Low End Mac's Best Deals

Best Intel iMac Prices

2012.11.03

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Apple announced new iMacs in October. The new 21.5" model will arrive in November, the 27" iMac in December. These are the slimmest, lightest iMacs ever, and also the first iMacs with no built-in optical drive. This also marks the first time iMacs have USB 3, which has 10x the bandwidth of USB 2.0. 8 GB of system memory is standard on all versions.

In 2011, Apple moved the entire iMac line to quad-core Intel Core i5 and i7 CPUs. The entire line supports HyperThreading and Turbo Boost. These are the newest models to support Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard, which is the last version of OS X to include Rosetta and be able to run legacy PowerPC software.

Snow Leopard is supported on all Intel-based Macs except for the Late 2012 models, and new iMacs ship with Snow Leopard installed. OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion works with iMacs as far back as the Mid 2007 models and requires at least 2 GB of system memory - and going beyond that will help performance.

For those who can't afford this much power or need Classic Mode, the iMac G5 may be an attractive option.

The new iMacs are distinguished by their new screen sizes. The Early 2009 models are marked Nvidia, the summer 2007 iMacs Aluminum, and so forth. With used iMacs, we've separated the white models, 20" and 24" aluminum models, 21.5" and 27" Core 2 Duo models, and Core i3/i5/i7 models into separate sections to reduce confusion.

In choosing the best deals, we factor in estimated ground shipping costs (20" iMac shipped to Low End Mac headquarters in Michigan). Unless otherwise noted, there is no surcharge for credit card purchases. Vendors are listed in alphabetical order.

Best Used White iMac Prices

17" 1.83 GHz Core 2, $299, Mac of All Trades
17" 2.0 GHz Core 2, $349, Mac of All Trades
20" 2.16 GHz Core 2, $449, Mac of All Trades
24" 2.16 GHz Core 2, $499, Mac of All Trades
24" 2.33 GHz Core 2, $549, Mac of All Trades

Best Used 20" & 24" Aluminum iMac Prices

20" 2.0 GHz, $499, Mac of All Trades
20" 2.66 GHz, $599, Mac of All Trades
24" 2.4 GHz, $699, Mac of All Trades
24" 3.06 GHz, $799, Mac of All Trades

Best Used 21.5" & 27" Core 2 iMac Prices

21.5" 3.06 GHz, Radeon graphics, $795, DV Warehouse
27" 3.06 GHz, 16 GB RAM, $1,149, DV Warehouse

Best Used Core i iMac Prices

21.5" 3.0 GHz Core i3, $939 shipped, PowerMax
27" 2.66 GHz 4-core i7, $1,549 shipped, PowerMax
27" 2.8 GHz 4-core i7, $1,629 shipped, PowerMax
27" 3.6 GHz 4-core i5, $1,829 shipped, PowerMax

Best Close-out iMac Prices (shipped)

21.5" 2.5 GHz 4-core i5, $1,149, Amazon.com, PowerMax (all else being equal, Low End Mac earns more from Amazon.com)
21.5" 2.7 GHz 4-core i5, $1,380 + shipping, Amazon.com
21.5" 2.8 GHz 4-core i7, $1,799, B&H
27" 2.7 GHz 4-core i5, $1,599, B&H, MacMall
27" 3.1 GHz 4-core i5, $1,850, B&H
27" 3.4 GHz 4-core i7, $2,199 J&R

Best Late 2012 iMac Prices (shipped)

21.5" 2.7 GHz 4-core i5, $1,294, MacMall
21.5" 2.9 GHz 4-core i5, $1,494, MacMall
27" 2.9 GHz 5-core i5, $1,794, MacMall
27" 3.2 GHz 4-core i5, $1,994, MacMall

Recent Memory Prices (per module)

PC5300 (2006): 2 GB kit, $30.99; 3 GB kit (Core 2 only), $42.99; 4 GB kit, $56.79
PC6400 (2007/08): 4 GB kit, $57.99; 6 GB kit, $117.99
PC3-8500 (2009): 2 GB, $11.99; 4 GB, $25.79; 4 GB kit, $21.79; 6 GB kit, $37.99; 8 GB kit, $49.79
PC3-10600 (2010/11): 2 GB, $12.99; 4 GB, $25.99; 4 GB kit, $21.99; 8 GB kit, $49.79; 16 GB kit, $98.99
OWC offers a modest rebate for your old RAM

Mac OS X and OS X Server Prices

Factory refurbished items carry an Apple one year warranty and are eligible for AppleCare. Store refurbished items may vary. Prices may be limited to quantity on hand. Not responsible for typos. Please email any corrections or additional sources with competitive prices to Dan Knight .

Buying through some of these links benefits Low End Mac. Buying at these prices benefits you.

White iMacs

iMac Core Duo (1/06): 17" 1.83 GHz, 20" 2.0 GHz. 2 GB maximum RAM. Built-in iSight. ATI Radeon X1600 graphics with 128 MB (expandable to 256 MB on 20"). 8x dual-layer SuperDrive on both models. OS X 10.4.4 through 10.6.
iMac, Education (7/06): 17" 1.83 GHz. 2 GB maximum RAM. Built-in iSight. Integrated Intel GMA 950 graphics, not recommended for 3D gaming. Combo drive. OS X 10.4.7 through 10.6.
iMac Core 2 Duo (9/06): 17" 1.83 & 2.0 GHz, 20" & 24" 2.16 GHz. 4 GB maximum RAM. Built-in iSight. 8x dual-layer SuperDrive. See profile for graphics processors. Entry-level model with Combo drive not recommended for 3D gaming. 1.83 GHz model does not support 802.11n WiFi. OS X 10.4.7 through 10.7, oldest compatible with Lion.

20"/24" Aluminum iMacs

Mid 2007 iMac, Aluminum: 20" 2.0 & 2.4 GHz and 24" 2.4 & 2.8 GHz. 4 GB maximum RAM. Glossy display. Built-in iSight. 8x dual-layer SuperDrive. Radeon 2400 or 2600 graphics. 802.11n WiFi. OS X 10.4.10 through 10.8, oldest compatible with Mountain Lion.
Early 2008 iMac, Penryn: 20" 2.4 & 2.66 GHz and 24" 2.8 & 3.06 GHz. 4 GB maximum RAM. Glossy display. Built-in iSight. 8x dual-layer SuperDrive. Radeon HD 2400 XT or 2600 Pro graphics (Nvidia GeForce 8800 GS optional on 24"). 802.11n WiFi. OS X 10.5.2 through 10.8.
Early 2009 iMac, Nvidia: 20" 2.66 GHz, 24" 2.66, 2.93, & 3.06 GHz Core Duo CPU. 8 GB maximum RAM. Glossy display. Built-in iSight, 8x dual-layer SuperDrive. Nvidia GeForce 2400M or GT graphics. 802.11n WiFi. OS X 10.5.6 through 10.8.

21.5"/27" Core 2 iMacs

iMac, Late 2009: 21.5" 3.06 GHz GeForce 9500M, 21.5" 3.06 GHz Radeon 4670, 27" 3.06 Radeon 4670, 2.66 GHz quad-core i5 CPU. 16 GB maximum RAM. Glossy display, 16:9 aspect ratio. Built-in iSight, 8x dual-layer SuperDrive. Nvidia GeForce 2400M or Radeon graphics. 802.11n WiFi. OS X 10.6.1 through 10.8.

21.5"/27" Core i iMacs

iMac, Mid 2010: 21.5" 3.06/3.2 GHz i3, 21.5" 3.6 GHz 2-core i5; 27" 3.2 GHz i3 and 3.6 GHz 2-core i5; 27" 2.8 GHz 4-core i5 and 2.93 GHz 4-core i7. 16 GB maximum RAM. OS X 10.6.4 through 10.8.
iMac, Mid 2011: 21.5" 2.5/2.7 GHz 4-core i5, 27" 2.7/3.1 GHz 4-core i5; 4-core i7 optional. 16 GB maximum RAM for 21.5", 32 GB for 27". OS X 10.6.7 through 10.8.
iMac, Late 2012: 21.5" 2.7/2.9 GHz 4-core i5, 2.9/3.2 GHz 4-core i5. GeForce 640M-675M graphics. 16 GB maximum RAM for 21.5", 32 GB for 27". OS X 10.8.2 and newer.

New, Open Box, and Demo

	Amazon.com	B&H	J&R	MacMall	PC Connection	PowerMax 21.5"/27"
Mid 2011
21.5" 2.5 GHz 4-core i5, 4/500	$1,149					$1,149
21.5" 2.7 GHz 4-core i5, 4/1 TB	$1,379.95 + sh	$1,399				$1,399
21.5" 2.8 GHz 4-core i7, 4/1 TB			$1,799
27" 2.7 GHz 4-core i5, 4/1 TB		$1,599	$2,199
27" 3.1 GHz 4-core i5, 4/1 TB		$1,849.95
27" 3.4 GHz 4-core i7, 4/1 TB			$2,199
Late 2012
21.5" 2.7 GHz 4-core i5, 8/1 TB		$1,299		$1,294	$1,299
21.5" 2.9 GHz 4-core i5, 8/1 TB		$1,499		$1,494	$1,499
21.5" 3.1 GHz 4-core i7, 8/1 TB
27" 2.9 GHz 4-core i5, 8/1 TB		$1,999		$1,794	$1,799
27" 3.2 GHz 4-core i5, 8/1 TB				$1,994	$1,999
27" 3.4 GHz 4-core i7, 8/1 TB

a/r = after mail-in rebate
Amazon.com collects sales tax on orders shipped to KS, KY, ND, NY, and WA.
MacMall collects sales tax on orders shipped to CA, IL, MN, TN, and WI.
PC Connection collects sales tax on orders shipped to AL, IL, NC, NJ, NY, and OH.

Used and Store Refurbished: White

Used and store refurbished Macs have a store warranty and are not eligible for AppleCare.

DV Warehouse

Ground shipping may add $42 or more.

used 17" 1.83 GHz Core 2, 1 GB/80/Combo, $384
used 17" 2.0 GHz Core 2, 1 GB/160/Combo, $429
used 20" 2.0 GHz Core 2, 1/250, $449
used 20" 2.16 GHz Core 2, 1/250, $474

Mac of All Trades

Ground shipping averages $40. Mac of All Trades has the highest product turnover of any used Mac dealer we track.

used 17" 1.83 GHz Core 2, 1/160/Combo, $299
used 17" 2.0 GHz Core 2, 1/160, $349
used 20" 2.16 GHz Core 2, 2/250, X1600 graphics, $449
used 24" 2.16 GHz Core 2, 2/250, 7300 GT graphics, $499
used 24" 2.33 GHz Core 2, 2/500, 7300 GT graphics, $549

PowerMax 17" / 20" / 24

Free ground shipping. OS X 10.4.11 installed.

used 17" 1.83 GHz Core Duo, 512 MB/160/SD, $429 shipped
used 17" 1.83 GHz Core 2, 1/160/Combo, $419 shipped
used 17" 2.0 GHz Core 2, 1/160/SD, $489 shipped
used 20" 1.83 GHz Core Duo, 1.5/160, $529 shipped
used 20" 2.0 GHz Core Duo, 1/250, $569 shipped
used 20" 2.16 GHz Core 2, 1/250, $699 shipped
used 24" 2.16 GHz Core 2, 1/250, $699 shipped
used 24" 2.33 GHz Core 2, 3/250, $729 shipped
many other configurations listed

Used and Store Refurbished: 20" & 24" Aluminum

BuyZing (formerly Computer Trends Canada)

used 20" 2.4 GHz Aluminum, 2/250, Can$849.99
used 24" 2.66 GHz Aluminum, 8/640, Can$1,199.99
used 24" 3.06 GHz Aluminum, 2/500, Can$999.99

DV Warehouse

Ground shipping may add $42 or more.

used 20" 2.4 GHz Core 2 Aluminum, 1/250, $599
used 20" 2.66 GHz Core 2 Aluminum, 1/320, $654
used 24" 2.4 GHz Core 2 Aluminum, 1/320, $769
used 24" 2.66 GHz Core 2 Aluminum, 2/320, $795
used 24" 2.8 GHz Core 2 Aluminum, 2/320, $895

Mac of All Trades

Ground shipping averages $40. Mac of All Trades has the highest product turnover of any used Mac dealer we track.

used 20" 2.0 GHz Aluminum (Mid 2007), 2/250, $499
used 20" 2.66 GHz Aluminum (Early 2009), 2/320, $599
used 24" 2.4 GHz Aluminum (Mid 2007), 2/320, $699
used 24" 3.06 GHz Aluminum (Early 2009), 4/1 TB, $799

PowerMax 20" / 24

Free ground shipping.

used 20" 2.0 GHz Aluminum, 1/250, $709 shipped
used 20" 2.4 GHz Aluminum, 1/320, $759 shipped
used 20" 2.4 GHz Aluminum, 2/320, $759 shipped
used 20" 2.66 GHz Aluminum, 2/320, $799 shipped
used 24" 2.4 GHz Aluminum, 2/320, $839 shipped
used 24" 2.8 GHz Aluminum, 2/320, $889 shipped
used 24" 3.06 GHz Aluminum, 2/500, $939 shipped
many other configurations listed

Used and Store Refurbished: 21.5" & 27" Core 2

DV Warehouse

Ground shipping may add $42 or more.

used 21.5" 3.06 GHz Core 2 Aluminum, 2/250, $795
used 27" 3.06 GHz Core 2 Aluminum, 2/500, $1,149

PowerMax 21.5" / 27"

Free ground shipping. OS X 10.6.8 installed.

used 21.5" 3.06 GHz Core 2, 8/500, $969 shipped
used 27" 3.06 GHz Core 2, 4/1 TB, $1,299 shipped
many other configurations listed

Used and Store Refurbished: 21.5" & 27" Core i

PowerMax 21.5" / 27"

Free ground shipping. OS X 10.6.8 installed.

used 21.5" 3.06 GHz Core i3, 8/500, $939 shipped
used 27" 2.66 GHz 4-core i5, 4/1 TB, $1,549 shipped
used 27" 2.8 GHz 4-core i7, 4/1 TB, $1,629 shipped
used 27" 3.6 GHz 4-core i5, 8/1 TB, $1,829 shipped
many other configurations listed

Small Dog Electronics 21.5" / 27"

$4.99 flat rate ground shipping.

used 21.5" 2.5 GHz 4-core i5, 4/500, $999.99
used 27" 3.4 GHz 4-core i7, 4/1 TB, $2,099.99

Used G5 iMacs are listed in our iMac G5 Deals. We also track iMac G4 Deals, eMac Deals, and Mac mini Deals for those who prefer a compact, modular Mac.

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Low End Mac's Best Deals

Best Intel iMac Prices

Best Used White iMac Prices

Best Used 20" & 24" Aluminum iMac Prices

Best Used 21.5" & 27" Core 2 iMac Prices

Best Used Core i iMac Prices

Best Close-out iMac Prices (shipped)

Best Late 2012 iMac Prices (shipped)

Recent Memory Prices (per module)

Mac OS X and OS X Server Prices

White iMacs

20"/24" Aluminum iMacs

21.5"/27" Core 2 iMacs

21.5"/27" Core i iMacs

New, Open Box, and Demo

Used and Store Refurbished: White

DV Warehouse

Mac of All Trades

PowerMax 17" / 20" / 24

Used and Store Refurbished: 20" & 24" Aluminum

BuyZing (formerly Computer Trends Canada)

DV Warehouse

Mac of All Trades

PowerMax 20" / 24

Used and Store Refurbished: 21.5" & 27" Core 2

DV Warehouse

PowerMax 21.5" / 27"

Used and Store Refurbished: 21.5" & 27" Core i

PowerMax 21.5" / 27"

Small Dog Electronics 21.5" / 27"

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