Apple iMac 27-Inch "Core i9" 3.6 (5K, 2020)
Return to iMac i9, iMac, Cloud Monk's Apple Home Lab
Processor (CPU) CPU Name Intel® Core™ i9-9900K CPU @ 3.60GHz Threading 1 CPU - 8 Core - 16 Threads Frequency 3590.32 MHz (36 * 99.73 MHz) - Uncore: 3291.1 MHz Multiplier Current: 36 / Min: 8 / Max: 50 Architecture Coffee Lake / Stepping: P0 / Technology: 14 nm CPUID / Ext. 6.E.C / 6.9E IA Extensions MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, EM64T, AES, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, TSX Caches L1D : 32 KB / L2 : 256 KB / L3 : 16384 KB Caches Assoc. L1D : 8-way / L2 : 4-way / L3 : 16-way Microcode Rev. 0xF0 ► Intel SA-00233 Patched ◄ TDP / Vcore 95 Watts / 1.011 Volts Temperature 100 °C / 212 °F Type Retail (Stock Frequency : 3600 MHz) Cores Frequencies #00: 3590.32 MHz #01: 3590.32 MHz #02: 3590.32 MHz #03: 3590.32 MHz
- 04: 4487.90 MHz #05: 3590.32 MHz #06: 4487.90 MHz #07: 3989.24 MHz
Motherboard Model Apple Inc. Mac-AA95B1DDAB278B95 Socket Socket 1151 LGA North Bridge Intel Coffee Lake rev 0A South Bridge Intel Q370 rev 10 BIOS Apple Inc. 1916.40.6.0.0 (09/13/2022) Memory (RAM) Total Size 65536 MB Type Dual Channel (128 bit) DDR4-SDRAM Frequency 1329.7 MHz (DDR4-2660) - Ratio 3:40 Timings 19-19-19-43-2 (tCAS-tRCD-tRP-tRAS-tCR) Slot #1 Module Avant Technology 16384 MB (DDR4-2666) - P/N: J642GU42J9266NF Slot #2 Module Avant Technology 16384 MB (DDR4-2666) - P/N: J642GU42J9266NF Slot #3 Module Avant Technology 16384 MB (DDR4-2666) - P/N: J642GU42J9266NF Slot #4 Module Avant Technology 16384 MB (DDR4-2666) - P/N: J642GU42J9266NF Graphic Card (GPU) GPU Type Radeon Pro Vega 48 GPU Brand Apple GPU VRAM 8176 MB Storage (HDD/SSD) Model #1 Name APPLE SSD SM1024L (FW: CXS7LA0Q) Model #1 Capacity 931.8 GiB (~1000 GB) Model #1 Type Fixed, SSD - Bus: NVMe (17) Display Screen #1 Apple Computer iMac (APPAE26) Screen #1 Spec 27.2 inches (69.1 cm) / 2560 x 2880 pixels @ 0-0 Hz Screen #2 Dell Computer DELL S3219D (DELD0EF) Screen #2 Spec 32.1 inches (81.5 cm) / 2560 x 1440 pixels @ 48-75 Hz Screen #3 32HC5QR Z (AOP0828) Screen #3 Spec 31.5 inches (80 cm) / 1920 x 1080 pixels @ 48-240 Hz Miscellaneous Windows Version Microsoft Windows 10 (10.0) Professional 64-bit CPU-Z Version 2.03.0 (64 bit)
Apple iMac 27-Inch “Core i9” 3.6 (5K, 2020) Specs Identifiers: Retina 5K, 27-Inch, 2020 - BTO/CTO - iMac20,1 - A2115 - 3442
All iMac 27-Inch Models | All 2020 Models | Dynamically Compare This Mac to Others
Distribute This Page: Bookmark & Share | Download: PDF Manual
27-Inch 2020 5K iMacThe iMac “Core i9” 3.6 27-Inch Aluminum (Retina 5K, 2020/Comet Lake) technically is a “configure-to-order” configuration of either the iMac 27-Inch “Core i5” 3.3 (5K, 2020) (MXWU2LL/A) or iMac “Core i7” 3.8 (5K, 2020) (MXWV2LL/A), but also is documented as a separate model for reader convenience. Other than processor (and the corresponding level 3 cache), this model can be configured identically to its stock brethren and it has the same identifiers.
The iMac “Core i9” 3.6 27-Inch Aluminum (Retina 5K, 2020/Comet Lake) features a 14-nm “Comet Lake” 3.6 GHz Intel “Core i9” processor (I9-10910) with ten independent processor “cores” on a single chip, a 20 MB shared level 3 cache, a T2 Security Chip, 8 GB of easy to upgrade 2666 MHz DDR4 SDRAM, a 512 GB onboard default SSD, and an Radeon Pro 5300 graphics processor with 4 GB of dedicated GDDR6 video memory or a Radeon Pro 5500 XT graphics processor with 8 GB of dedicated GDDR6 video memory. It also has a built-in 1080p “FaceTime HD” webcam, a studio-quality three-mic array, and stereo speakers.
This model has a 27“ 5120×2880 LED-backlit 16:9 widescreen IPS DCI-P3 “Retina 5K” display with True Tone technology. The rear of the case is aluminum and is thicker in the middle and tapers to a razor thin 5 mm at the edges.
Connectivity includes four USB 3.0 ports, dual Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports, Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 5.0.
Compared to its predecessor, this model looks nearly identical, but has a display with “True Tone” technology (and a new option of a “nano-texture” surface for an extra US$500), a better webcam, speakers, and microphone as well as a more advanced processor, architecture, and graphics processor.
By default, the “2020” iMac models shipped with a compact aluminum Apple Magic Keyboard and the multi-touch “Magic Mouse 2”. For an additional US$30, you could upgrade from the default keyboard to the “Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad” and for an additional US$50, you also could upgrade from the Magic Mouse 2 to the “Magic Trackpad 2,” which provides multi-touch and pressure-sensitive “Force Touch” capabilities.
Also see:
What are all the differences between the “2020” Aluminum iMac models? (In-Depth) What are all of the differences between the “2020” Aluminum iMac models and their “2019” predecessors? (In-Depth) What are the “pros and cons” of the “2020” and other “Tapered Edge” iMac models? Is one right for me? (Quick Read)
Buy This Mac or Trade-In Yours at site sponsor OWC. Many options; free shipping.
Buy Used Macs at site sponsor JemJem. Free 2-Day shipping and warranty!
Sell This Mac at A+ BBB rated site sponsor Cash For Your Mac. Quick quote!
Upgrade This Mac at site sponsor OWC. Memory, storage & more.
Buy Bulk Parts for This Mac at site sponsor iPartsLeader. Shipped worldwide.
Tech SpecsPortsGlobal Original PricesPopular Q&As
Click on a category for related details. The most commonly needed info is “open” by default, but all info is important. Asterisks (*) reference data in details fields.
Expand All Details | Contract All Details
Introduction Date: August 4, 2020 Discontinued Date: March 8, 2022 Processors: 1 (10 Cores) Architecture: 64-Bit Geekbench 2 (32): N/A Geekbench 2 (64): N/A Geekbench 3 (32): N/A Geekbench 3 (32): N/A Geekbench 3 (64): N/A Geekbench 3 (64): N/A Geekbench 4 (SC): 6237 Geekbench 4 (MC): 38548 Geekbench 5 (SC): 1209 Geekbench 5 (MC): 8886 Processor Speed: 3.6 GHz Processor Type: Core i9 (I9-10910) Details: This model is powered by a 14 nm, 64-bit “10th Generation” Intel Core i9 “Comet Lake” (I9-10910) processor which includes ten independent processor “cores” on a single silicon chip. Each core has a dedicated 256k level 2 cache, shares 20 MB of level 3 cache, and has an integrated memory controller (dual channel). It supports Turbo Boost up to 5.0 GHz.
This model also has a T2 security chip.
Also see: How fast are the “2020” iMac models compared to one another? How fast are they compared to the “2019” iMac models and the iMac Pro? Turbo Boost: 5.0 GHz Custom Speeds: N/A Processor Upgrade: LGA 1200* FPU: Integrated System Bus Speed: 8 GT/s* Cache Bus Speed: 3.6 GHz (Built-in) ROM/Firmware Type: EFI EFI Architecture: 64-Bit L1 Cache: 32k/32k x6 L2/L3 Cache: 256k x6, 20 MB RAM Type: PC4-21300 DDR4 Min. RAM Speed: 2666 MHz Details: Supports 2666 MHz PC4-21300 DDR4 SDRAM SO-DIMMs (260-pin).
Also see: How do you upgrade the RAM in the “2020” Tapered Edge Aluminum iMac models? Is it even possible? What type of RAM do they use? How much RAM does each model actually support? Standard RAM: 8 GB Maximum RAM: 128 GB Details: *By default, 8 GB of RAM is installed as two 4 GB memory modules (and two slots are unoccupied). Apple offered 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB, and 128 GB upgrades at the time of purchase for an extra US$200, US$600, US$1000, and US$2600, respectively, but this model is easy to upgrade and third-parties offer compatible RAM for much less.
In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells memory – as well as other upgrades – for this iMac.
In the UK, site sponsor Flexx sells memory and other upgrades for this iMac.
In Germany, site sponsor CompuRAM sells memory and other upgrades for this iMac.
In France, site sponsor MacWay sells memory and other upgrades for this iMac.
In Australia, site sponsor Macfixit sells memory and other upgrades for this iMac.
Also see: Actual Max RAM of All G3 & Later Macs. Motherboard RAM: None* RAM Slots: 4 Video Card: Radeon Pro 5300* VRAM Type: Dedicated Details: If configured as a custom processor upgrade for the iMac 27-Inch “Core i5” 3.3 (5K, 2020) (MXWU2LL/A), this model has an AMD Radeon Pro 5300 graphics processor with 4 GB of dedicated GDDR6 video memory.
If configured as a custom processor upgrade for the iMac “Core i7” 3.8 (5K, 2020) (MXWV2LL/A), this model has an AMD Radeon Pro 5500 XT graphics processor with 8 GB of dedicated GDDR6 video memory.
Which “Tapered Edge” iMac have video processors with dedicated memory? Which have integrated memory? Standard VRAM: 4 GB, 8 GB
- Maximum VRAM: 4 GB, 8 GB*
Built-in Display: 27” 16:9 Widescreen Native Resolution: 5120×2880 Details: This model has a 27“ LED-backlit 16:9 widescreen TFT active matrix “Retina 5K” display with IPS and True Tone technology, a native resolution of 5120×2880, a “wide color” DCI-P3 gamut, and brightness of 500 nits.
For an extra US$500, at the time of system purchase, Apple also originally offered this display with a “nano-texture glass” surface to reduce glare. On April 20, 2021, Apple reduced the price of this display upgrade to US$300.
In the UK, site sponsor ALB Repair offers component-level logic board repair, display repair, and other repair services for this iMac. No fix, no fee!
In Germany, site sponsor Conodi provides high quality Mac and PC repair services as well as remote home office setup and troubleshooting. In-person and mail order repair services include the display and graphics chip as well as RAM and SSD upgrade services and more for this iMac.
In Spain, site sponsor iRepairs provides affordable repair and data recovery services. In-person and by mail repair services include the display, graphics card, motherboard, power supply, and more for this iMac.
In Singapore, site sponsor Esmond Service Centre provides highly regarded repairs for the display, graphics card, motherboard, power supply, and more, all with a free estimate and fast turnaround for this iMac.
In Hong Kong, site sponsor iCertified provides well-reviewed repair services for the display, logic board, water damage, and more, all with a 180-day warranty; free diagnostics and estimates; and optional pickup and delivery for this iMac. 2nd Display Support: Dual/Mirroring* 2nd Max. Resolution: 6016×3384 Details: *This model can simultaneously support the internal display at full native resolution and up to one 6016×3384 (6K) external display at 60 Hz with support for 1 billion colors; one 5120×2880 (5K) external display at 60 Hz with support for 1 billion colors; two 3840×2160 (4K UHD) external displays at 60 Hz with support for 1 billion colors; or two 4096×2304 (4K) external displays at 60 Hz with support for millions of colors. It supports both extended desktop (second workspace) and video mirroring (internal display duplicated on the external display) modes. Standard Storage: 512 GB SSD* Std. Storage Speed: N/A Details: By default, this model has a 512 GB SSD.
If configured as a custom processor upgrade for the iMac 27-Inch “Core i5” 3.3 (5K, 2020) (MXWU2LL/A), this model could be upgraded to a 1 TB or 2 TB SSD at the time of purchase for an extra US$200 or US$600, respectively.
If configured as a custom processor upgrade for the iMac “Core i7” 3.8 (5K, 2020) (MXWV2LL/A), this model can be upgraded to a 1 TB, 2 TB, 4 TB, or 8 TB SSD at the time of purchase for an extra US$200, US$600, US$1200, and US$2400, respectively.
In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells external storage upgrades for this iMac.
Also see: SSD Compatibility Guide for All G3 & Later Macs. Storage Dimensions: Soldered* Storage Interface: Soldered* Standard Optical: None* Standard Disk: None Standard Modem: None Standard Ethernet: 10/100/1000Base-T* Details: *Gigabit Ethernet standard. 10-Gigabit Ethernet also was available at the time of purchase as a US$100 upgrade. Standard AirPort: 802.11ac* Standard Bluetooth: 5.0 USB Ports: 4 (3.0) Firewire Ports: None Expansion Slots: SDXC SD Card Expansion Bays: None Details: In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells a wide variety of external expansion options and hand-picked accessories like external storage, stands, keyboards, cables, adapters, speakers, and more for this iMac.
In Australia, site sponsor Macfixit offers an extensive selection of external expansion options and accessories like docks, stands, chargers, keyboards, security products, and more for this iMac. Incl. Keyboard: Magic Keyboard* Incl. Input: Magic Mouse 2* Case Type: All-in-One Form Factor: 27” iMac Tapered Edge Apple Order No: BTO/CTO Apple Subfamily: Retina 5K, 27-Inch, 2020 Apple Model No: A2115 (EMC 3442) Model ID: iMac20,1 Details: Please note that these identifiers refer to more than one model.
Also see: All Macs with the A2115 Model Number, the 3442 EMC Number, and the iMac20,1 Model Identifier.
For more about these identifiers and how to locate them on each Mac, please refer to EveryMac.com's Mac Identification section. Battery Type: N/A Battery Life: N/A Pre-Installed MacOS: X 10.15.6 (19G2005) Maximum MacOS: Current Minimum Windows: 10 (64-Bit)* Maximum Windows: 10 (64-Bit)* MacOS 9 Support: None Windows Support: Boot/Virtualization Details: Also see: Are there any third-party programs to run Mac OS 9/Classic applications on Intel Macs?
Site sponsor OHS specializes in heavily upgraded Macs capable of running both Mac OS X and Mac OS 9 applications.
For more on running Windows on Intel Macs, please refer to the exhaustive Windows on Mac Q&A. Dimensions: 20.3 x 25.6 x 8 Avg. Weight: 19.7 lbs. (8.92 kg) Original Price (US): US$2499, US$2699* Est. Current Retail: US$1700-US$2000 Details: This model is a “configure-to-order” configuration of either the iMac “Core i5” 3.3 (5K, 2020) (MXWU2LL/A) or iMac “Core i7” 3.8 (5K, 2020) (MXWV2LL/A).
If otherwise configured stock, the 3.6 GHz 10-Core Core i9 processor adds US$500 to the price of the former model (MXWU2LL/A) and US$400 to the price of the latter (MXWV2LL/A), for a total cost of US$2499 or US$2699, respectively.
To purchase a new iMac in the US, please visit site sponsor Adorama, which always has free shipping (as well as some recently discontinued/open box Apple hardware at bargain prices).
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc.
Apple iMac: iMac, Cloud Monk's Apple Home Lab: Apple iMac 27-Inch "Core i9" 3.6 (5K, 2020). (navbar_imac - see also navbar_mac, navbar_apple)
Apple, Inc: Cloud Monk's Apple Home Lab: Apple iMac 27-Inch "Core i9" 3.6 (5K, 2020); Apple Hardware, Apple operating systems ( Darwin - macOS, iOS - iOS Development, iPadOS, macOS - macOS Development, tvOS - tvOS Development, watchOS - watchOS Development, audioOS, and visionOS), Apple programming environment (Swift] - SwiftUI, Objective-C, XCode), Apple Cloud (iCloud), Apple DevOps - Apple SRE, Apple Cloud Native - Apple and Kubernetes, Apple Cloud - Apple Data Centers, Apple GitHub - Apple Open Source (), Apple Development Tools (Xcode), Apple Programming Languages (Swift - Objective-C), Apple APIs, Apple and Concurrent Parallel Programming (), Apple and Functional Programming (), Apple and Microservices, Apple Security - Apple Security Breaches, Apple Research, Apple Networking, Apple Data Science - Apple DataOps - Apple Databases, Apple Artificial Intelligence (Apple ML - Apple MLOps, Apple DL, Apple AR - Apple VR), Apple IoT, Apple Products - Apple Services (), Apple Software (), Apple Hardware - Apple Devices (iPhone - iPhone hardware, iPad, Macintosh, Apple TV, Apple Watch), Apple Silicon - Apple SoC (A4, A5, A5X, A6, A6X, A7, A8, A8X, A9, A9X, A10 Fusion, A10X Fusion, A11 Bionic, A12 Bionic, A12X / A12Z Bionic, A13 Bionic, A14 Bionic, A15 Bionic, A16 Bionic; H series: H1, H2, M series, M1 / M1 Pro / M1 Max / M1 Ultra, M2; S series: S1 / S1P, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8; T series: T1, T2; W series: W1, W2, W3; U Series: U1), Apple Support (), Apple Media (), Apple Communication (), Apple Concepts (), Apple acronyms (), Apple Founders (), Apple People (), Apple Outline, Apple History, Apple Timeline, Apple Subsidiaries (), Apple Privacy (), Apple Censorship (), Apple Criticism (), Apple Bibliography, Apple Courses, Apple Certification (), Apple Glossary, Apple Topics, Apple Awesome List, Big Tech Technocracy (navbar_apple - see also navbar_imac])