Apple 21.5” iMac (Mid 2010); iMac11,2 Installation Guides and Specifications
Upgrading theApple Apple 21.5” iMac (Mid 2010) RAM is very easy. Other upgrades or repair like the Hard Drive or the Optical Drive are a bit more advanced but still manageable. All You'll need is some simple tools, and the correct parts. We then urge you to follow the videos or the Apple manual provided on the links below.
Please see our Apple RAM Memory for iMac 21.5" (Mid 2010) page to locate your Apple compatible RAM upgrade for your iMac, and we'll ship it fast from our warehouse in Victoria.
Please see our Hard Drive for iMac 21.5" (Mid 2010) page to locate your Apple compatible Hard Drive upgrades for your iMac
Please see our DIY Installation Repair Kits for iMac 21.5" (Mid 2010) page to locate your DIY Installation Repair Kits for your iMac
Apple User Guides for the Apple iMac 21.5" (Mid 2010)
iMac: How to remove or install memory Learn how to remove or install memory in your iMac computer on the Apple support page.
OWC Video Installation Guide for Apple 21.5” iMac (Mid 2010):
Memory Install Video
Recommended Tools for the RAM upgrade:
Add a second hard drive or SSD easily with the OWC Data Doubler. Here's an instructional video from OWC:
Data Doubler Install Video
Use the Optical Drive install videos below for iMac 21.5" (Mid 2010) to install a Data Doubler mounted drive:
Optical Drive Install Video
Recommended Tools for the Data Doubler/Optibay upgrade:
- Newer Technology 14 Piece Tool Set
- Heavy-duty Suction Cups
- Portable Anti-Static Mat
Here is how to fix or upgrade the main Hard Drive:
NewerTech AdaptaDrive - Drive Install Video
Use the Hard Drive Install Video below for iMac 21.5" (Mid 2010) to install aNewerTech AdaptaDrive mounted drive:
Hard Drive Installation Video
Before you replace your original Hard Drive you need to be aware of the heat sensor issue, if you're not have a look at this website.
As explained you have 2 options to fix this:
- Software fix with HDD Fan Control
- Hardware fix with a OWC Heat Sensor DIY kit
Recommended Tools for the HDD/SSD upgrade:
- Heavy-duty Suction Cups
- Newer Technology 14 Piece Tool Set
- 2.5" to 3.5" adapter - for SSD installation only
- External Hard Drive Enclosure - Convert your existing drive into an external one .
First make sure you understand the heat sensor issue mentioned above.
Here is some detailed specifications as well as direct link to available upgrades:
| Apple 21.5” iMac (Mid 2010) | |
| OVERVIEW | |
| Introduced | July 2010 |
| Discontinued | May 2011 |
| Model Identifier | iMac11,2 |
| Model Number | A1311 |
| EMC | 2389 |
| Order Number | MC508LL/A (3.06 GHz), MC509LL/A (3.2 GHz) |
| PROCESSOR | |
| Processor | Intel Core i3 (540, 550) or Core i5 (680) ("Clarkdale") |
| Processor Speed | 3.06 or 3.2 GHz (Core i3) or 3.6 GHz (Core i5) |
| Architecture | 64-bit |
| Number of Cores | 2 |
| Cache | 4 MB L3 |
| System Bus | Intel Direct Media Interface (DMI) at 2.5 GT/s |
| STORAGE AND MEDIA | |
| Standard Storage | 500 GB, 1, or 2 TB (7200-rpm) |
| Link to upgrade tool & kits | Heat sensor kit |
| Link to internal HDD | Upgrade to a new 3.5” HDD |
| Link to internal SSD | Upgrade to a new 2.5” SSD |
| Media | Slot-loading 8x SuperDrive (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW) |
| Link to external optical drive | Get an external burner here |
| PERIPHERALS | |
| Peripherals | Apple Wireless Keyboard, Magic Mouse |
| RAM | |
| Built-in Memory | |
| Maximum Memory | 16 GB |
| Memory Slots | 4 - 204-pin PC3-10600 (1333 MHz) DDR3 SO-DIMM |
| Interleaving Support | Yes |
| Link to RAM upgrade | Upgrade your RAM here |
| DISPLAY | |
| Built-in Display | 21.5-inch (viewable) LED-backlit glossy widescreen TFT LCD with IPS |
| Resolutions | 1920 by 1080 pixels |
| GRAPHICS | |
| Graphics Card | ATI Radeon HD 4670 or Radeon HD 5670 |
| Graphics Memory | 256 MB (Radeon HD 4670) or 512 MB (Radeon HD 5670) GDDR3 |
| Display Connection | 1 - Mini DisplayPort |
| Display Modes | Dual display extended, video mirroring, Target Display |
| External Resolution | Up to 2560 by 1600 pixels |
| Camera | Built-in iSight |
| CONNECTIONS | |
| Wi-Fi | Built-in AirPort Extreme card (802.11a/b/g/n) |
| Bluetooth | Built-in Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR |
| Ethernet | 10/100/1000BASE-T (RJ-45) |
| Modem | |
| USB | 4 - 480 MBit/s |
| FireWire | 1 - 800 MBit/s |
| Thunderbolt | |
| Display | 1 - Mini DisplayPort |
| Infrared | 1 - For Apple Remote only |
| Audio In | 1 - 3.5-mm analog/optical combo input jack, Built-in microphone |
| Audio Out | 1 - 3.5-mm analog/optical combo output jack, Built-in speakers |
| EXPANSION | |
| Slots | 1 - Secure Digital (SDXC) |
| Hard Drive Interface | 2 - 3.0 Gbps Serial ATA (SATA) |
| Optical Drive Interface |