Apple iMac "Core 2 Duo" 3.06 21.5-Inch (Late 2009) Specs
Identifiers: Late 2009 - MB950LL/A* - iMac10,1 - A1311 - 2308
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The iMac "Core 2 Duo" 3.06 21.5-Inch Aluminum (Late 2009) features a 3.06 GHz Intel "Core 2 Duo" processor (E7600), with two independent processor "cores" on a single silicon chip, a 3 MB shared level 2 cache, a 1066 MHz system bus, 4 GB of RAM (1066 MHz PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM), a 500 GB or 1 TB (7200 RPM) hard drive, a vertically-mounted slot-loading DVD±R DL "SuperDrive", and NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics with 256 MB of shared memory or ATI Radeon HD 4670 graphics with 256 MB of dedicated GDDR3 memory.
It also has a built-in iSight video camera and built-in stereo speakers underneath the 21.5" glossy 16:9 LED-backlit TFT Active Matrix LCD (1920x1080 native) display "with IPS technology".
Connectivity includes four USB 2.0 ports, a Firewire "800" port, built-in AirPort Extreme, and Gigabit Ethernet, as well as a Mini DisplayPort, which supports an external display up to 30" (2560x1600).
The "Late 2009" iMac line looks similar to earlier Aluminum iMac models but have an "edge-to-edge" glass design and a "seamless all aluminum enclosure" (previous aluminum models have a modest aluminum border around the display and a plastic back).
Externally, the displays are enhanced with LED-backlighting and "IPS technology" for improved quality, and internally, each has four RAM slots supporting up to 16 GB of RAM (rather than two slots and 8 GB of RAM for earlier models). All "Late 2009" models also include an SD Card slot and redesigned speakers that promise "louder, clearer sound with better bass response and less distortion".
The "Late 2009" iMac models shipped with a compact aluminum Apple Wireless Keyboard and a new multi-touch "Magic Mouse" where the "entire top is a seamless multi-touch surface" that allows one to "navigate using intuitive finger gestures". A new aluminum remote was offered for an additional US$19 as well.
Also see:
- What are the differences between the "Late 2009" Aluminum iMac models?
- How do the "Late 2009" Aluminum iMac models compare to the "Early 2009" models that preceded them?
Buy This Mac -- and all other new & used Macs -- at site sponsor PowerMax.
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Fix This Mac -- free diagnosis and affordable 24-hour repair at site sponsor Mission Repair.
Click on the underlined category text for related details. The most commonly needed info is "open" by default, but all info is important.
| Introduction Date: |
October 20, 2009 |
Discontinued Date: |
July 27, 2010 |
| 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 2009. |
| Processors: |
1 (2 Cores) |
Geekbench: |
4221/4628* |
| Details: |
*These Geekbench 2 benchmarks are in 32-bit and 64-bit modes, respectively.
Geekbench 2 benchmarks reflect results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better. Individual user-submitted benchmarks can vary, but an average can be useful to get an idea of the relative performance of different Macs. You also might be interested in combing through all Geekbench user-submissions for Macs with the iMac10,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare Geekbench results from different Macs side-by-side, please see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison.
|
| Processor Speed: |
3.06 GHz |
Processor Type: |
Core 2 Duo (E7600) |
| Details: |
All Intel "Core 2 Duo" processors include two independent processor "cores" on a single silicon chip.
Also see: How much faster are the 3.06 GHz Core 2 Duo-powered "Late 2009" Aluminum iMac models than the "Early 2009" models? |
| Custom Speeds: |
3.33 GHz |
Architecture: |
64-Bit |
| Details: |
This model additionally could be configured with a 3.33 GHz Core 2 Duo processor for an extra US$200.
As requested by readers, EveryMac.com also has documented this custom configuration as its own model. |
| Processor Upgrade: |
LGA 775 (Socket T) |
FPU: |
Integrated |
| Details: |
This model's processor uses an LGA 775 Socket T.
Also see: Is it possible to upgrade the processor in the Aluminum iMac models? |
| System Bus Speed: |
1066 MHz |
Cache Bus Speed: |
3.06 GHz (Built-in) |
| Details: |
1066 MHz frontside bus. |
| ROM/Firmware Type: |
EFI |
EFI Architecture: |
64-Bit |
| L1 Cache: |
32k/32k |
L2/L3 Cache: |
3 MB (on chip) |
| Details: |
Includes a 3 MB shared "on chip" level 2 cache that runs at processor speed. |
| RAM Type: |
PC3-8500 DDR3 |
Min. RAM Speed: |
1066 MHz |
| Details: |
Supports 1066 MHz PC3-8500 DDR3 SO-DIMMs (204-pin).
Also see: How do you upgrade the RAM in this Aluminum iMac model? How much RAM does it actually support? |
| Standard RAM: |
4 GB |
Maximum RAM: |
16 GB |
| Motherboard RAM: |
None |
RAM Slots: |
4 |
| Details: |
This model supports four 4 GB modules -- one in each slot for a maximum of 16 GB of memory. |
| Video Card: |
GeForce 9400M* |
VRAM Type: |
Integrated* |
| Details: |
There are two configurations of this model -- MB950LL/A, which has a NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics processor that shares memory with the system and MC413LL/A, which has an ATI Radeon HD 4670 with 256 MB of dedicated GDDR3 memory.
Also see: What type of video processor is provided by the Aluminum iMac systems? Is it upgradable? |
| Standard VRAM: |
256 MB |
Maximum VRAM: |
256 MB |
| Details: |
In the MB950LL/A configuration, the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics processor shares 256 MB of memory with the system. Apple reports that "memory available to Mac OS X may vary depending on graphics needs" and that the minimum graphics usage is 256 MB with this model.
The MC413LL/A configuration, on the other hand, has 256 MB of dedicated GDDR3 video memory. |
| Built-in Display: |
21.5" 16:9 Widescreen |
Native Resolution: |
1920x1080 |
| Details: |
This model has a 21.5" glossy LED-backlit 16:9 widescreen TFT active matrix display with "IPS technology" and a native resolution of 1920x1080. Apple also reports a "typical" brightness of 320 cd/m2, and viewing angle of 178 degrees horizontal and 178 degrees vertical. The contrast ratio is 1000:1 and the PPI is 102.
Also see: How does the display quality of the 21.5-Inch and 27-Inch "Late 2009" Aluminum iMac models compare to previous Aluminum iMac models?
Site sponsor Mission Repair offers free diagnosis of iMac hardware problems and a 24-hour repair service for this iMac. Display replacement, keyboard replacement, a hard drive upgrade service, and more are provided. |
| 2nd Display Support: |
Dual/Mirroring |
2nd Max. Resolution: |
2560x1600 |
| Details: |
Apple reports that this model simultaneously supports the native resolution of the built-in display and up-to a 30-inch external display (2560x1600). |
| Standard Hard Drive: |
500 GB, 1 TB (7200 RPM) |
Int. HD Interface: |
Serial ATA (3 Gb/s) |
| Details: |
MB950LL/A is configured with a 500 GB hard drive and MC413LL/A is configured with a 1 TB hard drive.
Also see: How do you upgrade the hard drive in the Aluminum iMac models? What type of hard drive do they support? Can you swap the hard drive for an SSD? |
| Standard Optical: |
8X DL "SuperDrive" |
Standard Disk: |
None |
| Details: |
Apple reports that the slot-loading 8X "SuperDrive" with 4X double-layer burning (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW) "writes DVD+R DL discs at up to 4x speed, writes DVD-R and DVD+R discs at up to 8x speed, writes DVD-RW at up to 6x and DVD+RW discs at up to 8x speed, reads DVDs at up to 8x speed, writes CD-R discs at up to 24x speed, writes CD-RW discs at up to 16x speed, [and] reads CDs at up to 24x speed." |
| Standard Modem: |
None |
Standard Ethernet: |
10/100/1000Base-T |
| Standard AirPort: |
802.11a/b/g/n |
Standard Bluetooth: |
2.1+EDR |
| Details: |
AirPort Extreme (802.11a/b/g/n) and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR standard.
Also see: What is 802.11n? How is it different from 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11a? |
| USB Ports: |
4 (2.0) |
Firewire Ports: |
1 (800) |
| Details: |
Four USB 2.0 ports and one Firewire "800" port (7 watts). |
| Expansion Slots: |
SD Card |
Expansion Bays: |
None |
| Incl. Keyboard: |
Apple Wireless Keyboard |
Incl. Input: |
Magic Mouse |
| Details: |
This model shipped with a small aluminum "ultrathin, compact wireless keyboard" (no numeric keypad) and a new wireless "Magic Mouse", where the "entire top is a seamless multi-touch surface" that allows one to "navigate using intuitive finger gestures".
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: |
iMac (Late 2009) |
| Details: |
The cases used by the "Late 2009" iMac models look similar to the one used by previous "Aluminum" models, but the "Late 2009" design has "edge-to-edge glass" for the display and a "seamless all aluminum enclosure" (the earlier models had a plastic back). |
| Apple Order No: |
MB950LL/A* |
Apple Subfamily: |
Late 2009 |
| Details: |
*MB950LL/A refers to the configuration with a 500 GB hard drive and NVIDIA GeForce 9400M "integrated" graphics. MC413LL/A refers to the configuration with a 1 TB hard drive and ATI Radeon HD 4670 graphics with 256 MB of dedicated GDDR3 VRAM. |
| Apple Model No: |
A1311 (EMC 2308) |
Model ID: |
iMac10,1 |
| Details: |
Please note that these identifiers refer to more than one model.
Also see: All Macs with the A1311 Model Number, the 2308 EMC Number, and the iMac10,1 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 10.6.1 (10A2155) |
Maximum MacOS: |
Current* |
| Details: |
*This system fully supports the current version of OS X 10.8 "Mountain Lion," except for AirPlay Mirroring functionality (which also requires an Apple TV 2nd Gen or later). Please note that OS X Lion and OS X Mountain Lion are not capable of running Mac OS X apps originally written for the PowerPC processor as neither supports the "Rosetta" environment. |
| Minimum Windows: |
XP SP2 (32-Bit)* |
Maximum Windows: |
7 (64-Bit)** |
| Details: |
*Apple's Boot Camp only supports the 32-Bit version of Windows XP SP2 or higher.
**Apple formally supports both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows Vista and Windows 7 on this model.
Also see: Which Intel Macs are capable of booting the 32-Bit and 64-Bit versions of Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7? Which are supported by Apple's Boot Camp? |
| 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?
Site sponsor OHS specializes in heavily upgraded Macs capable of running both Mac OS X and Mac OS 9 applications.
For more on running Windows on Intel Macs, please refer to the exhaustive Windows on Mac Q&A. |
| Dimensions: |
17.75 x 20.8 x 7.42 |
Avg. Weight: |
20.5 lbs. (9.3 kg) |
| Details: |
In inches - height by width by depth, (45.1 cm, 52.8 cm, 18.85 cm). |
| Original Price (US): |
US$1199, $1499* |
Est. Current Retail: |
US$1000-US$1100 |
| Details: |
*The configuration with a 500 GB hard drive and NVIDIA GeForce 9400M "integrated" graphics originally was US$1199 (MB950LL/A). The configuration with a 1 TB hard drive and ATI Radeon HD 4670 graphics with 256 MB of dedicated GDDR3 VRAM originally was US$1499 (MC413LL/A). |
Global original prices for the iMac "Core 2 Duo" 3.06 21.5-Inch (Late 2009) in 24 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 America
| Canada: |
C$1299, C$1599 |
United States: |
US$1199, $1499* |
Original Prices - Europe
| Austria: |
€1099, €1349 |
Belgium: |
€1099, €1349 |
| Denmark: |
DKK 8,299, 10,299 |
Finland: |
€1099, €1349 |
| France: |
€1099, €1349 |
Germany: |
€1099, €1349 |
| Ireland: |
€1099, €1349 |
Italy: |
€1099, €1349 |
| Netherlands: |
€1099, €1349 |
Norway: |
NOK 9.490, 11.490 |
| Portugal: |
€1099, €1349 |
Spain: |
€1049, €1299 |
| Sweden: |
SEK 11.495, 14.495 |
Switzerland: |
CHF 1'449, 1'799 |
| United Kingdom: |
£949, £1199 |
|
|
Original Prices - Asia
| China: |
RMB 9,598, RMB 11,998 |
Hong Kong: |
HK$9,388, HK$11,688 |
| Japan: |
¥118,800, ¥148,800 |
Singapore: |
N/A |
| Taiwan: |
NT$41,900, NT$52,900 |
|
|
Original Prices - Australia & New Zealand
| Australia: |
A$1599, A$1999 |
New Zealand: |
NZ$1999, NZ$2499 |
Ten of the most popular Q&As about the iMac models follow.
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1* (Mini DisplayPort w/ Audio) 
None 
None 
None 
None
None
4 (2.0)
1 (800)
1 (RJ-45)
None
None
1 (Built-in)
1
1
1
1
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