Upgrading Graphics Card and Bluetooth on Mid 2010 27" iMac, i7 11,3

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Upgrading Graphics Card and Bluetooth on Mid 2010 27" iMac, i7 11,3

On my iMac I have an ATI Radeon HD 5750 1024 MB, along with 24GB ram. Out of curiosity, out on our "trusty" web where there has been success in the following:

1. Installing an upgraded graphics with a 2GB model from the 2011 iMac

2. Upgrading with bluetooth 4.0 module from later iMacs to assist with the handshake and airdrop

This support group has helped me in hundreds of ways and I value everyone's response. If these things are possible I would love to look into it. These upgrades would actually meet all my needs for using my iMac. I really don't need anything else OR anything newer if this is possible. I enjoy a little tinkering here and there.

iMac (27-inch Mid 2010), Mac OS X (10.7.2)

Posted on Apr 14, 2015 1:32 PM

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Answer 1

Kappy

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Apr 14, 2015 1:37 PM in response to PapaGood

You cannot upgrade an iMac beyond adding RAM. The GPU is not replaceable.

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Answer 2

PapaGood Author

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Apr 14, 2015 1:55 PM in response to Kappy

Revising my question in reference to the video card....is it possible swapping the daughter board with an upgraded one from a newer iMac? Newer meaning anything post mid 2010.

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Answer 3

Kappy

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Apr 14, 2015 2:11 PM in response to PapaGood

No, that does not work either. If you want upgraded hardware then you need to buy a newer Mac. iMacs were not designed to be user upgradeable.

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Answer 4

poikkeus1

Level 4

2,454 points

Apr 14, 2015 2:14 PM in response to PapaGood

Since Apple video cards are soldered to the logic board, it would be hard to swap for a later generation video card except by trial and error. The mods on this forum seem to be sensitive to the issue of swapping out components, so you'll have better luck searching on a different forum.

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Answer 5

PapaGood Author

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Apr 14, 2015 2:15 PM in response to Kappy

Completely understood, however, nothing on the iMac with the exception of the RAM is user upgradeable, but somethings can be swapped out in case of replacement. I figured I would look into this because if something had to be replaced, I prefer to upgrade as opposed to a direct replacement

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Answer 6

Kappy

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Apr 14, 2015 2:18 PM in response to PapaGood

Check iFixIt.

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Answer 7

PapaGood Author

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Apr 14, 2015 2:24 PM in response to Kappy

yeah, already have, that's why I wanted to jump on here to see if anyone knows anything more. I've been lucky enough to be greeted with many folks who have done a lot of work on their own iMacs here and wanted to ask my additional questions.

Also looked into the following links in case anyone thought I was the only crazy one 8^}

Upgrade iMac 27" late 2009 video card?

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1428498

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Answer 8

rkaufmann87

Level 10

140,550 points

Apr 14, 2015 3:05 PM in response to PapaGood

After clicking the OWC link for upgraded GPU, it indicates it is not available which may make your quest a moot point.

In addition rather than investing hundreds of dollars in a 5 + year old computer why not begin saving for a replacement system that will be much more powerful than your existing computer.

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Answer 9

okrasit

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Jun 13, 2015 1:56 PM in response to PapaGood

I've done the following:

i3 550 to i7 860	US $100
wifi&bt to 802.11ac&bt4	US $20
HD5670 to HD7970M(2GB,oc core&memory)	US $200 + lots of work
120GB SSD to make a 1.1TB fusion drive	US $50

I think it was well worth the money as the iMac is now much faster than any 2012-2013 model.

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