Apple iMac MNE92LL/A 27 Inch, 3.4 GHz Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 1TB Fusion Drive, Silver (Renewed), Mac OS
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AI Verdict
A 27-inch 5K Retina display with a 3.4 GHz Intel Core i5 and 8GB RAM, best for visual tasks if you upgrade storage.
This iMac is a situational fit because its 5K Retina display and dedicated GPU are still highly capable for visual tasks, but the 7th-gen Intel Core i5 and especially the 1TB Fusion Drive are bottlenecks. It requires an external SSD to feel responsive for everyday use.
If you need more consistent performance, prioritize a model with a true SSD or budget for an external Thunderbolt 3 SSD immediately.
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Pros
- The 27-inch 5120-by-2880 Retina 5K display provides crystal clear text and vibrant visuals, making it suitable for graphic design and video work.
- RAM is user-upgradeable up to 32GB, with an easy-access compartment for adding memory.
- Features two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports for high-speed peripherals and external displays.
- The 5-mm-thin design offers a sleek aesthetic for any workspace.
- The dedicated Radeon Pro 570 with 4GB video memory handles photo editing and real-time video rendering effectively.
- Users report the machine operates with complete silence.
Cons
- The 1TB Fusion Drive significantly slows down the system, leading to long startup times and sluggish performance after macOS updates.
- The 7th-generation Intel Core i5 processor is dated, raising concerns about future macOS compatibility and performance compared to newer Apple Silicon chips.
- The front-facing camera quality is reported as less than optimal by some users.
- The standard iMac stand typically offers only tilt adjustment, limiting ergonomic flexibility.
Dimension Scores
The 3.4 GHz 7th-generation Intel Core i5 provides adequate power for everyday tasks but is below average compared to current desktop CPUs, especially when hampered by the Fusion Drive.
RAM is easily user-upgradeable up to 32GB, and storage can be expanded via fast Thunderbolt 3 ports with external SSDs, although internal storage upgrades are more complex.
Users report the machine operates with 'complete silence' even under load, indicating efficient cooling and minimal fan noise.
The 5-mm-thin design and overall construction reflect Apple's typical high standards, with renewed units often arriving in excellent physical condition.
Best For
- Graphic designers or photographers needing a large, high-resolution display for image manipulation and color accuracy.
- Home office users who prioritize screen real estate for document work and web browsing, especially with an external SSD.
- Students or casual users who need a large screen for media consumption and light productivity tasks.
Not Recommended For
- Users requiring top-tier processing power for demanding video editing or 3D rendering without significant upgrades.
- Anyone who expects modern SSD speeds out of the box without replacing or supplementing the Fusion Drive.
- Gamers looking to play the latest titles at high settings, due to the older GPU and Intel architecture.
Watch Out For
- The 1TB Fusion Drive will feel slow; many users report it becomes 'unusably slow' with recent macOS updates, requiring an external SSD for acceptable performance.
- The 7th-generation Intel Core i5 processor means this machine will likely lose official macOS support sooner than newer models, potentially limiting future software updates.
- While RAM is upgradeable, the base 8GB DDR4 might be insufficient for heavy multitasking, and upgrading requires purchasing additional modules.
- The renewed nature means you might receive a generic keyboard and mouse, or an older Apple peripheral that some users find requires adjustment.
Full Specifications
| RAM | 8 GB DDR4 |
| ASIN | B07JNC9PCF |
| Brand | Apple |
| Color | Silver |
| Series | FBA_MNE92LL/A |
| CPU Model | Core i5 |
| CPU Speed | 3.4 GHz |
| Processor | 3.4 GHz core_i5 |
| Cache Size | 6 MB |
| Hard Drive | 1000 GB SSHD |
| Item Weight | 21 pounds |
| Memory Speed | 2400 MHz |
| Chipset Brand | AMD |
| Wireless Type | 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n |
| Processor Brand | Intel |
| Card Description | Dedicated |
| Operating System | Mac OS |
| Flash Memory Size | 9999999 |
| Hardware Platform | Mac |
| Item model number | Mne92ll/a |
| Screen Resolution | 5120 x 2880 |
| Product Dimensions | 30 x 23.9 x 9.7 inches |
| Computer Memory Type | SIMM |
| Graphics Coprocessor | AMD Radeon Pro 570 |
| Hard Drive Interface | Unknown |
| Number of Processors | 1 |
| Max Screen Resolution | 5120 x 2880 Pixels |
| Graphics Card Ram Size | 4 GB |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 30 x 23.9 x 9.7 inches |
| Memory Storage Capacity | 8 GB |
| Graphics Card Description | Dedicated |
| Specific Uses For Product | Gaming, Multimedia, Everyday Use |
| Hard Drive Rotational Speed | 5400 RPM |
| Standing screen display size | 27 Inches |
| Personal computer design type | All in One |
What Buyers Say
The most striking aspect of this renewed iMac is its 27-inch 5K Retina display, which users consistently praise for its clarity and visual quality, making it a standout feature for creative work. However, the 1TB Fusion Drive is a recurring pain point, with many reporting significant slowdowns and recommending an immediate upgrade to an external SSD for improved responsiveness. The ease of RAM upgradeability is a definite plus, allowing users to boost performance beyond the base 8GB.
“Man, this 5K screen is still killer, but seriously, that Fusion Drive is a joke. I had to get an external SSD just to make it usable, but now it flies for my photo stuff.”
Common Praise
- The 5K Retina display makes text crisp and clear, improving legibility for long work sessions.
- The screen's visual quality is highly valued by graphic designers and video editors for handling Adobe Suite applications.
- The ability to easily upgrade RAM via an accessible compartment is a frequently mentioned benefit.
- The machine runs quietly, with users noting 'complete silence' during operation.
- The overall design is considered beautiful and space-saving.
Common Complaints
- The 1TB Fusion Drive causes the system to be 'unusably slow' with recent macOS updates, leading to frustratingly long boot times.
- Performance can feel sluggish compared to newer machines, especially with the Fusion Drive, prompting recommendations for external SSDs.
- The front camera quality is not considered particularly good.
- Concerns exist about the longevity of macOS support for this 7th-generation Intel processor.
Ownership Tips
- After a few weeks, the Fusion Drive's limitations become glaringly obvious, making an external SSD feel like a mandatory upgrade for daily responsiveness.
- The ease of upgrading RAM is a real advantage, allowing for a noticeable performance bump without much effort.
- The display's quality remains a constant pleasure, even years after its release, making it a joy for any visual task.
- You'll likely find yourself relying on the Thunderbolt 3 ports for external storage or other high-speed peripherals to compensate for internal limitations.
- Despite its age, the build quality holds up, and the machine feels premium, even as a renewed product.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I upgrade the RAM on this iMac?
Yes, the RAM is user-upgradeable up to 32GB. There's an easy-access compartment on the back, making the process straightforward.
Is the 1TB Fusion Drive fast enough for daily use?
Many users report that the 1TB Fusion Drive becomes very slow, especially after macOS updates, leading to long boot times and general sluggishness. It's highly recommended to use an external SSD for better performance.
Is this iMac suitable for video editing?
For moderate video editing, the 5K display and Radeon Pro 570 with 4GB VRAM can handle tasks like real-time rendering. However, for heavy, professional-grade video editing, the 3.4 GHz Intel Core i5 processor might be a limiting factor without an SSD upgrade.
Does this renewed iMac come with a keyboard and mouse?
User reviews indicate that renewed units often come with a wired or wireless keyboard and mouse, though the specific type may vary and some users found the mouse required adjustment.
How long will this Intel iMac receive macOS updates?
As a 2017 model with a 7th-generation Intel processor, it will likely lose official macOS support sooner than newer Apple Silicon Macs. It is currently running macOS Ventura, which may be its last supported major OS update.
Buying Guide
When looking at an older, renewed iMac like this, you need to understand that the processor and especially the storage technology are not current. The 5K display is still fantastic, but the 1TB Fusion Drive will be your biggest bottleneck. You'll want to factor in the cost and effort of adding an external SSD to get a truly responsive experience. Don't expect it to keep up with the latest software for many more years, but for its price band, it offers a lot of screen for your buck.
5120-by-2880 Retina 5K display
This is a huge, high-resolution screen, like having four Full HD monitors in one. It means text is super sharp, and you have tons of space for multiple windows, making it ideal for detailed work like photo editing where every pixel counts.
1TB Fusion Drive
This is a hybrid drive, combining a small SSD with a traditional hard drive. It tries to put frequently used files on the faster SSD part, but in practice, it's much slower than a pure SSD, especially with modern macOS versions. Think of it like a car with a small turbocharger – it helps a bit, but it's not a sports car.
8GB DDR4 RAM (upgradeable)
RAM is your computer's short-term memory. 8GB is okay for basic tasks, but if you open many browser tabs, edit photos, or run multiple apps, you'll quickly hit its limits. The good news is you can easily add more, which is like giving your car a bigger fuel tank for longer trips.
Two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports
These are very fast, versatile ports. You can connect external SSDs for much better performance than the internal Fusion Drive, hook up additional high-resolution monitors, or use various other high-speed accessories. It's like having a super-fast highway for data transfer.
Alternatives
If this iMac doesn't fit, look for desktops with a pure SSD (not Fusion Drive), at least 16GB of RAM, and a newer generation processor (8th-gen Intel or newer, or Apple Silicon) for better long-term performance and OS support.
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