Replace video card vs buying a new imac ?

Hi,

If it were me, considering this is an older iMac, I'd go for a new one. There's always that chance that after you replace the video card, something else could go wrong.

I vote for a new iMac which even without AppleCare comes with a one year limited warranty.









Carolyn 🙂

Hello K:

One plus is that the new iMac is Intel-based (I think yours is PPC). There are an increasing number of third party programs for the Mac that will only run on an Intel-based processor.

It is a platitude, but nothing lasts forever.

Barry

Look at it this way. With labor and tax it will likely be almost $600, which is about half of a new system with a 4.5" bigger screen that is LED backlit, probably 2X the RAM, DDR3 RAM as opposed to probably just plain DDR, a dual core CPU, a considerably better GPU, and a much more spacious HDD.

I would say buy a new one, because your system is getting very close to the "vintage" stage of Apple's lifecycle, and once that happens, getting parts for it will be very difficult. So assuming you repair it, then something happens 6 months later, there's no telling if you'll be able to get a part anywhere besides eBay where it's a crapshoot if it'll work.

Also, since you seem to be something of a laggard when it comes to upgrading (and there's nothing wrong with that) I'd strongly recommend the AppleCare plan. That way you're covered for 3 years if anything goes wrong (and you didn't cause it). After 3 years, most repairs will probably be at the same tipping point you're at now. Repairing is close to, or more than, half of what it'd cost to just get a new system. And a three year upgrade cycle is pretty reasonable. If you can stretch it out a little longer because you're machine channels the spirit of the energizer bunny, even better.

iMacs of that model have sold on eBay for right around $500 (some for less), so a $500 repair bill would be right at the edge of the value of that iMac. So I'd go with the others and recommend putting that money toward a new/refurbished iMac. Yes, obviously you'll spend more, but you'll get a much more capable computer with a new warranty.

Ask MacOutlet what they'd give you for your broken iMac as parts; the screen, hard drive, power supply, etc. should be worth some cash unless they have plenty of parts already for that model of iMac (as they do for some Mac models). If they don't want it, you could offer it for parts on eBay. Add that money to the cost of the repair and you will probably be around half-way to the price of a new iMac.

Regards.

Message was edited by: Dave Sawyer