Apple iMac "Core 2 Duo" 2.26 20" (Mid-2009) Specs
Identifiers: Mid-2009 (Edu) - MC015LL/B* - iMac9,1 - A1224 - 2316
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Quietly introduced without a press release, the iMac "Core 2 Duo" 2.26 20-Inch Aluminum (Mid-2009/Education Only) -- which only was available for sale to educational institutions -- features a 2.26 GHz Intel "Core 2 Duo" processor, with two independent processor "cores" on a single silicon chip, a 3 MB shared level 2 cache, a 1066 MHz system bus, 1 or 2 GB of 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM (2 GB starting May 3, 2011), a 160 GB (7200 RPM) hard drive, a vertically-mounted slot-loading DVD±R DL "SuperDrive", NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics with 128 MB of memory shared with the system, a built-in iSight video camera, and built-in stereo speakers underneath the 20" glossy TFT Active Matrix LCD (1680x1050 native) display.
Connectivity includes four USB 2.0 ports, a Firewire "800" port, built-in AirPort Extreme, and Gigabit Ethernet, as well as a Mini DisplayPort, which supports an external display in "extended desktop" mode. Note that it does not provide internal support for Bluetooth.
Compared to the iMac "Core 2 Duo" 2.0 20-Inch (Mid-2009) that it replaced, this model has a faster processor, but otherwise is identical. Starting on May 3, 2011, Apple changed the order number to MC015LL/C and increased the standard RAM to 2 GB.
Please also note that although this model first was shipped in 2010, Apple commonly refers to it as a "Mid-2009" model in documentation.
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- Tech Specs
- Ports
- Global Original Prices
- Popular Q&As
Click on a category for related details. The most commonly needed info is "open" by default, but all info is important. Asterisks (*) reference data in details fields.
| Introduction Date: |
March 4, 2010* |
Discontinued Date: |
March 7, 2012 |
| Details: |
The "Introduction Date" typically refers to the date a model was introduced via press release although no press release was issued for this model. The "Discontinued Date" refers to the date a model either was replaced by a subsequent system or production otherwise ended.
*On May 3, 2011, Apple boosted the standard RAM to 2 GB and changed the order number to MC015LL/C.
Also see: All Macs introduced in 2010. |
| Processors: |
1 (2 Cores) |
Architecture: |
64-Bit |
| Geekbench 2 (32): |
3235 |
Geekbench 2 (64): |
3558 |
| 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 iMac9,1 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): |
1288 |
Geekbench 3 (32): |
2248 |
| 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 iMac9,1 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: |
When last updated, Geekbench 3 only provided sufficient 32-bit performance data for 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 iMac9,1 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): |
1567 |
Geekbench 4 (MC): |
2595 |
| 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 iMac9,1 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): |
283 |
Geekbench 5 (MC): |
532 |
| 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 iMac9,1 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: |
2.26 GHz |
Processor Type: |
Core 2 Duo (P7550) |
| Details: |
All Intel "Core 2 Duo" processors include two independent processor "cores" on a single silicon chip. |
| Turbo Boost: |
N/A |
Custom Speeds: |
N/A |
| Processor Upgrade: |
Soldered* |
FPU: |
Integrated |
| Details: |
*Officially, Apple provides no support for upgrading the processor in any Intel-based iMac models, but many models have the processor socket-mounted which makes upgrading the processor feasible. As this model has much in common with the "Early 2009" Mac mini, which has the processor soldered to the motherboard, it seems probable that this model does as well. |
| System Bus Speed: |
1066 MHz |
Cache Bus Speed: |
2.26 GHz (Built-in) |
| Details: |
1066 MHz frontside bus. |
| ROM/Firmware Type: |
EFI |
EFI Architecture: |
64-Bit |
| L1 Cache: |
32k/32k |
L2/L3 Cache: |
3 MB (on chip) |
| Details: |
Includes a 3 MB shared "on chip" level 2 cache that runs at processor speed. |
| RAM Type: |
PC3-8500 DDR3 |
Min. RAM Speed: |
1066 MHz |
| Details: |
Supports 1066 MHz PC3-8500 DDR3 SO-DIMMs (204-pin).
Also see: How do you upgrade the RAM in this Aluminum iMac model? How much RAM does it actually support? |
| Standard RAM: |
1 GB, 2 GB* |
Maximum RAM: |
8 GB |
| Details: |
*By default, 1 GB of RAM was installed as a single 1 GB SO-DIMM module prior to May 3, 2011 with one slot free. Starting May 3, 2011, 2 GB of RAM was installed as two 1 GB SO-DIMM modules.
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: |
This model supports two 2 GB modules -- one in each slot for a maximum of 4 GB of memory. |
| Video Card: |
GeForce 9400M |
VRAM Type: |
Integrated |
| Details: |
This model has a NVIDIA GeForce 9400M that shares memory with the system.
Also see: What type of video processor is provided by the Aluminum iMac systems? Is it upgradable? |
| Standard VRAM: |
128 MB |
Maximum VRAM: |
128 MB |
| Details: |
Apple reports that "memory available to Mac OS X may vary depending on graphics needs" and that the minimum graphics usage is 128 MB with this model. |
| Built-in Display: |
20.0" Widescreen |
Native Resolution: |
1680x1050 |
| Details: |
This model has a 20.0" "glossy" TFT widescreen active matrix display with a native resolution of 1680x1050. Apple also reports a "typical" brightness of 290 cd/m2, contrast ratio of 800:1, and viewing angle of 160 degrees horizontal and 160 degrees vertical.
Also see: What are the differences between the displays used in the Intel-based "Aluminum" and "White" iMac models? What is the viewable angle and the brightness of each?
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.
|
| 2nd Display Support: |
Dual/Mirroring |
2nd Max. Resolution: |
2560x1600 |
| Details: |
Apple reports that this model simultaneously supports the native resolution of the built-in display and up-to a 30-inch external display (2560x1600). |
| Standard Storage: |
160 GB HDD |
Std. Storage Speed: |
N/A |
| Storage Dimensions: |
3.5" (26.10 mm) |
Storage Interface: |
Serial ATA (3 Gb/s) |
| Details: |
This model holds a single 3.5" SATA II (3 Gb/s) hard drive or SSD. |
| Standard Optical: |
8X DL "SuperDrive" |
Standard Disk: |
None |
| Details: |
Apple reports that the slot-loading 8X "SuperDrive" with 4X double-layer burning (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW) "writes DVD+R DL discs at up to 4x speed, writes DVD-R and DVD+R discs at up to 8x speed, writes DVD-RW at up to 6x and DVD+RW discs at up to 8x speed, reads DVDs at up to 8x speed, writes CD-R discs at up to 24x speed, writes CD-RW discs at up to 16x speed, [and] reads CDs at up to 24x speed."
Site sponsor Other World Computing offers a "Data Doubler" mounting kit that may be of interest. It makes it simple to install a second hard drive or SSD in the optical drive bay of this iMac. |
| Standard Modem: |
None |
Standard Ethernet: |
10/100/1000Base-T |
| Details: |
External Apple USB Modem offered for US$49. |
| Standard AirPort: |
802.11a/b/g/n |
Standard Bluetooth: |
None |
| Details: |
AirPort Extreme (802.11a/b/g/n) standard. This model does not support internal Bluetooth.
Also see: What is 802.11n? How is it different from 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11a? |
| USB Ports: |
4 (2.0) |
Firewire Ports: |
1 (800) |
| Details: |
Four USB 2.0 ports and one Firewire "800" port (7 watts). Apple advertises that this system has "six" USB 2.0 ports, counting four on the system and two on the keyboard. |
| Expansion Slots: |
None |
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 Keyboard* |
Incl. Input: |
Mighty Mouse |
| Details: |
*By default, this model comes with a small aluminum "ultrathin, compact wired keyboard" that lacks the numerical keypad.
Also see: How does the "ultra thin" keyboard provided with the "Aluminum" iMac Core 2 Duo models compare to a more traditional desktop keyboard? How does it feel? |
| Case Type: |
All-in-One |
Form Factor: |
iMac Core 2 Duo (2009) |
| Details: |
The "Early 2009" and "Mid-2009" iMac "Core 2 Duo" models use an all-in-one "aluminum and glass" enclosure on an aluminum stand that is essentially the same as the previous "Aluminum" iMac models, but the "supporting foot" is tapered toward the front rather than squared off. |
| Apple Order No: |
MC015LL/B* |
Apple Subfamily: |
Mid-2009 (Edu) |
| Details: |
*The MC015LL/B order number refers to this model as originally shipped with 1 GB of RAM. On May 3, 2011, Apple began to install 2 GB of RAM standard and changed the order number to MC015LL/C. |
| Apple Model No: |
A1224 (EMC 2316) |
Model ID: |
iMac9,1 |
| Details: |
Please note that these identifiers refer to more than one model.
Also see: All Macs with the A1224 Model Number, the 2316 EMC Number, and the iMac9,1 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 10.5.8 |
Maximum MacOS: |
X 10.11.6* |
| Details: |
*If at least 2 GB of RAM is installed, 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" except for Power Nap and AirPlay Mirroring functionality (which also requires an Apple TV 2nd Gen or later). It does support Mac-to-Mac AirDrop capability, but not AirDrop to iOS. Running OS X 10.11 "El Capitan" it does not support Metal graphics acceleration. It is not supported running macOS Sierra (10.12) or subsequent versions of the macOS at all.
Please note that OS X "Lion" 10.7 and subsequent versions of OS X are not capable of running Mac OS X apps originally written for the PowerPC processor as these operating systems do not support the "Rosetta" environment. To run PowerPC applications on this Mac, it will be necessary to use Mac OS X 10.6 "Snow Leopard" or earlier.
Also see: Which Macs are compatible with OS X El Capitan (10.11)? What are the system requirements? Which Macs support which features? |
| Minimum Windows: |
XP SP2 (32-Bit)* |
Maximum Windows: |
7 (32-Bit)* |
| Details: |
*Apple's Boot Camp 4 formally supports the 32-bit versions of Windows XP SP2, Windows Vista, and Windows 7. However, the system does meet Microsoft's minimum requirements for Windows 8 and readers have reported successfully running the 32-bit version of this operating system with appropriate drivers. |
| 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: |
18.5 x 19.1 x 7.4 |
Avg. Weight: |
20 lbs. (9.1 kg) |
| Details: |
In inches - height by width by depth, (46.9 cm, 48.5 cm, 18.9 cm). |
| Original Price (US): |
US$899* |
Est. Current Retail: |
US$50-US$100 |
| Details: |
*Please note that this model was limited to purchase by educational institutions only and could not be purchased by individuals, even those entitled to make educational purchases.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. |
Global original prices for the iMac "Core 2 Duo" 2.26 20" (Mid-2009) 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$949 |
Brazil: |
N/A |
| Mexico: |
N/A |
United States: |
US$899* |
Original Prices - Europe
| Austria: |
N/A |
Belgium: |
N/A |
| Denmark: |
N/A |
Finland: |
N/A |
| Luxembourg: |
N/A |
Netherlands: |
N/A |
| Norway: |
N/A |
Portugal: |
N/A |
| Switzerland: |
N/A |
United Kingdom: |
N/A |
Original Prices - Asia
| China: |
N/A |
Hong Kong: |
N/A |
| India: |
N/A |
Indonesia: |
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.
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1 (Mini DisplayPort) 
None 
None 
None 
None
None
4 (2.0)
1 (800)
1 (RJ-45)
None
None
1 (Built-in)
1
1
1
1
None
1
None