History
This page covers all the Apple iMacs with Intel processors. There are 3 main generations of Intel iMacs, the first two came in the same white case as the iMac G5, the last (announced August 2007) changed to a unique Aluminium and Glass look.
Announced in January 2006 alongside the MacBook Pro, the Intel iMac was the first Apple desktop to use the new Intel Core Duo processor. This first range of iMacs could take up to 2GB of RAM. Apple specs for the original model can be found here.
In September 2006 Apple refreshed this line, moving from the Core Duo to the Core 2 Duo processor (claiming a 50% increase in performance for some tasks) and introducing a new mammoth 24" display model. These white Core 2 Duo iMacs could take up to 3GB of RAM. Apple specs here.
In August 2007 the iMac moved to the new Aluminium and Glass case type,
added a FireWire 800 port, dropped the 17" display model and moved
the top of the range 24" model to the 2.8GHz Intel Core Extreme CPU.
These iMacs can take up to 6GB of RAM. Apple specs here.
At the end of April 2008 Apple updated the iMac line again, keeping the Aluminium case but offering updated graphics options, increasing the CPU speed and bumping the front side bus to 1066MHz and the memory bus to 800MHz, meaning that this iMac uses faster RAM than the previous models. Apple specs here.
In March 2009 another revision moved the memory speed up to DDR3 1066MHz
(keeping the front side bus at 1066MHz) with a maximum of 8GB in 2 x 4GB
modules. The FireWire 400 port was dropped, leaving 1 FireWire 800 and
5 USB 2.0 for peripheral devices and the optical drive moved to a SATA
connection. Apple specs here.
In October 2009 Apple released a new update which debuted a massive 27" display
model, available with an option to have the new Intel Core i5
or Core i7 quad-core CPU. Alongside this, at the lower end, a
new 21.5" model
was released with the Core 2 Duo CPU used in earlier models.
Display resolution was also upgraded on both models, with the
27" having
a massive 2560x1440 - the same as the contemporary 30" Apple Cinema
Display! Also this model added 2 extra RAM sockets, making 4
in total, giving a new maximum memory capacity of 16GB in 4 x
4GB modules. Apple specs here.
Importantly, this and subsequent models have an issue with the
hard drive temperature sensor relying on both manufacturer specific
hardware and proprietary Apple firmware on the hard drive, which
requires a third party software solution to resolve.
In July 2010 the line was refreshed, with new 21.5" and 27" models.
This revision dropped the Core 2 Duo from the remaining models,
and used Core i3, i5 and i7 chips for all machines. The graphics
card was also upgraded, and importantly for upgrades, the memory
type was upgraded to DDR3 1333MHz PC10600. The 27" Core i5 and
Core i7 models can use up to 32GB in 4 x 8GB, the other models
max out at 16GB. Apple specs here.
In May 2011 another update, releasing new 21.5" and 27" models.
This model brought the Thunderbolt connection to the iMac line,
upgraded the graphics card, and used quad-core Intel Core i5
and i7 CPUs for all models. All these models can use up to 32GB
in 4 x 8GB DDR3 1333MHz PC10600 modules. Apple specs here.
In August 2011 an Educational only model of iMac was released in the
US. This was sold alongside the May 2011 which were not discontinued.
This machine was released in the smaller 21.5" screen, an Intel
Core i3 CPU, and only has 2 RAM sockets rather than the usual
4. Apple specs here.
In October 2012 Apple announced an update to the iMac range. These machines
came in a new, thinner case, and no optical drive. There are
important changes to their upgradeability. It is considerably
more difficult to upgrade the drives in these models, and while
the 27" has 4 accessible RAM sockets allowing it to take up to
32GB in 4 x 8GB DDR3 1600MHz PC12800 RAM, the RAM in the 21.5"
is not upgradeable beyond the initial 8GB or 16GB it was sold
with. This range of iMacs use Core i5 and i7 processors. Apple
here for the 21.5" and
here for the 27".
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How to Identify these Machines
The white Intel iMac is very distinctive. The only machines that look similar are the earlier iMac G5s. To tell the difference between the G5 and Intel iMacs, open System Profiler and check the CPU type. These newer iMacs also have a mini-DVI video output, rather than the mini-VGA on earlier models.
You can identify between the first and second generation Intel iMacs by looking at the processor type in the System Profile utility - the first generation (Apple specs here) had Core Duo CPUs, the second generation (Apple specs here) had Core 2 Duo CPUs.
The third, forth and fifth generation (Aluminium and Glass) Intel iMacs have a very different casing from the earlier models (see pictures). To distinguish between these two models the simplest way is to check the RAM speed in system profiler (Apple menu > About this Mac, click the "More Info.." button, and select Memory in the left-hand panel).
The third generation (August 2007 - April 2008) uses 667MHz RAM, which should appear in the speed column. Also called PC5300. This was available as a 2GHz and 2.4GHz 20" model, and a 2.4GHz and 2.8GHz 24" version. Apple specs here.
The forth generation (introduced 28th April 2008) uses 800MHz RAM, which should appear in the speed column. Also called PC6400. This was released as a 2.4GHz and 2.6GHz 20" model, and a 2.8GHz and 3.06GHz 24" version. The bus speed on this model was raised to 1066MHz. Apple specs here.
The fifth generation (March 2009) uses DDR3 1066MHz RAM, which should appear in the speed column. Also called PC8500. This was released in a 2.66GHz, 2.93GHz, 3.06GHz configuration. The bus speed in this model is 1066MHz. Apple specs here.
The sixth generation (October 2009) uses DDR3 1066MHz RAM, which should
appear in the speed column. The number of sockets was increased from 2
to 4. This was released in Core 2 Duo 3.06GHz and 3.33GHz (21.5" display)
and Core i5 2.66GHz and Core i7 2.8GHz (27" display) CPUs. Apple
specs here.
The seventh generation (July 2010) uses DDR3 1333MHz RAM, which should
appear in the speed column. This was released in 3.06GHz and
3.2GHz Core i3, and 3.6GHz Core i5 (21.5" display). And 3.2GHz
and 3.6GHz Core i5, 2.8 GHz Core i5 Quad, and 2.93 Core i7 Quad
(27" display) configurations. These models all use ATI Radeon
HD graphics cards from the 4xxx or 5xxx series. Apple specs here.
The eighth generation (May 2011) uses DDR3 1333MHz RAM, which should
appear in the speed column. This was released in quad-core 2.5GHz
and 2.7GHz Core i5, and quad-core 2.8GHz Core i7 (21.5" display).
And quad core 2.7GHz and 3.1Ghz Core i5 and 3.4GHz Core i7 (27"
display). All these models have ATI Radeon HD graphics cards
from the 6xxx series. Apple specs here.
The one-off US Educational-only model (August 2011) uses DDR3 1333MHz
RAM which should appear in the speed column. This was released
with an Intel Core i3 3.1GHz CPU and 21.5" screen only. Apple
specs here.
The ninth generation (Oct 2012) uses DDR3 1600MHz RAM, which should appear
in the speed column, although only the 27" is upgradeable. These
models came in a new, thinner case. There is no access to the
RAM on the 21.5" model, and on the 27" model access is through
a hatch on the back, rather than through the bottom grill as
on all previous models. Apple
here for the 21.5" and here for
the 27".
If you are still unsure you can contact us on 01223 833 412 or by email for
confirmation. If you want to upgrade but aren't happy to install your upgrades
then we can help. Simply ask our engineers for further details.
Memory Upgrades
See the "How To Identify this Mac" section above for information on how to identify which model iMac you have.
Up to 28th April 2008, all Intel iMacs use DDR2-PC2-5300 SODIMM RAM (667MHz), and have 2 slots. The original Core Duo model could take maximum of 2GB, the later Core 2 Duo model could take up to 3GB using 1 x 1GB module and 1 x 2GB.
The first Aluminium and Glass iMacs can take up to 6GB in 1 x 4GB
and 1 x 2GB modules.
The second Aluminium iMac (April 2008) uses DDR2 PC6400 RAM (800MHz),
it has two slots and can take up to 6GB in 1 x 4GB and 1 x 2GB modules.
The third Aluminium iMac (March 2009) uses DDR3 PC8500 RAM (1066MHz), it has two slots each of which can take up to a 4GB module for a maximum of 8GB.
The fourth Aluminium iMac (October 2009) uses DDR3 PC8500 RAM (1066MHz),
it has four slots each of which can take up to a 4GB module for a
maximum of 16GB.
The fifth and sixth Aluminium iMac (July 2010, May 2011) uses DDR3
PC10600 RAM (1333MHz). All 2011 models and the 27" Core i5 and Core
i7 models can use up to 32GB in 4 x 8GB modules. The other 2010 machines
are limited to 16GB.
With the seventh Aluminium iMac (Oct 2012), only the 27" model has
upgradeable memory. For the 27" you can fit DDR3 PC12800 (1600MHz)
memory, it has 4 slots and can take up to 32GB in 4 x 8GB modules.
There is no need to install RAM in matched pairs in any iMac.
Memory is very much a user installable part on the Intel iMac.
| 1 | Suitable for Late 2012 revision - 27" Only. |
| 2 | Suitable for iMacs released after 27th July 2010. |
| 3 | Fine for all 2011 models (have Radeon 6xxx series graphics card). With the 2010 revisions (Radeon 4xxx or 5xxx series graphics) these will only work on the 27" Core i5 and Core i7. |
| 4 | Suitable for iMacs release from 4th March 2009 until 27th July 2010. |
| 5 | Suitable for iMacs released after 28th April 2008 but before 4th March 2009. |
| 6 | Suitable for iMacs released before 28th April 2008. |
| 7 | For pre 28th April 2008 Core 2 Duo models without integrated graphics cards only, not suitable for original Core Duo versions or Core 2 Duo 17in models using the Intel graphics chipset. Only the first Aluminium and Glass model can take 2 of these chips. |
| 8 | Suitable for Aluminium iMacs with a memory bus speed of 667MHz - aluminium models prior to 28th April 2008. |
Any fitting information below is intended as a guide before purchase ONLY, when fitting these products you should refer to the original manual for your computer, and any instructions that come with the item. Please see this page for more information, or here for information on our fitting service.
Difficulty 2 / 5 - Easy
Turn off machine and lie it face down on a soft
cloth to prevent scratching. There is an access panel which allows you to access the RAM slots.
Apple's instructions for fitting memory can be found here for
the White models, and here for
the Aluminium ones prior to October 2009. After October 2009
the iMac had 4 memory sockets, although the install procedure
is virtually identical.For specific instructions for this model,
see chapter 3 of its user
guide.
If you are unsure on how to carry out this procedure our engineers can help. Call on 01223 833412 or email.
CD & DVD Drive Upgrades
All Intel iMacs before the October 2012 revision (which comes with an
external device) came equipped with a SuperDrive optical drive,
which is a slot loading unit on the front top left of the machine.
It is possible to use an External writer via USB 2.0 or FireWire.
| 1 | Suitable for Intel iMacs produced after 4th March 2009 and before Oct 2012 - models which have a memory speed of 1066MHz or 1333MHz faster. |
| 2 | Suitable for iMacs produced from March 2009 and prior to October 2012. |
| 3 | Suitable for Intel iMacs produced before 4th March 2009 - models which have a memory speed of 800MHz or 667MHz. |
Any fitting information below is intended as a guide before purchase ONLY, when fitting these products you should refer to the original manual for your computer, and any instructions that come with the item. Please see this page for more information, or here for information on our fitting service.
Difficulty 5/5 Very Hard
Professional installation recommended.
Internal Hard Drive Upgrades
The internal hard drive in all Intel iMacs prior to the October 2012 revision
can be upgraded to a larger volume. Please note that fitting a hard drive
will invalidate any remaining warranty on these machines unless you get
an Authorised Apple Service Centre to fit the unit.
As well as upgrading the existing hard drive, a second (2.5") drive can
be fitted to most models. In earlier models this requires replacing the
DVD drive, but the 27" 2010 and the 2011 models have a dedicated bay especially
designed to take an SSD. A mounting kit is needed for these later machines
however, unless the machine was supplied with an additional SSD already
fitted as a build to order option when it was first purchased.
Note: The late 2009 iMacs, and subsequent models, have
an issue with the hard drive temperature sensor relying on both manufacturer
specific hardware and proprietary Apple firmware, which
requires a third party software
solution to resolve. This is included in our installation service
for the later iMacs. This is only an issue when replacing the main
hard drive - it does not affect drives added in addition.
The Late 2012 revision drives are technically upgradeable, but it is considerably
harder to do in these models and we do not currently offer drives for them
although we may do so at a later date - please feel free to call us on
01223 833 412 if you would like to discuss a drive upgrade for these machines.
If you don't want to fit a new hard drive yourself, you can take advantage of the MacUpgrades Installation Service. Add the installation service from the list below to your cart along with your chosen hard drive. We can also clone your existing hard drive onto the new one, simply add the Clone Original Hard Drive service below to your cart.
Once you have booked the service, send your machine to us, we will carry out the work and return it to you. Alternatively, we do offer a Collection Service with our courier, please see here for details.
| 1 | If fitting this drive yourself into models from the Late 2009 iMac onwards (all models with 4 RAM sockets), a copy of HDDFan Control should be purchased from the developer to allow correct operation of the hard drive temperature sensor and fans. Professional installation recommended. Not intended for Late 2012 revision. |
| 2 | For specified iMac only. Professional installation strongly recommended. |
| 3 | Suitable for the 27" (only) mid 2010 model and all mid and late 2011 models. |
| 4 | Suitable for Intel iMacs produced before 4th March 2009 - models which have a memory speed of 800MHz or 667MHz. IMPORTANT: This caddy allows you to fit any 2.5" SATA hard drive into the optical drive bay. These hard drives are used by Intel Mac laptops such as the MacBook and MacBook Pro and can be found on the pages for those machines. It will not fit the drives listed on this Mac\'s page. |
| 5 | Suitable for iMacs produced from March 2009 and prior to October 2012. |
Any fitting information below is intended as a guide before purchase ONLY, when fitting these products you should refer to the original manual for your computer, and any instructions that come with the item. Please see this page for more information, or here for information on our fitting service.
Difficulty 5 / 5 - Very Hard
We recommend professional installation for replacing the hard drive in the Intel iMac. We can sell you a drive to install yourself, but we cannot provide help for the installation process.
Please note that installing this drive yourself will invalidate any remaining Apple warranty.
Graphics Card Upgrades
The graphics card in your Intel iMac is part of the main logic board. Unfortunately therefore it is
not possible to increase or change the graphics card.
There are no graphics card upgrades available for these Macs
Expansion Card Upgrades
Your Intel iMac has no available PCMCIA or PCI sockets for connectivity expansion, it does have a slot for an Airport Extreme card - all models of this machine were sold with a card fitted as standard.
| 1 | Only suitable for models with a Thunderbolt port. |
Any fitting information below is intended as a guide before purchase ONLY, when fitting these products you should refer to the original manual for your computer, and any instructions that come with the item. Please see this page for more information, or here for information on our fitting service.
All Intel iMacs were sold with Airport Extreme as standard.
You would only need this card to replace a failed unit.
Keyboards & Mice
The following keyboards and mice are compatible with this Mac.
Any fitting information below is intended as a guide before purchase ONLY, when fitting these products you should refer to the original manual for your computer, and any instructions that come with the item. Please see this page for more information, or here for information on our fitting service.
Difficulty 1 / 5 - Very Easy
Keyboards plug into the relevant port on your Mac. Mice can either be plugged into your keyboard, or they can be plugged directly into your Mac.
Power Supplies & Batteries
Listed below are power supplies, batteries and related products
we supply for this Mac.
Any fitting information below is intended as a guide before purchase ONLY, when fitting these products you should refer to the original manual for your computer, and any instructions that come with the item. Please see this page for more information, or here for information on our fitting service.
Cables & Tools
Listed below are power cables, tools and related products
we supply for this Mac.
| 1 | Only suitable for later models of the Mac (those with a FireWire 800 port). |
Any fitting information below is intended as a guide before purchase ONLY, when fitting these products you should refer to the original manual for your computer, and any instructions that come with the item. Please see this page for more information, or here for information on our fitting service.
External Hard Drive Upgrades
This Mac can use any of the following external hard drives.
Please note that the March 2009 revision removed the FireWire 400 ports so to use a FireWire 400 only drive you will need an adapter or a 6pin - 9pin FireWire cable.
| 1 | Requires Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard) or later. |
Any fitting information below is intended as a guide before purchase ONLY, when fitting these products you should refer to the original manual for your computer, and any instructions that come with the item. Please see this page for more information, or here for information on our fitting service.
Difficulty 1 / 5 - Very Easy
Install any supplied software and connect the new device.
You will need to format the drive before use. This is done with the "Drive Setup" utility, which can be found in Applications > Utilities.
