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upgrading mac (legal?)

Tags:
  • Hardware
  • Mac OS X
  • Macintosh
Last response: in Mac Os X
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January 3, 2014 6:37:24 PM

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?

More about : upgrading mac legal

January 3, 2014 6:40:17 PM

First off, it is your computer and it is yours to change. With that in mind what model of mac is it (is it a macbook air or a pro).
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January 3, 2014 6:45:35 PM

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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January 3, 2014 6:46:25 PM

xroe said:
First off, it is your computer and it is yours to change. With that in mind what model of mac is it (is it a macbook air or a pro).


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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January 3, 2014 6:47:08 PM

It is, although make sure that it is designed to run OSX as it can be quite picky.
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January 3, 2014 6:52:47 PM

guest21 said:
xroe said:
First off, it is your computer and it is yours to change. With that in mind what model of mac is it (is it a macbook air or a pro).


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.



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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January 4, 2014 1:38:15 AM

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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January 4, 2014 6:10:34 AM

Some Apple systems are upgradeable, some aren't; search ifixit.com for the relevant model to see how easy/hard it's likely to be.
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