Apple iMac G3/500 (Summer 2001 - I/S) Specs

Identifiers: iMac - Summer 2001 - M8582LL/A* - PowerMac4,1 - M5521 - 1857

All iMac Models | All 2001 Models | Dynamically Compare This Mac to Others

Download: PDF Manual

The Apple iMac G3/500 (Summer 2001 - Indigo/Snow) features a 500 MHz PowerPC 750cx (G3) processor with a 256k on-chip level 2 cache, 64 MB or 128 MB of RAM, a 20.0 GB Ultra ATA hard drive, a slot loading 24X CD-ROM or 8X/4X/24X CD-RW drive, ATI Rage 128 Ultra (AGP 2X) graphics with 16 MB of VRAM, a Harmon-Kardon designed sound system, and Firewire "400" ports packed into a translucent "indigo" (pictured) or "snow" all-in-one case design with a 15-inch CRT display.

There were at least three configurations of the iMac G3/500 (Summer 2001 - Indigo/Snow) model released for the North American consumer market (with others released internationally and for education). As originally introduced on July 18, 2001, it was configured with 128 MB of RAM and a 8X/4X/24X CD-RW drive and sold for US$999. On October 1, 2001, a lower-end configuration was introduced -- offered only in indigo -- equipped with 64 MB of RAM and a 24X CD-ROM drive for US$799.

On January 7, 2002, corresponding with the introduction of the iMac G4/700 (Flat Panel), the original indigo and snow models were discontinued and the low-end model had its standard RAM boosted to 128 MB. It also began shipping with MacOS X 10.1 selected as the default operating system, although MacOS 9 also was pre-installed.

Please note that Apple decided to refer to this line as the "Summer 2001" series, which refers to Summer in the Northern Hemisphere.

Also see: What are the differences between the final "Summer 2001" iMac G3 models?

Despite the age of this system, site sponsor Other World Computing has RAM, hard drives, SSDs, and other upgrades available for this specific iMac while supplies last.

• Tech Specs
• Ports
• Global Original Prices
• Popular Q&As

Click on the category for related details. The most commonly needed info is "open" by default, but all info is important.

Expand All Details | Contract All Details

Introduction Date:

July 18, 2001*

Discontinued Date:

March 18, 2003*

Details:

*On July 18, 2001, this model was introduced with 128 MB of RAM and a CD-RW drive. On On October 1, 2001, a lower-end configuration -- offered only in indigo -- was introduced with 64 MB of RAM and a CD-ROM drive. On January 7, 2002, the original configuration was discontinued and the lower-end configuration had its RAM boosted to 128 MB. The "Introduction Date" generally refers to the date a model was introduced via press release. 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 2001.

Processors:

1

Architecture:

32-Bit

Details:

Also see: All models with a 32-Bit processor courtesy of EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Sort.

Geekbench 2 (32):

257

Geekbench 2 (64):

N/A

Details:

This model only is compatible with the 32-bit Geekbench 2 benchmark. 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 PowerMac4,1 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):

N/A

Geekbench 3 (32):

N/A

Details:

The Geekbench 3 benchmark does not support this model. 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 PowerMac4,1 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):

N/A

Geekbench 3 (64):

N/A

Details:

The Geekbench 3 benchmark does not support this model. 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 PowerMac4,1 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.

Processor Speed:

500 MHz

Processor Type:

PowerPC 750cx (G3)

Details:

N/A

Turbo Boost:

N/A

Custom Speeds:

N/A

Details:

N/A

Processor Upgrade:

Soldered

FPU:

Integrated

Details:

The processor is soldered to the motherboard in this model. Also see: Is the CPU on the iMac G3 upgradable? How is it mounted? Are third-party processor upgrades available?

System Bus Speed:

100 MHz

Cache Bus Speed:

500 MHz (Built-in)

Details:

N/A

ROM/Firmware Type:

Open Firmware

EFI Architecture:

N/A

Details:

The Boot ROM is roughly 1 MB, other instructions are loaded into RAM.

L1 Cache:

64k

L2/L3 Cache:

256k (on chip)

Details:

Includes a 256k "on chip" level 2 cache that runs at processor speed.

RAM Type:

PC100 SDRAM

Min. RAM Speed:

10 ns

Details:

Officially uses 168-pin PC100 SDRAM memory modules, but PC133 SDRAM is backwards compatible and may be used as well. Also see: How do you upgrade the RAM in the iMac G3 models? How much RAM of what type do these systems support?

Standard RAM:

64 MB, 128 MB*

Maximum RAM:

1 GB

Details:

*Originally sold with 128 MB of RAM. On October 1, 2001, a lower-end configuration -- offered only in indigo -- was introduced with 64 MB of RAM. On January 7, 2002, the original configuration was discontinued and the lower-end configuration had its RAM boosted to 128 MB. In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells memory -- as well as other upgrades -- for this iMac. In Germany, site sponsor CompuRAM sells RAM and other upgrades for this iMac. Also see: Actual Max RAM of All G3 & Later Macs.

Motherboard RAM:

None

RAM Slots:

2

Details:

N/A

Video Card:

Rage 128 Ultra

VRAM Type:

SDRAM

Details:

ATI Rage 128 Ultra (AGP 2X) video with 16 MB of VRAM. Also see: What type of video processor is provided by the iMac G3 models? Is it upgradable?

Standard VRAM:

16 MB

Maximum VRAM:

16 MB

Details:

The video cannot be upgraded.

Built-in Display:

15.0" (13.8")

Native Resolution:

800x600*

Details:

*15.0" (13.8" viewable area) display supports 640x480 at 117 Hz, 800x600 at 95 Hz, and 1024x768 at 75 Hz.

2nd Display Support:

Mirroring Only

2nd Max. Resolution:

1024x768*

Details:

*This iMac model can display an image identical to that shown on the built-in display at the same resolution.

Standard Storage:

20.0 GB HDD

Std. Storage Speed:

N/A

Details:

Also see: How do you replace or upgrade the hard drive in the iMac G3 models? Do these models support "big drives"? In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells storage upgrades for this iMac. Also see: SSD Compatibility Guide for All G3 & Later Macs.

Storage Dimensions:

3.5" (25.4 mm)

Storage Interface:

Ultra ATA

Details:

This model supports a single internal 3.5" Ultra ATA hard drive. It does not support hard drives larger than 128 GB.

Standard Optical:

24X CD, 4X CD-RW*

Standard Disk:

None

Details:

Originally configured with a slot loading CD-RW drive capable of writing CD-R at 8X, CD-RW at 4X, and reading CD-ROM at 24X. On October 1, 2001, a lower-end configuration -- offered only in indigo -- was introduced with a 24X slot loading CD-ROM drive. Also see: What are the capabilities of the optical drive provided by the iMac G3 models? How do you replace or upgrade the optical drive?

Standard Modem:

56.6k (Internal)

Standard Ethernet:

10/100Base-T

Details:

N/A

Standard AirPort:

802.11b (Optional)

Standard Bluetooth:

None

Details:

Internal support for AirPort (802.11b), but not pre-installed. Adapter needed. Also see: Which iMac G3 models support AirPort? How do you install or replace the AirPort card?

USB Ports:

2 (1.1)

Firewire Ports:

2 (400)

Details:

This system has two USB 1.1 ports and two Firewire "400" ports. Also see: Which iMac G3 models have Firewire "400" ports?

Expansion Slots:

AirPort

Expansion Bays:

None

Details:

N/A

Incl. Keyboard:

Apple Pro Keyboard

Incl. Input:

Apple Pro Mouse

Details:

N/A

Case Type:

All-in-One

Form Factor:

iMac (Slot Loading)

Details:

All-in-one case design offered in indigo (dark blue) or snow (white). Also see: Which iMac G3 models were offered in which colors? How many colors were available in total?

Apple Order No:

M8582LL/A*

Apple Subfamily:

iMac - Summer 2001

Details:

Indigo was assigned model number M8582LL/A, and snow was assigned model number M8490LL/A.

Apple Model No:

M5521 (EMC 1857)

Model ID:

PowerMac4,1

Details:

Please note that these identifiers refer to more than one model. Also see: All Macs with the M5521 Model Number, the 1857 EMC Number, and the PowerMac4,1 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:

3.6V Lithium

Battery Life:

N/A

Details:

N/A

Pre-Installed MacOS:

9.1, X 10.0.4*

Maximum MacOS:

X 10.4.11

Details:

*Later models shipped with MacOS 9.2 and a subsequent version of MacOS X. Models shipped starting January 7, 2002 had MacOS X 10.1 selected as the default, although MacOS 9.2 still was pre-installed. This system cannot run versions of MacOS X more recent than 10.4.11.

Minimum Windows:

N/A

Maximum Windows:

N/A

Details:

MacOS 9 Support:

Boot/Classic Mode

Windows Support:

Emulation Only

Details:

This model is capable of booting in Mac OS 9 and using Mac OS 9 applications within the Mac OS X "Classic" environment.

Dimensions:

15.0 x 15.0 x 17.1

Avg. Weight:

34.7 lbs. (15.7 kg)

Details:

*In inches - height x width x depth (38.1 cm x 38.1 cm x 43.4 cm).

Original Price (US):

US$799, US$999*

Est. Current Retail:

N/A

Details:

*Originally configured with 128 MB of RAM and a 8X/4X/24X CD-RW drive for US$999. Subsequently equipped with 64 MB or 128 MB of RAM and a 24X CD-ROM drive for US$799. 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.

Click on a category for additional details. The most commonly needed info is "open" by default, but all info is important. The icons correspond with the icons for each port on the computer.

Expand All Details | Contract All Details

Video (Monitor):

1 (VGA)

Floppy (Ext.):

None

Details:

N/A

ADB:

None

SCSI:

None

Details:

N/A

Serial (Standard):

None

Serial (Geoport):

None

Details:

N/A

USB:

2 (1.1)

Firewire:

2 (400)

Details:

This system has two USB 1.1 ports and two Firewire "400" ports. Also see: Which iMac G3 models have Firewire "400" ports?

Modem:

1 (RJ-11)

Ethernet:

1 (RJ-45)

Details:

N/A

S-Video Input:

None

S-Video Output:

None

Details:

N/A

Microphone:

1 (Built-in)

Sound In:

1

Details:

N/A

Sound Out:

1

Headphone:

2

Details:

16-bit stereo sound out jack and two front mounted headphone jacks.

Security (Lock):

None

Joystick (PC):

None

Details:

N/A

Power:

1

Power Adapter:

N/A

Details:

100V to 260V AC, 150W maximum.

Global original prices for the iMac G3/500 (Summer 2001 - I/S) 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:

N/A

Mexico:

N/A

United States:

US$799, US$999*

Original Prices - Europe

Austria:

N/A

Belgium:

N/A

Denmark:

N/A

Finland:

N/A

France:

N/A

Germany:

N/A

Ireland:

N/A

Italy:

N/A

Luxembourg:

N/A

Netherlands:

N/A

Norway:

N/A

Portugal:

N/A

Spain:

N/A

Sweden:

N/A

Switzerland:

N/A

United Kingdom:

£799

Original Prices - Asia

China:

RMB 11,300

Hong Kong:

N/A

India:

N/A

Indonesia:

N/A

Japan:

¥119,800

Korea:

N/A

Malaysia:

N/A

The Philippines:

N/A

Singapore:

N/A

Taiwan:

N/A

Thailand:

N/A

Vietnam:

N/A

Original Prices - Australia & New Zealand

Australia:

N/A

New Zealand:

N/A

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.

Permalink | Report an Error/Typo | Sign Up for Site Update Notices

<< iMac (Home) | Also see: iMac FAQ

Established in 1996, EveryMac.com has been created by experts with decades of experience with Apple hardware. EveryMac.com includes, and always has included, original research incorporating detailed, hands-on inspection of packaging, computers, and devices as well as extensive real-world use. All information is provided in good faith, but no website or person is perfect. Accordingly, EveryMac.com is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind whatsoever. EveryMac.com, and the authors thereof, shall not be held responsible or liable, under any circumstances, for any damages resulting from the use or inability to use the information within. For complete disclaimer and copyright information please read and understand the Terms of Use and the Privacy Policy before using EveryMac.com. Copying, scraping, or use of any content without expressed permission is not allowed, although links to any page are welcomed and appreciated.

Contact - EveryMac.com - Kyle Media LLC - Advertising Info - All Rights Reserved - Copyright © 1996