You can’t upgrade the garage on new iMac models
The new 27-inch style comes with 10th generation Intel Core processors and the T2 security chip.
The other day, Apple introduced enhanced 27-inch iMac models with tenth-generation Intel Core processors that provide up to ten cores, twice memory capacity, next-generation AMD graphics (Radeon Pro 5000 series), and a faster SSD garage with up to 4x more. Top garage capacity as before (8 terabytes).
This would possibly seem like good news for those who are late updating their iMac in the hope that Apple will update the range, however, the new iMac models have a disappointing drawback.
The German blog iFun reported that the internal SSD of the 27-inch iMac is welded to the motherboard, which MacRumors was able to verify by querying a document for Apple technicians. However, this document indicates that for larger 4TB and 8TB configurations, you must have a flash garage extension card through a connector on the logic card.
However, despite the presence of this extension card, users will still not be able to update or upgrade the internal garage. This is due to the T2 chip (which manages security and encryption). The only way to upgrade the garage would be to also upgrade the motherboard at the same time, and to do so you would need to make a stop at an Apple-approved service provider.
Further limiting expansion options: the internal sata port that existed in previous models for use with hard drives or Apple’s own Fusion Drives (which combined an SSD with a hard drive) has also been removed, this is because Apple will now only support SSDs.
However, not all of this is bad news. The first effects of the tests were published through the Japanese Macotakara and appear promising.
According to this site, the entry-level style with a Core i5 processor at 3.1 GHz has noticed functionality 20% higher than its predecessor. In fact, the effects are quite in line with the old mid-range style with a 3.7 GHz Core i5 processor.
Graphics have also been particularly advanced, and Radeon Pro 5300 models offer approximately 40% more functionality than last year’s models with Radeon Pro 570X.
In addition to the previous innovations, the new models also feature a larger webcam with a 1080p solution, which will certainly be popular with users who lately have relied more than ever on video calls.
As for the 5K high-resolution Retina display, Apple has finally added True Tone support. Nanotexture glass is also offered as an option for those who want as few reflections as possible.
Prices for the new 27-inch models start at £1799/$1799 and the PC, as usual, can be ordered from the Apple Store here.
This article was adapted and translated through Karen Haslam from an article about Macworld Sweden.