Hosted by site sponsor WebMate.







Apple iMac "Core i5" 2.7 21.5" (Late 2012) Specs

Identifiers: Late 2012 - MD093LL/A - iMac13,1 - A1418 - 2544

All iMac Models | All 2012 Models | Dynamically Compare This Mac to Others

Download: PDF Manual


Apple iMac Intel AluminumThe iMac "Core i5" 2.7 21.5-Inch Aluminum (Late 2012) features a 22 nm Quad Core 2.7 GHz Intel "Core i5" I5-3330S (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 640M 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?

Buy This Mac or Trade-In Yours at site sponsor OWC. Click for current options.

Sell This Mac at A+ BBB rated site sponsor Cash For Your Mac. Quick quote!

Upgrade This Mac at site sponsor OWC. Memory, storage & more.

 



  • 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.


October 23, 2012 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.
1 (4 Cores) 64-Bit
Details: Also see: All models with a 64-Bit processor courtesy of EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Sort.
8196 9145
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.
2676 7863
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.
2905 8678
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.
3323 9007
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.
673 2127
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.
2.7 GHz Core i5 (I5-3330S)
Details: This model is powered by a 22 nm, 64-bit Intel Core i5 (3330S) "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 3.2 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?
3.2 GHz N/A
Details: N/A
LGA 1155 (Socket H2)* 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?
5 GT/s* 2.7 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.
EFI 64-Bit
Details: N/A
32k/32k 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.
PC3-12800 DDR3* 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?
8 GB 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.
None 2*
Details: *There are two RAM slots, but access is difficult.
GeForce GT 640M GDDR5
Details: This model has a NVIDIA GeForce GT 640M graphics processor with 512 MB of dedicated GDDR5 memory.

Which "Tapered Edge" iMac have video processors with dedicated memory? Which have integrated memory?
512 MB 512 MB
Details: This model has 512 MB of dedicated GDDR5 video memory.
21.5" 16:9 Widescreen 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.
Dual/Mirroring* 2560x1600 (x2)
Details: *This model can simultaneously support two external displays up to 2560x1600 via Thunderbolt.
1 TB HDD 5400 RPM
Details: Starting on or around January 4, 2013, Apple also added the ability to custom configure this model 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.
2.5" (7 mm)* 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.
None* 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?
None 10/100/1000Base-T
Details: N/A
802.11a/b/g/n (450 Mbit) 4.0
Details: AirPort Extreme (802.11a/b/g/n) and Bluetooth 4.0 standard.
4 (3.0) None
Details: Four USB 3.0 ports. No Firewire port.
SDXC SD Card 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.
Apple Wireless Keyboard 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?
All-in-One 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.
MD093LL/A Late 2012
Details: The Apple order number should be unique to this system.
A1418 (EMC 2544) 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.
N/A N/A
Details: N/A
X 10.8.2 (12C3104) 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?
7 (64-Bit)* 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.
None 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.
17.7 x 20.8 x 6.9 12.5 lbs. (5.68 kg)
Details: In inches - height by width by depth, (45.0 cm, 52.8 cm, 17.5 cm).
US$1299 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.


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.


2 (Thunderbolt) None
Details: This model is equipped with two Thunderbolt ports. Thunderbolt is backwards-compatible with Mini DisplayPort-equipped displays as well as adapters that are compatible with Mini DisplayPort (DVI, VGA, dual-link DVI and HDMI). It also can support other peripherals that use the Thunderbolt standard, which provides a maximum theoretical 10 Gbps of bandwidth in both directions.
None None
Details: N/A
None None
Details: N/A
4 (3.0) None
Details: Four USB 3.0 ports. No Firewire port.
None 1 (RJ-45)
Details: No internal modem. Gigabit Ethernet, AirPort Extreme (802.11g/n) and Bluetooth 4.0 standard.
None None
Details: N/A
2 (Built-in) 1
Details: Single "headphone/optical digital audio output (minijack)."
1 1
Details: Single "headphone/optical digital audio output (minijack)" also supports the Apple iPhone headset with microphone.
1 None
Details: N/A
1 None
Details: 100V-240V, Apple does not specify maximum wattage.

Global original prices for the iMac "Core i5" 2.7 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

C$1299 R$6.199
MXN $21,499 US$1299

Original Prices - Europe

¤euro;1349 ¤euro;1379
DKK 10,599 ¤euro;1399
¤euro;1349 ¤euro;1349
¤euro;1399 ¤euro;1379
¤euro;1310,62 ¤euro;1379
NOK 10.690 ¤euro;1399
¤euro;1379 SEK 12.795
CHF 1'499 £1099

Original Prices - Asia

RMB 9,688 HK$9,888
Rs 85,900 Rp 13,799,000
¥108,800 KRW 1,690,000
RM 3,999 PHP 62,990
S$1,788 NT$41,900
THB 42,900 VND 27,999,000

Original Prices - Australia & New Zealand

A$1429 NZ$1999

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.