Hi
Which is the most recent model of iMac that can be altered/upgraded by the owner? I'd like an iMac where I can upgrade RAM, replace the drive etc without it needing to be done at point of sale or by an Apple engineer
Many thanks
the 2019 27" 5K iMac allows user RAM upgrades by the end user.
PCIe SSD upgrades are possible but can be complicated
It has always been an above-average task to change the hard drive in an Intel iMac but the last models that did NOT require unsticking and resticking a sealed case to access the innards were the mid-2011 models. The 2011 iMacs were also the last 21.5-inch models with user-accessible RAM slots. 2011 iMac cannot run a higher macOS version that High Sierra 10.13.
As you've already been told the only Mac that can meet both of your conditions is a Mac Pro. I'm sure the new Mac Pro is way out of your financial league, i.e. basic $6000 w/o monitor or wheels to move it around on. You might find a used or refurbished older Mac Pro but you're getting an older machine and will also need a monitor.
Also a 27" iMac can have it's RAM be user upgraded at less than ½ the price that Apple charges. However, you're stuck with the hard drive that you order.
I ordered a 500 GB SSD in my 27" iMc with 8 GB of RAM. I added another 8 GB for about $79. I have 4 TB of external HDs in two OWC drive docks and a conventional 6 TB EHD for Time machine:
It might not meet some people's esthetics but it's so easy to switch out SSDs for other uses like running a beta system, etc. Boot time from my internal SSD is abut 25-30 seconds. From a USB 3 SSD about 45-50 seconds.
So don't rule out external drives for additional storage and use.
27" iMac can easily add RAM, changing Drives was never "Easy", but is now higher tech, 2012 & up Drive change is rated... OWC Skill Level: "Advanced" Professional Installation Recommended Contact Customer Service...
https://eshop.macsales.com/installvideos/imac_21inch_late_2013_hdd/iMac13-1/
Same for RAM in the 21.5"ers...
https://eshop.macsales.com/installvideos/imac_21inch_late_2012_mem/iMac14-1/
Replacing the hard drive has always been a chore with the iMac, usually, if not always, requiring that you remove the display. However, the 27-inch iMac introduced in 2019, one that can be bought for brand new from Apple today, has user-upgradeable RAM.
Sounds like you are talking about a Mac Pro (link to Apple's spec page). It would be over kill for a lot (most) of Mac users.
Last iMac that can be altered?
