Apple adds Thunderbolt, faster processors to iMac line
Apple introduced updated iMacs Tuesday morning, complete with Thunderbolt compatibility and FaceTime HD, just as expected. The iMacs come in 21.5″ and 27″ models and run Intel quad-core i5 and i7 processors with AMD Radeon HD graphics.
The base model is a 21.5″ iMac that starts with a 2.5GHz i5, Radeon HD 6750M graphics card, and 500GB hard drive for $1,199, while the highest end model goes up to a 27″ screen, 3.1GHz i5, Radeon HD 6970M, and 1TB hard drive for $1,999. Users can also get a custom configuration with a 3.4GHz i7 processor, up to a 2TB hard drive, or a 256GB solid state drive. And, as mentioned earlier, all the iMac models now come with the high-speed Thunderbolt I/O port and a new and improved FaceTime HD camera (which looks the same as the previous iSight camera, but offers 720p resolution with better low-light performance).
Apple and Intel first introduced Thunderbolt in February with Apple’s introduction of updated MacBook Pros. The new port is designed to bring much faster I/O throughput to mobile devices and serve as a next-generation connector for peripherals (displays, storage, video and audio devices). Thunderbolt can support 10Gbps bidirectional communication—20 times faster than the theoretical limit of USB 2.0 and 12 times faster than Firewire 800.
As for looks, the new iMacs appear to have the same aesthetics as the previous models, so if you were hoping for yet another makeover, you’ll have to keep waiting. Apple hopes, however, that the machine’s performance gains—up to 70 percent faster, Apple says—will speak for themselves. Will you be buying?
Update: It looks like the new 27″ iMac comes with two Thunderbolt ports, allowing for the connection of two external monitors simultaneously. (Apple confirmed this with several members of the press this morning.)
Thunderbolt iMac Includes Replaceable GPU:
With Apple’s new Thunderbolt-equipped iMac available for less than a day, the iFixit team has already stripped the computer down to its frame. Inside they found Intel’s quad-core Core i5 processor, along with a removable graphics processor board.
“With a bit of magic, the GPU heat sink detaches from the logic board, exposing the AMD GPU board,” iFixit’s Miroslav Djuric said. “You heard that right, folks — you don’t have to replace the entire logic board if your GPU explodes from too much l33t gaming.”
Replacing the GPU, however, comes at a cost since digging that deep into an iMac will void the warranty.
Apple refreshes iMacs with faster CPUs, Thunderbolt ports:
Apple updated its iMac all-in-one desktops today, adding Intel’s second-generation quad-core Core i5 and Core i7 CPUs and Thunderbolt data ports.
The new models are already available for purchase from Apple’s Web site and its retail stores, with prices ranging from $1,199 for the 21.5-inch iMac to $1,999 for the 27-inch model.
Along with the updated CPUs and the new high-speed data port, the new iMacs sport faster Advanced Micro Devices’ graphics processors than their predecessors and integrated FaceTime HD video cameras. Otherwise, little else about the iMac has changed from the previous models that debuted in June 2010. (That includes external design; the 2011 and 2010 models look all but identical.)
The upgrades are in keeping with the rumors that appeared on CNET and elsewhere over the past few months. They also match updates Apple made to the MacBook Pro line earlier this year.
Intel’s second-generation Core CPUs, formerly known by the code name Sandy Bridge, bring increased power efficiency over Intel’s previous generation of Core CPUs, along with faster performance, particularly from its built-in graphics processing capabilities. While the initial batch of Sandy Bridge-supporting motherboards were recalled due to a flaw in one of the storage processing chips, Intel has since rectified the issue and has resumed shipping.
Apple introduced updated iMacs Tuesday morning, complete with Thunderbolt compatibility and FaceTime HD, just as expected. The iMacs come in 21.5″ and 27″ models and run Intel quad-core i5 and i7 processors with AMD Radeon HD graphics.
Apple and Intel first introduced Thunderbolt in February with Apple’s introduction of updated MacBook Pros. The new port is designed to bring much faster I/O throughput to mobile devices and serve as a next-generation connector for peripherals (displays, storage, video and audio devices). Thunderbolt can support 10Gbps bidirectional communication—20 times faster than the theoretical limit of USB 2.0 and 12 times faster than Firewire 800.
As for looks, the new iMacs appear to have the same aesthetics as the previous models, so if you were hoping for yet another makeover, you’ll have to keep waiting. Apple hopes, however, that the machine’s performance gains—up to 70 percent faster, Apple says—will speak for themselves. Will you be buying?
Thunderbolt iMac Includes Replaceable GPU:
With Apple’s new Thunderbolt-equipped iMac available for less than a day, the iFixit team has already stripped the computer down to its frame. Inside they found Intel’s quad-core Core i5 processor, along with a removable graphics processor board.
“With a bit of magic, the GPU heat sink detaches from the logic board, exposing the AMD GPU board,” iFixit’s Miroslav Djuric said. “You heard that right, folks — you don’t have to replace the entire logic board if your GPU explodes from too much l33t gaming.”
Replacing the GPU, however, comes at a cost since digging that deep into an iMac will void the warranty.
Apple refreshes iMacs with faster CPUs, Thunderbolt ports:
Apple updated its iMac all-in-one desktops today, adding Intel’s second-generation quad-core Core i5 and Core i7 CPUs and Thunderbolt data ports.
The new models are already available for purchase from Apple’s Web site and its retail stores, with prices ranging from $1,199 for the 21.5-inch iMac to $1,999 for the 27-inch model.
Along with the updated CPUs and the new high-speed data port, the new iMacs sport faster Advanced Micro Devices’ graphics processors than their predecessors and integrated FaceTime HD video cameras. Otherwise, little else about the iMac has changed from the previous models that debuted in June 2010. (That includes external design; the 2011 and 2010 models look all but identical.)
The upgrades are in keeping with the rumors that appeared on CNET and elsewhere over the past few months. They also match updates Apple made to the MacBook Pro line earlier this year.
Intel’s second-generation Core CPUs, formerly known by the code name Sandy Bridge, bring increased power efficiency over Intel’s previous generation of Core CPUs, along with faster performance, particularly from its built-in graphics processing capabilities. While the initial batch of Sandy Bridge-supporting motherboards were recalled due to a flaw in one of the storage processing chips, Intel has since rectified the issue and has resumed shipping.
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