14 DAY TRIAL // Wasting no time as Apple rolled out new versions of its popular iMac computers, the tinkerers at iFixit grabbed their screwdrivers, popped open the chassis of the model equipped with AMD Radeon HD 6750M graphics, and posted their findings in a typical teardown report.
In the teardown, iFixit notes the usual small discrepancies - such as how much thermal paste was used to cover the CPU and GPU - as well as bigger surprises - like the fact that you can now swap out the graphics processing unit board for a new one.
"With a bit of magic, the GPU heat sink detaches from the logic board, exposing the AMD GPU board," says the repair shop.
"You heard that right, folks -- you don't have to replace the entire logic board if your GPU explodes from too much l33t gaming. You can just swap out the GPU board for another one."
Of course, we should note that Apple would deny you servicing if you go inside your iMac. Opening it up will void your warranty. The RAM modules are the only user-replaceable parts. So, what happens at iFixit, stays at iFixit.
They also found that the new iMac features a controller chip for the high-speed Thunderbolt I/O port. It’s similar to the one found inside the new generation of MacBook Pros, but not identical, the technicians say.
Other highlights from the teardown include:
· The LED display is the same one used in the previous-generation iMac. It’s manufactured by LG and is denoted by its model number LM215WF3. · The Wi-Fi card is backed by an Atheros AR9388-AL1A 802.11n wireless LAN chip. · Handling Bluetooth connectivity is a Broadcom BCM2046 Bluetooth IC. The card also includes 256 KB of SST 39VF200A CMOS Multi-Purpose Flash (MPF). · The same Broadcom chip was found inside the original MacBook Air units shipped by Apple. · The new iMac scored 7 out of 10 on the iFixit repairability scale.
