Apple iMac 24-Inch 'Core 2 Duo' 2.66 (Early 2009) Specs
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- 24' Original/Mid-2007 through Early 2009 iMac Hard Drive Upgrade Video From watching the videos, it should be clear that upgrading the hard drive or SSD in these models is complicated. If you do not feel comfortable - or have the time - to perform the upgrade yourself, it always is a good idea to hire a professional.
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Identifiers: Early 2009 - MB418LL/A - iMac9,1 - A1225 - 2267
All iMac 24-Inch Models | All 2009 Models | Dynamically Compare This Mac to Others
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The iMac 'Core 2 Duo' 2.66 24-Inch Aluminum (Early 2009) features a 2.66 GHz Intel 'Core 2 Duo' processor, with two independent processor 'cores' on a single silicon chip, a 6 MB shared level 2 cache, a 1066 MHz system bus, 4 GB of RAM (1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM), a 640 GB (7200 RPM) hard drive, a vertically-mounted slot-loading DVD±R DL 'SuperDrive', NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics with 256 MB of memory shared with the system, a built-in iSight video camera, and built-in stereo speakers underneath the 24' glossy TFT Active Matrix LCD (1920x1200 native) display.
Connectivity includes four USB 2.0 ports, a Firewire '800' port, built-in AirPort Extreme, and Gigabit Ethernet, as well as a Mini DisplayPort, which supports an external display in 'extended desktop' mode.
The iMac 'Core 2 Duo' (Early 2009) models are quite similar to the 'Early 2008' models that they replaced, with similar external cases -- varying only by a 'tapered foot' -- and likewise have the same glass cover that 'joins precisely to the aluminum enclosure creating a virtually seamless front surface'.
Although clockspeeds and configurations are similar as well, there are a few differences -- the Firewire '400' port on the Early 2008 models has been swapped for an additional USB 2.0 port on the Early 2009 models, Mini-DVI has been swapped for Mini DisplayPort, and the 2009 models also have DDR3 memory (rather than DDR2) with twice the official capacity, improved graphics on the higher-end configurations, and by default, shipped with a smaller keyboard that lacks the numerical keypad.
Also see:
- What are the differences between the 'Early 2009' Aluminum iMac Core 2 Duo models?
- How do the 'Early 2009' Aluminum iMac Core 2 Duo models compare to the 'Early 2008/Penryn' models that preceded them?
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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.
| Introduction Date: | March 3, 2009 | Discontinued Date: | October 20, 2009 |
| Details: | The 'Introduction Date' refers to the date a model was introduced via press release. The 'Discontinued Date' refers to the date a model either was replaced by a subsequent system or production otherwise ended. Also see: All Macs introduced in 2009. |
| Details: | Also see: All models with a 64-Bit processor courtesy of EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Sort. |
| Details: | Geekbench 2 benchmarks are in 32-bit and 64-bit modes, respectively. These numbers reflect an average of user provided 32-bit and 64-bit results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better. You also might be interested in reviewing all 32-bit and 64-bit Geekbench 2 user submissions for Macs with the iMac9,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models. To dynamically compare Geekbench 2 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Details: | These Geekbench 3 benchmarks are in 32-bit mode and are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better. You also might be interested in reviewing all 32-bit single core and multicore Geekbench 3 user submissions for Macs with the iMac9,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models. To dynamically compare 32-bit Geekbench 3 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Details: | These Geekbench 3 benchmarks are in 64-bit mode and are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better. You also might be interested in reviewing all 64-bit single core and multicore Geekbench 3 user submissions for Macs with the iMac9,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models. To dynamically compare 64-bit Geekbench 3 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Details: | These Geekbench 4 benchmarks are are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. All Geekbench 4 benchmarks are 64-bit. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better. You also might be interested in reviewing all single core and multicore Geekbench 4 user submissions for Macs with the iMac9,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models. To dynamically compare Geekbench 4 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Details: | These Geekbench 5 benchmarks are are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. All Geekbench 5 benchmarks for the Mac are 64-bit. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better. You also might be interested in reviewing all single core and multicore Geekbench 5 user submissions for Macs with the iMac9,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models. To dynamically compare Geekbench 5 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Processor Speed: | 2.66 GHz | Processor Type: | Core 2 Duo (E8135) |
| Details: | All Intel 'Core 2 Duo' processors include two independent processor 'cores' on a single silicon chip. Regardless of speed, all Intel 'Core 2 Duo' processors include two independent processor 'cores' on a single silicon chip. Also see: How much faster are the 'Early 2009' Aluminum iMac Core 2 Duo models than the 'Early 2008' models? |
| Details: | N/A |
| Details: | Also see: Is it possible to upgrade the processor in the Aluminum iMac models? |
| System Bus Speed: | 1066 MHz | Cache Bus Speed: | 2.66 GHz (Built-in) |
| ROM/Firmware Type: | EFI | EFI Architecture: | 64-Bit |
| L1 Cache: | 32k/32k | L2/L3 Cache: | 6 MB (on chip) |
| Details: | Includes a 6 MB shared 'on chip' level 2 cache that runs at processor speed. |
| Details: | Supports 1066 MHz PC3-8500 DDR3 SO-DIMMs (204-pin). Also see: How do you upgrade the RAM in this Aluminum iMac model? How much RAM does it actually support? |
| Details: | By default, 4 GB of RAM is installed as two 2 GB SO-DIMM modules. No slots free. 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 Canada, site sponsor CanadaRAM sells RAM and other upgrades for this iMac. In Germany, site sponsor CompuRAM 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. |
| Details: | This model supports two 4 GB modules -- one in each slot for a maximum of 8 GB of memory. |
| Details: | This model has a NVIDIA GeForce 9400M that shares memory with the system. Also see: What type of video processor is provided by the Aluminum iMac systems? Is it upgradable? |
| Details: | Apple reports that 'memory available to Mac OS X may vary depending on graphics needs' and that the minimum graphics usage is 256 MB with this model. Also see: How does the gaming performance of the 'Early 2009' Aluminum iMac Core 2 Duo models compare to earlier Aluminum iMac models? How much faster are the graphics? |
| Built-in Display: | 24.0' Widescreen | Native Resolution: | 1920x1200 |
| Details: | This model has a 24.0' 'glossy' TFT widescreen active matrix display with a native resolution of 1920x1200. Apple also reports a 'typical' brightness of 385 cd/m2, contrast ratio of 750:1, and viewing angle of 178 degrees horizontal and 178 degrees vertical. Also see: What are the differences between the displays used in the Intel-based 'Aluminum' and 'White' iMac models? What is the viewable angle and the brightness of each? 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 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. |
| 2nd Display Support: | Dual/Mirroring | 2nd Max. Resolution: | 2560x1600 |
| Details: | Apple reports that this model simultaneously supports the native resolution of the built-in display and up-to a 30-inch external display (2560x1600). |
| Standard Storage: | 640 GB HDD | Std. Storage Speed: | 7200 RPM |
| Details: | A 1 TB Serial ATA hard drive also was available by custom configuration for an additional US$100. Also see: How do you upgrade the hard drive in the Aluminum iMac models? What type of hard drive do they support? Can you swap the hard drive for an SSD? In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells storage upgrades for this iMac. In the UK, site sponsor Flexx sells storage upgrades for this iMac. In Canada, site sponsor CanadaRAM sells SSDs and other upgrades for this iMac. In Australia, site sponsor Macfixit sells storage upgrades for this iMac. Also see: SSD Compatibility Guide for All G3 & Later Macs. |
| Storage Dimensions: | 3.5' (26.10 mm) | Storage Interface: | Serial ATA (3 Gb/s) |
| Details: | This model holds a single 3.5' SATA II (3 Gb/s) hard drive or SSD. |
| Standard Optical: | 8X DL 'SuperDrive' | Standard Disk: | None |
| Details: | Apple reports that the slot-loading 8X 'SuperDrive' with 4X double-layer burning (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW) 'writes DVD+R DL discs at up to 4x speed, writes DVD-R and DVD+R discs at up to 8x speed, writes DVD-RW at up to 6x and DVD+RW discs at up to 8x speed, reads DVDs at up to 8x speed, writes CD-R discs at up to 24x speed, writes CD-RW discs at up to 16x speed, [and] reads CDs at up to 24x speed.' Site sponsor Other World Computing offers a 'Data Doubler' mounting kit that may be of interest. It makes it simple to install a second hard drive or SSD in the optical drive bay of this iMac. |
| Standard Modem: | None | Standard Ethernet: | 10/100/1000Base-T |
| Details: | External Apple USB Modem offered for US$49. |
| Standard AirPort: | 802.11a/b/g/n | Standard Bluetooth: | 2.1+EDR |
| Details: | AirPort Extreme (802.11a/b/g/n) and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR standard. Also see: What is 802.11n? How is it different from 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11a? |
| Details: | Four USB 2.0 ports and one Firewire '800' port (7 watts). Apple advertises that this system has 'six' USB 2.0 ports, counting four on the system and two on the keyboard. |
| 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: | Apple Keyboard* | Incl. Input: | Mighty Mouse |
| Details: | *By default, this model shipped with a small aluminum 'ultrathin, compact wired keyboard' that lacks the numerical keypad. Also see: How does the 'ultra thin' keyboard provided with the 'Aluminum' iMac Core 2 Duo models compare to a more traditional desktop keyboard? How does it feel? |
| Details: | The 'Early 2009' iMac 'Core 2 Duo' models use an all-in-one 'aluminum and glass' enclosure on an aluminum stand that is essentially the same as the previous 'Aluminum' iMac models, but the 'supporting foot' is tapered toward the front rather than squared off. |
| Apple Order No: | MB418LL/A | Apple Subfamily: | Early 2009 |
| Details: | The Apple order number should be unique to this system. |
| Details: | Please note that these identifiers refer to more than one model. Also see: All Macs with the A1225 Model Number, the 2267 EMC Number, and the iMac9,1 Model Identifier. For more about these identifiers and how to locate them on each Mac, please refer to EveryMac.com's Mac Identification section. |
| Details: | N/A |
| Pre-Installed MacOS: | X 10.5.6 (9G2030) | Maximum MacOS: | X 10.11.x* |
| Details: | *This system fully supports the last version of OS X 10.8 'Mountain Lion' and OS X 10.9 'Mavericks' except for Power Nap and AirPlay Mirroring functionality (which also requires an Apple TV 2nd Gen or later). It also supports the last viersion of OS X 10.10 'Yosemite' and OS X 10.11 'El Capitan' -- including Mac-to-Mac AirDrop capability -- but no other advanced features are supported, including Metal graphics acceleration. It is not capable of running macOS Sierra (10.12) or subsequent versions of the macOS at all. Please note that OS X 'Lion' 10.7 and subsequent versions of OS X are not capable of running Mac OS X apps originally written for the PowerPC processor as these operating systems do not support the 'Rosetta' environment. To run PowerPC applications on this Mac, it will be necessary to use Mac OS X 10.6 'Snow Leopard' or earlier. Also see: Which Macs are compatible with OS X El Capitan (10.11)? What are the system requirements? Which Macs support which features? |
| Minimum Windows: | XP SP2 (32-Bit)* | Maximum Windows: | 7 (32-Bit)* |
| Details: | *Apple's Boot Camp 4 formally supports the 32-bit versions of Windows XP SP2, Windows Vista, and Windows 7. However, the system does meet Microsoft's minimum requirements for Windows 8 and readers have reported successfully running the 32-bit version of this operating system with appropriate drivers. |
| 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: | 20.5 x 22.4 x 8.1 | Avg. Weight: | 25.4 lbs. (11.5 kg) |
| Details: | In inches - height by width by depth, (52.0 cm, 56.9 cm, 20.7 cm). |
| Original Price (US): | US$1499 | Est. Current Retail: | US$200-US$300 |
| Details: | Please note that on average the estimated current retail pricing of used systems is updated twice a year (please refer to the date on the bottom of the page for the date last updated). Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. |
Click on a category for additional details. The most commonly needed info is 'open' by default, but all info is important. The icons correspond with the icons for each port on the computer.
Can A 2009 Imac Be Updated
| Video (Monitor): | 1 (Mini DisplayPort) | Floppy (Ext.): | None |
| Details: | Supports external display in dual display and mirroring modes. Mini DisplayPort also supports DVI, VGA, and dual-link DVI with optional adapters. |
| Details: | N/A |
| Details: | N/A |
| Details: | Four USB 2.0 ports and one Firewire '800' port (7 watts). Apple advertises that this system has 'six' USB 2.0 ports, counting four on the system and two on the keyboard. |
| Details: | No internal modem. External Apple USB modem offered for US$49. Gigabit Ethernet, AirPort Extreme (802.11g/n) and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR standard. |
| Details: | N/A |
| Details: | Combined 'optical digital audio input/audio line in minijack.' |
| Details: | Single shared 'headphone/optical digital audio output'. |
| Details: | N/A |
| Details: | 100V-240V, 200W maximum for 20-Inch models, 280W maximum for 24-Inch models. |
Global original prices for the iMac 24-Inch 'Core 2 Duo' 2.66 (Early 2009) in 34 different countries and territories follow; organized alphabetically by region.
For global original prices for Intel Macs in one particular country on a single page, please refer to EveryMac.com's Global Original Prices section.
Original Prices - North & South America
| Mexico: | N/A | United States: | US$1499 |
Original Prices - Europe
| Denmark: | N/A | Finland: | €1399 |
| Ireland: | €1399 | Italy: | €1399 |
| Norway: | N/A | Portugal: | €1399 |
| Switzerland: | CHF 1'899 | United Kingdom: | £1199 |
Original Prices - Asia
| India: | N/A | Indonesia: | N/A |
| Malaysia: | N/A | The Philippines: | N/A |
| Thailand: | N/A | Vietnam: | N/A |
Original Prices - Australia & New Zealand
If you have additional original prices for this model, please get in touch. Thank you.
Ten of the most popular Q&As about the iMac 24-Inch models follow.
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Aluminum iMac Q&A - Updated July 15, 2016
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How do you upgrade the hard drive in the 'Original/Mid-2007,' 'Early 2008,' 'Early 2009' and 'Mid-2009' (20-Inch and 24-Inch) Aluminum iMac models? What type of hard drive do they support? Can you swap the hard drive for an SSD?
Please note that this Q&A covers Aluminum iMac models with 20-Inch and 24-Inch displays. EveryMac.com also provides instructions to upgrade the hard drive and SSD storage in more recent 'Flat Edge' 21.5-Inch and 27-Inch aluminum models as well as the latest 'Tapered Edge' 21.5-Inch and 27-Inch aluminum line.
The 'Original/Mid-2007,' 'Early 2008,' 'Early 2009' and 'Mid-2009' Aluminum iMac models -- all Aluminum iMacs with a 20-Inch or 24-Inch display -- each have a 3 Gb/s SATA connector for a 3.5' hard drive and different models have a variety of different hard drives installed by default.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (20-Inch & 24-Inch Aluminum iMac)
Apple considers the memory in these models to be a 'customer installable part' but the hard drive is not intended to be upgraded by end users. Upgrading the memory is extremely easy -- there is a small removable 'door' on the bottom of each system for this purpose -- but upgrading the hard drive requires one to remove the display and effectively disassemble the entire computer.
Disasembling the computer is not simple, but the hard drive in these models also can be swapped out with a faster 3 Gb/s SATA-equipped SSD, and the swap is no more difficult than upgrading the hard drive.
Identification Help
All of the 20-Inch and 24-Inch Aluminum iMac models have the same hard drive support. However, specific upgrade instructions are a bit different -- particularly for 20-Inch models -- so it still is important to be able to identify your iMac precisely.
These models can be most readily identified in software by Model Identifier as well as externally via EMC number (located inconveniently under the 'foot' supporting the computer).
To locate the Model Identifier in software, select 'About This Mac' under the Apple Menu on your computer and click the 'More Info...' button. If the iMac is running OS X 10.7 'Lion' or later, you will need to click the 'System Report' button after clicking 'More Info...' as well. As always, EveryMac.com has carefully hand documented each EMC number and model identifier for your convenience.
These identifiers for each of the 20-Inch and 24-Inch iMac models follow:
iMac | Subfamily | EMC | Model ID |
Mid-2007 | |||
Mid-2007 | |||
Mid-2007 | |||
Mid-2007 | |||
Early 2008 | |||
Early 2008 | |||
Early 2008 | |||
Early 2008 | |||
Early 2009 | |||
Early 2009 | |||
Early 2009 | |||
Early 2009 | |||
Mid-2009 | |||
Mid-2009 |
EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Lookup feature -- as well as the EveryMac app -- also can uniquely identify these models by their Serial Number, which is listed on the underside of the foot along with the EMC number and within the operating system alongside the model identifier. More details about specific identifiers are provided in EveryMac.com's extensive Mac Identification section.
Hard Drive or SSD Upgrade Instructions
For adventurous -- and highly skilled -- users interested in replacing or upgrading the hard drive in 20-Inch or 24-Inch models themselves, site sponsor Other World Computing provides helpful step-by-step video instructions of the complex procedure:
20' Original/Mid-2007 & Early 2008 iMac Hard Drive Upgrade Video
20' Early 2009 and Mid-2009 iMac Hard Drive Upgrade Video
24' Original/Mid-2007 through Early 2009 iMac Hard Drive Upgrade Video
From watching the videos, it should be clear that upgrading the hard drive or SSD in these models is complicated. If you do not feel comfortable -- or have the time -- to perform the upgrade yourself, it always is a good idea to hire a professional.
iMac Storage Purchase & Professional Installation Options
Quality storage is important. Be sure to buy from a quality vendor that sells storage with a reputation for reliability.
In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells SSDs for all iMac models (as well as hard drives) for do-it-yourself upgrades.
In the UK and Ireland, site sponsor Flexx sells Aluminum iMac compatible SSDs and hard drives with free shipping. The company provides flat rate shipping to France, Germany, and Switzerland and inexpensive shipping for all of Europe, too.
In Australia, site sponsors Macfixit and Upgradeable sell iMac compatible hard drives and SSDs with fast shipping, a money-back guarantee and more.
In New Zealand, site sponsor Upgradeable New Zealand sells iMac hard drives and SSDs with fast delivery to all corners of the country, precise compatibility, a lifetime warranty, and a money-back guarantee.
Also see:
- How do you upgrade the hard drive in the 'Late 2009,' 'Mid-2010,' 'Mid-2011' and 'Late 2011' (21.5-Inch and 27-Inch) Aluminum iMac models? What type of storage do they support? Is it even possible to upgrade these models?
- How do you upgrade the hard drive in the 'Tapered Edge' Aluminum iMac models? What type of storage do they support? Is it possible to upgrade the hard drive or SSD?
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EveryMac.com is provided 'as is' without warranty of any kind whatsoever. EveryMac.com, and the author thereof, shall not be held responsible or liable, under any circumstances, for any damages resulting from the use or inability to use the information within. For complete disclaimer and copyright information please read and understand the Terms of Use and the Privacy Policy before using EveryMac.com. Use of any content or images without expressed permission is not allowed, although links to any page are welcomed and appreciated.