iMac Intel 21.5" EMC 2544 Teardown

We took apart the iMac Intel 21.5" EMC 2544 (Late 2012) on November 30, 2012.

http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/5g1FpUitd2c5USTg Andrew Goldberg Moderate iMac Intel 21.5" EMC 2544

Swimsuit season may be over, but Apple's new Late 2012 iMac has been working on its beach bod. Slimming down to a wafer-thin 5mm at its edges, the newest iteration of iMac is by far the slimmest of its kin. We are very curious what sort of diet could cause such a drastic change, so we opened it up to find out!

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Heat gun or hair dryer Heavy-duty Suction Cups iFixit Guitar Picks set of 6 Phillips #1 Screwdriver Phillips #00 Screwdriver Spudger T10 Torx Screwdriver T5 Torx Screwdriver T8 Torx Screwdriver It may not have a Retina display, but the new 21.5" iMac has some commendable specs: It may not have a Retina display, but the new 21.5" iMac has some commendable specs: 2.7 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 processor with 6 MB L3 cache 2.7 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 processor with 6 MB L3 cache 8 GB of RAM 8 GB of RAM 1TB hard drive (5400 rpm) 1TB hard drive (5400 rpm) NVIDIA GeForce GT 640M graphics processor with 512 MB dedicated VRAM NVIDIA GeForce GT 640M graphics processor with 512 MB dedicated VRAM Four USB 3.0 ports and two Thunderbolt ports Four USB 3.0 ports and two Thunderbolt ports 802.11n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 802.11n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/Er4LuKPeTNtuPIIt http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/6WQJrVWM4ibFYSTU In case you haven't heard, the new iMac is really thin…kinda. At its thinnest point (around the edge), it is 5 mm thick. At its thickest, though, it is over 4 cm thick, more than 8 times the thickness of the edge. In case you haven't heard, the new iMac is really thin…kinda. At its thinnest point (around the edge), it is 5 mm thick. At its thickest, though, it is over 4 ''cm'' thick, more than 8 times the thickness of the edge. Since the new iMac is barely thicker than a CD itself, it does not include an optical drive. However, it still does sport a plethora of ports: Since the new iMac is barely thicker than a CD itself, it does not include an optical drive. However, it still does sport a plethora of ports: 3.5 mm headphone 3.5 mm headphone SDXC card slot SDXC card slot 4x USB 3.0 4x USB 3.0 2x Thunderbolt 2x Thunderbolt Gigabit Ethernet Gigabit Ethernet http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/auRTWauZ3XyOVvqr http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/HVUImISwg6XqoC6W We find what appear to be cooling vents on the back of the rear case hidden behind the "foot." Unlike previous revisions, the vent is rectangular instead of circular. We find what appear to be cooling vents on the back of the rear case hidden behind the "foot." Unlike previous revisions, the vent is rectangular instead of circular. Even though there are vents at the bottom of the rear case, our guess is that the fan is somewhere in the middle of the iMac—where it's fattest. These slots are probably the exhaust vents that spit out air drawn in from the bottom. Even though there are vents at the bottom of the rear case, our guess is that the fan is somewhere in the middle of the iMac—where it's fattest. These slots are probably the exhaust vents that spit out air drawn in from the bottom. Hiding above the Apple logo, we find the small dual microphone grates. Hiding above the Apple logo, we find the small dual microphone grates. It's listening; it's always listening… ''It's listening; it's always listening…'' This iMac's model and <a href="http://www.everymac.com/mac-identification/where-to-find-apple-emc-numbers-for-mac-identification.html" rel="nofollow">EMC</a> numbers hide in their usual spot under the foot: A1418 and EMC 2544. This iMac's model and [http://www.everymac.com/mac-identification/where-to-find-apple-emc-numbers-for-mac-identification.html|EMC] numbers hide in their usual spot under the foot: A1418 and EMC 2544. Interestingly, this iMac claims to have been assembled in the USA. Interestingly, this iMac claims to have been assembled in the USA. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/ffLtRL5FDvjRWOvW http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/1v1IaxJZ2xk4P1HZ http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/NrhRdAFCS1Ag3BVB We begin to <a href="http://s3-ec.buzzfed.com/static/enhanced/web05/2012/10/1/12/anigif_enhanced-buzz-15878-1349109830-6.gif" rel="nofollow">strum away</a> at the adhesive holding the display assembly in place. We begin to [http://s3-ec.buzzfed.com/static/enhanced/web05/2012/10/1/12/anigif_enhanced-buzz-15878-1349109830-6.gif|strum away] at the adhesive holding the display assembly in place. Unlike <a href="/Teardown/iMac+Intel+21.5-Inch+EMC+2428+Teardown/5485/1#s24087">in the previous iMac</a>, this glass is held in place with more than magnets. Unlike [guide|5485|in the previous iMac|stepid=24087], this glass is held in place with more than magnets. To our dismay, we're forced to break out our <a href="/Tools/Heat-Gun/IF145-031?utm_source=ifixit_guide&utm_medium=wiki_text&utm_term=145031&utm_content=product_link">heat gun</a> and <a href="/Tools/iFixit-Opening-Picks-set-of-6/IF145-123?utm_source=ifixit_guide&utm_medium=wiki_text&utm_term=145123&utm_content=product_link">guitar picks</a> to get past the adhesive holding the display down. To our dismay, we're forced to break out our [product|IF145-031|heat gun] and [product|IF145-123|guitar picks] to get past the adhesive holding the display down. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/frBZSknuFJAlsW4h http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/BGggUhP3gLIuilLW With the iPad-like adhesive severed, we bust out the <a href="/Tools/Heavy-duty-Suction-Cups-Pair/IF145-023?utm_source=ifixit_guide&utm_medium=wiki_text&utm_term=145023&utm_content=product_link">heavy-duty stuff</a>. With the iPad-like adhesive severed, we bust out the [product|IF145-023|heavy-duty stuff]. Repair faux pas alert! To save space and eliminate the gap between the glass and the pixels, Apple opted to fuse the front glass and the LCD. This means that if you want to replace one, you'll have to replace both. Repair faux pas alert! To save space and eliminate the gap between the glass and the pixels, Apple opted to fuse the front glass and the LCD. This means that if you want to replace one, you'll have to replace both. Consolation prize: repairs will no longer involve cleaning dust or fingerprints from the LCD and glass during reassembly. Consolation prize: repairs will no longer involve cleaning dust or fingerprints from the LCD and glass during reassembly. The fused display may look awesome, but at what cost, Apple? At. What. Cost!? The fused display may look awesome, but at what cost, Apple? At. What. Cost!? The cost is quickly apparent: cutting open the display destroys the foam adhesive securing it shut. Putting things back together will require peeling off and replacing all of the original adhesive, which will be a major pain for repairers. The cost is quickly apparent: cutting open the display destroys the foam adhesive securing it shut. Putting things back together will require peeling off and replacing all of the original adhesive, which will be a major pain for repairers. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/sWbNMqcmnASsND3V http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/BctHpKlfURavOjTi http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/nSmrEoPdpfOFU5yp We were fairly surprised to see that the new iMac's LCD sports the same model number as last year's—LM215WF3 from LG—even though the LCD is 5 mm thinner. We were fairly surprised to see that the new iMac's LCD sports the same model number as last year's—LM215WF3 from LG—even though the LCD is 5 mm thinner. If it's the same, why is it smaller? We surmise that Apple took all the same pieces of the LCD and crammed them into a smaller housing. If it's the same, why is it smaller? We surmise that Apple took all the same pieces of the LCD and crammed them into a smaller housing. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/3XUALmaZF61jIlYk Taking a peek at the display control board reveals a couple of noteworthy ICs: Taking a peek at the display control board reveals a couple of noteworthy ICs: Texas Instruments <a href="http://www.ti.com/product/tps65161" rel="nofollow">TPS65161</a> bias power supply Texas Instruments [http://www.ti.com/product/tps65161|TPS65161] bias power supply Parade <a href="http://www.paradetech.com/products/displayport-lcd-timing-controller-products/dp627-4-lane-dp-tcon/" rel="nofollow">DP627HDE</a> DisplayPort LCD timing controller Parade [http://www.paradetech.com/products/displayport-lcd-timing-controller-products/dp627-4-lane-dp-tcon/|DP627HDE] DisplayPort LCD timing controller http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/l2Q33IXorUcc6vMu http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/sAMRr5VqVEAaKcGR http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/qNjYTFBaaOOkLfY2 Talk about a facelift—nothing about the inside of this iMac resembles <a href="/Teardown/iMac+Intel+21.5-Inch+EMC+2428+Teardown/5485/1#s24088">last year's model</a>. Talk about a facelift—nothing about the inside of this iMac resembles [guide|5485|last year's model|stepid=24088]. As we tear through this machine we'll be able to take a look at how Apple managed to eliminate a millimeter here and a micron there, one component at a time. As we tear through this machine we'll be able to take a look at how Apple managed to eliminate a millimeter here and a micron there, one component at a time. Here's a <a href="http://guide-images.ifixit.net/igi/4G2xTXlbyCGA4kpK" rel="nofollow">properly-cropped</a> (1920x1080) version of the internals for you to use as a wallpaper. We call it the iMac 21.5" Late 2012 Wallpaper. Here's a [http://guide-images.ifixit.net/igi/4G2xTXlbyCGA4kpK|properly-cropped] (1920x1080) version of the internals for you to use as a wallpaper. We call it the iMac 21.5" Late 2012 Wallpaper. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/mDaO5UYWXpeRL5Vn We like hard drives and devices that support <a href="/Apple-Parts/iMac-Intel-21-5-Inch-Mid-2011-Dual-Hard-Drive-Kit/IF173-002?utm_source=ifixit_guide&utm_medium=wiki_text&utm_term=173002&utm_content=product_link">dual</a> <a href="/Apple-Parts/Mac-Mini-Dual-Drive-Kit/IF171-005?utm_source=ifixit_guide&utm_medium=wiki_text&utm_term=171005&utm_content=product_link">hard</a> <a href="http://bit.ly/zaniSU" rel="nofollow">drives</a>, so naturally we start by examining the new iMac's 1 TB drive. We like hard drives and devices that support [product|IF173-002|dual] [product|IF171-005|hard] [http://bit.ly/zaniSU|drives], so naturally we start by examining the new iMac's 1 TB drive. By switching from a traditional 3.5" desktop hard drive to a 2.5" laptop drive, Apple designers were able to clear a lot of real estate inside the iMac. By switching from a traditional 3.5" desktop hard drive to a 2.5" laptop drive, Apple designers were able to clear a lot of real estate inside the iMac. Smaller laptop hard drives are also often quieter, thanks to smaller moving parts than their big brothers. Smaller laptop hard drives are also often quieter, thanks to smaller moving parts than their big brothers. Apple turned to <a href="http://www.hgst.com/travelstar-5k1000" rel="nofollow">HGST</a>—Western Digital's acquisition of Hitachi—to manage the iMac's spinning storage. Apple turned to [http://www.hgst.com/travelstar-5k1000|HGST]—Western Digital's acquisition of Hitachi—to manage the iMac's spinning storage. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/aG5DK2jhGVWBABQc http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/J1EtIFvYsfSZgclP http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/g4OKogXvRwXTLpee A rubbery housing is lightly adhered to the edges of the hard drive beneath the upper and lower hard plastic bezels. A rubbery housing is lightly adhered to the edges of the hard drive beneath the upper and lower hard plastic bezels. This design is far different from what we've <a href="/Teardown/iMac+Intel+21.5-Inch+EMC+2428+Teardown/5485/1#s24092">seen before</a>. Since the internal components are more tightly packed than before, small vibrations may carry through more components. The rubber housing dampens the vibrations from the spinning hard drive so they are not perpetuated throughout the device. This design is far different from what we've [guide|5485|seen before|stepid=24092]. Since the internal components are more tightly packed than before, small vibrations may carry through more components. The rubber housing dampens the vibrations from the spinning hard drive so they are not perpetuated throughout the device. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/TQNBQ6WgYFeU3dwy You might already know that we carry a <a href="http://bit.ly/sV8KKG" rel="nofollow">54-bit driver kit</a> to handle any of your mechanical fastener needs. What you might not know, however, is that the included extender can be used to provide extra torque to remove tough screws—such as those holding down the power supply board inside the iMac. You might already know that we carry a [http://bit.ly/sV8KKG|54-bit driver kit] to handle any of your mechanical fastener needs. What you might not know, however, is that the included extender can be used to provide extra torque to remove tough screws—such as those holding down the power supply board inside the iMac. This board takes the readily available AC voltage from your wall socket and converts it to tasty DC voltage for the iMac to consume. This board takes the readily available AC voltage from your wall socket and converts it to tasty DC voltage for the iMac to consume. The specified output is 12.1 V, 15.4 A. The specified output is 12.1 V, 15.4 A. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/alS2xuTcbT4PWL6H http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/ALmqIGgFGsECkGpF http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/yWckeKbpZwMuA2sJ A new fan layout! We are fans. A new fan layout! We are fans. Apple is changing things up quite a bit and has moved from <a href="/Guide/Installing+iMac+Intel+21.5-Inch+EMC+2428+CPU+Fan/5966/1">multiple</a> <a href="/Guide/Installing+iMac+Intel+21.5-Inch+EMC+2428+Hard+Drive+Fan/5953/1">small</a> <a href="http://bit.ly/Vbxg1P" rel="nofollow">fans</a> to a single centralized fan. Apple is changing things up quite a bit and has moved from [guide|5966|multiple] [guide|5953|small] [http://bit.ly/Vbxg1P|fans] to a single centralized fan. "1" may be the loneliest number, but removing 2/3 of the fans goes a long way towards saving space. "1" may be the loneliest number, but removing 2/3 of the fans goes a long way towards saving space. Judging by the orientation of the <a href="http://i48.tinypic.com/2jb1xn7.png" rel="nofollow">squirrel cage</a> fan, we gather that it draws cool air from the bottom vents, then blows hot air out of the grating in the back of the iMac. Judging by the orientation of the [http://i48.tinypic.com/2jb1xn7.png|squirrel cage] fan, we gather that it draws cool air from the bottom vents, then blows hot air out of the grating in the back of the iMac. <a href="/Teardown/iMac+Intel+21.5-Inch+EMC+2544+Teardown/11936/1#s42486">We were right</a>. ''[guide|11936|We were right|stepid=42486].'' http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/6JgHQiPoRmZpTOKW http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/tILCKZarOTrwjecc http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/q2v46QLTOtvEEOfw The webcams in iMacs of yesteryear have always been connected to the logic board with long snaking cables that were relatively fragile; that is no longer the case. The webcams in iMacs of yesteryear have always been connected to the logic board with long snaking cables that were relatively fragile; that is no longer the case. A ribbon cable we can only describe as "beefy" keeps the FaceTime HD camera in touch with the logic board. A ribbon cable we can only describe as "beefy" keeps the FaceTime HD camera in touch with the logic board. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/ZZwGjPvc6xoqUDvu http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/aQM6xRrcDr1BOCJQ As we mentioned earlier, the newest iMac features not one, but two microphones. As we mentioned earlier, the newest iMac features not one, but two microphones. Dual microphone technology has been utilized in mobile devices for years to cut out background noise during phone calls. Now, the same idea is being applied here to improve sound quality during intimate FaceTime chats with your mother. Dual microphone technology has been utilized in mobile devices for years to cut out background noise during phone calls. Now, the same idea is being applied here to improve sound quality during intimate FaceTime chats with your mother. It's not often that we see the microphone(s) and webcam for a computer disconnected from each other. That modularity means positive points towards repairability. It's not often that we see the microphone(s) and webcam for a computer disconnected from each other. That modularity means positive points towards repairability. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/GirPAHEJBlwXxNXj http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/SDYDffEUD51YZGRD Three <del>gold bars</del> antennas come out next with a few <a href="/Tools/Spudger/IF145-002?utm_source=ifixit_guide&utm_medium=wiki_text&utm_term=145002&utm_content=product_link">spudger flicks</a>. Three ~~gold bars~~ antennas come out next with a few [product|IF145-002|spudger flicks]. Even though the main Wi-Fi antenna is hidden behind the big Apple logo on the rear case as usual, these three antennas split up Bluetooth and secondary Wi-Fi duties. Even though the main Wi-Fi antenna is hidden behind the big Apple logo on the rear case as usual, these three antennas split up Bluetooth and secondary Wi-Fi duties. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/3qLIDmHGUyP1sUdX http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/VDbL5K6D64FlgL1C http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/5odpqWBrKpHHWCHU Stop—speaker time! Stop—speaker time! The speakers may look simple, but removing them is nerve-wracking. For seemingly no reason other than to push our buttons, Apple has added a barb to the bottom of the speaker assemblies that makes them harder-than-necessary to remove. The speakers may look simple, but removing them is nerve-wracking. For seemingly no reason other than to push our buttons, Apple has added a barb to the bottom of the speaker assemblies that makes them harder-than-necessary to remove. After sufficiently wracking all of our nerves, the speaker assemblies allow us to remove them from their <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JY4Iz0w42qU" rel="nofollow">sick beat dropping</a> enclosure. After sufficiently wracking all of our nerves, the speaker assemblies allow us to remove them from their [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JY4Iz0w42qU|sick beat dropping] enclosure. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/UkQvOIYy3ZqBih6c http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/xsHHYqrqhFDED4Dn http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/ZBqNtoLaB4WTIDeF The next logical step was to remove the iMac's logic board. The next logical step was to remove the iMac's logic board. We know, we're terrible. We know, we're terrible. We flip the board over and get our first glimpse of the goodies side, which reveals, well, a lot of goodies. We flip the board over and get our first glimpse of the goodies side, which reveals, well, a lot of goodies. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/QyKgIyIXMvm3FLNT http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/UOHEHJiVo1BJ5dyo Good news: The iMac's RAM is "user-replaceable." Good news: The iMac's RAM is "user-replaceable." Bad news: You have to unglue your screen and remove the logic board in order to do so. Bad news: You have to unglue your screen and remove the logic board in order to do so. This is just barely less-terrible than having soldered RAM that's completely non-removable. This is just barely less-terrible than having soldered RAM that's completely non-removable. Our bargain-basement unit has a solid 8 GB of Hynix PC3-12800 RAM. Our bargain-basement unit has a solid 8 GB of Hynix PC3-12800 RAM. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/rrwhYJMbhv1cO3np http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/udF6yEaMWyWlxfHL Like a young fellow nervous to dance at prom, the AirPort card sits inconspicuously in the corner. Like a young fellow nervous to dance at prom, the AirPort card sits inconspicuously in the corner. After a <a href="/Teardown/iMac+Intel+21.5-Inch+EMC+2428+Teardown/5485/1#s24090">short hiatus</a>, Broadcom is back to bring WLAN capabilities to the iMac. After a [guide|5485|short hiatus|stepid=24090], Broadcom is back to bring WLAN capabilities to the iMac. A Broadcom <a href="http://www.broadcom.com/products/Wireless-LAN/802.11-Wireless-LAN-Solutions/BCM4331" rel="nofollow">BCM4331</a> single-chip WLAN solution dominates the tiny AirPort card. A Broadcom [http://www.broadcom.com/products/Wireless-LAN/802.11-Wireless-LAN-Solutions/BCM4331|BCM4331] single-chip WLAN solution dominates the tiny AirPort card. The three Wi-Fi antennas are run by three Skyworks SE5515 Dual-Band frontend chips. The three Wi-Fi antennas are run by three Skyworks SE5515 Dual-Band frontend chips. New from <a href="/Teardown/iMac+Intel+21.5-Inch+EMC+2428+Teardown/5485/2#s24103">last year's model</a>, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are integrated into the same card, with the addition of a <a href="http://www.broadcom.com/products/Bluetooth/Bluetooth-RF-Silicon-and-Software-Solutions/BCM20702" rel="nofollow">BCM20702</a> single-chip Bluetooth 4.0 processor. New from [guide|5485|last year's model|stepid=24103], Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are integrated into the same card, with the addition of a [http://www.broadcom.com/products/Bluetooth/Bluetooth-RF-Silicon-and-Software-Solutions/BCM20702|BCM20702] single-chip Bluetooth 4.0 processor. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/dj6HRpJtpUOvOgOO http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/dMrHlEOyt4poekQu http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/y5jrOrHLjbUmuRgI And off comes that honkin' heat sink! And off comes that honkin' heat sink! And along with it…what's this…the CPU??? And along with it…what's this…the CPU??? The new iMac uses a spring-loaded, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGA_1155">FCLGA1155</a> socket to make all those little electrical signals go into, and out of, the CPU. The new iMac uses a spring-loaded, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGA_1155|FCLGA1155] socket to make all those little electrical signals go into, and out of, the CPU. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/QQDYBIFSGB3oNwlg http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/pd5B21HeMTqTaeXC http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/MISQNxG24FLSqjQx The Intel <a href="http://ark.intel.com/products/65510/Intel-Core-i5-3330S-Processor-6M-Cache-up-to-3_20-GHz" rel="nofollow">Core i5-3330S</a> is clocked at 2.7 GHz, but can stretch its legs up to 3.2 GHz if needed. The Intel [http://ark.intel.com/products/65510/Intel-Core-i5-3330S-Processor-6M-Cache-up-to-3_20-GHz|Core i5-3330S] is clocked at 2.7 GHz, but can stretch its legs up to 3.2 GHz if needed. This is the bottom rung of the ladder as far as processors in the iMac go. You can max out a 21.5" machine with a 3.1 GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 with Turbo Boost up to 3.9 GHz. This is the bottom rung of the ladder as far as processors in the iMac go. You can max out a 21.5" machine with a 3.1 GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 with Turbo Boost up to 3.9 GHz. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/3m5Gpdb2EbO3WJHC http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/i6DYoqHrFTA6Dxku Major players on the front side of the Lo-Bo: Major players on the front side of the Lo-Bo: Nvidia <a href="http://www.geforce.com/hardware/notebook-gpus/geforce-gt-640m" rel="nofollow">GeForce GT 640M</a> GPU Nvidia [http://www.geforce.com/hardware/notebook-gpus/geforce-gt-640m|GeForce GT 640M] GPU Intel <a href="http://ark.intel.com/products/64024/Intel-BD82Z77-PCH" rel="nofollow">E213B384</a> platform controller hub Intel [http://ark.intel.com/products/64024/Intel-BD82Z77-PCH|E213B384] platform controller hub Texas Instruments Stellaris <a href="http://www.ti.com/lit/wp/spmy007/spmy007.pdf" rel="nofollow">LM4FS1AH</a> microcontroller Texas Instruments Stellaris [http://www.ti.com/lit/wp/spmy007/spmy007.pdf|LM4FS1AH] microcontroller 2x Hynix <a href="http://www.hynix.com/products/graphics/view.jsp?info.ramKind=26&info.serialNo=H5GQ1H24AFR&posMap=graphicsGDDR5" rel="nofollow">H5GQ2H24AFR</a> GDDR5 SGRAM 2x Hynix [http://www.hynix.com/products/graphics/view.jsp?info.ramKind=26&info.serialNo=H5GQ1H24AFR&posMap=graphicsGDDR5|H5GQ2H24AFR] GDDR5 SGRAM National Semiconductor VM22AC National Semiconductor VM22AC Delta 8904C-F Delta 8904C-F Broadcom <a href="http://www.broadcom.com/products/Ethernet-Controllers-and-Adapters/Enterprise-Client-Controllers/BCM57765" rel="nofollow">BCM57765A1KMLG</a> gigabit ethernet controller with integrated SDXC card reader Broadcom [http://www.broadcom.com/products/Ethernet-Controllers-and-Adapters/Enterprise-Client-Controllers/BCM57765|BCM57765A1KMLG] gigabit ethernet controller with integrated SDXC card reader http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/F6Gt55URriOrRdYx Sneakily hidden on the backside of the logic board, we find a few more chips: Sneakily hidden on the backside of the logic board, we find a few more chips: Intel DSL3510L <a href="http://www.anandtech.com/show/4772/meet-the-2012-thunderbolt-controllers-cactus-ridge" rel="nofollow">Cactus Ridge</a> Thunderbolt controller Intel DSL3510L [http://www.anandtech.com/show/4772/meet-the-2012-thunderbolt-controllers-cactus-ridge|Cactus Ridge] Thunderbolt controller Analog Devices <a href="http://www.analog.com/en/audiovideo-products/audio-amplifiers/ssm3302/products/product.html" rel="nofollow">SSM3302</a> audio amplifier Analog Devices [http://www.analog.com/en/audiovideo-products/audio-amplifiers/ssm3302/products/product.html|SSM3302] audio amplifier Vimicro <a href="http://www.vimicro.com/english/product/pdf/Vimicro_VC0359_PB_V1.1.pdf" rel="nofollow">VC0359</a> webcam processor Vimicro [http://www.vimicro.com/english/product/pdf/Vimicro_VC0359_PB_V1.1.pdf|VC0359] webcam processor Intersil <a href="http://www.intersil.com/en/products/power-management/computing-power-vrm-imvp/multiphase-controllers/ISL6364.html" rel="nofollow">ISL6364</a> multi-phase pulse width modulation (PWM) controller Intersil [http://www.intersil.com/en/products/power-management/computing-power-vrm-imvp/multiphase-controllers/ISL6364.html|ISL6364] multi-phase pulse width modulation (PWM) controller Cirrus Logic 4206BCNZ audio controller, the same chip as found in <a href="/Teardown/iMac+Intel+21.5-Inch+EMC+2428+Teardown/5485/2#s24101">last year's 21.5"</a> Cirrus Logic 4206BCNZ audio controller, the same chip as found in [guide|5485|last year's 21.5"|stepid=24101] http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/WWYN4I5tMGpyBO5J So, ummm... So, ummm... See these traces on the board here? See these traces on the board here? See this other hole on the left? See this other hole on the left? Looks like this is where Apple's proprietary SSD connector should reside. Looks like this is where Apple's proprietary SSD connector should reside. Placing the SSD from the 13" MacBook Pro Retina Display confirms this notion. If the shoe fits... Placing the SSD from the 13" MacBook Pro Retina Display confirms this notion. If the shoe fits... We purchased the "bargain-basement" version of the iMac. We're assuming that the more-expensive version—one that has the built-to-order Fusion drive option—has this connector soldered onto the board, and a 128GB SSD placed into said connector. We purchased the "bargain-basement" version of the iMac. We're assuming that the more-expensive version—one that has the built-to-order Fusion drive option—has this connector soldered onto the board, and a 128GB SSD placed into said connector. Looks like there'll be no love for our <a href="/Apple-Parts/iMac-Intel-21-5-Inch-Mid-2011-Dual-Hard-Drive-Kit/IF173-002?utm_source=ifixit_guide&utm_medium=wiki_text&utm_term=173002&utm_content=product_link">awesome dual-drive kit</a> from this iMac generation. :( Looks like there'll be no love for our [product|IF173-002|awesome dual-drive kit] from this iMac generation. :( http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/ZTSiyt32BumalDcI http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/kFecjyJaFlWELVTp Though the rear case is the last piece we reach, it's where the design of the new iMac began. Though the rear case is the last piece we reach, it's where the design of the new iMac began. In order to carefully join together the pieces of the case, Apple turned to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friction_stir_welding">friction stir welding</a>, a process previously reserved for applications such as ship building and aerospace. In order to carefully join together the pieces of the case, Apple turned to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friction_stir_welding|friction stir welding], a process previously reserved for applications such as ship building and aerospace. Friction stir welding is more like joining clay than welding—it doesn't melt the workpieces, but rather softens the area between them and forces material together, creating a strong weld with no weakened heat affected zone. Friction stir welding is more like joining clay than welding—it doesn't melt the workpieces, but rather softens the area between them and forces material together, creating a strong weld with no weakened heat affected zone. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/MwjRqELAmH4KPMUQ iMac 21.5" EMC 2544 Repairability Score: 3 out of 10 (10 is easiest to repair) iMac 21.5" EMC 2544 Repairability Score: '''3 out of 10''' (10 is easiest to repair) You can still replace the RAM, hard drive, and CPU inside this machine. You can still replace the RAM, hard drive, and CPU inside this machine. The glass and LCD are now fused together, and there are no more magnets holding the glass in place. That means it's heatgun time! The glass and LCD are now fused together, and there are no more magnets holding the glass in place. That means it's heatgun time! Most replaceable components (like the RAM) are buried behind the logic board, meaning you'll have to take apart most of the iMac just to gain access to them. Most replaceable components (like the RAM) are buried behind the logic board, meaning you'll have to take apart most of the iMac just to gain access to them. Budget-minded folks can no longer add a second hard drive to the base iMac unless they are super-fond of soldering missing proprietary connectors onto the logic board. Budget-minded folks can no longer add a second hard drive to the base iMac unless they are super-fond of soldering missing proprietary connectors onto the logic board. You'll have to masterfully peel off the old double-sided sticky tape and apply new tape in order to reseal this iMac into original condition. You'll have to masterfully peel off the old double-sided sticky tape and apply new tape in order to reseal this iMac into original condition. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/egKEWCaRuJZHwCbI http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/lnCmOXyWCNXpPhBY

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.