iFixit - Answers With Device "iMac"

iMac Intel 21.5" EMC 2308: LCD Backlight not working = solved

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 12:28:13 -0700

Hi,

I have an iMac 2009, 21,5" which has been working well until last week. First there was some flickering and sometimes a black display. Since yesterday the display seems not to work anymore.

I have found the apple technicians guide for this iMac online and tried some of the solutions described there. I did a SMC/PVRAM Reset, but this did not solve the problem.

To determine if it's the gpu I connected an external monitor -> everyhing working fine on the external monitor.

It seems that the LED backlight isn't working anymore, because if you use a flashlight you can see everything on the internal screen.

I asked at a local repair store but they told me (without looking at the device...) that it was either the LCD panel, which would cost almost 500€/650$ to replace or the SATA/Board (Logic board?) which would even be more expensive.

My question is whether it's possible to determine if it is the logic board, ta cable connection, the Backlight controller or the LCD-Panel.

Thanks fpr your answers,

Max

⟐ Commented 6월 27, 2026 at 12:28 GMT-7

iMac Intel 27" EMC 2429: iMac iSight camera to USB Pinout

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 08:01:07 -0700

Hi all,

I deconstructed my iMac and made it into a functioning external monitor after it broke.

I want to re use the iSense camera by making it a USB device. I have heard of people soldering the cables onto a USB for use. The issue is, there is 7 wires and I am not sure which wires to attach to the USB as they only have 4 connections. I have attached an image.

Thanks in advance

⟐ Commented 6월 22, 2026 at 8:01 GMT-7

iMac Intel 21.5" EMC 2428: Can a 21.5" Mid-2011 iMac be upgraded to an i7 2600?

Sun, 14 Jun 2026 02:13:34 -0700

So my iMac is a 21.5" iMac from Mid 2011 with a core i5 2400S as default, now I know you can upgrade it's processor since it's socketed and that's just what I'm going to do.

But what I don't know is if I can only upgrade to a low power chip (S suffix) or if I can upgrade to a full power desktop chip (no suffix). I've seen people upgrade their i5 2400S 27" iMacs to i7 2600, but I've never seen anyone tried a CPU upgrade on a 21.5" imac before let alone the highest end CPU offering from Apple on the 21.5" Mid-2011 iMac is only an i7 2600S.

Now the performance difference between the i7 2600S and i7 2600 is negligible for me, but the problem is I can't souce any i7 2600S but I can fine loads of people selling their i7 2600.

So if anyone can answer, please do as I will apreciate it greatly and if anyone is selling or knows someone who sells an i7 2600S that can ship to Indonesia please answer too. :) Thanks in advance.

⟐ Commented 6월 14, 2026 at 2:13 GMT-7

iMac Intel 21.5" EMC 3068: Will this Adhesive tape hold, or should I reopen it and redo it?

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 01:56:17 -0700

Hello I have ordered the iMac 21,5 2017 HDD replacement kit. I replaced the HDD with a crucial SSD and cleaned off the old adhesive and with isopropal cloths aswell.

Turns out iFixit sent me one too many adhesive stripes of the same type and left the other one out. Iam missing the 02 adhesive strip and have the 01 adhesive strip two times.

I have now cut it in proper form and was wondering if I would have to redo this job once ifixit will provide replacement.

I couldnt leave it open and the glass laying around as I got a little kid at home.

here are some Images:

looking forward to your replies. I really dont want to do this again. It seems like it would only be 2/3% of the adhesive strip missing, I personally think its fine as it will stand on a desk and be rarely touched.

Thanks in advance!

⟐ Commented 6월 09, 2026 at 1:56 GMT-7

iMac Intel 27" EMC 2429: Are there multiple iterations of the 2011 iMac 27in?

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 18:46:38 -0700

I have two 2011 iMacs both 27in, yet I took them apart and the logic board and screen connectors are different. Any ideas on why this is? My screen identifiers are (SD)E3 and (SD)A2 if that helps. They are both A1312 iMac models.

⟐ Edited by author 6월 05, 2026 at 18:46 GMT-7

iMac Intel 27" Retina 5K Display 2019: Connecting new power supply

Wed, 27 May 2026 06:05:17 -0700

I've removed the power supply from this 2019 27 imac and I'm ready to install the new one, there is a cable coming from the power inlet module with an eye connector just beside the bottom upstand right hand side, anybody know where this connects to? is it an earth that is attached to the upstand when screwed in place? Any help would be appreciated, got a pic but can't see how to upload it. Thanks Ted

⟐ Answered 5월 27, 2026 at 6:05 GMT-7

iMac G3 Model M5521: iMac G3 Slot-Loader chimes, then turns off.

Tue, 19 May 2026 03:45:44 -0700

Back in January I got this iMac G3 for pretty cheap. It originally powered on but showed nothing on the CRT.

When I connected an external VGA monitor, I saw it did boot to the “No boot device” screen, which was expected since the original HDD was removed due to failure.

Eventually a MacOS install CD got stuck, so I opened it up and removed it manually. After that, the behavior changed. It now chimes with the green power LED, then as the external monitor briefly detects a signal, it shuts off.

If I try again right after, the power LED comes on but nothing else happens. No chime, no video, nothing until I power it off manually. After unplugging for a few seconds and plugging back in, it goes back to the initial state where it chimes and then shuts off when it should show video on both CRT and external display.

What can I do? I replaced the PRAM battery and it made no difference. It also shuts off before I can do a PRAM reset (Opt+Cmd+P+R), and the physical PRAM button hasn’t helped either.

Trickle voltages seem normal, but when it reaches the “power LED only” state, the down-converter board trickle voltages are lower than normal.

I can also hear the high-voltage crackling as it powers off, so I assume the CRT is receiving power in some way. One other thing of note is that either the speakers, or the down converter board make a high pitched sound, I'll attempt to identify the source later today.

⟐ Commented 5월 19, 2026 at 3:45 GMT-7

iMac Intel 20": Wifi says it's connected but the internet

Mon, 11 May 2026 07:45:53 -0700

The wif says it's connected to the router but the internet doesn't work

⟐ Commented 5월 11, 2026 at 7:45 GMT-7

iMac Intel 27" EMC 2390: planning to upgrade my 10 years old iMac, help in choosing the parts!

Thu, 07 May 2026 22:33:43 -0700

Hi,,

I am planning to upgrade my iMac (27 inch - mid2010) which is now 10 years old and running on El Capitan 10.11.6 OS. Since its having a good CPU (i7 2.93) I am considering replacing the stock HDD (1TB) to an SSD, and maximising the RAM from 8GB to 32GB.

is this upgrade worth it? and will I notice a different when using it?
for the RAM upgrade, I think this part is the best option (iMac Intel 27" (Core i5 or i7) EMC 2390 (Mid 2010) Memory Maxxer RAM Upgrade Kit)?
for the SSD, I was reviewing this guide (Mac Intel 27" EMC 2390 Hard Drive Replacement), and I am confused about the parts options. the SSD Upgrade Bundle with Crucial MX500 SSD 1TB, or buying 2 TB SSD Segate Hybrid 3.5" Hard Drive with all the required tools separately which will almost cost the same. my concerns are:
- is the two SSD mentioned having the same performance?
- is the two SSD mentioned having the same certification with my iMac?
- is there any drawback for using Segate 2TB over Crucial 1TB?

This is my first time upgrading my iMac, and I really appreciate if you can guide me in selecting the best parts to get the most performance out of it for the longest period.

Regards,

⟐ Answered 5월 07, 2026 at 22:33 GMT-7

iMac Intel 27" Retina 5K Display 2020: SDD ribbon cable replacement

Sat, 02 May 2026 11:48:43 -0700

I have a bare 820-01779-A logic board and am trying to identify a small ribbon cable connector on the screen-facing side of the board. There are no SATA connectors on the heatsink side as seen on 2019 boards. Can anyone identify what this ribbon connector is and whether it has any relation to SATA storage?

⟐ Answered 5월 02, 2026 at 11:48 GMT-7

iMac M1 24": Horizontal lines over iMac 24 screen

Sat, 02 May 2026 00:54:57 -0700

Hi,

I got horizontal lines over the display! During the warranty period they replaced the board ( it blacked out ) and now this is happening. They refused to replace the device saying out of warranty and asked to replace it :-|. They were not even sure that changing the display will fix the issue. I am hesitant to replace the screen as I am better off to buy a new one rather keep repairing the faulty product.

Is there any way to fix it?

Tried
- Reinstall the OS
- External Display = Works fine
- Reseating those 3 cables

Lines kind of flickers, may be some lose cables?

Please help

⟐ Commented 5월 02, 2026 at 0:54 GMT-7

iMac: Testing motherboard with no display?

Fri, 01 May 2026 15:24:55 -0700

I've got several 27" iMac motherboards. I have at least 2 that power up and have the startup sound, however I don't have a working LCD. I have two external monitors and I have a display port to DVI cable but when I connect up the external monitor all I get is either a black screen or a "check signal" message.

What am I missing? I thought the display port should function regardless of the presence of the LCD panel or GPU?

⟐ Commented 5월 01, 2026 at 15:24 GMT-7

iMac Intel 27" Retina 5k Display: Is Velcro or 3M Dual Lock a good substitute for display adhesive?

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 19:06:35 -0700

I have an early 2015 iMac with a fusion drive setup where the SSD expired. I plan to replace it with an SSD and use the hard drive from the configuration in an external enclosure. This is an aging system, though, and at some point I plan to convert the iMac into a monitor, so I'd like to be able to access to the internals without buying another set of adhesive strips. I saw a guide on using magnets for this, but it doesn't include any good way to attach the bottom of the screen. I'd like to know if 3M Dual Lock (a stronger Velcro substitute) is a viable alternative to the adhesive, and if so, how much do I need of it to hold the screen on well?

⟐ Commented 4월 26, 2026 at 19:06 GMT-7

iMac Intel: Lots of old parts - what to do with them?

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 05:55:47 -0700

I have several 27" iMacs in various states of disrepair as a result of repeatedly breaking the LCD on mine. What can I do with the parts?

Ideally I'd love to sell them for whatever I can get cause times are hard right? What can I do besides recycle them?

I have parts for 4 complete 27" 2015 iMacs including cases, power supplies, mother boards, speakers, fans, stands, etc....

Most of the electrical components either dont work or I have no way of testing them. I just want to get them off my desk at this point.

⟐ Answered 4월 25, 2026 at 5:55 GMT-7

iMac Intel 27" Retina 5K Display 2019: Microphone is broken after upgrading ssd

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:15:48 -0700

Any idea where i can get that part?

the ribbon is so fragile, looks like it broke

thanks

After changing the microphone for a new one it is still the same problem, no idea what happened, i was being very careful inserting the flex cable on the board.. when removing the original one i pulled it instead of removing the tiny latch because i did not know

Any idea?

Thanks

⟐ Answer accepted 4월 20, 2026 at 15:15 GMT-7

iMac Intel 27" EMC 2639: Slow Write Speed (2TB Crucial Bx500 SSD) No Matter What

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 12:09:17 -0700

Hello,

I have a late 2013 27" that I replaced the failing HDD with a new 2TB Crucial Bx500 SSD.

Write speeds are an abysmal 20-40MB/s no mattter what.

I have also replaced the SATA cable AND enabled Trim.

I have tried also formatting the drive to exFat and then back to APFS with a clean install of Catalina, and then migrated the data again with migration assistant.

Originally, I thought the drive or cable was bad, so I replaced both again.

The issue persists. Write speeds hover from 20-40 MB/s.

Thank you for your consideration and help. I will be sure to respond as promptly as possible.

⟐ Commented 4월 19, 2026 at 12:09 GMT-7

iMac Intel 21.5" EMC 2428: iMac 2011 only #4 diagnostic LED is lit problem after upgrade

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 07:05:48 -0700

Hi everyone, I am kind of new here so here is my little story which I am having at the moment.
I have been diagnosing my iMac 21 mid 2011 for about a month, and I cannot get it to start back up no matter anything that I've tried and diagnosed, I only get #4 diagnostic LED to lit which is for LCD panel/inverter, nothing else.

First I thought it was the PSU on it's way to failure from age, but purchasing a new replacement didn't made any difference.

Then I've thought the internal connector which goes from power supply to the mb (motherboard) which gives it power and it may have been damaged while I disconnected it from the PSU, and I may have to get it, nothing changed.
But, one interesting thing is that both PSU's giving high pitched noise and "clicks" one or 2 per 3 seconds or so. I can record it as a voice memo if needed.
After that I thought the iMac's chassis may shorting components inside, so I measured voltages with the beeper on multi, everything is fine on that side. (no beeps)

As motherboards rarely fail, I also purchased a replacement, which also did no difference.

I think I have verified everything that could come to my mind, and I simply cannot get it power on no matter what I have tried. I am mostly specialist in laptops, so this is my first attempt and experience on getting inside an iMac.
I really hate throwing electronics away, I always try to diagnose them in every possible way. I have no one to ask and who could assist me in helping with this, as everyone who I know are always with their stuff.

If any more info is needed or I may have something missed during diagnostics, please please let me know, I will very much appreciate it.

⟐ Commented 4월 16, 2026 at 7:05 GMT-7

iMac Intel 27" EMC 2429: How to get rid of iCloud lock?

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 20:06:02 -0700

I have a 2011 iMac but It was iCloud locked and when I go to do a clean install it has an EFI lock. How Can I get rid of this?

⟐ Commented 4월 10, 2026 at 20:06 GMT-7

iMac Intel 21.5": Replacing my ssd drive

Sun, 05 Apr 2026 10:21:47 -0700

My drive is dead. How easy is it to replace (or is it worth replacing)? If I do replace it, can I restore my system from a backup of the drive or do I need to install a new operating system on the new drive? It is a 21.5 “ 2.7GHz Intel i5.

iMac: I have no sound in chrome on my iMac

Sat, 04 Apr 2026 05:38:11 -0700

I currently have no sound in Chrome on my IMAc at startup

⟐ Commented 4월 04, 2026 at 5:38 GMT-7