Hello everyone
I want to upgrade my iMac CPU which is currently a 3.0 GHz Intel Core i5.
The iMac in question is a 27 inch, 2019 model with Radeon Pro 570X GPU.
I already bought i9 9900KS on Amazon. Can i install this CPU in to it ?
Thanks for reading
I'm sorry this is such a late reply, however there is no direct answer here. I want to confirm for you, that both the i9 9900K and the i7 9700K are compatible. I cannot vouch for the i9 9900KS though. I'd recommend getting a i9 9900K and installing that. It's just a bit more expensive than the i7 and has 16 threads vs 8. The i5 is only 65W power, and the i7 and i9 are 95W, but Apple uses the exact same power boards for each, so the i5 just sips less power, but the machine can handle the larger power draw without issue. They also use the same cooling fans and vents. Really, the i5 model is just underutilizing what the machine can otherwise do.
I bought a refurbished, base model iMac 27" i5 8500 for super cheap and performed both the i9 CPU upgrade, added 32GB RAM (this can be done without hassle and is an intended upgrade by Apple), and SSD upgrade (do this while you have everything open) and saved thousands off what Apple would have charged for those upgrades. The CPU upgrade requires removing a lot of stuff, but overall, it's very easy if you've built a PC before. My attempt at this was born both from curiosity and the desire to "stick it to Apple's" insanely expensive upgrade prices from the factory. This obviously voids your warranty, but if you're able to perform the CPU upgrade, you'll be able to replace anything that breaks, and self warranty your system anyway.
You can also make a hefty profit selling upgraded machines on eBay if your so inclined
In summary, get a i9 9900K and the largest SSD you can and install both while your at it. You'll have nearly an iMac Pro (especially if you use an eGPU) for fractions of the cost. In some cases, your machine will even out-perform the iMac Pro as eGPUs can offer better options than even the Vegas Apple ships with those models.