Hi modders...

I have a question concerning the iMac (17"/20") LCD '07, I was hoping someone could help me out...

I've never been a great fan of macs, but as my needs have changed - and macs too have changed, I find the iMac very interesting, I like the aesthetic design. But I find it difficult to find "real" specifications of the iMac. I want to know in details about the computer before I go out and get one... I know this isn't exactly a hardware modding, but I suppose a lot of people in here know much about the mac hardware...

What I would like to know is stuff like...

1. Does the iMac motherboard have a form factor - is it standardized? Does anyone know of a website with more precise detail?

2. What about heating? It is hard to tell from the web page how the case works... It seems very slim - does the air go around perfectly, I suppose Apple designed the container, so it would let the air flow be perfect..?

3. I'm also wondering about the power supply, how big is it? Furthermore, what are the noise levels? Is it fairly quite? I have read somewhere that it (the iMac) incorporates some fans, so I find it hard to believe it is perfectly quiet.

I guess I'm just asking for a detailed specification, if anyone knows anything about this, it would be appreciated... :o)

Thanks,
Simon DK.

Hey simhau.  Welcome to MacMod!

1.  The iMac uses a very non-standard board which is meant only for iMacs.  Apple does used x86 hardware now but their mobo's are very apple specific. 

2.  Apple has a history of overkill when it comes to cooling.  You need not worry because they always use (other than the odd portable) ample cooling especially in desktops.

3.  The power supply in current iMacs is only 180watts but thats really all it needs as it isn't expandable other than external things.

Many fans these days are very quiet.  I have a couple that are so quiet that you have to be within a couple inches to hear it.  Pretty much anything below 25dba noise will be inaudible unless you really try to hear it.  I don't own an iMac but have played around with the 17, 20 and 24" in Mac stores and had to put my ears very close to it in a very quiet store to hear it.  I would say its maybe 20-22dba.  Very quiet.

Just remember the iMac is a consumer level product.  Don't expect a lot of expandability and other pro-like things.  Thats what Mac Pro's are for.  But having used  the new intel iMacs a few times I can say for sure that they are very fast machines.

Hope this helps.

mactracker rocks!