Apple iMac MK472LL/A 27-Inch Retina 5K Desktop (3.2 GHz Intel Core i5, 8GB DDR3, 1TB, Mac OS X) (Renewed)
Want the best price and purchase timing?
Our AI advisor analyzes real-time pricing across all channels to find you the best deal.
AI Verdict
A renewed 2015 27-inch 5K iMac with a 3.2 GHz i5 and 1TB Fusion Drive, best for users prioritizing screen quality over raw speed or modern connectivity.
This renewed 27-inch 5K iMac is a situational fit because its stunning 5120 x 2880 display remains a significant asset for visual tasks and general use. However, the 2015 3.2 GHz Intel Core i5 processor and slow 1TB Fusion Drive create performance bottlenecks for anything beyond basic productivity and media consumption. The 8GB DDR3 RAM is also a limiting factor for modern multitasking.
If this model's performance isn't enough, look for a renewed iMac with a pure SSD, at least 16GB of RAM, and a newer Intel Core i7 processor or Apple Silicon chip.
Regret Score™
Medium RiskLower is better — measures purchase-regret risk from real buyer complaints, review credibility, and product maturity
Issues discovered after purchase
Critically weak dimension
Amazon rating vs actual quality
Chance this product isn't for you
Pros
- The 5120 x 2880 Retina 5K display offers exceptionally sharp text and vibrant colors, holding up well against modern screens.
- RAM is user-upgradable via a rear hatch, allowing expansion beyond the included 8GB DDR3, typically up to 32GB or 64GB.
- Includes a dedicated AMD Radeon R9 M390 GPU, providing enough graphical horsepower for the 5K display and media consumption.
- Features four USB 3.0 ports and two Thunderbolt 2 ports for connecting peripherals and external drives.
Cons
- The 1TB Fusion Drive is a hybrid solution that users report as significantly slower than a pure SSD, impacting boot times and application loading.
- The 8GB DDR3 RAM is minimal for multitasking in 2026, especially with a 5K display, and will likely require an upgrade for smoother operation.
- Lacks modern connectivity like USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 ports, which limits compatibility with newer accessories without adapters.
- The stand only offers tilt adjustment, lacking height, swivel, or pivot adjustments for ergonomic positioning.
- Official macOS update support is limited to Monterey, meaning newer OS features and security updates will not be available without unofficial patches.
Dimension Scores
The 3.2 GHz Intel Core i5 processor from 2015 is significantly underpowered for modern demanding applications in 2026.
RAM is user-upgradable via an accessible hatch, but internal storage upgrades are difficult and it lacks modern ports like USB-C/Thunderbolt 3.
While not excessively loud for general use, the fans can spin up noticeably during tasks like streaming video or more intensive workloads due to the older components.
The unibody aluminum design is robust and durable, a hallmark of Apple products, and holds up well over time.
Best For
- Photo editing and graphic design where screen resolution and color accuracy are paramount.
- Web browsing, document creation, and general productivity tasks that benefit from extensive screen real estate.
- Media consumption, offering a high-resolution canvas for watching videos and movies.
- Users on a budget seeking a large, high-resolution display with the macOS experience.
Not Recommended For
- Heavy video editing or 3D rendering due to the older 3.2 GHz Intel Core i5 processor and Fusion Drive bottlenecks.
- Modern gaming, as the AMD Radeon R9 M390 GPU and older CPU will struggle with current titles.
- Users who require the latest macOS features, security updates, or software compatibility beyond Monterey.
Watch Out For
- The 1TB Fusion Drive significantly slows down the system compared to an SSD, with users frequently recommending booting from an external SSD for better performance.
- Some users report potential for image retention (ghosting) on the 5K display, especially with static images displayed for extended periods.
- Upgrading the internal storage to a pure SSD is a difficult and often costly process, requiring specialized tools and expertise.
- The 2015 Intel Core i5 processor and AMD Radeon R9 M390 GPU are showing their age, leading to sluggishness in demanding applications and fan noise during streaming video.
Full Specifications
| RAM | 8 GB DDR3 |
| ASIN | B01N7OLW2I |
| Brand | Apple |
| Color | Silver |
| Series | MK472LL/A |
| CPU Model | Core i5 |
| CPU Speed | 3.2 GHz |
| Processor | 3.2 GHz core_i5 |
| Hard Drive | 1 TB |
| Item Weight | 27.2 pounds |
| Screen Size | 27 Inches |
| Power Source | Corded-Electric |
| Chipset Brand | Intel |
| Wireless Type | 802.11ac |
| Processor Brand | Intel |
| Card Description | Integrated |
| Operating System | Mac OS |
| Flash Memory Size | 1 TB |
| Hardware Platform | Mac |
| Item model number | MK472LL/A |
| Screen Resolution | 5120 x 2880 |
| Product Dimensions | 24 x 10 x 30 inches |
| Computer Memory Type | DDR3 SDRAM |
| Graphics Coprocessor | Radeon |
| Hard Drive Interface | USB 3.0 |
| Number of Processors | 4 |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 24 x 10 x 30 inches |
| Memory Storage Capacity | 1 TB |
| Graphics Card Description | Integrated |
| Ram Memory Installed Size | 8 GB |
| Standing screen display size | 27 Inches |
| Personal computer design type | All in One |
What Buyers Say
The standout feature of this renewed iMac is consistently the 27-inch 5K Retina display, which users praise for its clarity and color even years after its release. However, the 1TB Fusion Drive is a frequent point of frustration, with many recommending an external SSD for a significant speed boost. The 8GB DDR3 RAM is also often cited as insufficient for modern multitasking, pushing users towards an easy RAM upgrade. The lack of USB-C ports is a common complaint, limiting connectivity with newer peripherals.
“Man, this 5K screen is still killer, but that Fusion Drive is a total drag, feels like I'm waiting forever for apps to open. Seriously, just get an external SSD, it's a night and day difference.”
Common Praise
- The 5120 x 2880 Retina 5K display provides incredibly sharp text and vibrant, accurate colors.
- The large screen real estate makes multitasking and working with multiple windows much more efficient.
- The build quality of the all-in-one chassis is sturdy and feels premium.
- RAM is easily user-upgradable through a dedicated access hatch on the back.
Common Complaints
- The 1TB Fusion Drive is noticeably slow, causing long boot times and application loading delays.
- The 3.2 GHz Intel Core i5 processor from 2015 struggles with demanding modern software and heavy workloads.
- Lack of USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 ports means needing adapters for many current accessories.
- Official macOS updates are limited to Monterey, leaving the system behind on newer features and security patches.
- Some users experience image retention or ghosting on the display after static images are shown for a while.
Ownership Tips
- Booting macOS from an external USB 3 SSD dramatically improves system responsiveness and speed compared to the internal Fusion Drive.
- Upgrading the RAM to 16GB or 32GB is a straightforward process and significantly helps with multitasking performance.
- The lack of USB-C means you'll be living with adapters for newer peripherals, which can clutter your desk.
- While the display is stunning, be aware of potential image retention issues, especially if you leave static windows open for long periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I upgrade the RAM on this iMac?
Yes, the RAM is user-upgradable via a small hatch on the back of the display. You can typically expand it beyond the included 8GB DDR3, often up to 32GB or even 64GB.
Is the 5K display still good in 2026?
Absolutely, the 5120 x 2880 Retina 5K display is still considered high-quality, offering incredibly sharp text and vibrant colors that hold up well against newer monitors.
How fast is the storage?
It comes with a 1TB Fusion Drive, which is a hybrid solution combining a small SSD with a larger traditional hard drive. While faster than a pure HDD, it's significantly slower than a dedicated solid-state drive, impacting boot times and application loading.
Does it have USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 ports?
No, this 2015 model features two Thunderbolt 2 ports and four USB 3.0 ports, but it does not include the newer USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 connectivity.
What is the latest macOS version it can run?
Officially, this iMac can upgrade to macOS Monterey. Running newer macOS versions would require unofficial OpenCore Legacy Patcher methods, which can be complex and may introduce instability.
Buying Guide
When looking at a renewed iMac like this, you're buying into an older ecosystem. The 'renewed' part means it's been inspected, but it's still a 2015 model. You need to understand that its performance won't match current machines, especially with the Fusion Drive. Consider your actual use cases: if it's mostly for browsing and light work, the screen alone might be worth it, but don't expect it to be a powerhouse.
5K Resolution (5120 x 2880)
This is a huge number of pixels, making text incredibly sharp and images detailed. Think of it like looking at a magazine print versus a newspaper – everything is much clearer and smoother. It's fantastic for visual work or just enjoying crisp content.
Fusion Drive (1TB)
This is Apple's hybrid storage: a small, fast SSD combined with a larger, slower hard drive. It tries to give you the best of both worlds, but in reality, it's much slower than a pure SSD. Imagine a highway with a fast lane that occasionally merges into a slow, congested road – that's your data speed.
DDR3 RAM (8GB)
This is your computer's short-term memory. 8GB of DDR3 is the older, slower type of RAM and is pretty tight for today's software, especially with a 5K display. Think of it as your desk space; 8GB is a small desk, and you'll quickly run out of room if you have too many applications or browser tabs open.
Alternatives
If this iMac doesn't cut it, search for renewed models with a pure SSD for faster performance, at least 16GB of RAM for better multitasking, and a newer processor generation for improved speed and longer software support.
You Might Also Like
HP ProOne 600 G4 All-in-One Desktop Computer 21.5" FHD PC, Intel Core i5-8500T, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, Keyboard & Mouse, USB WiFi & BT, Windows 11 Pro (Renewed)
$150-$299This is a renewed 21.5-inch FHD All-in-One with an 8th Gen Intel Core i5-8500T, 8GB RAM, and 256GB SSD, best for basic office tasks and web browsing.
GEEKOM A9 Max AI Mini PC, with AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 (80 Tops), Copilot+ PC, Radeon 890M, 32GB DDR5 (Not LPDDR), 1TB SSD, Win 11 Pro, WiFi 7, BT 5.4, USB4, HDMI 2.1, Dual 2.5GbE, 8K, 3-Year Warranty
$600+A mini PC with an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor and Radeon 890M graphics, designed for AI workloads and 1080p gaming.
Bmax Mini PC B1 Pro Intel Gemini Lake N4000 (Up to 2.6GHz), 8GB LPDDR4 128GB eMMC Support M.2 SSD Expansion (512GB/2TB), 4K Dual Display 2.4G/5G WiFi & BT4.2 Mini Desktop Computer for Home/Office
$150-$299This is a fanless mini PC with an Intel N4000 processor, 8GB LPDDR4, and 128GB eMMC, designed for basic office tasks and web browsing.
Lenovo 24" ThinkCentre All-in-One Desktop Computer • 6-core AMD Ryzen 5 Processor • 16GB DDR5 • 512GB SSD • Wi-Fi 6 • HDMI in&Out • Wired KB&Mouse • Windows 11 Pro
$600+This is a 24-inch FHD IPS AIO with an AMD Ryzen 5 220 processor, 16GB DDR5 RAM, and a 512GB SSD, built for everyday productivity and light creative tasks.