Explore the comprehensive specs of the Apple iMac 21.5-Inch (Late 2013), a classic all-in-one desktop with a quad-core Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB DDR3 RAM, and 500GB HDD. This model (identifier: iMac14,2) offers reliable performance for everyday tasks, light creative work, and media consumption, with a slim aluminum design that's still viable for basic use in 2025 via upgrades like OpenCore Legacy Patcher for modern macOS.
Key Features
Display
- Size: 21.5-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit display with IPS technology
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080 (Full HD, 16:9 aspect ratio)
- Pixel Density: 102 ppi
- Brightness: 300 cd/m² (typical)
- Viewing Angles: 178° horizontal/vertical
- Coating: Anti-reflective for reduced glare
- Features: Millions of colors support, optional Nano-texture glass upgrade
Processor
- CPU: 4th Gen Intel Core i5-4570R (Haswell/Crystalwell, quad-core, 2.7 GHz base clock)
- Turbo Boost: Up to 3.2 GHz (with Intel Hyper-Threading)
- Cache: 4 MB shared L3
- TDP: 65W
- Integrated Graphics: Intel Iris Pro 5200 (with 128 MB eDRAM dedicated memory, shares system RAM)
- Optional Upgrades: Configurable to 2.9 GHz Core i5-4570S with NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M (1 GB GDDR5 VRAM) or 3.1 GHz Core i7-4770R
Memory
- RAM: 8 GB (2 x 4 GB) of 1600 MHz DDR3L SDRAM (PC3-12800)
- Configuration: Onboard, dual-channel; not user-upgradable post-purchase (max 16 GB configurable at buy)
- Performance: Suitable for multitasking with apps like Safari, Mail, or iPhoto; upgradable to 16 GB via service
Storage
- Drive: 500 GB Serial ATA (6 Gb/s) internal HDD (5400 RPM, 2.5-inch form factor)
- Capacity Variants: Standard 500 GB or 1 TB (configurable); supports Fusion Drive option (HDD + SSD hybrid)
- Interface: SATA III (6 Gb/s)
- Upgrade Path: User-replaceable via bottom panel; compatible with SSD upgrades for faster performance
Graphics
- Integrated GPU: Intel Iris Pro 5200 (up to 1.5 GB shared VRAM)
- Capabilities: Smooth Full HD video playback, light photo editing (e.g., iPhoto), casual gaming; supports up to two external displays (via Thunderbolt)
- Optional Discrete GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M with 1 GB GDDR5 (in higher configs) for improved 3D rendering
Connectivity
- Ports:
- 2 x Thunderbolt (20 Gb/s, Mini DisplayPort compatible; supports daisy-chaining)
- 4 x USB 3.0 (5 Gb/s, backward compatible with USB 2.0)
- 1 x Gigabit Ethernet (RJ-45, 10/100/1000BASE-T)
- 1 x SDXC card slot (UHS-II compatible)
- 1 x 3.5 mm headphone jack (with headset support)
- Wireless:
- Wi-Fi: 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5, draft standard; compatible with 802.11a/b/g/n; dual-band 2.4/5 GHz, up to 1.3 Gbps)
- Bluetooth: 4.0 (Enhanced Data Rate)
- Expansion: No internal PCIe slots; external via Thunderbolt (e.g., RAID arrays, docks)
Audio and Video
- Camera: 720p FaceTime HD webcam (built-in)
- Microphones: Dual array microphones with beamforming for noise reduction
- Speakers: High-fidelity stereo speakers (linear power bass)
- Audio Output: Optical digital audio output via headphone jack; supports Apple iPhone headset
- Video Input: None native; external via Thunderbolt
Input Devices (Included)
- Keyboard: Apple Wireless Keyboard (compact aluminum, Bluetooth)
- Mouse: Apple Magic Mouse 2 (multi-touch surface, wireless, rechargeable via Lightning)
- Optional: Magic Trackpad (multi-touch gesture support)
Operating System
- Pre-installed: OS X Mavericks (10.9)
- Upgradable To: Officially up to macOS Catalina (10.15); unofficially to macOS Sonoma (14.x) via OpenCore Legacy Patcher
- Compatible Software: iLife (iPhoto, iMovie, GarageBand), iWork; supports Boot Camp for Windows 7/8/10 (64-bit)
Power and Battery
- Power Supply: Internal 205W power supply (100-240V AC, 50-60 Hz)
- Max Continuous Power: 85W
- Idle Power: <15W (ENERGY STAR compliant)
- No Battery: Desktop system; uninterruptible power supply recommended.
