iMac Intel 27″ EMC 2639 Teardown

– Externally, the iMac Intel 27″ EMC 2639 looks just like the previous model, but inside, it’s got some serious upgrades: a 3.2GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 processor (Turbo Boosts up to 3.6GHz) with 6MB L3 cache, an NVIDIA GeForce GT 755M graphics card with 1GB of GDDR5 memory, support for 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and a PCIe flash SSD option. Ready to dive in? Follow along step-by-step to explore these features and get the most out of your iMac. If you need help, you can always schedule a repair.

– A few quick slices with our trusty iMac Opening Tool and we’re in! It’s like déjà vu, but in the best way possible.

– The AirPort/Bluetooth card, which follows the 802.11ac Wi-Fi standard, is still tucked behind the logic board — so swapping it out is just as tricky as before.

– Chips off the old new block:

– This isn’t the first Mac to get the updated ac standard, so we expected to see some familiar parts, like the ones in the refreshed MacBook Airs earlier this year.

– Broadcom BCM4360KML1G 5G WiFi 3-Stream 802.11ac Gigabit Transceiver—yep, this is the same chip powering the ac Wi-Fi in the 11″ and 13″ MacBook Air.

– Skyworks SE5516 Dual-Band 802.11a/b/g/n/ac WLAN Front-End Module.

– Broadcom BCM20702 Single-Chip Bluetooth 4.0 HCI Solution with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) Support.

– Just like the latest iMacs, the 27″ model now supports PCIe-based flash storage—pretty cool upgrade from last year’s 21.5″ version, which had some unpopulated solder pads on the logic board. Apple says this new storage is up to 50% faster than previous generations, making your computing snappier and more responsive. If you need a hand with any steps, remember you can always schedule a repair.

– Luckily, the 27″ model avoided the same mishap, so power users can still upgrade their processor without needing a reflow oven.

– Heavy-duty ICs: Yep, the iMac 27″ now comes with a sleek new graphics processor.

– Check out the 3.2GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 processor—it’s the powerhouse under the hood.

– The Intel platform controller hub is in charge of keeping everything running smoothly.

– The NVIDIA GeForce GT 755M GPU is your graphics sidekick for sharp visuals.

– And don’t forget the four SK hynix H5GQ2H24AFR 256 MB GDDR5 SGRAM ICs, which make up the 1 GB of graphics RAM—because who doesn’t love more memory?

– Check out the B-side lineup of our IC record:

– NXP ARM7TDMI-S microcontroller is running the show.

– Analog Devices SSM3302 is handling the audio amplification duties.

– Cirrus Logic 4206BCNZ is the audio controller—same one found in last year’s 21.5″ model.

– Vimicro VC0359 is the brains behind the webcam.

– Broadcom BCM57765A1KMLG takes care of gigabit ethernet and comes with a built-in SDXC card reader.

– Intel DSL3510L Cactus Ridge is in charge of Thunderbolt connections.

– iMac 27″ EMC 2639 Repairability Score: 5 out of 10 (10 is easiest to repair)

– Good news! The RAM is easy to swap out without opening the case, thanks to the rear access door.

– Replacing the hard drive and CPU is possible, though you’ll need to do a bit of cutting through some sticky adhesive.

– Most of the components are modular and are pretty straightforward to remove.

– Budget-conscious users can now add a second hard drive to the base iMac, as the Fusion Drive connector is now present on the logic board.

– Heads up: the glass and LCD are fused together, and there’s no longer a set of magnets holding the glass in place.

– To reseal the iMac back to its original condition, you’ll need to carefully peel off the old sticky tape and replace it with fresh tape.