iMac >2009 MXM upgrades

randal

randal

randal

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1 Oct 2006
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Couple of questions about this as I'm toying with one to replace the PC setup. If I do I intend to game on it, but the supplied graphics cards in my price range are pretty poop for gaming at 1920 or 2560 all models 2009 up. Well unless I go to the high end 27" machines which are just too expensive.

So, I'm toying with a 21.5 second hand, CPU isn't massively important but the GPU is. So questions...

Are the GPUs all interchangeable MXM type jobbies from a certain year on?

Do the MXM cards have to have a Mac BIOS flashed on them prior to installation?

What are the implications on warranty/Applecare?

Anyone done it yet? :D
 
I have been using an iMac for work the last 5 days, first time I´ve used one and have to admit I want one now, figured I would get the 6970 card and only just realised reading this that its the mobile version (should have been obvious given the iMac design).

Might hang off until the next update, as I will be moving house in the next month and should probably just wait with purchases like this until settled, and know what I want and where it can go in the new house.
 
That's ideally the card I want, that with the i5 is the closest I'll get to the PC spec in my sig which would be awesome. Alas, awesome comes at a cost!

I saw the upgrade guide on Mac Rumours mentioning they're coming to the end of an cycle. That said Ivy Bridge is a way off yet, as are AMD's 7*** series GPUs, so I think an iMac refresh isn't going to happen until mid/end Q1 next year.

Still more time to save I guess!
 
I think before you buy one you really need to think about how much gaming you plan on doing, for me it's next to none, after using one all week I just really like the os and the design of the machine, instead of hiding it away in our office room I would quite happily have it sitting in the kitchen in our new place, one power cable neatly bound up behind and thats it, I know there are windows equivelants of this design by companies like asus etc but I definitly want the iMac.

Ultimately compared to your desktop 6950 I think the 6970m is going to be about half as powerful going by a quick look at benchmarks for both, chances are I will wait for the next update unless apple come out and state there wont be one until q4 2012, then I will buy one now :P
 
Hmm, I didn't realise the 6970m cards were that much slower than the 6950 desktop counterparts. Must do more reading.

It's not just about gaming for me, I too love OS X and the only reason I duck into Windows these days is to game. For me the iMac is a compromise that allows both in one machine. That said looking at graphical performance I might be better off with a second hand Mac Pro instead and upgrade the graphics in that.

Would be cheaper, meet my OS/gaming needs and give me more scope for graphical upgrades.

The only bummer is that it's more clutter, minor as that is I was looking forward to a neat and tidy desk area!
 
JonnyCasino said:
Ultimately compared to your desktop 6950 I think the 6970m is going to be about half as powerful going by a quick look at benchmarks for both, chances are I will wait for the next update unless apple come out and state there wont be one until q4 2012, then I will buy one now :P
Click to expand...

Whenever Ivybridge is released.

Q2 2012 I recon for the new iMac.

1 month after the new Mac Pro :roll eyes:

PS: If CPU speed isn't important then a Mac Pro 2009 off ebay + a 5870 might be the way forward vs the price of the 27".
 
I would just avoid Macs for gaming purposes. Mac + gaming is inherently a frustrating combination. Neither the OS nor the hardware are really suited to it.
 
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