Apple 21.5" iMac Desktop Computer, Intel Core i5-7360U, 8GB RAM Memory, 1TB HDD Hard-Drive, Mac OSX Operating System, MMQA2LL/A (Renewed)
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AI Verdict
This renewed 21.5-inch iMac with a 2.3 GHz Intel Core i5-7360U, 8GB DDR4 RAM, and 1TB HDD is for basic tasks, not demanding workloads.
Regret Score™
High 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 21.5-inch LED-backlit Widescreen IPS display (1920 x 1080) offers vibrant colors and crisp text.
- Its single slab aluminum body and minimalist design look professional on any desk.
- Handles everyday tasks like web browsing, Microsoft Office, and HD video streaming smoothly.
- RAM is upgradeable, allowing for potential performance improvements beyond the included 8GB DDR4.
- Comes with a 90-day Amazon Renewed warranty, providing some peace of mind for a used product.
Cons
- The 1TB HDD significantly slows down the system, making basic operations like opening system preferences take several seconds.
- The 2.3 GHz Intel Core i5-7360U dual-core processor struggles with video editing, 3D modeling, or high-end gaming.
- The design with "massive bezels" and a "huge chin" appears outdated compared to modern all-in-one computers.
- Integrated Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640 is not suitable for demanding graphics applications.
- Pre-installed Mac OS 10.12 Sierra is an older operating system, raising concerns about future software compatibility and security updates.
Dimension Scores
The 2.3 GHz Intel Core i5-7360U is a dual-core processor from 2017, which is significantly underpowered for modern computing demands and struggles with anything beyond basic tasks.
While the 8GB DDR4 RAM is upgradeable, which is a plus for a 21.5-inch iMac, the internal 1TB HDD is difficult to replace, and the CPU/GPU are not user-replaceable.
As an older iMac with a lower-power dual-core CPU, it generally runs quietly for light tasks, but no specific thermal performance data was found in user reviews for this exact configuration.
The iMac's aesthetic features a single slab aluminum body, and its build quality is consistently described as outstanding, even for a renewed model.
Best For
- Basic home computing like email, web browsing, and document creation.
- Students needing a desktop for homework and online learning.
- Streaming HD video content and casual media consumption.
- Users on a strict budget who prioritize the macOS ecosystem for light use.
Not Recommended For
- Video editing, 3D rendering, or professional creative work.
- Heavy multitasking with numerous applications open simultaneously.
- Gaming beyond very casual, undemanding titles.
- Users expecting modern performance without immediate upgrades.
Watch Out For
- The 1TB HDD is a major bottleneck; users report it makes the computer "basically impossible to use" after a few years, with even system preferences taking five seconds to open.
- Performance is severely hampered by the slow 5400 RPM hard drive, leading to slow boot times and application launches.
- The 2.3 GHz Intel Core i5-7360U is a dual-core processor, which is a significant limitation for anything beyond light tasks, especially compared to quad-core or newer Apple Silicon options.
- Some renewed units may come with aftermarket peripherals (keyboard, mouse, power cord) instead of original Apple ones.
- The 8GB DDR4 RAM can become a limitation for multitasking, and while upgradeable, it requires opening the machine.
Full Specifications
| RAM | 8 GB DDR4 |
| ASIN | B07Z8732QX |
| Brand | Apple |
| Color | Silver |
| CPU Model | Core i5 |
| CPU Speed | 2.3 GHz |
| Processor | 2.3 GHz core_i5 |
| Cache Size | 16 GB |
| Hard Drive | 256 GB HDD |
| Item Weight | 18.26 pounds |
| Screen Size | 21.5 Inches |
| Chipset Brand | Intel |
| Processor Brand | Intel |
| Card Description | Dedicated |
| Operating System | Mac OS |
| Hardware Platform | Mac |
| Item model number | MMQA2LL/A |
| Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
| Product Dimensions | 25 x 8 x 20 inches |
| Computer Memory Type | DDR3 SDRAM |
| Graphics Coprocessor | Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640 |
| Hard Drive Interface | Serial ATA |
| Number of Processors | 2 |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 25 x 8 x 20 inches |
| Memory Storage Capacity | 1 TB |
| Graphics Card Description | Dedicated |
| Standing screen display size | 21.5 Inches |
| Personal computer design type | All in One |
What Buyers Say
The most striking feedback for this renewed 2017 iMac is the overwhelming frustration with its 1TB HDD, which users describe as making the computer "trash" and "extremely slow" for even simple actions like opening system preferences. While the 21.5-inch 1080p IPS display and the iconic Apple design are frequently praised, the dated dual-core i5 processor and especially the slow hard drive are significant drawbacks that severely impact the user experience. Many suggest an SSD upgrade is essential to make it usable.
“Dude, this thing is so slow with that hard drive, I swear it takes longer to open a folder than it does to make coffee. If you don't swap that out for an SSD, you're gonna lose your mind.”
Common Praise
- The 21.5-inch 1920x1080 IPS display provides vibrant colors and crisp text.
- The sleek, minimalist aluminum design looks professional and elevates the workspace.
- Handles everyday tasks like web browsing, email, and document creation without issues.
- Offers a cost-effective entry into the Apple ecosystem compared to new models.
- The build quality is consistently reported as outstanding.
Common Complaints
- The 1TB HDD is a major performance bottleneck, causing slow boot times and application loading.
- The 2.3 GHz Intel Core i5-7360U dual-core processor is underpowered for anything beyond basic use.
- The thick bezels and overall design appear dated in 2024.
- Integrated graphics are insufficient for gaming or demanding visual tasks.
- The pre-installed macOS 10.12 Sierra is an older operating system, leading to concerns about future compatibility.
Ownership Tips
- Replacing the internal 1TB HDD with an SSD dramatically improves responsiveness, making the machine feel "night and day" faster.
- Using an external USB SSD as a boot drive is a simpler and effective alternative to internal HDD replacement for a performance boost.
- The 8GB RAM is often sufficient for basic browsing but can become a bottleneck if many tabs or applications are open.
- The 1080p display, while not 4K, is still considered pleasant for general viewing and productivity.
- The included keyboard and mouse with renewed units might not be original Apple accessories, which can be a minor disappointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I upgrade the RAM on this 2017 21.5-inch iMac?
Yes, the RAM on the 2017 21.5-inch iMac models is upgradeable, unlike some other 21.5-inch iMac generations.
Is the 1TB HDD fast enough for everyday use?
No, user feedback indicates the 1TB HDD is extremely slow and is the primary reason for poor performance, even for basic tasks.
Can I install a newer macOS version than 10.12 Sierra?
While it ships with macOS 10.12 Sierra, it might be possible to upgrade to a more recent macOS version. Some users have used tools like Open Core to install macOS Sonoma on similar older Intel iMacs.
Is this iMac suitable for photo or video editing?
No, the 2.3 GHz Intel Core i5-7360U dual-core processor and integrated Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640 are not powerful enough for demanding photo or video editing tasks.
What is the display resolution of this model?
This 21.5-inch iMac features a Full HD 1920 x 1080 LED-backlit Widescreen IPS display.
Does this renewed iMac come with a keyboard and mouse?
Yes, renewed iMacs typically include a keyboard and mouse, though they might be aftermarket rather than original Apple peripherals.
Buying Guide
When looking at a renewed iMac like this, you need to understand that 'renewed' means it's a used product that's been inspected and restored to working condition, often with a limited warranty. For this specific model, the biggest thing to know is that the 1TB HDD is going to be a huge drag on performance. You'll feel every click and load time. The 2.3 GHz i5-7360U is also a dual-core chip, which is pretty old school now, so don't expect it to fly through tasks.
2.3 GHz Intel Core i5-7360U Dual-Core
This is the 'brain' of the computer. A dual-core processor from 2017 means it has two main processing units, which is quite limited for modern software. Think of it like a two-lane road when most modern computers have four, six, or even more lanes; it can handle light traffic but will get jammed quickly with heavy use.
8GB DDR4 RAM
RAM is your computer's short-term memory. 8GB is the minimum for comfortable modern computing. It's enough to browse the web and run a few apps, but if you open many browser tabs, edit photos, or run complex software, you'll feel it slow down, like trying to juggle too many things at once.
1TB HDD Hard-Drive
This is where all your files and the operating system live. An HDD (Hard Disk Drive) is a mechanical drive, meaning it has spinning platters, making it much slower than an SSD (Solid State Drive). Imagine trying to find a book in a library by physically walking to the shelf versus instantly teleporting to it; that's the difference in speed you'll experience.
Alternatives
If this iMac doesn't fit your needs, look for models with an SSD for storage, at least 16GB of RAM, and a quad-core Intel i5 or newer, or ideally, an Apple Silicon M1 or M2 chip for significantly better performance.
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