Processor & RAM upgrades

Discussion in 'iMac' started by AppleBMW&Lakers, Jun 9, 2011.

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  1. AppleBMW&Lakers, Jun 9, 2011

    AppleBMW&Lakers macrumors member

    AppleBMW&Lakers

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    Apr 7, 2011
    #1
    I currently have a July 2010 27inch iMac core i3 3.2Ghz with 8 GB RAM. I have 4 2GB chips installed, my first question is, can I remove 2 of the 4 RAM sticks and replace them with 2 4GB RAM sticks purchased from OWC. Hence I will have 12GB of RAM rather than 8. Will it all work together? I am open to any other suggestions.

    Secondly, I am interested in purchasing a core i5 or i7 from amazon that was released the same year as my iMac (the serial numbers match), is it possible to upgrade my iMac from an i3 to an i5 or i7?

    Intel Core i5-760 2.8GHz 8 MB LGA1156 Processor BX80605I5760
    Intel Core i5 750 Processor 2.66 GHz 8 MB LGA1156 CPU I5-750BOX
    Intel Core i5 Processor i5-660 3.33GHz 4 MB LGA1156 CPU, Retail BX80616I5660

    Intel Core i7 950 3.06GHz 8M L3 Cache LGA1366 Desktop Processor
    Intel Core i7 Processor i7-960 3.20GHz 8MB LGA1366 CPU BX80601960
    Intel Core i7-870 2.93GHz 8 MB LGA1156 Processor BX80605I7870



    I do a lot of music recording, editing, and I simply want a beastier machine. Thanks for all yor help and suggestions.
     
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  2. bpeeps, Jun 9, 2011

    bpeeps macrumors 68020

    bpeeps

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    May 6, 2011
    #2
    Yes, you can upgrade two sticks of RAM to the 2x4GB. Just make sure they are the 204 pin laptop RAM and the same speed as the ones in your iMac. Check the System Profiler to see what the current speed is. It will most likely be 1066 or 1333mhz.

    Noto sure about the rest of your questions, possible heat concerns, but I am not certain.
     
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  3. talmy, Jun 9, 2011

    talmy macrumors 601

    talmy

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Oregon
    #3
    Chances are you aren't using anywhere near the 8GB of RAM you have now (check this in the Activity Monitor application). And doing a processor upgrade is risky plus would have minimal benefit for the cost.

    Much better would be to "accessorize". Second monitor, Magic Trackpad, external drive(s), more/better audio gear...
     
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  4. AppleBMW&Lakers, Jun 9, 2011

    AppleBMW&Lakers thread starter macrumors member

    AppleBMW&Lakers

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    #4
    Oh thanks a lot for both of your responses!!!!
     
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  5. wangkom, Jun 9, 2011

    wangkom macrumors member

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    Oct 24, 2007
    #5
    I believe ifixit stated that the processors weren't soldered to the logic board like they have been in the past. So you can probably upgrade your own processor but I have yet to find anyone that has tried it.

    I'd like to see someone do it.
     
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