[selowitch]

I just ordered a Intel Core Duo iMac from Amazon. Unfortunately, it already shipped and I had forgotten that I really would like the video card upgraded to 256MB from the stock 128MB. I realized belatedly that Amazon doesn't stock the 256MB VRAM model.

So, my questions are:

1. Can I upgrade the VRAM myself (probably not)? I've added VRAM to other machines but I imagine this one has its graphics card soldered to the motherboard or something, right?
2. Should I return it and reorder directly from Apple to get the extra VRAM?
3. Is it the entire card that gets replaced, or just the VRAM chip on the card?

[nabilanwar]

Originally Posted by selowitch

I just ordered a Intel Core Duo iMac from Amazon. Unfortunately, it already shipped and I had forgotten that I really would like the video card upgraded to 256MB from the stock 128MB. I realized belatedly that Amazon doesn't stock the 256MB VRAM model.

So, my questions are:

1. Can I upgrade the VRAM myself (probably not)? I've added VRAM to other machines but I imagine this one has its graphics card soldered to the motherboard or something, right?
2. Should I return it and reorder directly from Apple to get the extra VRAM?
3. Is it the entire card that gets replaced, or just the VRAM chip on the card?

Hmm never had to deal with a situation like this myself. I dont know if u can return it, since it's Amazon, but i believe all Apple products have a 14 day money back return policy. Maybe you can plead ignorance and go into a Apple Store and return it and buy the whole thing again. I am saying this because, i hardly think that Apple will take the product back to upgrade the Video Card for u. Well, i dont know offhand but they might, provided you give them some sort of re-stocking fee etc.

I suggest call Apple, and without giving them ur Serial No. or anything, ask a customer service guy if its possible to return it to them for the upgrade. If it is, then i'd suggest takin that route. Because i'm sure trying to replace the card will more of a hassle for u, and u would probably lose more money like that.

Good luck.
Anyone know for sure of a possible solution?

[selowitch]

Amazon is very good about this stuff and I asked. They'll definitely take the machine back. Assuming I can restrain myself and not open the darned thing, I can just reorder from someone like Smalldog who has systems preconfigured for 256 VRAM or get it from the Apple Store.

EDIT: Actually, since I want a 512MB RAM / 256MB VRAM configuration, I think I'll have to go with the Apple Store, despite the slightly higher price. I have two 1G SO-DIMMs on their way from Mushkin for just under $200 (sweet deal) that I want to put in there. Does anyone know anywhere else I can buy that configuration?

[nabilanwar]

Originally Posted by selowitch

Amazon is very good about this stuff and I asked. They'll definitely take the machine back. Assuming I can restrain myself and not open the darned thing, I can just reorder from someone like Smalldog who has systems preconfigured for 256 VRAM or get it from the Apple Store.

EDIT: Actually, since I want a 512MB RAM / 256MB VRAM configuration, I think I'll have to go with the Apple Store, despite the slightly higher price. I have two 1G SO-DIMMs on their way from Mushkin for just under $200 (sweet deal) that I want to put in there. Does anyone know anywhere else I can buy that configuration?

Seriously though, why not use the Apple Store, they give out Education Discounts to anyone and everyone. You just have to pretend to go to any friggin School or College in the US. There is no background check. Just claim to go to college next to you, u'll be all set. The discounts are usually between $100-$200, which defeats the purpose of 3rd party seller discounts.

Only reason i see getting a Mac from a 3rd party dealer is that they usually have combo deals, like Smalldog and Macmall.

And through the Apple Online Store u can configure everything to ur heart's desire.

[memory-minus]

1) No, it's soldered.
2) Yes, return it and buy from Apple if you want the VRAM upgrade.
3) The entire logic board would have to be replaced.

[selowitch]

Originally Posted by nabilanwar

Seriously though, why not use the Apple Store, they give out Education Discounts to anyone and everyone. You just have to pretend to go to any friggin School or College in the US. There is no background check. Just claim to go to college next to you, u'll be all set. The discounts are usually between $100-$200, which defeats the purpose of 3rd party seller discounts.

Tsk, tsk, tsk. Nabil, you ought to be ashamed of yourself.

<on high horse>Besides being unethical, surely you realize that if everybody did this, Apple would probably have no choice but to put an end to educational discounts, which plenty of struggling students and teachers sorely need. Sure, I'd save myself a few bucks, but I would undermine Apple's very admirable committment to the educational market. I'm sorry if this sounds like a lecture (because, well, it *is* a lecture), but this kind of advice we could all do without.</on high horse>

Originally Posted by memory-minus

1) No, it's soldered.
2) Yes, return it and buy from Apple if you want the VRAM upgrade.
3) The entire logic board would have to be replaced.

That's what I thought. Apple Store, here I come (not taking the Educational Discount).

I really want the VRAM upgrade because I may want to use a second display someday, and I have a feeling that the more often I use BootCamp and WinXP, the more demands I will place on my video card. Also, it may help my iMac stand out from the crowd if I should ever sell it (although honestly, I don't think I've ever resold a Mac. They have a nice way of keeping their value).

[jamil5454]

I just picked up a 20" iMac from the Apple Store today. Sure I could have gone online and got the 256MB extra VRAM... but even running with my 19" monitor attached I don't think that extra 128MB will ever get any use. I do play games occasionally, but the X1600 will, in most cases, run out of horsepower before it uses all its available VRAM.

[mash]

Ok, sorry I cant be of any help for your mac problems, but I was wondering: Did the mini mac you ordered off Amazon come with a media remote? They have great prices for them, but the remote isnt listed and I though that was standard with all minis.

[selowitch]

Originally Posted by mash

Ok, sorry I cant be of any help for your mac problems, but I was wondering: Did the mini mac you ordered off Amazon come with a media remote? They have great prices for them, but the remote isnt listed and I though that was standard with all minis.

It wasn't a mini but an iMac. And that does include a remote.

[mash]

Ah, sorry didnt notice that >_<.

[selowitch]

Well, the package will arrive from Amazon tomorrow (Wednesday) because of Amazon Prime shipping. My plan is to refuse the package without opening it, although it will kill me to do that. My Apple Store iMac, with the video card upgrade and only 512MB of RAM will arrive hopefully a week from tomorrow. Not too long to wait. I can clean up my office in the meantime.

I plan on installing Ubuntu on my current Mac once I have the new one installed.