iMac G5/1.9 17" (iSight) Specs (iSight, MA063LL/A, PowerMac12,1, A1144, 2081): EveryMac.com

Apple iMac G5/1.9 17" (iSight) Specs

Identifiers: iSight - MA063LL/A - PowerMac12,1 - A1144 - 2081

All iMac Models | All 2005 Models | Dynamically Compare This Mac to Others

The Apple iMac G5/1.9 17-Inch (iSight) follows the design of its predecessors with the entire computer placed behind the flat-panel display in an integrated all-in-one enclosure. This model, however, is "up to" half an inch thinner and 15% lighter than earlier iMac G5 models and uses a faster architecture and superior graphics. As the name implies, it includes an integrated iSight camera for easy video conferencing.

The Apple iMac G5/1.9 17-Inch (iSight) comes equipped with a 1.9 GHz PowerPC 970fx (G5) processor with an optimized AltiVec "Velocity Engine" vector processing unit and a 512k on chip level 2 cache, 633 MHz frontside bus, 512 MB of 533 MHz PC2-4200 DDR2 SDRAM, a 160.0 GB (7200 RPM) Serial ATA hard drive, a vertically-mounted slot-loading 8X "SuperDrive", ATI Radeon X600 Pro graphics with 128 MB of DDR SDRAM (PCI-Express), and a 17" TFT Active Matrix LCD (1440x900 native) display. Connectivity includes USB 2.0, Firewire "400", built-in AirPort Extreme, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, and Gigabit Ethernet. This model was bundled with the programmable Apple Mighty Mouse and a new six-button Apple Remote.

Also see: What are the differences between the "iSight" iMac G5 models?

Despite the age of this system, site sponsor Other World Computing has RAM, hard drives, SSDs, and other upgrades available for this specific iMac while supplies last.

Tech Specs
Ports
Global Original Prices
Popular Q&As

Click on the category for related details. The most commonly needed info is "open" by default, but all info is important.

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Introduction Date:

October 12, 2005

Discontinued Date:

January 10, 2006*

Details:

*The "Introduction Date" refers to the date this model was introduced via press release. On January 10, 2006, Apple introduced the iMac "Core Duo" 1.83 17-Inch as a replacement, but continued to sell this model until February 2, 2006, when supplies were exhausted.

Also see: All Macs introduced in 2005.

Processors:

Architecture:

64-Bit

Details:

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

Geekbench 2 (32):

1090

Geekbench 2 (64):

1053

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 PowerMac12,1 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:

The Geekbench 3 benchmark does not support this model. 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 PowerMac12,1 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:

The Geekbench 3 benchmark does not support this model. 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 PowerMac12,1 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.

Processor Speed:

1.9 GHz

Processor Type:

PowerPC 970fx (G5)

Details:

The PowerPC 970 "G5" has 64-bit data paths and registers with native support for 32-bit application code. It additionally includes the AltiVec "Velocity Engine" vector processor and "two independent double-precision floating-point units".

Also see: How fast is the iMac G5 compared to the iMac G4 Flat-Panel and Power Macintosh G5?

Turbo Boost:

N/A

Custom Speeds:

N/A

Details:

N/A

Processor Upgrade:

Soldered

FPU:

Integrated

Details:

The processor is mounted directly to the motherboard.

System Bus Speed:

633 MHz (3:1)

Cache Bus Speed:

1.9 GHz (Built-in)

Details:

633 MHz frontside bus.

ROM/Firmware Type:

Open Firmware

EFI Architecture:

N/A

Details:

Boot ROM and around 1 MB, other instructions are loaded into RAM (NewWorld).

L1 Cache:

32k/64k

L2/L3 Cache:

512k

Details:

32k level 1 data cache, 64k level 1 instructional cache. The 512k on-chip level 2 cache runs at processor speed.

RAM Type:

PC2-4200 DDR2

Min. RAM Speed:

533 MHz

Details:

Supports 533 MHz PC2-4200 DDR2 SDRAM.

Also see: How do you upgrade the RAM in the iMac G5 models? How much RAM of what type do these systems support?

Standard RAM:

512 MB

Maximum RAM:

4.5 GB*

Details:

*RAM manufacturers and quality resellers that have tested their RAM with this specific iMac for reliability do not guarantee that this system can support more than 2.5 GB of memory. However, this iMac is so old that demand for upgrades is low and additional formal tests are unlikely to be forthcoming. A diligent reader more recently discovered that it will work with a 4 GB Samsung 2Rx4 PC2-6400U-666 memory module, passes Memtest, and is properly recognized by the operating system.

In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells memory -- as well as other upgrades -- that are guaranteed to work with this iMac.

Also see: Actual Max RAM of All G3 & Later Macs.

Motherboard RAM:

512 MB

RAM Slots:

Details:

512 MB soldered to the motherboard, supports a single memory module.

Video Card:

Radeon X600 Pro

VRAM Type:

DDR SDRAM

Details:

ATI Radeon X600 Pro with 128 MB of DDR SDRAM (PCI-Express).

Also see: What type of video processor is provided by the iMac G5? Is it upgradable?

Standard VRAM:

128 MB

Maximum VRAM:

128 MB

Details:

N/A

Built-in Display:

17.0" TFT

Native Resolution:

1440x900

Details:

This model has a 17.0" TFT active matrix display with a 16:10 aspect ratio and a native resolution of 1440x900. In the 16:10 aspect ratio, it also supports 1152x720, 1024x640, and 800x500, and in the 4:3 aspect ratio it supports 1024x768, 800x600, and 640x480. Apple additionally reports a "typical" brightness of 250 cd/m, contrast ratio of 500:1, and viewing angle of 140 degrees horizontal and 120 degrees vertical.

2nd Display Support:

Mirroring Only*

2nd Max. Resolution:

N/A

Details:

Apple reports that this system has a "VGA output port for video mirroring on an external display or projector" and supports "S-video and composite video output to connect directly to a TV or projector" as well.

However, the hardware is capable of using an external display in dual or "extended desktop mode", Apple just blocked the capability in firmware to protect sales of more expensive Macs. Unsupported third-party hacks are available.

Standard Storage:

160 GB HDD

Std. Storage Speed:

7200 RPM

Details:

Also see: How do you replace or upgrade the hard drive in the iMac G5 models?

In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells storage upgrades for this iMac.

Also see: SSD Compatibility Guide for All G3 & Later Macs.

Storage Dimensions:

3.5" (26.10 mm)

Storage Interface:

Serial ATA (1.5 Gb/s)

Details:

This model holds a single 3.5" Serial ATA (1.5 Gb/s) hard drive or SSD. Storage drives larger than 128 GB are supported.

Standard Optical:

8X DL "SuperDrive"

Standard Disk:

None

Details:

Apple reports that the slot-loading 8X DVD+R DL/DVD�RW/CD-RW SuperDrive "writes DVD+R DL discs at up to 2.4x speed, writes DVD-R and DVD+R discs at up to 8x speed, writes DVD-RW and DVD+RW discs at up to 4x speed, reads DVDs at up to 8x speed, writes CD-R discs at up to 24x speed, writes CD-RW discs at up to 8x, [and] CDs at up to 24x speed."

Also see: What are the capabilities of the optical drive provided by the iMac G5?

Standard Modem:

None

Standard Ethernet:

10/100/1000Base-T

Details:

An external Apple USB Modem could be purchased for US$49. 10/100/1000Base-T (Gigabit) Ethernet standard.

Standard AirPort:

802.11b/g (Standard)

Standard Bluetooth:

2.0+EDR

Details:

AirPort Extreme (802.11g) and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR standard.

USB Ports:

3 (2.0)

Firewire Ports:

2 (400)

Details:

Apple advertised that this system had a "total of five USB ports" counting three USB 2.0 ports on the system and two USB 1.1 ports on the keyboard. Two Firewire "400" ports are shared - 8 watts.

Expansion Slots:

AP/BL

Expansion Bays:

None

Details:

Internal AirPort Extreme (802.11b/802.11g) and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR pre-installed.

Incl. Keyboard:

Apple Keyboard

Incl. Input:

Apple Mighty Mouse

Details:

Also included an Apple Remote for use with Apple Front Row media organization software -- that Apple reports provides users with a "simple, intuitive and powerful way to play their music, enjoy their photo slideshows, and watch their DVDs and iMovies".

Case Type:

All-in-One

Form Factor:

iMac G5 iSight

Details:

Integrated all-in-one "ice white" enclosure supported by an aluminum stand.

Apple Order No:

MA063LL/A

Apple Subfamily:

iSight

Details:

The Apple order number should be unique to this system.

Apple Model No:

A1144 (EMC 2081)

Model ID:

PowerMac12,1

Details:

Please note that these identifiers refer to more than one model.

Also see: All Macs with the A1144 Model Number, the 2081 EMC Number, and the PowerMac12,1 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:

3.6V Lithium

Battery Life:

N/A

Details:

N/A

Pre-Installed MacOS:

X 10.4.2 (8E102)

Maximum MacOS:

X 10.5.8

Details:

This system cannot run versions of MacOS X more recent than 10.5.8.

Minimum Windows:

N/A

Maximum Windows:

N/A

Details:

MacOS 9 Support:

Classic Mode Only*

Windows Support:

Emulation Only

Details:

*This model is capable of using Mac OS 9 applications within the Mac OS X "Classic" environment provided with Mac OS X 10.4.11 "Tiger" and lower ("Classic" is not supported starting with Mac OS X 10.5 "Leopard"). It cannot boot into Mac OS 9.

Dimensions:

16.9 x 16.8 x 6.8

Avg. Weight:

15.5 lbs. (7 kg)

Details:

In inches - height by width by depth, (43 cm, 42.6 cm, 17.3 cm).

Original Price (US):

US$1299

Est. Current Retail:

US$50-US$100

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.

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Video (Monitor):

1 (Mini-VGA)

Floppy (Ext.):

None

Details:

Apple notes that the system has a "VGA output port for video mirroring on [an] external display or projector" and "S-video and composite video output to connect directly to a TV or projector", using an adapter (sold separately).

ADB:

None

SCSI:

None

Details:

N/A

Serial (Standard):

None

Serial (Geoport):

None

Details:

N/A

USB:

3 (2.0)

Firewire:

2 (400)

Details:

Apple advertised that this system had a "total of five USB ports" counting three USB 2.0 ports on the system and two USB 1.1 ports on the keyboard. Two Firewire "400" ports are shared - 8 watts.

Modem:

None

Ethernet:

1 (RJ-45)

Details:

An external Apple USB Modem could be purchased for US$49.10/100/1000Base-T (Gigabit) Ethernet standard. AirPort Extreme (802.11g) and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR standard as well.

S-Video Input:

None

S-Video Output:

Details:

Apple notes that the system has "S-video and composite video output to connect directly to a TV or projector", using an adapter (sold separately).

Microphone:

1 (Built-in)

Sound In:

Details:

Includes a single "audio line input".

Sound Out:

Headphone:

Details:

Includes a single "headphone/optical digital audio output" port.

Security (Lock):

Joystick (PC):

None

Details:

N/A

Power:

Power Adapter:

N/A

Details:

100V-240V AC, 180W maximum.

Global original prices for the iMac G5/1.9 17" (iSight) 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$1599

Brazil:

N/A

Mexico:

N/A

United States:

US$1299

Original Prices - Europe

Austria:

N/A

Belgium:

¤1399

Denmark:

N/A

Finland:

N/A

France:

N/A

Germany:

¤1379

Ireland:

N/A

Italy:

¤1379

Luxembourg:

N/A

Netherlands:

¤1379

Norway:

N/A

Portugal:

N/A

Spain:

¤1339

Sweden:

N/A

Switzerland:

N/A

United Kingdom:

£899

Original Prices - Asia

China:

N/A

Hong Kong:

N/A

India:

N/A

Indonesia:

N/A

Japan:

¥152,800

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$1999

New Zealand:

NZ$2349

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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