Adding VESA mount to 2017 27" iMac 5K

[floyd.]

Sorry if this topic has been previously posted.

After doing hours of research, I learned my new-to-me 27" 2017 iMac cannot have a VESA mount fitted to it. In the case of the 2017 iMac the desk stand is permanently screwed on the housing. Yes, I know the new models can be ordered with that option (but no desk stand), but I didn't want to spend the money, and I worried about resale value of a VESA-only mount iMac.

But I also learned dismantling the 2017 27" iMac is not that difficult. So, if I were to take the computer apart and unscrew the stand from the housing, who (if anyone) makes a VESA adapter I can mount where the stand was mounted?

Hope that makes sense! If this issue has been discussed and solved, please provide the link to the thread.

Thanks!

 

[whosthis]

I think the stand is pretty much integrated in the back part. As far as I know, nobody produces VESA adapters for that model, except for some odd accessories that basically clamp on to the existing stand.

 

[floyd.]

Hey, whosthis...

Thanks for replying. If you look at the attached photo the nine torx screws can be seen on a disassembled 2017 iMac. These are the same torx screws (see photo) on the pre-2012 iMac when the stand is unlocked and fully pivoted down. I wonder if the VESA adapter (see photo) that is fitted on the pre-2012 iMac will somehow fit on a 2017 iMac if it is disassembled to the point of the one in the photo?

[doublepost=1565648073][/doublepost]Apologies to those who bought one, but those stand clamp-on VESA adapters might be functional but not the best aesthetically.

 

[whosthis]

There are a bunch of adapters from the past, also from the Cinema Display, and the current iMac Pro (mind the screws).

I guess without directly seeing them next to each other it's impossible to know - and I don't know if anyone tried it. It's really a shame to fix the stand directly, and basically forces everyone wanting VESA to custom-order freshly from Apple.

Maybe this question could be answered by Louis Rossmann (the repair guy) - he might have iMacs open from time to time and have a deeper look at it; might also work as a new video topic for him.

 

[mikehalloran]

There are several YouTube videos on this. No one recommends the Apple VESA adapter — even if an Apple store is installing it. Very difficult to install without damaging the iMac.

Best to order it pre-installed. There are now used 2017 iMacs out there with the VESA pre-installed.

 

[whosthis]

There are several YouTube videos on this. No one recommends the Apple VESA adapter — even if an Apple store is installing it. Very difficult to install without damaging the iMac.

I cannot find a YouTube video for this, and there is no Apple VESA adapter for the standard (current) iMac except the preinstalled one. You are probably mistaken for the iMac Pro.

 

[bokkow]

I researched this once, long story short; not worth it.

Besides that you have to take apart the whole iMac to reach the stand hinge the parts used for the preinstalled VESA iMacs or totally different from the previous adapters and are note readily available as a package. You need about 4 part numbers and total cost would go up to 300,- because these parts are not officially separately available.

 

[floyd.]

I researched this once, long story short; not worth it.

Besides that you have to take apart the whole iMac to reach the stand hinge the parts used for the preinstalled VESA iMacs or totally different from the previous adapters and are note readily available as a package. You need about 4 part numbers and total cost would go up to 300,- because these parts are not officially separately available.

Thanks for sharing your research and experience. I'm really bummed Apple changed the iMac so it cannot be modified to fit a VESA mount. Yeah... I get that I can buy a new, overpriced 2019 with the VESA mount already installed. But then you don't get the desk stand... STUPID! Resale market (not Apple's concern, of course) is radically reduced.

So, like you suggest, I'm going to live with my desk stand and sell my VESA stand.

 

[Roxanita]

Options...

VESA Mounting Adapter Kit for All Apple iMacs with Non-Removable Stands | Late-2011 to Current Models | Patented - by HumanCentric https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074JWXLKZ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_aPyoEbP9NAY3K

OR

VIVO Adapter VESA Mount Kit | Bracket Set for Apple 21.5 inch and 27 inch iMac (Late 2009 to Current Models) LED Display Computer (Stand-MACB) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RW9F336/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_oYyoEb3SWAFEB