Replace the NVIDIA GeForce 9400 with NVIDIA GeForce GT 130 in early 2009 20" iMac

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Level 1

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Replace the NVIDIA GeForce 9400 with NVIDIA GeForce GT 130 in early 2009 20" iMac

I have an early 2009 20" iMac with the NVIDIA 9400 with 256MB.

I'm torn between going for a new 2013 21" iMac with the NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M with 1GB or upgrading the 2009 model to get more out of Photoshop CC.

The upgrade would be to the NVIDIA GT 130 to boost the RAM to 512MB VRAM, increase RAM from 4 to 8GB and set up RAID system with three external HD as recommended by Adobe.

The upgrade wouldn't match a 2013 21" iMac but it should come in about half the price.

I'm a novice at upgrading; I bought the iMac as it stands, so any opinions would be welcome. Thanks,

Brian

iMac

Posted on Feb 17, 2014 12:22 PM

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Answer 1

den.thed

Level 10

82,726 points

Feb 17, 2014 12:29 PM in response to azartguy

While some iMac GPU's can be replaced, in general most iMac GPU's can not be upgraded like in tower systems.

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Answer 2

azartguy Author

Level 1

19 points

Feb 17, 2014 1:03 PM in response to den.thed

Thanks for the feedback, but I remember when I bought the 2009 there were 4 GPU options, so the GT 130 should work. The question would be finding it and isntalling it. And that may beyond both my ability and enthusiasm,

Brian

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Answer 3

SeaPapp

Level 7

26,492 points

Feb 17, 2014 1:34 PM in response to azartguy

The NVIDIA Geforce 9400m is soldered onto the main logic board and shares memory with the system. It is not replaceable. The two base models, one of which I believe you have, with a 2.66gHz processor had the 9400m. The 2.93 24" had a GT120 and top of the line 3.06 24" offered the GT130.

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