[SOLVED] upgrading mac (legal?)

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guest21

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Jun 28, 2013
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I'm new to mac and was wondering if it's legal to change the hardware in a mac. If it is, what parts can be legally changed?

 
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Ijack
Legal - of course - but it will void any warranty unless it is one of the parts that Apple approve for user upgrade. For example, on my Mac Mini there would be no problem in upgrading the RAM but if I tried changing the processor then any chance of repairs under warranty, or goodwill, from Apple would be out the window.
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SchizTech

SchizTech

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Jan 16, 2011
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FBI agents will swarm you the moment you approach it with a screwdriver

No, it's legal, but depending on the model the options are limited. Most Macs (laptop or desktop) have the CPU soldered directly to the mainboard. RAM or HDD can be upgraded, though if it's an iMac it can be a pain to get inside (depending on specific model though some made the RAM easily accessible). Only older Mac Pro models have replaceable GPUs while the entire consumer lineup is stuck with whatever GPU it shipped with.
 
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guest21

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I just wanted to make sure
Also, if I put a new hard drive into the computer, is it legal for me to put mac os x back on it.

 
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SchizTech

SchizTech

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You can put back the same version it came with, which is fully supported. Of course there's nothing that would stop you from putting a newer version (whatever that mac supports) since there's no product key or activation as in Windows. Apple might not always officially support it if you don't buy the upgrade (though they've made the last one free anyway) but they do nothing at all to stop or prevent it; unlike MS they're predominantly a hardware company.
 
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Ijack

Ijack

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Legal - of course - but it will void any warranty unless it is one of the parts that Apple approve for user upgrade. For example, on my Mac Mini there would be no problem in upgrading the RAM but if I tried changing the processor then any chance of repairs under warranty, or goodwill, from Apple would be out the window.
 
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