Apple iMac "Core i7" 3.1 21.5" (Late 2012) Specs

Identifiers: Late 2012 - BTO/CTO - iMac13,1 - A1418 - 2544

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The iMac "Core i7" 3.1 21.5-Inch Aluminum (Late 2012) technically is a "configure-to-order" configuration of the iMac "Core i5" 2.9 21.5-Inch Aluminum (Late 2012), but also is documented as a separate model for reader convenience. Other than processor (and the corresponding level 3 cache), these two models are identical.

The iMac "Core i7" 3.1 21.5-Inch Aluminum (Late 2012) features a 22 nm Quad Core 3.1 GHz Intel "Core i7" I7-3770S (Ivy Bridge) processor with four independent processor cores on a single chip, an 8 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 650M 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?

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

Tech Specs

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.

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Introduction Date:

October 23, 2012

Discontinued Date:

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.

Processors:

1 (4 Cores)

Architecture:

64-Bit

Details:

Also see: All models with a 64-Bit processor courtesy of EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Sort.

Geekbench 2 (32):

12393

Geekbench 2 (64):

14143

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.

Geekbench 3 (32):

3154

Geekbench 3 (32):

11778

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.

Geekbench 3 (64):

3496

Geekbench 3 (64):

13001

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.

Geekbench 4 (SC):

3864

Geekbench 4 (MC):

12287

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.

Geekbench 5 (SC):

818

Geekbench 5 (MC):

3052

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.

Processor Speed:

3.1 GHz

Processor Type:

Core i7 (I7-3770S)

Details:

This model is powered by a 22 nm, 64-bit Intel Core i7 (3770S) "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 8 MB level 3 cache. It also supports Turbo Boost 2.0 (up to 3.9 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) -- and "Hyper Threading" -- which allows the system to recognize eight total "cores" or "threads" (four real and four virtual). 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?

Turbo Boost:

3.9 GHz

Custom Speeds:

N/A

Details:

N/A

Processor Upgrade:

LGA 1155 (Socket H2)*

FPU:

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?

System Bus Speed:

5 GT/s*

Cache Bus Speed:

3.1 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.

ROM/Firmware Type:

EFI

EFI Architecture:

64-Bit

Details:

N/A

L1 Cache:

32k/32k

L2/L3 Cache:

256k (x4), 8 MB

Details:

Each core has its own dedicated 256k level 2 cache and the system has 8 MB of shared level 3 cache.

RAM Type:

PC3-12800 DDR3*

Min. RAM Speed:

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?

Standard RAM:

8 GB

Maximum RAM:

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.

Motherboard RAM:

None

RAM Slots:

2*

Details:

*There are two RAM slots, but access is difficult.

Video Card:

GeForce GT 650M

VRAM Type:

GDDR5

Details:

This model has a NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M graphics processor with 512 MB of dedicated GDDR5 memory. Which "Tapered Edge" iMac have video processors with dedicated memory? Which have integrated memory?

Standard VRAM:

512 MB

Maximum VRAM:

512 MB

Details:

This model has 512 MB of dedicated GDDR5 video memory.

Built-in Display:

21.5" 16:9 Widescreen

Native Resolution:

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.

2nd Display Support:

Dual/Mirroring*

2nd Max. Resolution:

2560x1600 (x2)

Details:

*This model can simultaneously support two external displays up to 2560x1600 via Thunderbolt.

Standard Storage:

1 TB HDD

Std. Storage Speed:

5400 RPM

Details:

This model additionally could be custom configured 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.

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. 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.

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

Details:

N/A

Standard AirPort:

802.11a/b/g/n (450 Mbit)

Standard Bluetooth:

4.0

Details:

AirPort Extreme (802.11a/b/g/n) and Bluetooth 4.0 standard.

USB Ports:

4 (3.0)

Firewire Ports:

None

Details:

Four USB 3.0 ports. No Firewire port.

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:

Apple Wireless Keyboard

Incl. Input:

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?

Case Type:

All-in-One

Form Factor:

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.

Apple Order No:

BTO/CTO

Apple Subfamily:

Late 2012

Details:

As this model technically is a custom configuration of the iMac "Core i5" 2.9 21.5-Inch Aluminum (Late 2012), it does not have its own order number.

Apple Model No:

A1418 (EMC 2544)

Model ID:

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.

Battery Type:

N/A

Battery Life:

N/A

Details:

N/A

Pre-Installed MacOS:

X 10.8.2 (12C3104)

Maximum MacOS:

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. Tthis 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?

Minimum Windows:

7 (64-Bit)*

Maximum Windows:

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.

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. (5.68 kg)

Details:

In inches - height by width by depth, (45.0 cm, 52.8 cm, 17.5 cm).

Original Price (US):

US$1699

Est. Current Retail:

US$150-US$200

Details:

Photo Credit: Apple Computer.

Ports

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.

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Video (Monitor):

2 (Thunderbolt)

Floppy (Ext.):

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.

ADB:

None

SCSI:

None

Details:

N/A

Serial (Standard):

None

Serial (Geoport):

None

Details:

N/A

USB:

4 (3.0)

Firewire:

None

Details:

Four USB 3.0 ports. No Firewire port.

Modem:

None

Ethernet:

1 (RJ-45)

Details:

No internal modem. Gigabit Ethernet, AirPort Extreme (802.11g/n) and Bluetooth 4.0 standard.

S-Video Input:

None

S-Video Output:

None

Details:

N/A

Microphone:

2 (Built-in)

Sound In:

1

Details:

Single "headphone/optical digital audio output (minijack)."

Sound Out:

1

Headphone:

1

Details:

Single "headphone/optical digital audio output (minijack)" also supports the Apple iPhone headset with microphone.

Security (Lock):

1

Joystick (PC):

None

Details:

N/A

Power:

1

Power Adapter:

None

Details:

100V-240V, Apple does not specify maximum wattage.

Global Original Prices

Global original prices for the iMac "Core i7" 3.1 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

Canada:

C$1699

Brazil:

R$7.699

Mexico:

MXN $28,199

United States:

US$1699

Original Prices - Europe

Austria:

€1749

Belgium:

€1779

Denmark:

DKK 13,699

Finland:

€1799

France:

€1749

Germany:

€1749

Ireland:

€1799

Italy:

€1779

Luxembourg:

€1690,79

Netherlands:

€1779

Norway:

NOK 14.090

Portugal:

€1799

Spain:

€1779

Sweden:

SEK 16.755

Switzerland:

CHF 1'919

United Kingdom:

£1409

Original Prices - Asia

China:

RMB 12,498

Hong Kong:

HK$13,048

India:

N/A

Indonesia:

N/A

Japan:

¥146,400

Korea:

KRW 2,259,200

Malaysia:

RM 5,279

The Philippines:

PHP 82,990

Singapore:

S$2,368

Taiwan:

NT$54,420

Thailand:

THB 56,460

Vietnam:

N/A

Original Prices - Australia & New Zealand

Australia:

A$1938

New Zealand:

NZ$2719

If you have additional original prices for this model, please get in touch. Thank you.

Popular Q&As

Ten of the most popular Q&As about the iMac models follow.

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