Apple iMac "Core i9" 3.6 27" (5K, 2020) Specs
Identifiers: Retina 5K, 27-Inch, 2020 - BTO/CTO - iMac20,1 - A2115 - 3442
All iMac Models | All 2020 Models | Dynamically Compare This Mac to Others
The iMac "Core i9" 3.6 27-Inch Aluminum (Retina 5K, 2020/Comet Lake) technically is a "configure-to-order" configuration of either the iMac 27-Inch "Core i5" 3.3 (5K, 2020) (MXWU2LL/A) or iMac "Core i7" 3.8 (5K, 2020) (MXWV2LL/A), but also is documented as a separate model for reader convenience. Other than processor (and the corresponding level 3 cache), this model can be configured identically to its stock brethren and it has the same identifiers.
The iMac "Core i9" 3.6 27-Inch Aluminum (Retina 5K, 2020/Comet Lake) features a 14-nm "Comet Lake" 3.6 GHz Intel "Core i9" processor (I9-10910) with ten independent processor "cores" on a single chip, a 20 MB shared level 3 cache, a T2 Security Chip, 8 GB of easy to upgrade 2666 MHz DDR4 SDRAM, a 512 GB onboard default SSD, and an Radeon Pro 5300 graphics processor with 4 GB of dedicated GDDR6 video memory or a Radeon Pro 5500 XT graphics processor with 8 GB of dedicated GDDR6 video memory. It also has a built-in 1080p "FaceTime HD" webcam, a studio-quality three-mic array, and stereo speakers.
This model has a 27" 5120x2880 LED-backlit 16:9 widescreen IPS DCI-P3 "Retina 5K" display with True Tone technology. 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 5.0.
Compared to its predecessor, this model looks nearly identical, but has a display with "True Tone" technology (and a new option of a "nano-texture" surface for an extra US$500), a better webcam, speakers, and microphone as well as a more advanced processor, architecture, and graphics processor.
By default, the "2020" 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 "2020" Aluminum iMac models? (In-Depth)
- What are all of the differences between the "2020" Aluminum iMac models and their "2019" predecessors? (In-Depth)
- What are the "pros and cons" of the "2020" 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: |
August 4, 2020 |
Discontinued Date: |
March 8, 2022 |
| 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 2020. |
| Processors: |
1 (10 Cores) |
Architecture: |
64-Bit |
| Geekbench 2 (32): |
N/A |
Geekbench 2 (64): |
N/A |
| Details: |
The vintage Geekbench 2 benchmark does not support this Mac. 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 iMac20,1 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): |
N/A |
Geekbench 3 (32): |
N/A |
| 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 iMac20,1 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: |
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 iMac20,1 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): |
6237 |
Geekbench 4 (MC): |
38548 |
| 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 iMac20,1 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): |
1209 |
Geekbench 5 (MC): |
8886 |
| 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 iMac20,1 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: |
3.6 GHz |
Processor Type: |
Core i9 (I9-10910) |
| Details: |
This model is powered by a 14 nm, 64-bit "10th Generation" Intel Core i9 "Comet Lake" (I9-10910) processor which includes ten independent processor "cores" on a single silicon chip. Each core has a dedicated 256k level 2 cache, shares 20 MB of level 3 cache, and has an integrated memory controller (dual channel). It supports Turbo Boost up to 5.0 GHz.
This model also has a T2 security chip.
Also see: How fast are the "2020" iMac models compared to one another? How fast are they compared to the "2019" iMac models and the iMac Pro? |
| Turbo Boost: |
5.0 GHz |
Custom Speeds: |
N/A |
| Processor Upgrade: |
LGA 1200* |
FPU: |
Integrated |
| Details: |
*Intel reports that by default this processor is mounted on an FCLGA 1200 socket, and based on a teardown by site sponsor OWC, the processor is not soldered in place in this model. |
| System Bus Speed: |
8 GT/s* |
Cache Bus Speed: |
3.6 GHz (Built-in) |
| Details: |
*This system has a "Direct Media Interface" 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, 20 MB |
| Details: |
Each core has its own dedicated 256k level 2 cache and the system has 20 MB of shared level 3 cache. |
| RAM Type: |
PC4-21300 DDR4 |
Min. RAM Speed: |
2666 MHz |
| Details: |
Supports 2666 MHz PC4-21300 DDR4 SDRAM SO-DIMMs (260-pin).
Also see: How do you upgrade the RAM in the "2020" 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: |
128 GB |
| Details: |
*By default, 8 GB of RAM is installed as two 4 GB memory modules (and two slots are unoccupied). Apple offered 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB, and 128 GB upgrades at the time of purchase for an extra US$200, US$600, US$1000, and US$2600, respectively, but this model is easy to upgrade and third-parties offer compatible RAM for much less.
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: |
4 |
| Details: |
This system has four easy-to-access RAM slots and the RAM can be upgraded after purchase. |
| Video Card: |
Radeon Pro 5300* |
VRAM Type: |
Dedicated |
| Details: |
If configured as a custom processor upgrade for the iMac 27-Inch "Core i5" 3.3 (5K, 2020) (MXWU2LL/A), this model has an AMD Radeon Pro 5300 graphics processor with 4 GB of dedicated GDDR6 video memory.
If configured as a custom processor upgrade for the iMac "Core i7" 3.8 (5K, 2020) (MXWV2LL/A), this model has an AMD Radeon Pro 5500 XT graphics processor with 8 GB of dedicated GDDR6 video memory.
Which "Tapered Edge" iMac have video processors with dedicated memory? Which have integrated memory? |
| Standard VRAM: |
4 GB, 8 GB* |
Maximum VRAM: |
4 GB, 8 GB* |
| Details: |
The AMD Radeon Pro 5300 graphics processor in the processor upgraded variant of the iMac 27-Inch "Core i5" 3.3 (5K, 2020) (MXWU2LL/A) has 4 GB of dedicated GDDR6 video memory. It cannot be upgraded at the time of system purchase or later.
If otherwise stock, the AMD Radeon Pro 5500 XT graphics processor in the processor upgraded variant of the iMac "Core i7" 3.8 (5K, 2020) (MXWV2LL/A) has 8 GB of dedicated GDDR6 video memory.
At the time of system purchase, the higher-end model (MXWV2LL/A) also can be upgraded to an AMD Radeon Pro 5700 with 8 GB of GDDR6 memory for an extra US$300 or an AMD Radeon Pro 5700 XT with 16 GB of GDDR6 memory for an extra US$500.
When equipped with an AMD Radeon Pro 5700 or Radeon Pro 5700 XT, this model has different identifiers and EveryMac.com has crosslisted this upgraded configuration as its own model, accordingly. |
| Built-in Display: |
27" 16:9 Widescreen |
Native Resolution: |
5120x2880 |
| Details: |
This model has a 27" LED-backlit 16:9 widescreen TFT active matrix "Retina 5K" display with IPS and True Tone technology, a native resolution of 5120x2880, a "wide color" DCI-P3 gamut, and brightness of 500 nits.
For an extra US$500, at the time of system purchase, Apple also originally offered this display with a "nano-texture glass" surface to reduce glare. On April 20, 2021, Apple reduced the price of this display upgrade to US$300.
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: |
6016x3384 |
| Details: |
*This model can simultaneously support the internal display at full native resolution and up to one 6016x3384 (6K) external display at 60 Hz with support for 1 billion colors; one 5120x2880 (5K) external display at 60 Hz with support for 1 billion colors; two 3840x2160 (4K UHD) external displays at 60 Hz with support for 1 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: |
512 GB SSD* |
Std. Storage Speed: |
N/A |
| Details: |
By default, this model has a 512 GB SSD.
If configured as a custom processor upgrade for the iMac 27-Inch "Core i5" 3.3 (5K, 2020) (MXWU2LL/A), this model could be upgraded to a 1 TB or 2 TB SSD at the time of purchase for an extra US$200 or US$600, respectively.
If configured as a custom processor upgrade for the iMac "Core i7" 3.8 (5K, 2020) (MXWV2LL/A), this model can be upgraded to a 1 TB, 2 TB, 4 TB, or 8 TB SSD at the time of purchase for an extra US$200, US$600, US$1200, and US$2400, respectively.
In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells external storage upgrades for this iMac.
Also see: SSD Compatibility Guide for All G3 & Later Macs. |
| Storage Dimensions: |
Soldered* |
Storage Interface: |
Soldered* |
| Details: |
*As determined by a teardown by site sponsor OWC, the SSD in this model, by default, is soldered onboard and is not upgradeable. However, a subsequent OWC teardown was able to confirm earlier speculation that if this model is equipped with the 4 TB or 8 TB SSD option at the time of purchase (but not smaller SSDs), half of the storage is onboard and the other half is mounted on an expansion board. |
| 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: |
*Gigabit Ethernet standard. 10-Gigabit Ethernet also was available at the time of purchase as a US$100 upgrade. |
| Standard AirPort: |
802.11ac* |
Standard Bluetooth: |
5.0 |
| Details: |
*802.11ac Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n backwards compatible) and Bluetooth 5.0 standard. |
| USB Ports: |
4 (3.0) |
Firewire Ports: |
None |
| Details: |
Four USB 3.0 (USB-A) 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: |
27" iMac Tapered Edge |
| Details: |
The 27-Inch "2020" Aluminum iMac model uses a case design that is almost 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 8 inches (20.3 cm) deep. |
| Apple Order No: |
BTO/CTO |
Apple Subfamily: |
Retina 5K, 27-Inch, 2020 |
| Apple Model No: |
A2115 (EMC 3442) |
Model ID: |
iMac20,1 |
| Details: |
Please note that these identifiers refer to more than one model.
Also see: All Macs with the A2115 Model Number, the 3442 EMC Number, and the iMac20,1 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 10.15.6 (19G2005) |
Maximum MacOS: |
Current* |
| Details: |
This model is fully compatible with the final version of macOS Catalina (10.15) including support for 4K, 4K HDR, 4K Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and HDR10 content. It is fully compatible with the final version of 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) and Live audio transcription 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: |
20.3 x 25.6 x 8 |
Avg. Weight: |
19.7 lbs. (8.92 kg) |
| Details: |
In inches - height by width by depth, (51.6 cm, 65.0 cm, 20.3 cm). |
| Original Price (US): |
US$2499, US$2699* |
Est. Current Retail: |
US$1400-US$1700 |
| Details: |
*This model is a "configure-to-order" configuration of either the iMac "Core i5" 3.3 (5K, 2020) (MXWU2LL/A) or iMac "Core i7" 3.8 (5K, 2020) (MXWV2LL/A).
If otherwise configured stock, the 3.6 GHz 10-Core Core i9 processor adds US$500 to the price of the former model (MXWU2LL/A) and US$400 to the price of the latter (MXWV2LL/A), for a total cost of US$2499 or US$2699, respectively.
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 (USB-A) ports. |
| Modem: |
None |
Ethernet: |
 1 (RJ-45) |
| Details: |
Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11ac Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n backwards compatible) and Bluetooth 5.0 standard. 10-Gigabit Ethernet also was available at the time of purchase as a US$100 upgrade. |
| S-Video Input: |
 None |
S-Video Output: |
 None |
| Microphone: |
 3 (Built-in) |
Sound In: |
 N/A |
| Details: |
This model boasts "a studio-quality three-mic array." |
| 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 i9" 3.6 27" (5K, 2020) 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$3274, C$3584 |
Brazil: |
R$28.999, R$30.999 |
| Mexico: |
MXN $68,749, $73,499 |
United States: |
US$2499, US$2699* |
Original Prices - Europe
| Austria: |
€2924, €3104 |
Belgium: |
€2924, €3104 |
| Denmark: |
DKK 22,299, 24,099 |
Finland: |
€3024, €3204 |
| France: |
€2924, €3104 |
Germany: |
€2850, €3020,65 |
| Ireland: |
€3024, €3204 |
Italy: |
€3024, €3204 |
| Luxembourg: |
€2827,34, €3001,39 |
Netherlands: |
€2924, €3104 |
| Norway: |
NOK 31,740, 34,240 |
Portugal: |
€3024, €3204 |
| Spain: |
€2924, €3104 |
Sweden: |
SEK 31,545, 33,995 |
| Switzerland: |
CHF 2'799, 3'039 |
United Kingdom: |
£2499, £2699 |
Original Prices - Asia
| China: |
RMB 19,749, 21,399 |
Hong Kong: |
HK$19,149, HK$20,799 |
| India: |
Rs 239,900, 259,900 |
Indonesia: |
N/A |
| Japan: |
¥266,800, ¥289,800 |
Korea: |
KRW 3,415,000, 3,660,000 |
| Malaysia: |
RM 10,849, 11,699 |
The Philippines: |
PHP 147,990, 159,990 |
| Singapore: |
S$3,639, S$3,929 |
Taiwan: |
NT$78,900, NT$84,900 |
| Thailand: |
THB 87,400, 93,900 |
Vietnam: |
N/A |
Original Prices - Australia & New Zealand
| Australia: |
A$3849, A$4149 |
New Zealand: |
NZ$4424, NZ$4749 |
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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