mhadd071
Level 1 (4 points)
Desktops

Q: Inquiries about iMac hardware upgrades

Hello,

 

I have the 21.5 inch mac, late 2013 model. Processor, 2.9 Ghz Intel Core i5, 8GB 1600 DDR3, and 1 TB Sata Drive with Nvidia GeForce GT 750M 1024 MB.

 

My question is, what is upgradable from the hardware and what is not? From quick reading I discovered that the RAM can only be upgraded at an authorized apple retailer, so that means I purchase my RAM and make an appointment and they do it for me?

 

Any comments will be helpful, thank you.

iMac, OS X El Capitan (10.11.5)

Posted on Jun 23, 2016 12:41 AM

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mhadd071

Q: Inquiries about iMac hardware upgrades

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  • by Mike Sombrio,

    Mike Sombrio Mike Sombrio Jun 23, 2016 3:38 AM in response to mhadd071
    Level 6 (17,234 points)
    Apple Watch
    Jun 23, 2016 3:38 AM in response to mhadd071

    Technically nothing is upgradable.  However....there are actual ram slots on the late 2013 model, but they're on the back side of the logic board requiring complete disassembly in ordef to upgrade. I don't think an Apple Store will do this but you may find an AASP that will. The hard drive can be upgraded to either a larger one or better yet an SSD also but thats it.

    Here are some guides that illustrate how complex upgrading is https://www.ifixit.com/Device/iMac_Intel_21.5%22_EMC_2638

  • by philcool,

    philcool philcool Jun 23, 2016 3:46 AM in response to mhadd071
    Level 1 (80 points)
    Desktops
    Jun 23, 2016 3:46 AM in response to mhadd071

    hello your sata drive and memory can be upgrade! but the problem is it should be done with proper knowledge and experience! because you need to remove your main screen before you can upgrade them and it's very fragile! so if I were you send it to apple store and let them do it for you if you! and your question and answer with your statement is the proper thing to do