Apple iMac "Core 2 Duo" 3.06 24" (Early 2008) Specs
Identifiers: Early 2008 - MB398LL/A - iMac8,1 - A1225 - 2211
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The iMac "Core 2 Duo" 3.06 24-Inch Aluminum (Early 2008/Penryn) features a 3.06 GHz Intel "Core 2 Duo" processor (E8435), with two independent processor "cores" on a single silicon chip, a 6 MB shared level 2 cache, a 1066 MHz system bus, 2 GB of RAM (800 MHz DDR2 SDRAM, PC2-6400), a 500 GB (7200 RPM) Serial ATA hard drive, a vertically-mounted slot-loading DVD±R DL "SuperDrive", NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GS graphics acceleration with 512 MB of GDDR3 memory, a built-in iSight video camera, and built-in stereo speakers underneath the 24" glossy TFT Active Matrix LCD (1920x1200 native) display.
Connectivity includes three USB 2.0 ports, a Firewire "400" port and a Firewire "800" port, built-in AirPort Extreme, and Gigabit Ethernet, as well as mini-DVI, which supports an external display in "extended desktop" mode.
Externally, the iMac "Core 2 Duo" Aluminum (Early 2008/Penryn) models essentially are the same as the original Aluminum models that these replaced, with the same housing and glass cover that "joins precisely to the aluminum enclosure creating a virtually seamless front surface". The Early 2008/Penryn models, likewise, are paired with the same "ultra-thin alumium" Apple Keyboard (0.33 inches at the front edge).
Internally, however, the "Early 2008/Penryn" revision of the "Aluminum Core 2 Duo" models have faster and more energy-efficient 45 nm "Penryn" processors -- compared to 65 nm "Merom" processors in the original "Aluminum" models -- larger level 2 caches (6 MB compared to 4 MB), faster frontside buses (1066 MHz compared to 800 MHz), and faster memory (PC2-6400 compared to PC2-5300). Some configurations shipped with more default memory as well.
Although it was announced as a "build-to-order" option for the iMac "Core 2 Duo" 2.8 24-Inch (08), this model also was available as a standard configuration direct from Apple and from Apple Authorized Resellers.
Also see:
- What are the differences between the "Early 2008/Penryn" Aluminum iMac Core 2 Duo models?
- How do the "Early 2008/Penryn" Aluminum iMac Core 2 Duo models compare to the original Aluminum models that preceded them?
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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: |
April 28, 2008 |
Discontinued Date: |
March 3, 2009 |
| Details: |
The "Introduction Date" 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 2008. |
| Processors: |
1 (2 Cores) |
Architecture: |
64-Bit |
| Geekbench 2 (32): |
4113 |
Geekbench 2 (64): |
4602 |
| 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 iMac8,1 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): |
1644 |
Geekbench 3 (32): |
2910 |
| 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 iMac8,1 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): |
1803 |
Geekbench 3 (64): |
3247 |
| 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 iMac8,1 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): |
1944 |
Geekbench 4 (MC): |
3361 |
| 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 iMac8,1 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): |
406 |
Geekbench 5 (MC): |
740 |
| 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 iMac8,1 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: |
3.06 GHz |
Processor Type: |
Core 2 Duo (E8435) |
| Details: |
All Intel "Core 2 Duo" processors include two independent processor "cores" on a single silicon chip.
Also see: How much faster are the "Early 2008/Penryn" Aluminum iMac Core 2 Duo models than the original Aluminum models? |
| Turbo Boost: |
N/A |
Custom Speeds: |
N/A |
| Processor Upgrade: |
ZIF Socket |
FPU: |
Integrated |
| Details: |
Also see: Is it possible to upgrade the processor in the Aluminum iMac models? |
| System Bus Speed: |
1066 MHz |
Cache Bus Speed: |
3.06 GHz (Built-in) |
| Details: |
1066 MHz frontside bus. |
| ROM/Firmware Type: |
EFI |
EFI Architecture: |
64-Bit |
| L1 Cache: |
32k/32k |
L2/L3 Cache: |
6 MB (on chip) |
| Details: |
Includes a 6 MB shared "on chip" level 2 cache that runs at processor speed. |
| RAM Type: |
PC2-6400 DDR2 |
Min. RAM Speed: |
800 MHz |
| Details: |
Supports 800 MHz PC2-6400 DDR2 SDRAM (200-pin SO-DIMM).
Also see: How do you upgrade the RAM in this Aluminum iMac model? How much RAM does it actually support? |
| Standard RAM: |
2 GB |
Maximum RAM: |
6 GB* |
| Details: |
By default, 2 GB of RAM was installed as two 1 GB SO-DIMM modules. No slots free.
*Apple officially supports 4 GB of RAM, but third-parties have been able to upgrade the system to 6 GB of RAM using one 2 GB and one 4 GB SO-DIMM module.
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 8800 GS |
VRAM Type: |
GDDR3 |
| Details: |
NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GS graphics processor -- using PCI Express -- with 512 MB of GDDR3 video memory.
Also see: What type of video processor is provided by the Aluminum iMac systems? Is it upgradable? |
| Standard VRAM: |
512 MB |
Maximum VRAM: |
512 MB |
| Built-in Display: |
24.0" Widescreen |
Native Resolution: |
1920x1200 |
| Details: |
This model has a 24.0" "glossy" TFT widescreen active matrix display with a native resolution of 1920x1200. Apple also reports a "typical" brightness of 385 cd/m2, contrast ratio of 750:1, and viewing angle of 178 degrees horizontal and 178 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: |
1920x1200* |
| Details: |
Apple reports that this model supports "digital resolutions up to 1920x1200" and "analog resolutions up to 2048x1536". |
| Standard Storage: |
500 GB HDD |
Std. Storage Speed: |
7200 RPM |
| 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."
Also see: What are the capabilities of the optical drive provided by the iMac "Core Duo/Core 2 Duo" models? Which can read and write dual-layer DVDs? |
| Standard Modem: |
None |
Standard Ethernet: |
10/100/1000Base-T |
| Details: |
An external Apple USB Modem was available for US$49. |
| Standard AirPort: |
802.11a/b/g/n |
Standard Bluetooth: |
2.1+EDR |
| Details: |
AirPort Extreme (802.11a/b/g/n) and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR standard.
Also see: What is 802.11n? How is it different from 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11a? |
| USB Ports: |
3 (2.0) |
Firewire Ports: |
1 (400), 1 (800) |
| Details: |
Three USB 2.0 ports, one Firewire "400" port, and one Firewire "800" port (7 watts each). Apple advertises that this system has "five" USB 2.0 ports, counting three 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 Aluminum Keyboard |
Incl. Input: |
Mighty Mouse |
| Details: |
This model shipped with an "ultra-thin aluminum" Apple Keyboard (0.33 inches at the front edge) based on the polarizing keyboard design introduced with the MacBook. It also shipped with an Apple Remote.
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 (Al) |
| Details: |
All-in-one "aluminum and glass" enclosure on an aluminum stand. |
| Apple Order No: |
MB398LL/A |
Apple Subfamily: |
Early 2008 |
| Details: |
The Apple order number should be unique to this system. |
| Apple Model No: |
A1225 (EMC 2211) |
Model ID: |
iMac8,1 |
| Details: |
Please note that these identifiers refer to more than one model.
Also see: All Macs with the A1225 Model Number, the 2211 EMC Number, and the iMac8,1 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 10.5.2 (9C2028) |
Maximum MacOS: |
X 10.11.6* |
| Details: |
*This system can run the last version of OS X 10.8 "Mountain Lion", OS X 10.9 "Mavericks", OS X 10.10 "Yosemite" and OS X 10.11 "El Capitan" including booting in 64-bit mode. However, it does not support OpenCL nor does it support AirDrop, AirPlay Mirroring (which also requires a 2nd Gen or later Apple TV), Power Nap, or other advanced features, either. 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: |
20.5 x 22.4 x 8.1 |
Avg. Weight: |
25.4 lbs. (11.5 kg) |
| Details: |
In inches - height by width by depth, (52.0 cm, 56.9 cm, 20.6 cm). |
| Original Price (US): |
US$2199 |
Est. Current Retail: |
US$75-US$125 |
| Details: |
Photo Credit: Apple Computer. |
Global original prices for the iMac "Core 2 Duo" 3.06 24" (Early 2008) 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$2299 |
Brazil: |
N/A |
| Mexico: |
N/A |
United States: |
US$2199 |
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: |
£1389 |
Original Prices - Asia
| China: |
N/A |
Hong Kong: |
N/A |
| India: |
N/A |
Indonesia: |
N/A |
| Japan: |
¥244,600 |
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: |
A$2999 |
New Zealand: |
NZ$3599 |
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-DVI) 
None 
None 
None 
None
None
3 (2.0)
1 (400), 1 (800)
1 (RJ-45)
None
None*
1 (Built-in)
1
1
1
1
None
1
None