Apple iMac "Core i5" 3.0 21.5" (4K, 2019) Specs
Identifiers: Retina 4K, 21.5-Inch, 2019 - MRT42LL/A* - iMac19,2 - A2116 - 3195
All iMac Models | All 2019 Models | Dynamically Compare This Mac to Others
The iMac "Core i5" 3.0 21.5-Inch Aluminum (Retina 4K, 2019/Coffee Lake) features a 14-nm "Coffee Lake" 3.0 GHz Intel "Core i5" processor (I5-8500) with six independent processor "cores" on a single chip, a 9 MB shared level 3 cache, 8 GB of 2666 MHz DDR4 SDRAM that is reportedly "built into the computer" -- but it actually can be upgraded later, it is just needlessly difficult -- a 1 TB Fusion Drive (256 GB SSD standard with the 1 TB "Fusion" Drive, which combines a 32 GB SSD and a 1 TB HDD, for the same price as a configure-to-order option starting on August 4, 2020), and a Radeon Pro 560X graphics processor with 4 GB of dedicated GDDR5 video memory. It also has a built-in "FaceTime HD" webcam and stereo speakers.
This model has a 21.5" 4096x2304 LED-backlit 16:9 widescreen IPS DCI-P3 "Retina 4K" display (that runs "pixel doubled" to look like 2048x1152). 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 3 (USB-C) ports, Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 4.2. It does not have a T2 chip.
Compared to its predecessor, this model is very similar externally and internally, but it has a more advanced processor and architecture as well as graphics processor.
By default, the "2019" iMac models shipped with a compact aluminum Apple Magic Keyboard and the multi-touch "Magic Mouse 2". For an additional US$30, you could upgrade from the default keyboard to the "Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad" and for an additional US$50, you also could upgrade from the Magic Mouse 2 to the "Magic Trackpad 2," which provides multi-touch and pressure-sensitive "Force Touch" capabilities.
Also see:
- What are all the differences between the "2019" Aluminum iMac models? (In-Depth)
- What are all of the differences between the "2019" Aluminum iMac models and their "Mid-2017" predecessors? (In-Depth)
- What are the "pros and cons" of the "Early 2019" and other "Tapered Edge" iMac models? Is one right for me? (Quick Read)
Buy This Mac or Trade-In Yours at site sponsor OWC. Click for current options.
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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 19, 2019 |
Discontinued Date: |
April 20, 2021 |
| 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 2019. |
| Processors: |
1 (6 Cores) |
Architecture: |
64-Bit |
| Geekbench 2 (32): |
N/A |
Geekbench 2 (64): |
N/A |
| 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 iMac19,2 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): |
3942 |
Geekbench 3 (32): |
18648 |
| 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 iMac19,2 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): |
4464 |
Geekbench 3 (64): |
20964 |
| 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 iMac19,2 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): |
5221 |
Geekbench 4 (MC): |
20369 |
| 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 iMac19,2 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): |
1005 |
Geekbench 5 (MC): |
4718 |
| 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 iMac19,2 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: |
3.0 GHz |
Processor Type: |
Core i5 (I5-8500) |
| Details: |
This model is powered by a 14 nm, 64-bit "8th Generation" Intel Core i5 "Coffee Lake" (I5-8500) processor which includes six independent processor "cores" on a single silicon chip. Each core has a dedicated 256k level 2 cache, shares 9 MB of level 3 cache, and has an integrated memory controller (dual channel). It supports Turbo Boost up to 4.1 GHz.
This model does not have a T2 security chip.
Also see: How fast are the "2019" iMac models compared to one another? How fast are they compared to the "Mid-2017" models that preceded them and the iMac Pro? |
| Turbo Boost: |
4.1 GHz |
Custom Speeds: |
3.2 GHz (i7) |
| Details: |
This model also was available via custom configuration with a six core 3.2 GHz Core i7 (I7-8700) processor for an extra US$200.
As requested by readers, EveryMac.com additionally has documented this custom configuration as its own model. |
| Processor Upgrade: |
LGA 1151* |
FPU: |
Integrated |
| Details: |
Intel reports that by default this processor is mounted on an LGA 1151 socket, and based on a teardown by site sponsor OWC, the processor does not appear to be soldered in place in this model. |
| System Bus Speed: |
8 GT/s* |
Cache Bus Speed: |
3.0 GHz (Built-in) |
| Details: |
*This system has a "Direct Media Interface" -- specifically DMI3 -- that "connects between the processor and chipset" in lieu of a traditional system bus. Intel reports that it runs at 8 GT/s. |
| ROM/Firmware Type: |
EFI |
EFI Architecture: |
64-Bit |
| L1 Cache: |
32k/32k x6 |
L2/L3 Cache: |
256k x6, 9 MB |
| Details: |
Each core has its own dedicated 256k level 2 cache and the system has 9 MB of shared level 3 cache. |
| RAM Type: |
PC4-21300 DDR4* |
Min. RAM Speed: |
2666 MHz |
| Details: |
*Apple reports that this model has memory "built into the computer" and "it can only be upgraded by an Apple Authorized Service Provider if you choose to upgrade at a later date." However, it is possible, just difficult, to upgrade the RAM yourself.
Also see: How do you upgrade the RAM in the "2019" 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: |
32 GB* |
| Details: |
*8 GB of RAM is standard and reported as "built into the computer" with an optional upgrade to 16 GB or 32 GB of RAM at the time of purchase for an extra US$200 or US$600, respectively. However, as first confirmed by site sponsor OWC, it actually is possible to upgrade the RAM after the initial purchase of the Mac, it is just needlessly complicated.
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: |
*Although Apple officially reports that this RAM is "built into the computer" it actually is installed in two needlessly difficult to access SO-DIMM slots. |
| Video Card: |
Radeon Pro 560X* |
VRAM Type: |
Dedicated |
| Details: |
*By default, this model has an AMD Radeon Pro 560X graphics processor with 4 GB of dedicated GDDR5 video memory. At the time of initial system purchase, it also can be configured with an AMD Radeon Pro Vega 20 with 4 GB of dedicated HBM2 video memory for an extra US$350.
Which "Tapered Edge" iMac have video processors with dedicated memory? Which have integrated memory? |
| Standard VRAM: |
4 GB* |
Maximum VRAM: |
4 GB* |
| Details: |
The default AMD Radeon Pro 560X graphics processor has 4 GB of dedicated GDDR5 video memory. If custom configured with an AMD Radeon Pro Vega 20 graphics processor, it includes 4 GB of dedicated HBM2 video memory. |
| Built-in Display: |
21.5" 16:9 Widescreen |
Native Resolution: |
4096x2304 |
| Details: |
This model has a 21.5" LED-backlit 16:9 widescreen TFT active matrix "Retina 4K" display with IPS technology, a native resolution of 4096x2304, a "wide color" DCI-P3 gamut, and brightness of 500 nits. By default, it runs "pixel doubled" at 2048x1152, but also can run at scaled resolutions of 2304x1296 and 1560x1440.
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: |
3840x2160 x2 |
| Details: |
*This model can simultaneously support the internal display at full native resolution and up to one 5120x2880 (5K) external display at 60 Hz with support for one billion colors; two 3840x2160 (4K UHD) external displays at 60 Hz with support for one billion colors; or two 4096x2304 (4K) external displays at 60 Hz with support for millions of colors. It supports both extended desktop (second workspace) and video mirroring (internal display duplicated on the external display) modes. |
| Standard Storage: |
1 TB (Fusion), 256 GB SSD** |
Std. Storage Speed: |
N/A |
| Details: |
*As originally configured, this model has a 1 TB "Fusion" Drive, which combines a 32 GB SSD and a 1 TB hard drive. It has a Serial ATA (6 Gb/s) connector for a 2.5" hard drive and a PCIe connector for the SSD.
At the time of purchase, Apple also originally offered a 256 GB, 512 GB, or 1 TB SSD for an extra US$100, US$300, and US$700, respectively (1 TB SSD upgrade price cut to US$500 on July 9, 2019).
**On August 4, 2020, Apple switched the default storage from a 1 TB hard drive to a 256 GB SSD with the 1 TB "Fusion" Drive -- 32 GB SSD and a 1 TB HDD -- still available via custom configuration for the same price. The company also cut the price of the 512 GB and 1 TB SSD upgrade options to US$200 and US$400, respectively.
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 as well as a PCIe connector for the SSD. |
| 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: |
802.11ac* |
Standard Bluetooth: |
4.2 |
| Details: |
*802.11ac Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n backwards compatible) and Bluetooth 4.2 standard. |
| USB Ports: |
4 (3.0) |
Firewire Ports: |
None |
| Details: |
Four USB 3.0 ports. |
| 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: |
Magic Keyboard* |
Incl. Input: |
Magic Mouse 2* |
| Details: |
*By default, this model ships with a small aluminum wireless compact keyboard (without a numeric keypad) and a wireless "Magic Mouse 2" with multi-touch surface support. For an extra US$30, you can substitute the stock keyboard for a "Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad" and for an extra US$50 you can substitute the Magic Mouse 2 for a Magic Trackpad 2 (which provides multi-touch input and Force Touch support). If you really like input devices, you can equip this iMac with both a Magic Mouse 2 and a Magic Trackpad 2 for an additional US$129. |
| Case Type: |
All-in-One |
Form Factor: |
21.5" iMac Tapered Edge |
| Details: |
The 21.5-Inch "Early 2019" Aluminum iMac model uses a case design that is effectively identical to the earlier "Tapered Edge" iMac models, but the internals are different. Each of these lines have 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 system sits upon an aluminum "foot" that is 6.9 inches (17.5 cm) deep. |
| Apple Order No: |
MRT42LL/A* |
Apple Subfamily: |
Retina 4K, 21.5-Inch, 2019 |
| Details: |
*The MRT42LL/A order number refers to the original configuration with a 1 TB "Fusion" Drive. The default configuration with a 256 GB SSD introduced on August 4, 2020 is order number MHK33LL/A. |
| Apple Model No: |
A2116 (EMC 3195) |
Model ID: |
iMac19,2 |
| Details: |
Please note that these identifiers refer to more than one model.
Also see: All Macs with the A2116 Model Number, the 3195 EMC Number, and the iMac19,2 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 10.14.4 (18E2034) |
Maximum MacOS: |
Current* |
| Details: |
This model is fully compatible with the final version of macOS Mojave (10.14); macOS Catalina (10.15) including support for 4K, 4K HDR, 4K Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and HDR10 content; and macOS Big Sur (macOS 11), as well. It additionally supports the final version of macOS Monterey (macOS 12), but it does not support the minor Spatial Audio, Portrait Mode, 3D Landmarks, and Interactive Globe features.
This model also is fully compatible with macOS Ventura (macOS 13) with the exception of the minor Live Captions in FaceTime, Emoji Dictation, and Reference Mode with Sidecar features.
Likewise, this model is fully compatible with macOS Sonoma (macOS 14) with the exception of the minor Presenter Overlay, React with your Hands using the built-in camera, Game Mode, high-performance mode in the Screen Sharing app, and quicker Siri launch capability.
Finally, this model is compatible with the current version of the macOS -- macOS Sequoia (macOS 15) -- with the exception of the Apple Intelligence (AI), Live audio transcription, and iPhone Mirroring (from Mac) features.
Also see: Which Macs are compatible with macOS Sequoia (macOS 15)? What are the system requirements? What are the major new features? Do all features work with all supported Macs? |
| Minimum Windows: |
10 (64-Bit)* |
Maximum Windows: |
10 (64-Bit)* |
| Details: |
*The pre-installed version of Apple's Boot Camp 6 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. (5.66 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$700-US$850 |
| Details: |
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.
| Video (Monitor): |
 2 (Thunderbolt 3/USB-C) |
Floppy (Ext.): |
 None |
| Details: |
This model has two Thunderbolt 3 ports. These two ports support DisplayPort, Thunderbolt (up to 40 Gbps), and USB 3.1 Generation 2 (up to 10 Gbps). Adapters also are available to use Thunderbolt 2, HDMI, DVI, and VGA.
In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells Thunderbolt docks and external drives compatible with this Mac and just about all others.
What is Thunderbolt 3? What is the difference between USB-C and Thunderbolt 3? What Thunderbolt 3 adapters and docks are available? |
| ADB: |
 None |
SCSI: |
 None |
| Serial (Standard): |
 None |
Serial (Geoport): |
 None |
| USB: |
 4 (3.0) |
Firewire: |
 None |
| Details: |
Four USB 3.0 ports. |
| Modem: |
None |
Ethernet: |
 1 (RJ-45) |
| Details: |
Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11ac Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n backwards compatible) and Bluetooth 4.2 standard. |
| S-Video Input: |
 None |
S-Video Output: |
 None |
| Microphone: |
 1 (Built-in) |
Sound In: |
 N/A |
| Sound Out: |
 1 |
Headphone: |
 1 |
| Details: |
Single 3.5 mm headphone jack. |
| Security (Lock): |
 1 |
Joystick (PC): |
 None |
| Power: |
 1 |
Power Adapter: |
 None |
| Details: |
100V-240V (50 Hz to 60 Hz, single phase), Apple does not specify maximum wattage. |
Global original prices for the iMac "Core i5" 3.0 21.5" (4K, 2019) 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$1949 |
Brazil: |
R$13.399 |
| Mexico: |
MXN $36,999 |
United States: |
US$1499 |
Original Prices - Europe
| Austria: |
€1699 |
Belgium: |
€1699 |
| Denmark: |
DKK 14,079 |
Finland: |
€1749 |
| France: |
€1699 |
Germany: |
€1699 |
| Ireland: |
€1749 |
Italy: |
€1749 |
| Luxembourg: |
€1642,83 |
Netherlands: |
€1699 |
| Norway: |
NOK 17.190 |
Portugal: |
€1749 |
| Spain: |
€1699 |
Sweden: |
SEK 18.995 |
| Switzerland: |
CHF 1'729 |
United Kingdom: |
£1449 |
Original Prices - Asia
| China: |
RMB 11,799 |
Hong Kong: |
HK$11,499 |
| India: |
Rs 139,900 |
Indonesia: |
Rp 23,999,000 |
| Japan: |
¥164,800 |
Korea: |
KRW 1,940,000 |
| Malaysia: |
RM 6,449 |
The Philippines: |
PHP 88,990 |
| Singapore: |
S$2,189 |
Taiwan: |
NT$47,900 |
| Thailand: |
THB 51,900 |
Vietnam: |
VND 39,990,000 |
Original Prices - Australia & New Zealand
| Australia: |
A$2299 |
New Zealand: |
NZ$2549 |
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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