″ (D) x 20.4″ (H).
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ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Left side
27" Apple iMac teardown: Left side
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Right side
27" Apple iMac teardown: Right side
27" Apple iMac teardown: SDXC card and optical drive slots
27" Apple iMac teardown: SDXC card and optical drive slots
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Back
27" Apple iMac teardown: Back
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Base
27" Apple iMac teardown: Base
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: External ports
27" Apple iMac teardown: External ports
ntAlong the back of the 27″ Apple iMac are an audio line output, audio line input, four USB 2.0, one FireWire 800, two Thunderbolt, one Mini DisplayPort output (DVI, VGA, and dual-link DVI), and one Gigabit Ethernet port.
27" Apple iMac teardown: Model A1312
27" Apple iMac teardown: Model A1312
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Power button
27" Apple iMac teardown: Power button
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: SDRAM compartment cover
27" Apple iMac teardown: SDRAM compartment cover
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing the SDRAM compartment screws
27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing the SDRAM compartment screws
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Lifting off the SDRAM compartment cover
27" Apple iMac teardown: Lifting off the SDRAM compartment cover
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Pulling up on the SDRAM chip release tabs
27" Apple iMac teardown: Pulling up on the SDRAM chip release tabs
27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing one of the two 2GB SDRAM chips
27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing one of the two 2GB SDRAM chips
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: SDRAM chips removed
27" Apple iMac teardown: SDRAM chips removed
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Elpida 2GB PC3-10600S9-10-F1 SDRAM chips
27" Apple iMac teardown: Elpida 2GB PC3-10600S9-10-F1 SDRAM chips
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Separating the front panel from the case
27" Apple iMac teardown: Separating the front panel from the case
ntThe iMac’s from panel is held in place with strong magnets. Using a thin plastic spudger, I separated the magnets attached to the panel from their counterparts mounted to the aluminum case.
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ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing the front panel
27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing the front panel
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Front panel
27" Apple iMac teardown: Front panel
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Without the front panel
27" Apple iMac teardown: Without the front panel
27" Apple iMac teardown: Magents that hold the front panel in place
27" Apple iMac teardown: Magents that hold the front panel in place
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing the LCD assembly screws
27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing the LCD assembly screws
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Prying the LCD assembly away from the case
27" Apple iMac teardown: Prying the LCD assembly away from the case
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing the LCD assembly from the case
27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing the LCD assembly from the case
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: LCD assembly wires
27" Apple iMac teardown: LCD assembly wires
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Disconnecting the LCD assembly wires and cables
27" Apple iMac teardown: Disconnecting the LCD assembly wires and cables
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: LCD assembly removed
27" Apple iMac teardown: LCD assembly removed
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: LCD assembly - Back
27" Apple iMac teardown: LCD assembly - Back
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: LCD assembly - Front
27" Apple iMac teardown: LCD assembly - Front
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: LG Display LM270WQ1
27" Apple iMac teardown: LG Display LM270WQ1
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: First look at the internal hardware
27" Apple iMac teardown: First look at the internal hardware
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing the hard drive bracket screws
27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing the hard drive bracket screws
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing the hard drive
27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing the hard drive
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Hard drive removed
27" Apple iMac teardown: Hard drive removed
27" Apple iMac teardown: 1T Seagate Barracude 7200 RPM hard drive
27" Apple iMac teardown: 1T Seagate Barracude 7200 RPM hard drive
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing the optical drive bracket srews
27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing the optical drive bracket srews
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing the optical drive
27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing the optical drive
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Optical drive removed
27" Apple iMac teardown: Optical drive removed
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Sony Optiarc DVD/CD Rewritable Drive AD-5680H
27" Apple iMac teardown: Sony Optiarc DVD/CD Rewritable Drive AD-5680H
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing the wireless card
27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing the wireless card
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Disconnecting the wireless card antenna wires
27" Apple iMac teardown: Disconnecting the wireless card antenna wires
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Atheros (Qualcomm) AR5BXB112 wireless card
27" Apple iMac teardown: Atheros (Qualcomm) AR5BXB112 wireless card
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Atheros (Qualcomm) AR9388-AL1A chip
27" Apple iMac teardown: Atheros (Qualcomm) AR9388-AL1A chip
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Atheros (Qualcomm) AR5BXB112 wireless card - Back
27" Apple iMac teardown: Atheros (Qualcomm) AR5BXB112 wireless card - Back
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing the SDXC card slot PCB screw
27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing the SDXC card slot PCB screw
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing the SDXC card slot PCB
27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing the SDXC card slot PCB
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: SDXC card slot PCB - Front
27" Apple iMac teardown: SDXC card slot PCB - Front
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: SDXC card slot - Back
27" Apple iMac teardown: SDXC card slot - Back
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing the power supply circuit board
27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing the power supply circuit board
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Power supply unit removed
27" Apple iMac teardown: Power supply unit removed
27" Apple iMac teardown: Power supply
27" Apple iMac teardown: Power supply
27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing the LED driver board screws
27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing the LED driver board screws
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: LED driver board removed
27" Apple iMac teardown: LED driver board removed
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: LED driver board - Front
27" Apple iMac teardown: LED driver board - Front
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: LED driver board - Back
27" Apple iMac teardown: LED driver board - Back
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing the right-side cooling fan screws
27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing the right-side cooling fan screws
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Disconnecting the right-side cooling fan wire
27" Apple iMac teardown: Disconnecting the right-side cooling fan wire
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Right-side cooling fan
27" Apple iMac teardown: Right-side cooling fan
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Ready to begin removing the motherboard
27" Apple iMac teardown: Ready to begin removing the motherboard
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Disconnecting the motherboard cables
27" Apple iMac teardown: Disconnecting the motherboard cables
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing the motherboard and cooling assembly screws
27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing the motherboard and cooling assembly screws
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing the motherboard
27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing the motherboard
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Motherboard removed
27" Apple iMac teardown: Motherboard removed
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Case with most internal hardware removed
27" Apple iMac teardown: Case with most internal hardware removed
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Center cooling fan
27" Apple iMac teardown: Center cooling fan
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: FaceTime HD camera
27" Apple iMac teardown: FaceTime HD camera
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Left-side cooling fan and speaker
27" Apple iMac teardown: Left-side cooling fan and speaker
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Right-side speaker
27" Apple iMac teardown: Right-side speaker
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Delta Electronics EMI filter
27" Apple iMac teardown: Delta Electronics EMI filter
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Broadcom BCM92046MD Bluetooth module
27" Apple iMac teardown: Broadcom BCM92046MD Bluetooth module
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Motherboard with cooling assemblies attached - Top
27" Apple iMac teardown: Motherboard with cooling assemblies attached - Top
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Motherboard with cooling assemblies attached - Back
27" Apple iMac teardown: Motherboard with cooling assemblies attached - Back
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Disconnecting the remaining motherboard cables
27" Apple iMac teardown: Disconnecting the remaining motherboard cables
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Disconnecting the GPU cooling assembly's thermal sensor wire
27" Apple iMac teardown: Disconnecting the GPU cooling assembly's thermal sensor wire
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing the GPU cooling assembly screws
27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing the GPU cooling assembly screws
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing the GPU cooling assembly bracket screw
27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing the GPU cooling assembly bracket screw
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing the GPU cooling assembly
27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing the GPU cooling assembly
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: GPU cooling assembly - Bottom
27" Apple iMac teardown: GPU cooling assembly - Bottom
27" Apple iMac teardown: GPU cooling assembly - Top
27" Apple iMac teardown: GPU cooling assembly - Top
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing the GPU board screws
27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing the GPU board screws
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing the GPU card
27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing the GPU card
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: AMD RadeonHD 6770M GPU - Top
27" Apple iMac teardown: AMD RadeonHD 6770M GPU - Top
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: AMD RadeonHD 6770M GPU - Bottom
27" Apple iMac teardown: AMD RadeonHD 6770M GPU - Bottom
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: AMD Radeon HD 6770M GPU chip
27" Apple iMac teardown: AMD Radeon HD 6770M GPU chip
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Four Samsung K4G10325FE-HC04 GDDR5 chips
27" Apple iMac teardown: Four Samsung K4G10325FE-HC04 GDDR5 chips
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: ISL62883 Multiphase PWM Regulator on the GPU board
27" Apple iMac teardown: ISL62883 Multiphase PWM Regulator on the GPU board
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing the CPU cooling assembly screws
27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing the CPU cooling assembly screws
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing the CPU cooling assembly
27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing the CPU cooling assembly
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: CPU cooling assembly removed
27" Apple iMac teardown: CPU cooling assembly removed
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: CPU cooling assembly - Bottom
27" Apple iMac teardown: CPU cooling assembly - Bottom
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: CPU cooling assembly - Top
27" Apple iMac teardown: CPU cooling assembly - Top
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing the GPU cooling assembly bracket
27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing the GPU cooling assembly bracket
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: GPU cooling assembly bracket
27" Apple iMac teardown: GPU cooling assembly bracket
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing the CPU cooling assembly bracket
27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing the CPU cooling assembly bracket
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Intel Platform Controller Hub heat sink attached to motherboard
27" Apple iMac teardown: Intel Platform Controller Hub heat sink attached to motherboard
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Intel Platform Controller Hub heat sink removed
27" Apple iMac teardown: Intel Platform Controller Hub heat sink removed
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Intel Platform Conrtoller Hub heat sink
27" Apple iMac teardown: Intel Platform Conrtoller Hub heat sink
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Intel Thunderbolt port IC heat sink
27" Apple iMac teardown: Intel Thunderbolt port IC heat sink
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Intel Thunderbolt port IC heat sink removed
27" Apple iMac teardown: Intel Thunderbolt port IC heat sink removed
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing the IR receiver board
27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing the IR receiver board
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: IR receiver board
27" Apple iMac teardown: IR receiver board
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Another heat sink
27" Apple iMac teardown: Another heat sink
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Last motherboard heat sink removed
27" Apple iMac teardown: Last motherboard heat sink removed
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing the CPU bracket
27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing the CPU bracket
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: CPU bracket removed
27" Apple iMac teardown: CPU bracket removed
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: CPU Bracket
27" Apple iMac teardown: CPU Bracket
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing the last CPU cooling assembly bracket screw
27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing the last CPU cooling assembly bracket screw
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: CPU cooling assembly bracket
27" Apple iMac teardown: CPU cooling assembly bracket
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing the CPU
27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing the CPU
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Motherboard - Top
27" Apple iMac teardown: Motherboard - Top
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Motherboard - Bottom
27" Apple iMac teardown: Motherboard - Bottom
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Intel 2.7GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i5 - Top
27" Apple iMac teardown: Intel 2.7GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i5 - Top
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Intel 2.7GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i5 - Bottom
27" Apple iMac teardown: Intel 2.7GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i5 - Bottom
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Intel Platform Controller Hub
27" Apple iMac teardown: Intel Platform Controller Hub
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Broadcom BCM57765B0KMLG Integrated Gigabit Ethernet and Memory Card Reader Controller
27" Apple iMac teardown: Broadcom BCM57765B0KMLG Integrated Gigabit Ethernet and Memory Card Reader Controller
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Cirrus 4206BCNZ audio controller
27" Apple iMac teardown: Cirrus 4206BCNZ audio controller
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: LSI FW643E PCI Express 1394b Link / PHY Open Host Controller Interface
27" Apple iMac teardown: LSI FW643E PCI Express 1394b Link / PHY Open Host Controller Interface
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Two SMSC USX2061 USB controllers
27" Apple iMac teardown: Two SMSC USX2061 USB controllers
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Parade PS8301
27" Apple iMac teardown: Parade PS8301
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: NXP 1112
27" Apple iMac teardown: NXP 1112
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Parade PS8301
27" Apple iMac teardown: Parade PS8301
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Texas Instruments 58864D and TPS51116 Switching Regulator
27" Apple iMac teardown: Texas Instruments 58864D and TPS51116 Switching Regulator
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Intersil 9563A
27" Apple iMac teardown: Intersil 9563A
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: SMSC 1128-7
27" Apple iMac teardown: SMSC 1128-7
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Pair of LVC08A chips
27" Apple iMac teardown: Pair of LVC08A chips
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Intel L107IA64 EFL Thunderbolt IC
27" Apple iMac teardown: Intel L107IA64 EFL Thunderbolt IC
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Texas Instruments SN1010 chip
27" Apple iMac teardown: Texas Instruments SN1010 chip
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Texas Instruments TPA3117 chips
27" Apple iMac teardown: Texas Instruments TPA3117 chips
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: NXP 6142C chip
27" Apple iMac teardown: NXP 6142C chip
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Chip with markings F2117BG20H H82/2117RV
27" Apple iMac teardown: Chip with markings F2117BG20H H82/2117RV
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Intersil ISL6364 CRZ PWM Controller
27" Apple iMac teardown: Intersil ISL6364 CRZ PWM Controller
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Chip with markings IR 9310 H106P S3Z8
27" Apple iMac teardown: Chip with markings IR 9310 H106P S3Z8
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Delta Electronics LFE9249-R 1111C
27" Apple iMac teardown: Delta Electronics LFE9249-R 1111C
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Panasonic 3V BR2032 CMOS battery
27" Apple iMac teardown: Panasonic 3V BR2032 CMOS battery
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
27" Apple iMac teardown: Completely disassembled
27" Apple iMac teardown: Completely disassembled
ntThe 27″ Apple iMac (2011) isn’t difficult to disassemble, but it can take a very long time. Replacing the RAM, HDD, and optical drive are relatively quick tasks. But, replacing the motherboard, GPU board, or CPU are time-consumming jobs, as you’ll need to disconnect lots of cables and remove dozens of screws.
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ntThere is however, plenty of room to work inside the 27″ iMac’s case and Apple uses standard Torx and Phillips screws to hold the internal hardware in place.
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ntThis is definitely a machine that most techs should feel comfortable repairing.
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ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
