Apple announced their new 2017 iMac range earlier this week, and now the team over at iFixit has taken apart the 21.5-inch model to give us a closer look at its internals.
The 21.5-inch iMac comes with a stunning 4K Retina Display, providing users with vibrant and sharp visuals. The specific model that was disassembled by iFixit features a 3GHz Core i5 Processor, 8GB of RAM, and a Radeon Pro 555 GPU. This combination of hardware ensures that the iMac delivers robust performance for both everyday tasks and more demanding applications like video editing and graphic design.
iFixit’s Repairability Score
iFixit scores devices on a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 is the most difficult to repair and 10 is the easiest. Historically, Apple’s devices tend to score on the lower end of this scale due to their intricate designs and the use of proprietary components. The new 21.5-inch iMac is no exception, scoring just 3 out of 10 on iFixit’s repairability scale. This low score indicates that while some components are accessible, the overall repair process is challenging.
Despite the low repairability score, iFixit noted that the CPU and RAM are relatively easy to remove. This is a significant point because it means that users who are comfortable with opening up their iMac can potentially upgrade these components themselves, extending the lifespan and performance of their machine. However, it’s important to note that accessing these parts still requires a certain level of technical skill and the right tools.
Inside the 21.5-Inch iMac
Upon opening the iMac, iFixit discovered several interesting details about its internal design. The layout is compact and efficient, with components tightly packed to maintain the sleek profile of the device. The cooling system, which includes a single fan and heat sink, is designed to manage the thermal output of the powerful hardware while keeping noise levels to a minimum.
One of the standout features of the 2017 iMac is its 4K Retina Display. The display panel is fused to the glass, which enhances the visual experience but also makes it more challenging to replace if damaged. The display’s high resolution and color accuracy make it ideal for creative professionals who require precise and vibrant visuals.
Another point of interest is the storage solution. The iMac uses a combination of a traditional hard drive and a solid-state drive (SSD) in what Apple calls a Fusion Drive. This setup aims to provide a balance between storage capacity and speed. However, replacing or upgrading the storage can be tricky due to the proprietary connectors and the need to carefully disassemble the device.
For those interested in the finer details of the teardown, iFixit provides a comprehensive guide on their website. They offer step-by-step instructions and high-resolution images that document the entire process, from opening the case to removing individual components. This resource is invaluable for anyone looking to understand the inner workings of their iMac or considering a DIY repair or upgrade.
You can find out more details on what iFixit found inside the new 21.5-inch iMac over at their website at the link below.
Source iFixit
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