What type of video processor is provided by the Aluminum iMac systems? Which have dedicated memory? Which have integrated memory? Is the video processor upgradable?: EveryMac.com

Aluminum iMac Q&A - Updated November 4, 2011

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What type of video processor is provided by the Aluminum iMac systems? Which have dedicated memory? Which have integrated memory? Is it upgradable?

Details regarding the video processor provided by each Aluminum iMac are included on the applicable specifications page. However, standard configurations of stock models also are included below:

Aluminum iMac	Video Processor
iMac "Core 2 Duo" 2.0 20-Inch (Al)	128 MB Radeon HD 2400 XT
iMac "Core 2 Duo" 2.4 20-Inch (Al)	256 MB Radeon HD 2600 PRO
iMac "Core 2 Duo" 2.4 24-Inch (Al)	256 MB Radeon HD 2600 PRO
iMac "Core 2 Extreme" 2.8 24-Inch (Al)	256 MB Radeon HD 2600 PRO
iMac "Core 2 Duo" 2.4 20-Inch (08)	128 MB Radeon HD 2400 XT
iMac "Core 2 Duo" 2.66 20-Inch (08)	256 MB Radeon HD 2600 PRO
iMac "Core 2 Duo" 2.8 24-Inch (08)	256 MB Radeon HD 2600 PRO
iMac "Core 2 Duo" 3.06 24-Inch (08)	512 MB GeForce 8800 GS
iMac "Core 2 Duo" 2.66 20" (Early 09)	256 MB GeForce 9400M*
iMac "Core 2 Duo" 2.66 24" (Early 09)	256 MB GeForce 9400M*
iMac "Core 2 Duo" 2.93 24" (Early 09)	256 MB GeForce GT 120
iMac "Core 2 Duo" 3.06 24" (Early 09)	512 MB GeForce GT 130
iMac "Core 2 Duo" 2.0 20" (Early 09)	256 MB GeForce 9400M*
iMac "Core 2 Duo" 3.06 21.5" (Late 09)	256 MB GeForce 9400M**
iMac "Core 2 Duo" 3.06 27" (Late 09)	256 MB Radeon HD 4670
iMac "Core i5" 2.66 27" (Late 09)	512 MB Radeon HD 4850
iMac "Core i3" 3.06 21.5" Mid-2010	256 MB Radeon HD 4670
iMac "Core i3" 3.2 21.5" Mid-2010	512 MB Radeon HD 5670
iMac "Core i3" 3.2 27" Mid-2010	512 MB Radeon HD 5670
iMac "Core i5" 2.8 27" Mid-2010	1 GB Radeon HD 5750
iMac "Core i5" 2.5 21.5" Mid-2011	512 MB Radeon HD 6750M
iMac "Core i5" 2.7 21.5" Mid-2011	512 MB Radeon HD 6770M
iMac "Core i5" 2.7 27" Mid-2011	512 MB Radeon HD 6770M
iMac "Core i5" 3.1 27" Mid-2011	1 GB Radeon HD 6970M
iMac "Core i3" 3.1 21.5" Late 2011	256 MB Radeon HD 6750M

* These models have slower "integrated" graphics that share memory with the system.

** There are two configurations of this model -- MB950LL/A, which has a NVIDIA GeForce 9400M "integrated" graphics processor that shares memory with the system and MC413LL/A, which has an ATI Radeon HD 4670 with 256 MB of dedicated GDDR3 memory.

Officially, Apple provides some models with upgraded video options at the time of purchase, but the video is not intended to be upgraded by a third-party. However, based on disassembly photos and a variety of teardowns, it appears that some models have the video mounted on its own card and it is theoretically upgradable in these systems.

If you have additional information regarding the upgrade potential of the graphics in any of the Intel-based iMac models, particularly if you have experimented with upgrading your own system, please share.

Regardless, if video expansion is a top priority, you would likely be better served by a Mac Pro.

In the US, site sponsor Adorama sells new iMac models with free shipping. Other World Computing and JemJem sell used and refurb iMac models at bargain prices with free shipping, as well. Finally, if you need to sell an iMac, A+ BBB-rated Cash for Your Mac will buy your older iMac with an instant quote and prompt payment.

In the UK, site sponsor Hoxton Macs sells used iMac models with a one-year warranty and free next day delivery throughout the UK. Delivery across Europe also is available starting at just £9.99 for two-day delivery to France and Germany.

In Australia, site sponsor Mac City likewise has a variety of used iMac models sold at low prices and available with a free warranty and fast shipping across Australia.

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