iFixit Tears Down New iMacs, Finds Soldered CPU on 21.5" Model

iFixit has already disassembled the new iMacs that were released yesterday. The teardown didn't reveal too many changes from the previous version, though there are a few new features worth mentioning.

Both the 21.5-inch and 27-inch models include the new 802.11ac wireless standard, while the 27-inch model includes the new PCIe-based flash storage that was originally introduced in the MacBook Air back in June.

iMac Teardown
The 21.5-inch model has a few differences from its larger sibling, according to iFixit. It now includes a new empty PCIe SSD slot so users can upgrade the base model iMac to the Fusion Drive combination HDD/SDD drive that Apple introduced last year. In last year's 21.5-inch model, Apple did not include an empty PCIe slot on the logic board.

More disappointing, for users who like to upgrade their machines, is the fact that the CPU is soldered directly to the logic board, making an upgrade nearly impossible. iFixit gave the 21.5-inch model a 2 out of 10 for repairability, largely because of the soldered processor.

The 27-inch model received a 5 out of 10. The largest issue with upgrading the iMac is getting the glass and LCD panel out of the machine, making repairs impossible for all but the most determined do-it-yourselfers.

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Top Rated Comments

RobertD63 Avatar
149 months ago
I don't remember it ever being feasible to swap or change CPUs?
Score: 43 Votes (Like | Disagree)
newdeal Avatar
149 months ago
I may want to consider buying a new iMac soon. Not because I like these models but because the old ones with the optical drive might be leaving the refurb store soon as more of these nonsensically thin models are released. I don't care if I use the optical drive often, I want it there because its a desktop and I don't care if it is thin or light
Score: 24 Votes (Like | Disagree)
newdeal Avatar
149 months ago
I don't remember it ever being feasible to swap or change CPUs?

yeah the soldered cpu really makes no difference to anybody imo. Not sure who would buy an iMac, open it up, get dust between the glass and the screen to change out the cpu.
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
CoMoMacUser Avatar
149 months ago
its a desktop and I don't care if it is thin or light

Agreed. My early 2008 iMac is thick as a brick compared to the new models, but I don't care. As for weight, the only time I move it is when I'm dusting my desk, and it's no big deal to lift.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
PracticalMac Avatar
149 months ago
What happened to the Easy to Fix Macs?

It used to be easy to fix, sometimes very easy to fix, even easier then PC's of time.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
voyagerd Avatar
149 months ago
All Iris Pro desktop SKUs are soldered.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)