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Model A1312 / Mid 2010 / 3.2 GHz Core i3 or 2.8 & 3.6 GHz Core i5 or 2.93 GHz Core i7, ID iMac11,3

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Broke Display Data connector and not sure where to go from here

Hey there,

I've seen this mentioned before, but the threads are quite old and I didn't think it was worth to post up there. Plus, the damage looked a bit different, so I'm trying to figure out how best to fix the damage here, how bad it is, and if I need a new part, or if I can even do it.

I was working on a friend's iMac, a mid 2010 27". He wanted it to be upgraded, so I went through the steps of removing the LCD, etc. However, the display data connector was very tough to remove, and seemed to bend forward- and after a while, it came off entirely.

I'm pretty panicked right now, and I really want to get this fixed. I wanted to see what exactly needs to be done, and if it's possible for me to do it. I have soldering experience from about 6 years ago, and this seems complicated, so I'm not sure if I could- but I thought I might as well see if it's possible. or if it's even a soldering thing.

The break seems pretty clean. Nothing seems to be actually damaged, it looks like it just came right off. In fact, I'm pretty sure the pins on both sides are all the same lengths- though I am not entirely sure.

Here are the pictures. http://imgur.com/a/GWuIU

Thanks for reading this, everyone.

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

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The board of an iMac has a big thermal mass. This means it needs a soldering iron powerful enough to deliver large amounts of heat at the tip of an iron small enough to solder small joints.

I don't advise you to take it on as a DIY for a friend/customer without specific prior training on such a soldering job and without the right tools.

You risk making it worse and the purchase of the right tools can make it more expensive to tackle this one time job vs. subcontracting.

It you'd like, check my profile. There is a link to a page with trustworthy microsoldering techs who can all repair it for you. May be you can find one near you or you can mail it in if feasible.

So far the damage seems limited and perfectly repairable for someone with the right experience.

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Thank you very much! Do you think the connector is still usable, or will that have to be replaced?

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Replace ..!!

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Will do. What do you think is the best method for finding a replacement? I know Apple won't have one, as the model is over 5 years old.

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eBay ........

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I had a friend who did the same to his friend's iMac. He wound up taking it to a repair shop where they could solder it back on. Labor was about $150 USD.

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Wow, thank you so much. That's actually much more hopeful than what others are saying. What type of repair shop do you think I should go to?

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I am not sure where you are located, but for best prices call and ask the Mac repair shops around Colleges and Universities to see if they can replace the the Display connector on an iMac of your model. Since it is 2010, it is likely very easy to find parts.

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Alwej will be eternally grateful.
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