The Apple iMac “M3″ 8-Core CPU/8-Core GPU/2 Thunderbolt 4 USB-C Shaped Ports 24” model was introduced on October 30, 2023. This model is powered by a 4.05 GHz Apple M3 processor, which includes 8 cores (4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores), an 8-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine. The memory bandwidth is 100GB/s, and it comes standard with 8 GB of onboard “unified” RAM and a 256 GB onboard SSD. Both the RAM and the SSD can be upgraded at the time of initial system purchase.
The design of this iMac is characterized by its thin aluminum case with flat edges, housing a 23.5″ 4480×2520, 218 PPI, LED-backlit, “True Tone” widescreen “Retina 4.5K” display on a thin aluminum stand. It’s available in three two-tone color options (blue, green, and pink) and a “classic” uniform silver color. The iMac also features an integrated 1080p FaceTime HD camera, a “studio-quality three-mic array,” and a “high-fidelity six-speaker system” supporting Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos.
For connectivity, this model includes two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports, a 3.5 mm headphone jack, Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), and Bluetooth 5.3. An optional Gigabit Ethernet port is available on the power brick for an additional cost at the time of purchase.
This iMac model is similar to its predecessor but boasts a newer, faster processor and graphics processor, more advanced Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, and the option for additional RAM at purchase. It ships with a small, color-matched aluminum wireless “Magic Keyboard” and a wireless “Magic Mouse” with multi-touch surface support. Optional upgrades at purchase include a Magic Trackpad and various keyboard configurations.
The iMac “M3” model supports the internal display at its full native resolution and up to one 6016×3384 (6K) external display. It comes with macOS 14.1 pre-installed and measures 18.1 x 21.5 x 5.8 inches, weighing 9.75 lbs (4.43 kg).
In terms of performance, reviews from various tech websites highlight the iMac M3’s significant power boost while maintaining the same sleek design. The M3 chip, with its 8-core CPU and GPU, is praised for its efficiency and capability to handle a range of tasks, from everyday computing to more demanding applications.
The improved graphics performance is particularly noted in reviews, making this iMac a more viable option for creative professionals and casual gamers. The display quality, with its high resolution and True Tone technology, continues to be a standout feature, offering vibrant colors and sharp details. The iMac’s sound system, with its six-speaker setup supporting Spatial Audio, is also commended for its clarity and immersive audio experience.
4.05 GHz Apple M3
8 GB
256 GB SSD
N/A
Storage & Memory
The iMac “M3” 24-inch is equipped with 8 GB of unified RAM and a 256 GB onboard SSD, providing a balanced foundation for memory and storage. This configuration ensures smooth performance for general computing tasks and some professional applications. At the time of purchase, users have the option to upgrade the RAM up to 24 GB and the SSD up to 1 TB, enhancing the machine’s capability to handle more demanding tasks. It’s important to note, however, that these upgrades are only possible at the time of purchase and cannot be done afterward.
Screen Size and Resolution
This model features a 23.5-inch widescreen Retina 4.5K display with a resolution of 4480×2520 at 218 PPI. The LED-backlit screen supports 1 billion colors and includes True Tone technology and wide color (P3), with a brightness of 500 nits. The high resolution and color fidelity make it suitable for tasks requiring detailed visuals, such as graphic design and video editing. The sleek design, with its thin aluminum case and flat edges, adds to its aesthetic appeal.
OS & Processor
The iMac “M3” runs on macOS 14.1 and is powered by a 4.05 GHz Apple M3 processor. This processor includes 8 cores (4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores), an 8-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine, ensuring robust performance and efficiency for a variety of computing tasks.
Upgradability
While the iMac “M3” offers initial customization options, including RAM and SSD upgrades at the time of purchase, it’s important to note that these components are not upgradeable post-purchase. This limitation should be considered when configuring the iMac at the time of buying, to ensure it meets long-term needs.
Inclusive Features
M3 processor with a clock speed of 4.05 GHz, featuring 8 cores (4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores)
8-core GPU is integrated for enhanced graphics capabilities
16-core Neural Engine, enhancing machine learning and computational tasks
Memory bandwidth of 100 GB/s
8 GB of unified RAM and a 256 GB onboard SSD, both of which are upgradeable at the time of system purchase
23.5-inch LED-backlit widescreen Retina 4.5K display, offering a native resolution of 4480×2520 at 218 PPI
True Tone technology, wide color (P3), and has a brightness of 500 nits
Integrated 1080p FaceTime HD camera for high-quality video calls and a “studio-quality three-mic array
High-fidelity six-speaker system” supporting Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos for an immersive audio experience
Two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports, a 3.5 mm headphone jack, Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), and Bluetooth 5.3
Optional Gigabit Ethernet available via a port on the power brick as an upgrade at the time of purchase
Dual/mirroring display with a maximum resolution of 6016×3384 (6K) for external displays
The iMac “M3” is housed in a thin aluminum case with flat edges, available in blue, green, pink, and classic silver color options
Introduced: October 30, 2023
Discontinued: N/A
Screen Size and Resolution
Memory
Screen Size
23.5″ Widescreen
Level 1 Cache
192k+128k, 128k+64k x4
Resolution
4480×2520
Level 2/Level 3 Cache
16 MB, 4 MB x4
Processor
RAM Type
Unified
Processors
1 (8 Cores)
Min. RAM Speed
N/A
Architecture
64-Bit
Standard RAM
8 GB
Speed
4.05 GHz
Maximum RAM
24 GB
Type
Apple M3
RAM Slots
None
Processor Upgrade
Soldered
Motherboard RAM
8 GB
FPU
Integrated
Graphics
System Bus Speed
N/A
Video Card
8-Core
Cache Bus Speed
N/A
VRAM Type
Integrated
ROM/Firmware
Proprietary
Standard VRAM
Integrated
EFI Architecture
64-Bit
Maximum VRAM
Integrated
Storage
Inclusive Features and Ports
Standard Storage
256 GB SSD
Standard Optical Drive
None
Storage Speed
N/A
Standard Ethernet
None
Storage Dimensions
Soldered
Standard Modem
None
Storage Interface
Soldered
Standard Air Port
802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6)
Battery
Standard Bluetooth
5.3
Type
N/A
USB Port
2
Battery Life
N/A
Thunderbolt Ports
4
Description
Keyboard
Magic Keyboard (Touch ID)
Case Type
All-in-One
Inclusive Input
Magic Mouse
Form Factor
24″ iMac M3
S-Video Output
None
Apple Order No
MQRC3LL/A
Microphone
NA
Apple Subfamily
iMac (24″, M3 2023)
Headphone
3.5 mm
Apple Model Number
A2874 (EMC 8207)
Sound Out
NA
Model ID
Mac15,4
Power Adapter
NA
Identifier reference: MQRC3LL/A, A2874, EMC 8207, Mac15,4. Use these together because one Apple identifier can sometimes cover multiple configurations.
Last reviewed by Techable:Identifiers checked: order number, A-number, EMC, and model identifier when available.
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