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iFixit disassembles the new iMacs; 21.5-inch model brings soldered CPU to the logic board

As with the iPhones 5s and 5c, the iFixit also disassembled the new iMacs to check out the new features inside this new generation, which has the fourth generation of processors quad-core from Intel (codenamed “Haswell”), updated graphics, 802.11ac Wi-Fi (“Gigabit Wi-Fi”) and faster flash storage options with PCIe interface.

Disassembly of the new iMacs (September 2013)

The changes were small, but they deserve to be highlighted.

Disassembly of the new iMacs (September 2013)

The 21.5 ″ model (EMC 2638) brought two new features. The good news is that consumers can now add a second HDD through the Fusion Drives SSD port – even if the machine did not leave the factory equipped with the storage drive that combines a high-capacity hard drive with high-performance flash storage . As this port is now PCIe, this should facilitate the arrival of units / adapters on the market capable of allowing the installation of a second hard drive.

Disassembly of the new iMacs (September 2013)

But the good news ends here. Now, the CPU (central processing unit, or central processing unit) is soldered to the logic board and can no longer be exchanged by the user – apparently this is the first iMac with a soldered CPU. In addition, the new AirPort (BCM4360 802.11ac) / Bluetooth 4.0 card (BCM20702) is attached to the back of the logic board, making it difficult to exchange.

Disassembly of the new iMacs (September 2013)

HDD power and SATA data cables now come together, accompanied by a new CPU heatsink. The 27-inch iMac has the same new features as the smaller brother, with the exception of the CPU soldered to the board, which is good news for those who like repairability.

Disassembly of the new iMacs (September 2013)

Because of these changes, the smaller iMac earned a 2/10 score, while the highest iMac scored 5/10.