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Helpful answers
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Mar 21, 2014 12:44 AM in response to espookidby K Shaffer,★HelpfulYour iMac (20-inch Early 2008) model A1224 2.4GHz computer
can use more RAM than 3GB; as 6GB aftermarket is supported.
There are two 20-inch model A1224, a difference in processor:
2.4GHz Core 2 Duo (E8135)
2.4GHz Core 2 Duo (T7700)
{So to further identify by serial number lookup, or use the SN
along with model A1224, when discussing replacement or
upgrade parts with a reputable Apple vendor with a database.}
•iMac intel 20" EMC 2133 and 2210 repair guide - ifixit:
http://www.ifixit.com/Device/iMac_Intel_20%22_EMC_2133_and_2210
And the hard disk drive data interface is 3Gbps, some replacements
that say 6Gbps are backward compatible for these older iMacs. This
could be a 500GB capacity, 7200 RPM, & perhaps larger capacity.
The 3.5 inch model Serial ATA is the type; you could double-check
by email, chat, or phone, in contact with reputable reseller, be sure to
reference the iMac serial number. The largest supported HDD may
be more than 500GB, but original spec says it shipped with 250GB.
•iMac upgrades (RAM, HDD, etc)
http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/imac/
iMac install videos (2007/2008/2009)
http://eshop.macsales.com/installvideos/imac_mid_2007/
The model A1224 covers several builds in a wide or general build series
but to know details of your build year model, you'd need to use the Mac's
serial number, either in an Apple Support database, or an online identify
by serial number lookup such as one I use; w/o SN it shows a wide group.
•Identify your Mac - lookup your mac by model or serial number:
https://www.powerbookmedic.com/identify-mac-serial.php
According to database information from http://MacTracker.ca (download)
your iMac can safely use more RAM than original product specs say...
Maximum Memory 6.0 GB (Actual) 4.0 GB (Apple) Memory Slots 2 - 200-pin PC2-6400 (800MHz) DDR2 SO-DIMM •iMac: How to remove or install memory
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1423
The exact replacement may be ordered from the above vendor or any
other; a nearby Apple Store genius or product specialist, or a retail
Specialist independent service provider with trained technicians can
perform these update or upgrades; as I have no experience with the
company OWC (while others have good reports) they are a reference
example. However they offer help before you purchase, and even if
you do not; and their RAM upgrade is a good match.
Be sure to correctly identify your computer to whoever may eventually
work on it, so as to get the proper match in detail for parts, especially
in RAM. This and a new hard disk drive, should help the iMac plenty.
{Also, even though OS X upgrade specs suggest you can run new
OS X 10.9.2 on your older iMac, there are possible pitfalls; so if
you go there, be sure to make a bootable backup of your OS X
Snow Leopard 10.6.8 (if that's still your system) in case you find
Mavericks tends to eat your old iMac alive. Make a bootable clone.}
You asked about a hard disk drive. Well, you could use any that can
support the data rate 3Gbps, and other specs per OEM; or better.
A good idea is to get an externally enclosed HDD, self-powered and
with oxford-type chipset to support OS X booting, and with clones.
This is a third reason to see what macsales OWC has, then compare.
The more you know, the better off you will be; esp. with good backups.
{This took a little while to look into, as I went to five web sites, and to
the MacTracker application, model & SN lookup, with two browsers
open; and all at once. A feat for a G4 Mini w/ slow internet.}
Good luck & happy computing!