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zoran

macrumors 601
Original poster
Jun 30, 2005
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The iMac A1312, denominates multiple iMac models… 2009, 2010 and 2011. How can I know when I see a A1312 that it’s a 2011 model?
 
The easiest way to tell from the spec sheet is probably by which GPU it has. That is, assuming that it still has the original graphics card.
 
For a dead iMac: (Original one, not tampered with)
Easy level: EMC number, then look-up for it on the Internet.
Middle level: Lift up the LCD panel a little bit and peek inside. Location of the Wifi card is different.
Expert level: Remove the protecting glass and check its metal edge. 2011 iMac is slightly different from 2009 & 2010 iMac. (Bluetooth module position)
 
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What if it cannot be opened to be looked at. Nor the case, nor to turn on the screen?
 
Then send it to the dumpster. It's garbage, not an iMac.
Garbage? They certainly are not an iMac anymore, but they are not garbage! If you got such garbage, I’m happy to receive them for free if you don’t mind 😉
 
Garbage? They certainly are not an iMac anymore, but they are not garbage! If you got such garbage, I’m happy to receive them for free if you don’t mind 😉

A non-working iMac, you can't touch it, can't open it to verify what's inside.
If that's not garbage, I don't know what is.

If you really like that kind of garbage, come here and take it.
I have one especially for you.
Belows are the description after I have opened it
- Heavily scratched stand.
- Tilting mechanism is weak
- A big stack of glue inside. Perhaps it was glued back together after a fall or tumbling down.
- Dead PSU
- Dead logicboard.
- Perhaps dead GPU too.
- LCD panel is sticked with the backlight board, cable is not removable. (LCD panel is still working)

My point is: If you can't power it on, can't open inside to verify the condition, then you should treat it like garbage, because it's very likely to be garbage.
If you are to spend money to buy it, consider what parts you can recycle from that piece of junk. Just identifying the model name will not help you much in evaluating it.
 
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Ha ha, how forgetful I am.
I used to recognize the iMac 2011 just by a single photo.

This one:

SP689_imac-27inch-en.jpg
 
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This thread got a little nuts.

As @Nguyen Duc Hieu finally pointed out, the Mid 2011 iMacs were the first iMacs with Thunderbolt.

If there is two Thunderbolt ports, it is the Mid 2011. The Late 2009 to Mid 2010 have one Mini DisplayPort, which looks like a Thunderbolt 1/2 port, but the symbol overtop looks different.

Ha ha, how forgetful I am.
Better late than never. Although, I am not sure I would agree with the "garbage" analogy.

The OP's first post was a little vague though, I wasn't thinking a dead iMac.
 
This thread got a little nuts.

Better late than never. Although, I am not sure I would agree with the "garbage" analogy.

The OP's first post was a little vague though, I wasn't thinking a dead iMac.

Maybe my wording was a little bit harsh, but I just tried to stop OP from being over-optimistic about dead-iMacs offered online, when he couldn't verify anything.
And it was entirely based on my painful experiences in the past.
 
Even if only the display is working, then why should it considered as garbage?
 
Buy the special board for a hefty price, and after some days, you realize that your LCD are failing, what a waste of money.
I doubt it, you’re just being negative cause u don’t want to spend the money for the board.
There are cheaper boards though, u have bought one! 😉
 
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