Apple iMac "Core i3" 3.3 21.5" (Early 2013) Specs
Identifiers: Early 2013 (Edu) - ME699LL/A - iMac13,1 - A1418 - 2545
All iMac Models | All 2013 Models | Dynamically Compare This Mac to Others
Download: PDF Manual
Quietly introduced without a press release, the iMac "Core i3" 3.3 21.5-Inch (Early 2013/Education Only) -- which originally only was available for sale to educational institutions -- is powered by a Dual Core 3.3 GHz Intel "Core i3" I3-3225 (Ivy Bridge) processor with a dedicated 256k level 2 cache for each core and a 3 MB shared level 3 cache. It has an "integrated" Intel HD Graphics 4000 graphics processor that shares memory with the system.
By default, it is configured with 4 GB of 1600 MHz DDR3 SDRAM (which is not intended to be upgraded after purchase, although it is possible), and a 500 GB (5400 RPM) hard drive. 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" and connectivity includes four USB 3.0 ports, dual Thunderbolt ports, Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11n, and Bluetooth 4.0.
Externally, this education-only model uses the same all aluminum design as the "Late 2012" iMac models, and likewise is thicker in the middle and tapers to a razor thin 5 mm at the edges. Internally, however, this model has a slower processor, much slower graphics that share memory with the system, less RAM, and a smaller hard drive. It also ships with the non-wireless Apple Keyboard with numeric keypad and a traditional Apple Mouse (rather than the Magic Mouse or Magic Trackpad).
Buy This Mac or Trade-In Yours at site sponsor OWC. Click for current options.
Sell This Mac at A+ BBB rated site sponsor Cash For Your Mac. Quick quote!
Upgrade This Mac at site sponsor OWC. Memory, storage & more.
- 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 5, 2013 |
Discontinued Date: |
June 18, 2014 |
| Details: |
The "Introduction Date" typically refers to the date a model was introduced via press release although no press release was issued for this model. 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 2013. |
| Processors: |
1 (2 Cores) |
Architecture: |
64-Bit |
| Geekbench 2 (32): |
7588 |
Geekbench 2 (64): |
8262 |
| 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): |
2478 |
Geekbench 3 (32): |
5281 |
| 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): |
2708 |
Geekbench 3 (64): |
5911 |
| 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): |
3064 |
Geekbench 4 (MC): |
5903 |
| 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): |
658 |
Geekbench 5 (MC): |
1427 |
| 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: |
3.3 GHz |
Processor Type: |
Core i3 (I3-3225) |
| Details: |
This model is powered by a 22 nm, 64-bit Intel Core i3 (3225) "Ivy Bridge" processor with dual cores (two independent processor cores on a single silicon chip, each with two threads). Each core has a dedicated 256k level 2 cache and both processor cores share a single 3 MB level 3 cache. It does not support Turbo Boost -- which "automatically boosts the processor speed based on workload." |
| Turbo Boost: |
N/A |
Custom Speeds: |
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: |
3.3 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 |
| L1 Cache: |
32k/32k |
L2/L3 Cache: |
256k (x2), 3 MB |
| Details: |
Each core has its own dedicated 256k level 2 cache and the system has 3 MB of shared level 3 cache. |
| RAM Type: |
PC3-12800 DDR3* |
Min. RAM Speed: |
1600 MHz |
| Details: |
*By default, this system has 4 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 "Early 2013" 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: |
4 GB |
Maximum RAM: |
16 GB* |
| Details: |
*4 GB of RAM is standard and it can be upgraded at the time of purchase to 8 GB or 16 GB at additional cost. 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: |
HD Graphics 4000 |
VRAM Type: |
Integrated |
| Details: |
This model has an Intel HD Graphics 4000 graphics processor that shares memory with the system.
Which "Tapered Edge" iMac have video processors with dedicated memory? Which have integrated memory? |
| Standard VRAM: |
512 MB* |
Maximum VRAM: |
768 MB* |
| Details: |
*Apple and Intel do not report the minimum memory usage for the Intel HD Graphics 4000 graphics processor. However, OS X reports 512 MB of RAM is used for video with the default 4 GB of RAM installed. With additional RAM installed, more RAM is reserved for graphics use. |
| 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: |
500 GB HDD |
Std. Storage Speed: |
5400 RPM |
| Details: |
Other storage options also were available, including the "Fusion Drive" at additional cost. 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" (9.5 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 |
| Standard AirPort: |
802.11a/b/g/n |
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 Keyboard |
Incl. Input: |
Mouse |
| Details: |
This model ships with an "Apple keyboard with numeric keypad" and a traditional Apple mouse (rather than wireless models). |
| Case Type: |
All-in-One |
Form Factor: |
21.5" iMac Late 2012 |
| Details: |
This Aluminum iMac model uses 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: |
ME699LL/A |
Apple Subfamily: |
Early 2013 (Edu) |
| Details: |
The Apple order number should be unique to this system. |
| Apple Model No: |
A1418 (EMC 2545) |
Model ID: |
iMac13,1 |
| Details: |
Please note that these identifiers often refer to more than one model.
Also see: All Macs with the A1418 Model Number, the 2545 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 |
| Pre-Installed MacOS: |
X 10.8.2 (12C2037) |
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. This 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$1099 |
Est. Current Retail: |
US$100-US$200 |
| 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. |
Global original prices for the iMac "Core i3" 3.3 21.5" (Early 2013) 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
| Mexico: |
N/A |
United States: |
US$1099 |
Original Prices - Europe
| Austria: |
N/A |
Belgium: |
N/A |
| Denmark: |
N/A |
Finland: |
N/A |
| Luxembourg: |
N/A |
Netherlands: |
N/A |
| Norway: |
N/A |
Portugal: |
N/A |
| Switzerland: |
N/A |
United Kingdom: |
N/A |
Original Prices - Asia
| China: |
N/A |
Hong Kong: |
N/A |
| India: |
N/A |
Indonesia: |
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: |
N/A |
New Zealand: |
N/A |
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.
Permalink | Report an Error/Typo | Sign Up for Site Update Notices
<< iMac (Home) | Also see: iMac FAQ
Established in 1996, EveryMac.com has been created by experts with decades of experience with Apple hardware. EveryMac.com includes, and always has included, original research incorporating detailed, hands-on inspection of packaging, computers, and devices as well as extensive real-world use. All information is provided in good faith, but no website or person is perfect.
Accordingly, EveryMac.com is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind whatsoever.
EveryMac.com, and the authors thereof, shall not be held responsible or liable, under any circumstances, for any
damages resulting from the use or inability to use the information within. For complete disclaimer and copyright
information please read and understand the Terms
of Use and the Privacy Policy before
using EveryMac.com. Copying, scraping, or use of any content without expressed permission is not allowed, although links to any page are welcomed and appreciated.
2 (Thunderbolt) 
None 
None 
None 
None
None
4 (3.0)
None
1 (RJ-45)
None
None
2 (Built-in)
1
1
1
1
None
1
None