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Hardware

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

By Bill Detwiler May 22, 2011, 3:51 AM PDT on Twitter billdetwiler

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Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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.

n

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).
nt
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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.

n

ntOur 27″ test unit cost $1,768 (before taxes), and the following technical specifications:

n

    nt

  • nttProcessor: 2.7GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i5
  • nt

  • nttGPU: AMD RadeonHD 6770M 512MB GDDR5
  • nt

  • nttRAM: 4GB 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM
  • nt

  • nttStorage: 1TB Serial ATA Drive
  • nt

  • nttDisplay: 27-inch LED-backlit glossy screen (2,560 x 1,440 resolution)
  • nt

  • nttOptical drive: 8x SuperDrive with 4x double-layer burning (DVDu00b1R DL/DVDu00b1RW/CD-RW)
  • nt

  • 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
  • nt

  • nttSpeakers: Built-in stereo speakers and two internal 20-watt amplifiers
  • nt

  • nttCamera: FaceTime HD camera
  • nt

  • nttInput device: Apple Wireless Keyboard, Magic Trackpad, and Magic Mouse
  • nt

  • nttWireless: 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
  • nt

  • nttWarranty: 1-year limited warranty
  • n

n

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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.

n

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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).
nt
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

27" Apple iMac teardown: Left side

27" Apple iMac teardown: Left side

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

27" Apple iMac teardown: Right side

27" Apple iMac teardown: Right side

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

27" Apple iMac teardown: Back

27" Apple iMac teardown: Back

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

27" Apple iMac teardown: Base

27" Apple iMac teardown: Base

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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.

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

27" Apple iMac teardown: Model A1312

27" Apple iMac teardown: Model A1312

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

27" Apple iMac teardown: Power button

27" Apple iMac teardown: Power button

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

27" Apple iMac teardown: SDRAM compartment cover

27" Apple iMac teardown: SDRAM compartment cover

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

27" Apple iMac teardown: Pulling up on the SDRAM chip release tabs

27" Apple iMac teardown: Pulling up on the SDRAM chip release tabs

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

27" Apple iMac teardown: SDRAM chips removed

27" Apple iMac teardown: SDRAM chips removed

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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.

n

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

27" Apple iMac teardown: Front panel

27" Apple iMac teardown: Front panel

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

27" Apple iMac teardown: Without the front panel

27" Apple iMac teardown: Without the front panel

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

27" Apple iMac teardown: LCD assembly wires

27" Apple iMac teardown: LCD assembly wires

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

27" Apple iMac teardown: LCD assembly removed

27" Apple iMac teardown: LCD assembly removed

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

27" Apple iMac teardown: LCD assembly - Back

27" Apple iMac teardown: LCD assembly - Back

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

27" Apple iMac teardown: LCD assembly - Front

27" Apple iMac teardown: LCD assembly - Front

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

27" Apple iMac teardown: LG Display LM270WQ1

27" Apple iMac teardown: LG Display LM270WQ1

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

27" Apple iMac teardown: Hard drive removed

27" Apple iMac teardown: Hard drive removed

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

27" Apple iMac teardown: Optical drive removed

27" Apple iMac teardown: Optical drive removed

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

27" Apple iMac teardown: Power supply unit removed

27" Apple iMac teardown: Power supply unit removed

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

27" Apple iMac teardown: Power supply

27" Apple iMac teardown: Power supply

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing the motherboard

27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing the motherboard

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

27" Apple iMac teardown: Motherboard removed

27" Apple iMac teardown: Motherboard removed

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

27" Apple iMac teardown: Center cooling fan

27" Apple iMac teardown: Center cooling fan

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

27" Apple iMac teardown: FaceTime HD camera

27" Apple iMac teardown: FaceTime HD camera

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

27" Apple iMac teardown: Right-side speaker

27" Apple iMac teardown: Right-side speaker

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

27" Apple iMac teardown: GPU cooling assembly - Bottom

27" Apple iMac teardown: GPU cooling assembly - Bottom

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

27" Apple iMac teardown: IR receiver board

27" Apple iMac teardown: IR receiver board

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

27" Apple iMac teardown: Another heat sink

27" Apple iMac teardown: Another heat sink

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

27" Apple iMac teardown: CPU bracket removed

27" Apple iMac teardown: CPU bracket removed

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

27" Apple iMac teardown: CPU Bracket

27" Apple iMac teardown: CPU Bracket

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing the CPU

27" Apple iMac teardown: Removing the CPU

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

27" Apple iMac teardown: Motherboard - Top

27" Apple iMac teardown: Motherboard - Top

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

27" Apple iMac teardown: Motherboard - Bottom

27" Apple iMac teardown: Motherboard - Bottom

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

27" Apple iMac teardown: Parade PS8301

27" Apple iMac teardown: Parade PS8301

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

27" Apple iMac teardown: NXP 1112

27" Apple iMac teardown: NXP 1112

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

27" Apple iMac teardown: Parade PS8301

27" Apple iMac teardown: Parade PS8301

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

27" Apple iMac teardown: Intersil 9563A

27" Apple iMac teardown: Intersil 9563A

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

27" Apple iMac teardown: SMSC 1128-7

27" Apple iMac teardown: SMSC 1128-7

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

27" Apple iMac teardown: NXP 6142C chip

27" Apple iMac teardown: NXP 6142C chip

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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

Cracking Open the 27″ Apple iMac (2011)

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.

n

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.

n

ntThis is definitely a machine that most techs should feel comfortable repairing.

n

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

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By Bill Detwiler
Bill Detwiler is the Editor for Technical Content and Ecosystem at Celonis. He is the former Editor in Chief of TechRepublic and previous host of TechRepublic's Dynamic Developer podcast and Cracking Open, CNET and TechRepublic's popular online show.
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