Can I upgrade my hard-drive in my iMac 7,1

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Level 1

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Can I upgrade my hard-drive in my iMac 7,1

Hello, I have the mid 2007 released intel based imac. I am about to change my 1GB memory to 4GB memory per the info I found on the Apple support site (upgrading memory on mid 2007 imacs or later). I also want to upgrade my hard-drive to 1TB as I need more storage and already using 2 1-TB externals for pics and other misc files that take up too much space. My husband says he doesnt think it can be done and I might as well suck it up and buy a new imac already with the specs I want. I am considering this but am so attached to my current imac (my first ever) that I would prefer to upgrade if possible before just jumping into a new one. My 2 questions are...

1) can my harddrive be upgraded to 1 or 2TB? If so, should I pay someone to do this, meaning is it difficult?

2) Does Apple do this and how much would this typically cost me? Do you think it is smarter to just trade this old one in for a new one? 😟

Thanks,
Lani

2)

Imac Intel Core Duo 2 7,1, Mac OS X (10.6.2), no upgrade yet...still "as is" when bought from Apple

Posted on Feb 3, 2010 7:12 PM

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Answer 1

MartinR

Level 6

19,435 points

Feb 3, 2010 7:48 PM in response to jlani93

It can be done, but it's not for the untrained to do at home. Take it to a reputable shop that is trained on Macs and have them replace the hard drive. Apple Stores do not do this that I know of.

The reason is that with the Aluminum iMacs, you have to remove the glass and the screen from the front and carefully disconnect a bunch of stuff underneath before you can even get to the hard drive.

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Answer 2

rkaufmann87

Level 10

140,994 points

Feb 3, 2010 9:00 PM in response to jlani93

MartinR is mostly correct, however I would recommend taking it to an Apple Authorized Service Provider not someone that is "trained on Macs." Here is a link from Apple that will help you locate an Apple Authorized Service Provider in the Las Vegas area. Simply type in your zip code and it will provide you a list of vendors. Then it's just a matter of calling them and asking if they do that type of work.

http://www.apple.com/buy/locator/service/

Regards,

Roger

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Answer 3

MartinR

Level 6

19,435 points

Feb 4, 2010 6:57 AM in response to rkaufmann87

Yes, that's what I meant, but the words didn't come out that way ...

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Answer 4

xAzs

Level 1

0 points

Feb 4, 2010 9:43 PM in response to jlani93

Yes, they are upgradable, and it isn't nearly as hard as the other posters will have you believe. But if you do mess anything up, you could be out an iMac. So, it's really a matter of doing some research, and weighing your choices. There are even videos on youtube so you can see what is involved in replacing your HDD yourself. Good luck with whatever you choose!

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Answer 5

rkaufmann87

Level 10

140,994 points

Feb 4, 2010 11:05 PM in response to xAzs

Yes, they are upgradable, and it isn't nearly as hard as the other posters will have you believe.

If you have the aptitude to do surgery on computers than yes this might be correct, however if you don't I think it would be difficult and not recommended.

Here is one site that shows how to do it, if you feel comfortable doing this type of work there you go. Oh one last thing if you have any AppleCare remaining this would certainly void it.

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