Apple iMac "Core i3" 3.1 21.5" (Late 2011) Specs
Identifiers: Late 2011 (Edu) - MC978LL/A - iMac12,1 - A1311 - 2496
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Quietly introduced without a press release, the iMac "Core i3" 3.1 21.5-Inch Aluminum (Late 2011/Education Only) -- which only was available for sale originally to educational institutions -- is powered by a Dual Core 3.1 GHz Intel "Core i3" I3-2100 (Sandy Bridge) processor with a dedicated 256k level 2 cache for each core and a 3 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.
By default, it is configured with 2 GB of RAM (1333 MHz PC3-10600 DDR3 SDRAM), a 250 GB hard drive, a vertically-mounted slot-loading DVD�R DL "SuperDrive", and AMD Radeon HD 6750M graphics with 256 MB of dedicated GDDR5 memory.
It also has a built-in "FaceTime HD" 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 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet, and an SDXC card slot as well as a single Mini DisplayPort. It does not support internal Bluetooth.
Externally, the "Late 2011" iMac uses the same "edge-to-edge" glass design and "seamless all aluminum enclosure" as the "Mid-2011" models. Internally, however, the education-only "Late 2011" iMac is equipped with a slower processor with half the number of cores, less standard RAM (and lower maximum RAM capacity), less VRAM, a smaller hard drive as well as no support for Thunderbolt or internal Bluetooth. It also shipped with a less capable Apple Mouse.
Also see:
- What are all the differences between the education-only "Late 2011" Aluminum iMac and the regular "Mid-2011" iMac models?
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- Tech Specs
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- 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 8, 2011 |
Discontinued Date: |
March 5, 2013 |
| 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 2011. |
| Processors: |
1 (2 Cores) |
Architecture: |
64-Bit |
| Geekbench 2 (32): |
6665 |
Geekbench 2 (64): |
7211 |
| 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 iMac12,1 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): |
2239 |
Geekbench 3 (32): |
4680 |
| 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 iMac12,1 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): |
2408 |
Geekbench 3 (64): |
5119 |
| 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 iMac12,1 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): |
2827 |
Geekbench 4 (MC): |
5360 |
| 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 iMac12,1 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): |
581 |
Geekbench 5 (MC): |
1284 |
| 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 iMac12,1 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: |
3.1 GHz |
Processor Type: |
Core i3 (I3-2100) |
| Details: |
This model is powered by a 32 nm, 64-bit Intel Core i3 "Sandy 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. |
| 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, this processor supports an LGA 1155 (H2) socket and it is likely to be 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: |
3.1 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 2), 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: |
PC3-10600 DDR3 |
Min. RAM Speed: |
1333 MHz |
| Details: |
Supports 1333 MHz PC3-10600 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: |
2 GB |
Maximum RAM: |
16 GB* |
| Details: |
By default, 2 GB of RAM is installed as one 2 GB SO-DIMM module.
*This model officially supports 8 GB of RAM, but third-parties have discovered that it actually supports 16 GB of RAM.
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 |
| Video Card: |
Radeon HD 6750M |
VRAM Type: |
GDDR5 |
| Details: |
This model has an AMD Radeon HD 6750M graphics processor with 256 MB of dedicated GDDR5 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: |
This model has 256 MB of dedicated GDDR5 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 viewing angle of 178 degrees horizontal and 178 degrees vertical. The contrast ratio is 1000:1.
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 |
| 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 Storage: |
250 GB HDD |
Std. Storage Speed: |
N/A |
| Storage Dimensions: |
3.5" (26.10 mm) |
Storage Interface: |
Serial ATA (6 Gb/s) |
| Details: |
This model has one 6 Gb/s SATA III connection for a hard drive or SSD. It does not support a second 2.5" SSD in addition to the standard hard drive. |
| 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: |
None |
| Details: |
802.11a/b/g/n wireless networking supported. It does not support internal Bluetooth. |
| 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: |
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: |
Apple Mouse |
| Details: |
This model shipped with a small aluminum "ultrathin, compact wired keyboard" (no numeric keypad) and an Apple Mouse.
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 "Late 2011" iMac 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: |
MC978LL/A |
Apple Subfamily: |
Late 2011 (Edu) |
| Details: |
The Apple order number should be unique to this system. |
| Apple Model No: |
A1311 (EMC 2496) |
Model ID: |
iMac12,1 |
| Details: |
Please note that these identifiers often refer to more than one model.
Also see: All Macs with the A1311 Model Number, the 2496 EMC Number, and the iMac12,1 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 10.7.2 (11C40) |
Maximum MacOS: |
X 10.13.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" except for Power Nap functionality. It also supports the last version of OS X 10.11 "El Capitan" -- including Mac-to-Mac AirDrop and AirPlay Mirroring capability -- but no other advanced features are supported including Metal graphics acceleration. It is capable of running macOS Sierra (10.12) as well, although it does not support the Universal Clipboard, Auto Unlock, or Apple Pay features. Finally, 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. It is not compatible with macOS Mojave (10.14) or later versions of the operating system.
Also see: Which Macs are compatible with macOS High Sierra (10.13)? What are the system requirements? Which Macs support HEVC? |
| Minimum Windows: |
7 (32-Bit)* |
Maximum Windows: |
8.1 (64-Bit)* |
| Details: |
*Apple's Boot Camp 4 supports the 32-bit version of Windows 7 on this model and Boot Camp 5 supports the 64-bit versions of Windows 7 and Windows 8. Earlier versions of Windows are not supported.
Although Apple does not support Windows 10 via Boot Camp 5 (officially or otherwise), this system meets Microsoft's hardware requirements and it very well may be possible to boot Windows 10 on this Mac. If you have installed Windows 10 on this system (successfully or unsuccessfully), please share the results of your experiment. Thank you. |
| 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: |
17.75 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$999 |
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, Inc. |
Global original prices for the iMac "Core i3" 3.1 21.5" (Late 2011) 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$999 |
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.
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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
None
1
None