iFixit Tears Down New iMacs, Finds Soldered CPU on 21.5" ModeliFixit has already disassembled the new iMacs that were released yesterday. The teardown didn't reveal too many changes from the previous version, though there are a few new features worth mentioning. Both the 21.5-inch and 27-inch models include the new 802.11ac wireless standard, while the 27-inch model includes the new PCIe-based flash storage that was originally introduced in the MacBook Air back in June. The 21.5-inch model has a few differences from its larger sibling, according to iFixit. It now includes a new empty PCIe SSD slot so users can upgrade the base model iMac to the Fusion Drive combination HDD/SDD drive that Apple introduced last year. In last year's 21.5-inch model, Apple did not include an empty PCIe slot on the logic board. More disappointing, for users who like to upgrade their machines, is the fact that the CPU is soldered directly to the logic board, making an upgrade nearly impossible. iFixit gave the 21.5-inch model a 2 out of 10 for repairability, largely because of the soldered processor. The 27-inch model received a 5 out of 10. The largest issue with upgrading the iMac is getting the glass and LCD panel out of the machine, making repairs impossible for all but the most determined do-it-yourselfers. Recent Mac and iOS Blog Stories • 'Strava Run' Updated with Support for M7 'Motion Coprocessor' on iPhone 5s • Apple Retail News: New Munich Store Opening Saturday, Hong Kong IFC Mall Store Expansion Coming • Microsoft Retail Stores to Add iPhone to Trade-In Program, Offer at Least $200 • Roku Refreshes Set-Top Box Line with New Roku LT, Roku 1, and Roku 2 • AppleCare+ May Include Coverage for International Travelers • Smart Thermostat Company Nest Developing 'Protect' Smoke Detector • Apple Releases EFI Update for New Late 2013 iMac Models to Address Boot Camp Install Issues • Messaging Service LINE Updates iOS App with Video Calling, 'Snap Video' Function
http://www.macrumors.com/2013/09/25/ifixit-tears-down-new-imacs-finds-soldered-cpu-on-21-5-model/
