Apple iMac "Core i7" 3.4 27-Inch (Mid-2011) Specs
Identifiers: Mid-2011 - BTO/CTO - iMac12,2 - A1312 - 2429
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The iMac "Core i7" 3.4 27-Inch Aluminum (Mid-2011) technically is a "configure-to-order" configuration of the iMac "Core i5" 3.1 27-Inch Aluminum (Mid-2011), 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" 3.4 27-Inch Aluminum (Mid-2011) is powered by a Quad Core 3.4 GHz Intel "Core i7" I7-2600 (Sandy Bridge) processor with a dedicated 256k level 2 cache for each core and an 8 MB shared level 3 cache. In lieu of a system bus, it has a "Direct Media Interface" (DMI) that "connects between the processor and chipset" at 5 GT/s.
If only the processor is customized, it is configured with 4 GB of RAM (1333 MHz PC3-10600 DDR3 SDRAM), a 1 TB (7200 RPM) hard drive, a vertically-mounted slot-loading DVD±R DL "SuperDrive", and AMD Radeon HD 6970M graphics with 1 GB of dedicated GDDR5 memory.
It also has a built-in "FaceTime HD" video camera and built-in stereo speakers underneath the 27" glossy 16:9 LED-backlit TFT Active Matrix LCD (2560x1440 native) display "with IPS technology".
Connectivity includes four USB 2.0 ports, a Firewire "800" port, built-in AirPort Extreme, Gigabit Ethernet, and an SDXC card slot as well as dual "Thunderbolt" ports that are backwards compatible with Mini DisplayPort and, likewise, each support an external display up to 30" (2560x1600). Thunderbolt also supports other peripherals that use the Thunderbolt standard which provides up to 10 Gbps of bandwidth in both directions.
Externally, the "Mid-2011" iMac line uses the same "edge-to-edge" glass design and "seamless all aluminum enclosure" as the "Mid-2010" models that came before them. Internally, however, the "Mid-2011" line is equipped with faster processors and faster graphics processors, as well as the aforementioned external improvements of a higher resolution (and wider angle) webcam and Thunderbolt.
The "Mid-2011" 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" just like on Apple notebooks from the same era. An aluminum remote is offered for an additional US$19, too.
Also see:
- What are the differences between the "Mid-2011" Aluminum iMac models?
- How do the "Mid-2011" Aluminum iMac models compare to the "Mid-2010" models that preceded them?
Buy This Mac -- and all other new & used Macs -- at site sponsor PowerMax.
Upgrade This Mac at site sponsor Other World Computing. Memory, drives & more.
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: |
May 3, 2011 |
Discontinued Date: |
N/A |
| 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 2011. |
| Processors: |
1 (4 Cores) |
Geekbench: |
11648/12651* |
| 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 iMac12,2 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: |
3.4 GHz |
Processor Type: |
Core i7 (I7-2600) |
| Details: |
This custom configuration is powered by a 32 nm, 64-bit Intel Core i7 "Sandy Bridge" processor with quad cores (four independent processor cores on a single silicon chip). Each core has a dedicated 256k level 2 cache and all processor cores share a single 8 MB level 3 cache. This "Core i7" processor supports Hyper-Threading (it has two threads per core for a total of eight threads for the system) as well as Turbo Boost 2.0 (the system can dynamically increase the processor clockspeed to 3.8 GHz when tasks demand).
Also see: How much faster are the "Mid-2011" Aluminum iMac models than the "Mid-2010" models? |
| Custom Speeds: |
N/A |
Architecture: |
64-Bit |
| 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, this processor supports an LGA 1155 (H2) socket and it is possible to upgrade the processor to some extent.
Also see: Is it possible to upgrade the processor in the Aluminum iMac models? |
| System Bus Speed: |
5 GT/s* |
Cache Bus Speed: |
3.4 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 (x 4), 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: |
PC3-10600 DDR3 |
Min. RAM Speed: |
1333 MHz |
| Details: |
Supports 1333 MHz PC3-10600 DDR3 SO-DIMMs. Also see: How do you upgrade the RAM in the "Aluminum" iMac models? How much RAM of what type do these systems support? |
| Standard RAM: |
4 GB |
Maximum RAM: |
32 GB* |
| Details: |
By default, 4 GB of RAM is installed as two 2 GB SO-DIMM modules. Two slots free.
*Officially, this model supports four 4 GB modules -- one in each slot for a maximum of 16 GB of memory. However, third-parties have discovered that it actually will support 32 GB of memory using four 8 GB modules.
Site sponsor Other World Computing sells iMac memory, as well as hard drives, accessories, and other upgrades.
Also see: Actual Max RAM of All G3 & Later Macs. |
| Motherboard RAM: |
None |
RAM Slots: |
4 |
| Video Card: |
Radeon HD 6970M |
VRAM Type: |
GDDR5 |
| Details: |
By default, this model has an AMD Radeon HD 6970M graphics processor with 1 GB of dedicated GDDR5 memory. By custom configuration, the same graphics processor can be equipped with 2 GB of dedicated GDDR5 memory for an extra US$100.
Also see: What type of video processor is provided by the Aluminum iMac systems? Is it upgradable? |
| Standard VRAM: |
1 GB |
Maximum VRAM: |
2 GB* |
| Details: |
*By default, this model has 1 GB of dedicated GDDR5 video memory. At the time of purchase, it can be upgraded to 2 GB of dedicated GDDR5 video memory for an additional US$100. |
| Built-in Display: |
27" 16:9 Widescreen |
Native Resolution: |
2560x1440 |
| Details: |
This model has a 27" glossy LED-backlit 16:9 widescreen TFT active matrix display with "IPS technology" and a native resolution of 2560x1440. Apple also reports a viewing angle of 178 degrees horizontal and 178 degrees vertical. The contrast ratio is 1000:1.
Site sponsor Mission Repair offers free diagnosis of iMac hardware problems and a 24-hour repair service for this iMac. Display repacement, keyboard replacement, a hard drive upgrade service, and more are provided. |
| 2nd Display Support: |
Dual/Mirroring (x2) |
2nd Max. Resolution: |
2560x1600 |
| Details: |
Apple reports that this model simultaneously supports the native resolution of the built-in display and up-to two 30-inch external displays (2560x1600) by using both Thunderbolt ports. |
| Standard Hard Drive: |
1 TB (7200 RPM) |
Int. HD Interface: |
Serial ATA (6 Gb/s*) |
| Details: |
*As shipped, these models only supported the 3 Gb/s Serial ATA 2.0 standard for both a 3.5" hard drive and a 2.5" SSD. However, as first discovered by site sponsor OWC, the iMac EFI Update 1.6, released two days later, quietly provided 6 Gb/s Serial ATA 3.0 support.
Also see: How do you upgrade the hard drive in the "Late 2009," "Mid-2010" and "Mid-2011" Aluminum iMac models? What type of storage do they support? Is it even possible to upgrade these models? |
| 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 (450 Mbit*) |
Standard Bluetooth: |
2.1+EDR |
| Details: |
AirPort Extreme (802.11a/b/g/n) and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR standard. Although Apple formally makes no mention of it, as first discovered by HardMac, this model unofficially supports 450 Mbit/sec 802.11n Wi-Fi using MIMO. |
| USB Ports: |
4 (2.0) |
Firewire Ports: |
1 (800) |
| Details: |
Four USB 2.0 ports and one Firewire "800" port (7 watts). |
| Expansion Slots: |
SDXC SD Card |
Expansion Bays: |
None* |
| Details: |
*This iMac has an extra 6 Gb/s Serial ATA connector and power for the optional SSD, but if one is not installed at the time the system is purchased the connector cables and mounting bracket are not present. Nevertheless, it is possible to install a 2.5" SSD in addition to the hard drive if an SSD is not installed initially it's just a bit of a "hack." |
| 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, at no extra charge, 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: |
iMac (Late 2009) |
| Details: |
The external case used by the "Mid-2011" iMac models essentially is identical to the one first introduced by the "Late 2009" line with "edge-to-edge glass" for the display and a "seamless all aluminum enclosure." |
| Apple Order No: |
BTO/CTO |
Apple Subfamily: |
Mid-2011 |
| Apple Model No: |
A1312 (EMC 2429) |
Model ID: |
iMac12,2 |
| Details: |
Please note that these identifiers refer to more than one model.
Also see: All Macs with the A1312 Model Number, the 2429 EMC Number, and the iMac12,2 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 10.6.6 (10J4026) |
Maximum MacOS: |
Current |
| Details: |
This system fully supports the current version of OS X 10.7 "Lion." Please note that OS X Lion is not capable of running Mac OS X apps originally written for the PowerPC processor as it does not support the "Rosetta" environment. |
| Minimum Windows: |
7 (32-Bit)* |
Maximum Windows: |
7 (64-Bit)** |
| Details: |
*Apple's Boot Camp provided with Mac OS X 10.6.6, which was pre-installed on this Mac, does not formally support versions of Windows earlier than Windows 7.
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 MacOS 9/Classic applications on Intel Macs?
Site sponsor OHS specializes in heavily upgraded Macs capable of running both MacOS X and MacOS 9 applications.
For more on running Windows on Intel Macs, please refer to the exhaustive Windows on Mac Q&A. |
| Dimensions: |
20.4 x 25.6 x 8.15 |
Avg. Weight: |
30.5 lbs. (13.8 kg) |
| Details: |
In inches - height by width by depth, (51.7 cm, 65.0 cm, 20.7 cm). |
| Original Price (US): |
US$2199 |
Est. Current Retail: |
US$2199 |
| Details: |
To purchase a new iMac, free of sales tax, please visit site sponsor PowerMax.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. |
Global original prices for the iMac "Core i7" 3.4 27-Inch (Mid-2011) 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$2199 |
United States: |
US$2199 |
Original Prices - Europe
| Austria: |
€2099 |
Belgium: |
€2099 |
| Denmark: |
DKK 16,539 |
Finland: |
€2129 |
| France: |
€2099 |
Germany: |
€2099 |
| Ireland: |
€2099 |
Italy: |
€2099 |
| Netherlands: |
€2099 |
Norway: |
NOK 17,130 |
| Portugal: |
€2129 |
Spain: |
€2099 |
| Sweden: |
SEK 19.815 |
Switzerland: |
CHF 2,489 |
Original Prices - Asia
| China: |
RMB 17,028 |
Hong Kong: |
HK$17,038 |
| Japan: |
¥197,800 |
Singapore: |
S$3,015 |
Original Prices - Australia & New Zealand
| Australia: |
A$2539 |
New Zealand: |
NZ$3618 |
Ten of the most popular Q&As about the iMac models follow.
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2 (Thunderbolt) 
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4 (2.0)
1 (800)
1 (RJ-45)
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1 (Built-in)
1
1
1
1
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