Libor Kubín A separate article dedicated to question marks around upgrade apple computers raised another wave of unanswered questions. Therefore, we continue with the next work.
Q: What are the maximum operating memory capacities for individual Macs?
A: OWC RAMs are certified and functional in the following maximum capacities:
| MacBook Pro | mid 2012, late 2011, early 2011, mid 2010 | 16 GB |
| mid 2009, late 2008 15″ | 8 GB | |
| late 2008 17″, early 2008, late 2007, early 2007 | 6 GB | |
| MacBook | mid 2010 | 16 GB |
| late 2009, late 2008 aluminum | 8 GB | |
| mid 2009, early 2009, late 2008, early 2008, late 2007 | 6 GB | |
| Mac mini | late 2012, mid 2011, mid 2010 | 16 GB |
| late 2009, early 2009 | 8 GB | |
| iMac | late 2012 27″, late 2011, mid 2011, mid 2010, late 2009 27″ | 32 GB |
| early 2013, late 2012 21″, late 2009 21″ | 16 GB | |
| mid 2009, early 2009 | 8 GB | |
| early 2008, mid 2007 | 6 GB | |
| Mac Pro | 2009–2012 (8 and 12 core processors) | 96 GB |
| 2009–2012 (4 and 6 core processors) | 48 GB | |
| 2006 – 2008 Feet | 32 GB |
Q: How to replace the RAM in a thin iMac 21″ 2012?
A: In the new 21″, although the RAM is changeable, it is not accessible through any door. Therefore, it is necessary to peel off the display and disassemble almost the entire iMac in order to get to the memories and be able to replace them. Also, the 21″ version only has 2 slots, so 16GB is the maximum. In this case, I recommend paying extra for 16 GB of memory straight from the factory.
Q: Can the MacBook Air battery be replaced?
A: Of course, as with all MacBooks. However, it is not a user exchange, so you need to visit any of the services that take care of Apple computers.
Q: How about TRIM support for the OWC drives you ship?
A: Disks from OWC use their own tools for so-called garbage collection and other functions related to the maintenance of SSD disks, which are built directly into the SandForce controller. Therefore, there is no need to turn on software TRIM in the system, on the contrary, OWC does not recommend it, because the drive would be controlled by two similar functions. The manufacturer's statement on this topic can be found on his blog: macsales.com.
Q: How do you handle replacing hard drives in iMacs that have a special temperature sensor and hard drive firmware?
A: This applies to all iMacs from late 2009 models up to the latest. Apple decided (probably due to the cramped space that is poorly cooled) not to use the common temperature measurement standard built directly into hard drives via the so-called SMART status. Instead, it uses modified discs with special firmware or uses a special cable to measure temperature. So when you put your own disk in these iMacs, the system does not receive information from its sensor and starts the fans at maximum speed. It sounds like the iMac is about to fly away. This can be solved with software that reduces the speed of the fans or, in older models, by short-circuiting the sensor. However, both variants have a big drawback, which is that the system does not know what the temperature of the disk is and cannot adapt the cooling to it. When Apple put so much effort into measuring the temperature, it really makes sense to measure it.
We offer a real hardware solution with the connection of a replacement sensor that is fully functional, the system receives the correct data from it and regulates the fan speed accordingly. And that's for the late 2009, mid 2010 and mid 2011 models. We're still working on the new iMacs, but they also have their own temperature measurements, so there's no point in trying to replace the hard drive until the right solution is available.
Q: Can I put two drives in an iMac? One classic and one SSD?
A: Yes. In the 21″ and 27″ mid 2011 and 27″ mid 2010 models, an SSD can be installed as a second drive. So the ideal combination of a large hard disk (up to 4 TB) and a fast SSD. Either a separate SSD for the system and basic data and bulky data on the hard disk or as a Fusion Drive configuration. On older iMacs, you can put an SSD instead of a DVD drive.
Q: Are the SSD drives hard-soldered on the board in the MacBook Air and Pro with Retina display?
A: No, the drive and the Airport card are the only components separate from the motherboard. This rumor arises from the fact that the RAM is hard-soldered and the disk has an atypical shape and connector. It looks more like memory than a disk. The shape of the SSD used in the MacBook Air and Pro with Retina display is also different. The 2010-11 and 2012 Airs even have a different connector.
Q: Is it possible to change the processor or graphics card in any Mac?
A: In simple terms: it is possible for iMacs, but we do not offer such an upgrade due to warranty issues.
Graphics cards are physically replaceable only in iMacs up to 2012. In MacBooks and Mac minis, dedicated graphics chips are also part of the motherboard. However, the problem is the availability of these specific cards. The new cards are not sold separately, leaving only eBay and other servers with Apple components of uncertain origin and no warranties. Of course, it wouldn't be Apple if the cards it offers also don't have special firmware, so the iMac may not work with a regular laptop card. These are the reasons why we do not offer such an upgrade. We should not forget about the Mac Pro, here the situation is completely different - replacing the graphics card is an easy matter. However, care must be taken to ensure that the graphics card is supported on the Mac. So you can't choose anything like on PC.
For processors, the situation is similarly limited to iMacs. MacBooks and Mac minis use mobile processors that are only sold to PC manufacturers by the thousands. It is therefore not possible to get individual pieces, and if so, at a price that cannot be paid. With an iMac, replacing the processor means a certain loss of warranty with Apple, so it only makes sense for older machines. Then you need to change to a processor with the same socket and the same or lower consumption. The situation varies according to specific configurations, and for example, some versions with the original i3 will not be able to upgrade to an i7. It is very individual and more of a bold exploration than a certainty. Another problem is with the availability of processors. Since I am upgrading an iMac, which is out of warranty, I need a compatible processor that was up-to-date, for example, two years ago, and such a processor is no longer sold new. So again that leaves eBay or other sellers with no warranty.
So both are modifications suitable for DIYers who get a used processor or graphics card, go through the discussion forums, and then start the exchange at their own risk.
Libor Kubín asked, Michal Pazderník from Etnetera Logicworks, the company behind it, answered nsparkle.cz.
The question is probably more for Mr. Pazderník, do you assume that in the future it will be possible to replace the MacBook Pro with Retina Airport card with a higher model with the ac standard?
the question is whether the new module would be pin and physically compatible with the existing one.
Interesting question. I think it is possible. Upgrade from Airport card g to faster n is possible for some models. But of course it cannot be guaranteed, we do not know if the connector will not change in the next model or if we will not encounter software limitations. However, I see a chance that it will work here.
Thanks for the answer, if this "upgrade" is possible in the future, I will definitely contact you :-)
Hello, I have a question. In the new mac mini 2012 i5, I replaced the classic disk with an SSD. It is possible that the speed of the disk in the test reaches a value of only 140 MB/s when writing and it is something around 400 MB/s when reading. I think that the write value of 140 MB/s is not enough, isn't it?
Hello, 140MB/s is really quite low. However, it depends on the SSD model you have and also on the SW used for testing. Some SSDs (for example OWC) have lower values when writing compressed data, which is used for example by the popular Blackmagic Speedtest. In any case, the maximum speed during sequential writing is not so important, the speeds during random writing of smaller data blocks are more important.
Hello,
it is possible to add a late 2012 SSD drive to the base iMac and create a fusion drive.
I read somewhere that the SSD from Macbook rPRO should go there (there should be a connector for it on the board)
Well, in theory it could, but I've been studying Fusion Drive quite a bit (before Apple released the update for BOOTCAMP for 3TB+)… It's a software process, the FD is created via a command and you create it via OS X on an external drive, having to wipe all the data in iMac, not every SSD has the parameters for it. I consulted an expert about whether it would be possible with a 512 GB SSD, etc. It could cause mischief, I do not recommend it... Better to consult with Apple technical support...
Hello,
I would like to ask about the price of adding a second (SSD) drive to the iMac 27″ mid 2010, both instead of the DVD drive and in addition. I am also interested in the cost of installation if I had my own SSD.
Thank you