Apple iMac "Core i5" 2.9 21.5" (Late 2012) Specs
Identifiers: Late 2012 - MD094LL/A - iMac13,1 - A1418 - 2544
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The iMac "Core i5" 2.9 21.5-Inch Aluminum (Late 2012) features a 22 nm Quad Core 2.9 GHz Intel "Core i5" I5-3470S (Ivy Bridge) processor with four independent processor cores on a single chip, a 6 MB shared level 3 cache, 8 GB of 1600 MHz DDR3 SDRAM (which is not intended to be upgraded after purchase), a 1 TB (5400 RPM) hard drive, and a NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M graphics processor with 512 MB of dedicated GDDR5 memory. It also has a built-in "FaceTime HD" webcam and stereo speakers, but lacks an optical drive.
This model has a 21.5" 1920x1080 LED-backlit 16:9 widescreen IPS display with the "cover glass fully laminated to the LCD and anti-reflective coating." The rear of the case is aluminum and is thicker in the middle and tapers to a razor thin 5 mm at the edges.
Connectivity includes four USB 3.0 ports, dual Thunderbolt ports, Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11n, and Bluetooth 4.0.
In addition to a thinner case design, the "Late 2012" iMac models have faster processors, faster architectures, faster RAM (although it cannot be upgraded easily in the 21.5-Inch models), faster graphics, as well as different connectivity than the "Mid-2011" iMac line replaced.
The "Late 2012" iMac models include a compact aluminum Apple Wireless Keyboard and the choice of either a multi-touch "Magic Mouse" or a multi-touch "Magic Trackpad" that "enables users to scroll smoothly up and down a page with inertial scrolling, pinch to zoom in and out, rotate an image with their fingertips and swipe three fingers to flip through a collection of web pages or photos."
Also see:
- What are all the differences between the "Late 2012" Aluminum iMac models?
- What are all the differences between the "Late 2012" Aluminum iMac models and the "Mid-2011" models that they replaced?
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| Introduction Date: |
October 23, 2012 |
Discontinued Date: |
September 24, 2013 |
| Details: |
The "Introduction Date" refers to the date a model was introduced via press release. It shipped on November 30, 2012. The "Discontinued Date" refers to the date a model either was replaced by a subsequent system or production otherwise ended.
Also see: All Macs introduced in 2012. |
| Processors: |
1 (4 Cores) |
Architecture: |
64-Bit |
| Geekbench 2 (32): |
9202 |
Geekbench 2 (64): |
10756 |
| Details: |
Geekbench 2 benchmarks are in 32-bit and 64-bit modes, respectively. These numbers reflect an average of user provided 32-bit and 64-bit results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all 32-bit and 64-bit Geekbench 2 user submissions for Macs with the iMac13,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare Geekbench 2 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Geekbench 3 (32): |
2963 |
Geekbench 3 (32): |
8877 |
| Details: |
These Geekbench 3 benchmarks are in 32-bit mode and are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all 32-bit single core and multicore Geekbench 3 user submissions for Macs with the iMac13,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare 32-bit Geekbench 3 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Geekbench 3 (64): |
3279 |
Geekbench 3 (64): |
9894 |
| Details: |
These Geekbench 3 benchmarks are in 64-bit mode and are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all 64-bit single core and multicore Geekbench 3 user submissions for Macs with the iMac13,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare 64-bit Geekbench 3 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Geekbench 4 (SC): |
3657 |
Geekbench 4 (MC): |
10052 |
| Details: |
These Geekbench 4 benchmarks are are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. All Geekbench 4 benchmarks are 64-bit. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all single core and multicore Geekbench 4 user submissions for Macs with the iMac13,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare Geekbench 4 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Geekbench 5 (SC): |
748 |
Geekbench 5 (MC): |
2349 |
| Details: |
These Geekbench 5 benchmarks are are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. All Geekbench 5 benchmarks for the Mac are 64-bit. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all single core and multicore Geekbench 5 user submissions for Macs with the iMac13,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare Geekbench 5 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Processor Speed: |
2.9 GHz |
Processor Type: |
Core i5 (I5-3470S) |
| Details: |
This model is powered by a 22 nm, 64-bit Intel Core i5 (3470S) "Ivy Bridge" processor with quad cores (four independent processor cores on a single silicon chip, each with one thread). Each core has a dedicated 256k level 2 cache and all processor cores share a single 6 MB level 3 cache. It also supports Turbo Boost 2.0 (up to 3.6 GHz) -- which "automatically boosts the processor speed based on workload" (so if an application is only using one of the four cores it will automatically increase the speed of the core in use and turn off the unused cores).
Also see: How fast are the "Late 2012" Aluminum iMac models compared to one another? How much faster are the "Late 2012" models than the "Mid-2011" models replaced? |
| Turbo Boost: |
3.6 GHz |
Custom Speeds: |
3.1 GHz (Core i7) |
| Details: |
This model additionally can be configured with a 3.1 GHz Quad Core "Core i7" processor (I7-3770S) for an extra US$200. This "Core i7" processor supports Hyper-Threading (it has two threads per core for a total of eight threads for the system) as well as Turbo Boost 2.0 (the system can dynamically increase the processor clockspeed to 3.9 GHz when tasks demand). It has a larger 8 MB level 3 cache, too.
As requested by readers, EveryMac.com also has documented this custom configuration as its own model. |
| Processor Upgrade: |
LGA 1155 (Socket H2)* |
FPU: |
Integrated |
| Details: |
*Officially, Apple provides no information about whether or not the processor in this model can be upgraded and the company does not intend for one to upgrade the processor either. However, the processor is mounted on a LGA 1155 socket and can be physically upgraded.
Also see: Is it possible to upgrade the processor in the "Tapered Edge" Aluminum iMac models? |
| System Bus Speed: |
5 GT/s* |
Cache Bus Speed: |
2.9 GHz (Built-in) |
| Details: |
*This system has a "Direct Media Interface" (DMI) that "connects between the processor and chipset" in lieu of a traditional system bus. Intel reports that it runs at 5 GT/s. |
| ROM/Firmware Type: |
EFI |
EFI Architecture: |
64-Bit |
| L1 Cache: |
32k/32k |
L2/L3 Cache: |
256k (x4), 6 MB |
| Details: |
Each core has its own dedicated 256k level 2 cache and the system has 6 MB of shared level 3 cache. |
| RAM Type: |
PC3-12800 DDR3* |
Min. RAM Speed: |
1600 MHz |
| Details: |
*By default, this system has 8 GB of 1600 MHz DDR3 SDRAM. Apple does not intend for one to upgrade the RAM in this system. However, as first discovered by site sponsor OWC, this system has two SO-DIMM slots (204-pin). Unfortunately, accessing these slots requires one to pry off the display that is glued to the case and remove the logic board.
Also see: How do you upgrade the RAM in the "Late 2012" Tapered Edge Aluminum iMac models? Is it even possible? What type of RAM do they use? How much RAM does each model actually support? |
| Standard RAM: |
8 GB |
Maximum RAM: |
16 GB* |
| Details: |
*8 GB of RAM is standard and it could be upgraded at the time of purchase to 16 GB for an additional US$200. Although Apple does not intend for one to upgrade the RAM after purchase, and doing so is difficult, it is possible.
In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells memory -- as well as other upgrades -- for this iMac.
In the UK, site sponsor Flexx sells memory and other upgrades for this iMac.
In Germany, site sponsor CompuRAM sells memory and other upgrades for this iMac.
In Australia, site sponsor Upgradeable sells memory and other upgrades for this iMac.
Also see: Actual Max RAM of All G3 & Later Macs. |
| Motherboard RAM: |
None |
RAM Slots: |
2* |
| Details: |
*There are two RAM slots, but access is difficult. |
| Video Card: |
GeForce GT 650M |
VRAM Type: |
GDDR5 |
| Details: |
This model has a NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M graphics processor with 512 MB of dedicated GDDR5 memory.
Which "Tapered Edge" iMac have video processors with dedicated memory? Which have integrated memory? |
| Standard VRAM: |
512 MB |
Maximum VRAM: |
512 MB |
| Details: |
This model has 512 MB of dedicated GDDR5 video memory. |
| Built-in Display: |
21.5" 16:9 Widescreen |
Native Resolution: |
1920x1080 |
| Details: |
This model has a 21.5" LED-backlit 16:9 widescreen TFT active matrix display with IPS technology and a native resolution of 1920x1080. Apple also reports that the "cover glass is fully laminated to the LCD and an anti-reflective coating is applied." Previous Aluminum iMac models have the LCD covered by glass. The company no longer reports viewing angle or contrast ratio, however.
In the UK, site sponsor ALB Repair offers component-level logic board repair, display repair, and other repair services for this iMac. No fix, no fee!
In Spain, site sponsor iRepairs provides affordable repair and data recovery services. In-person and by mail repair services include the display, graphics card, motherboard, power supply, and more for this iMac.
In Hong Kong, site sponsor iCertified provides well-reviewed repair services for the display, logic board, water damage, and more, all with a 180-day warranty; free diagnostics and estimates; and optional pickup and delivery for this iMac. |
| 2nd Display Support: |
Dual/Mirroring* |
2nd Max. Resolution: |
2560x1600 (x2) |
| Details: |
*This model can simultaneously support two external displays up to 2560x1600 via Thunderbolt. |
| Standard Storage: |
1 TB HDD |
Std. Storage Speed: |
5400 RPM |
| Details: |
This model additionally could be custom configured with a 1 TB "fusion drive" for an extra US$250. The fusion drive combines a traditional hard drive with 128 GB of flash RAM to offer both significant storage capacity and enhanced performance.
Also see: How do you upgrade the hard drive in the "Tapered Edge" Aluminum iMac models? What type of storage do they support? Is it even possible to upgrade these models?
In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells storage upgrades for this iMac.
In the UK, site sponsor Flexx sells storage upgrades for this iMac.
In Australia, site sponsor Upgradeable sells storage upgrades for this iMac.
Also see: SSD Compatibility Guide for All G3 & Later Macs. |
| Storage Dimensions: |
2.5" (7 mm)* |
Storage Interface: |
Serial ATA (6 Gb/s)* |
| Details: |
*This model has a SATA III (6 Gb/s) connector for a 2.5" hard drive or SSD. If the system is configured with an SSD or a "Fusion Drive" at the time of initial purchase, it also has a dedicated PCIe connection. If was not configured with an SSD or a "Fusion Drive" initially, the PCIe connector is not present and it is not possible to install a second drive later. |
| Standard Optical: |
None* |
Standard Disk: |
None |
| Details: |
*This iMac does not have an internal optical drive. Site sponsor Adorama offers the external Apple USB SuperDrive for US$79. It writes DVD+R DL and DVD-R DL at 4X, DVD-R and DVD+R at 8X, DVD-RW at 6X, DVD+RW at 8X, reads DVD at 8X, writes CD-R at 24X, writes CD-RW at 16X, and reads CD at 24X.
Site sponsor Other World Computing also has a variety of compact external optical drive options that may be of interest, including some with Blu-ray capability.
Also see: What are the full capabilities of the external SuperDrive? Can it be used with other Macs? |
| Standard Modem: |
None |
Standard Ethernet: |
10/100/1000Base-T |
| Standard AirPort: |
802.11a/b/g/n (450 Mbit) |
Standard Bluetooth: |
4.0 |
| Details: |
AirPort Extreme (802.11a/b/g/n) and Bluetooth 4.0 standard. |
| USB Ports: |
4 (3.0) |
Firewire Ports: |
None |
| Details: |
Four USB 3.0 ports. No Firewire port. |
| Expansion Slots: |
SDXC SD Card |
Expansion Bays: |
None |
| Details: |
In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells a wide variety of external expansion options and hand-picked accessories like external storage, stands, keyboards, cables, adapters, speakers, and more for this iMac. |
| Incl. Keyboard: |
Apple Wireless Keyboard |
Incl. Input: |
Magic Mouse/Trackpad |
| Details: |
This model ships with a small aluminum "ultrathin, compact wireless keyboard" (no numeric keypad) and a choice of either the wireless "Magic Mouse", where the "entire top is a seamless multi-touch surface" that allows one to "navigate using intuitive finger gestures" or a wireless "Magic Trackpad" that provides multi-touch input like on a recent Apple notebook.
Also see: How does the "ultra thin" keyboard provided with the "Aluminum" iMac models compare to a more traditional desktop keyboard? How does it feel? |
| Case Type: |
All-in-One |
Form Factor: |
21.5" iMac Late 2012 |
| Details: |
The 21.5-Inch "Late 2012" Aluminum iMac models use a case design with a glass front laminated directly to the LCD and an aluminum back that is thicker in the middle and tapers to a razor thin 5 mm edge. The entire device sits upon an aluminum "foot" that is 6.9 inches (17.5 cm) deep. |
| Apple Order No: |
MD094LL/A |
Apple Subfamily: |
Late 2012 |
| Details: |
The Apple order number should be unique to this system. |
| Apple Model No: |
A1418 (EMC 2544) |
Model ID: |
iMac13,1 |
| Details: |
Please note that these identifiers refer to more than one model.
Also see: All Macs with the A1418 Model Number, the 2544 EMC Number, and the iMac13,1 Model Identifier.
For more about these identifiers and how to locate them on each Mac, please refer to EveryMac.com's Mac Identification section. |
| Battery Type: |
N/A |
Battery Life: |
N/A |
| Pre-Installed MacOS: |
X 10.8.2 (12C3104) |
Maximum MacOS: |
X 10.15.x* |
| Details: |
*This system fully supports the last version of OS X 10.8 "Mountain Lion", OS X 10.9 "Mavericks" and OS X 10.10 "Yosemite", as well as the last version of OS X 10.11 "El Capitan" including Metal graphics acceleration. It is capable of running macOS Sierra (10.12) as well, although it does not support the Auto Unlock feature. This model is capable of running macOS High Sierra (10.13), and it supports HEVC (High-Efficiency Video Coding), but it does not support hardware accelerated HEVC.
This model is compatible with the final version of macOS Mojave (10.14) and the final version of macOS Catalina (10.15), as well. It does not support macOS Big Sur (macOS 11) or later versions of the macOS.
Also see: Which Macs are compatible with macOS Catalina (10.15)? What are the system requirements? What are the major new features? Has anything been removed from previous versions of the macOS? |
| Minimum Windows: |
7 (64-Bit)* |
Maximum Windows: |
10 (64-Bit)* |
| Details: |
*Apple's Boot Camp 5 formally supports the 64-bit version of Windows 7 and Windows 8 and Boot Camp 6 formally supports the 64-bit version of Windows 10. Earlier versions of Windows are not supported. |
| MacOS 9 Support: |
None |
Windows Support: |
Boot/Virtualization |
| Details: |
Also see: Are there any third-party programs to run Mac OS 9/Classic applications on Intel Macs?
For more on running Windows on Intel Macs, please refer to the exhaustive Windows on Mac Q&A. |
| Dimensions: |
17.7 x 20.8 x 6.9 |
Avg. Weight: |
12.5 lbs. (5.68 kg) |
| Details: |
In inches - height by width by depth, (45.0 cm, 52.8 cm, 17.5 cm). |
| Original Price (US): |
US$1499 |
Est. Current Retail: |
US$125-US$200 |
| Details: |
Please note that on average the estimated current retail pricing of used systems is updated twice a year (please refer to the date on the bottom of the page for the date last updated).
Photo Credit: Apple Computer. |
Global original prices for the iMac "Core i5" 2.9 21.5" (Late 2012) in 34 different countries and territories follow; organized alphabetically by region.
For global original prices for Intel Macs in one particular country on a single page, please refer to EveryMac.com's Global Original Prices section.
Original Prices - North & South America
| Canada: |
C$1499 |
Brazil: |
R$6.999 |
| Mexico: |
MXN $24,999 |
United States: |
US$1499 |
Original Prices - Europe
| Austria: |
€1549 |
Belgium: |
€1579 |
| Denmark: |
DKK 12,099 |
Finland: |
€1599 |
| France: |
€1549 |
Germany: |
€1549 |
| Ireland: |
€1599 |
Italy: |
€1579 |
| Luxembourg: |
€1500,70 |
Netherlands: |
€1579 |
| Norway: |
NOK 12.490 |
Portugal: |
€1599 |
| Spain: |
€1579 |
Sweden: |
SEK 14.795 |
| Switzerland: |
CHF 1'699 |
United Kingdom: |
£1249 |
Original Prices - Asia
| China: |
RMB 10,988 |
Hong Kong: |
HK$11,488 |
| India: |
Rs 99,900 |
Indonesia: |
Rp 15,799,000 |
| Japan: |
¥128,800 |
Korea: |
KRW 1,990,000 |
| Malaysia: |
RM 4,599 |
The Philippines: |
PHP 72,990 |
| Singapore: |
S$2,088 |
Taiwan: |
NT$47,900 |
| Thailand: |
THB 49,900 |
Vietnam: |
VND 34,499,000 |
Original Prices - Australia & New Zealand
| Australia: |
A$1698 |
New Zealand: |
NZ$2399 |
If you have additional original prices for this model, please get in touch. Thank you.
Ten of the most popular Q&As about the iMac models follow.
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2 (Thunderbolt) 
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None 
None 
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4 (3.0)
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1 (RJ-45)
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2 (Built-in)
1
1
1
1
None
1
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