iMac 21.5-inch (2017): Refurbished, Specs & Repairs
The entry-level 2017 iMac with Thunderbolt 3
The iMac 21.5-inch (2017) was Apple’s lowest-priced all-in-one desktop for several years, with a 21.5-inch Full HD display, a 2.3GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor and the computer built into the slim aluminium case. It was the first 21.5-inch iMac with Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports.
It suits browsing, email, documents and video calls, but it is now an older machine and many examples still have a slow hard drive. It no longer runs the latest versions of macOS, so check your applications before buying.
Every refurbished iMac 21.5-inch (2017) we sell is checked by our technicians and comes with a 12-month warranty. Browse our refurbished iMac range, or book a repair if you already own one.
About This Model
The iMac 21.5-inch (2017) was released in June 2017 alongside the 21.5-inch Retina 4K and 27-inch Retina 5K models. Apple kept selling this non-Retina version long after the others were updated, so many were bought new as late as 2021, often by schools and businesses.
Complete Mac Solutions supplies refurbished Apple Macs in Bristol for home users, students and businesses. We also offer iMac repairs and can help you compare the cost of repairing or upgrading an older iMac with a suitable replacement.
Which iMac does this cover?
This guide covers the non-Retina iMac (21.5-inch, 2017), with the model identifier iMac18,1. It looks almost identical to the Retina 4K model from the same year and the 2015 21.5-inch iMacs, so check the full model name and display resolution.
Choose About This Mac from the Apple menu to check the model. This version has a 1920 × 1080 display, a 2.3GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 and Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640. If yours has a quad-core processor or a 4K display, see the iMac 21.5-inch Retina 4K (2017) guide.
Specifications at a glance
| Display | 21.5-inch LED-backlit display, 1920 × 1080 resolution |
|---|---|
| Processor | 2.3GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 (Turbo Boost up to 3.6GHz) |
| Memory | 8GB or 16GB 2133MHz DDR4 |
| Original storage options | 1TB hard drive, 1TB Fusion Drive or 256GB SSD |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640 |
| Connections | Two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports, four USB-A ports, Gigabit Ethernet, SDXC card slot and headphone socket |
| Wireless | 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2 |
| Size and weight | 45cm high, 52.8cm wide, 17.5cm stand depth; approximately 5.4kg |
Ask us to confirm the exact configuration of any refurbished machine available. Storage may have been replaced or upgraded from the original factory specification.
What is it useful for?
Our recommendation is to assess this model for email, browsing, documents, video calls and compatible older applications. It works well as a family computer, a reception machine or a dedicated computer for one task.
It is not suited to demanding work. The dual-core processor and integrated graphics are modest, and the Full HD screen is not as sharp as the Retina models. An iMac with an SSD feels far quicker than one with the original hard drive.
A Mac for Bristol students
Bristol students wanting a low-cost desktop for a bedroom or shared house may find this model a sensible choice. It can handle essays, research and streaming when its software support meets the course’s needs.
Check university requirements before choosing an older Mac, as many current applications and examination tools need a newer macOS. If you need a main computer for several years of study, compare it with a newer model, and ask about our student deals.
Macs for businesses
Complete Mac Solutions supplies Macs for businesses as well as individuals. Tell us which applications, peripherals and working arrangements your team uses so we can help you choose a suitable machine.
A 2017 21.5-inch iMac can suit reception desks, shops and offices running email, web apps and compatible office software. Check application support and your organisation’s security requirements before using it as a staff computer.
macOS compatibility
Apple lists macOS Ventura as the newest officially compatible operating system for this model. That is an important buying limitation: current applications may require a newer macOS release, and Ventura no longer receives security updates.
Check the developer’s requirements for your essential applications before purchasing. Tell us what you need to run so we can help you compare suitable alternatives.
Memory and storage upgrades
The memory on this model is fitted to the logic board and cannot be upgraded, so check that 8GB or 16GB suits your needs before you buy.
Replacing the original hard drive with an SSD is the most worthwhile upgrade, but it means removing the glass display, which is held on with adhesive. That makes it a job for a technician rather than a quick swap at home.
Upgrades can make a big difference to everyday speed, but they will not extend official macOS support. Ask us about the exact machine before deciding whether an upgrade is worthwhile.
Known concern: slow hard drives
Most of these iMacs were supplied with a 1TB 5400-rpm hard drive. After years of use these drives often become very slow or start to fail, which shows as a spinning wheel, long startup times and freezing.
Back up important files first, and ask about data recovery if the drive has already failed.
Other repair symptoms to check
Display faults
Check the screen for lines, dark patches, flickering or a dim backlight, and inspect the glass for cracks. Display repairs involve the bonded glass panel, so get an assessment before deciding.
Startup and power problems
Failure to start, random shutdowns or a machine that powers on without a picture can have several causes, including the internal power supply. Tell us what happens when you press the power button.
Heat, fan noise and Wi-Fi
A loud fan, heat-related slowdowns or unreliable Wi-Fi or Bluetooth deserve assessment. Describe when the problem started and whether it happens during particular tasks.
Complete Mac Solutions can discuss iMac repairs in Bristol and help you weigh the likely cost against the condition, usefulness and replacement value of the machine.
Buying a refurbished iMac 21.5-inch (2017)
Confirm the memory, storage type and capacity, the installed version of macOS and the condition of the display. Because the memory cannot be upgraded, make sure it suits what you need. Most importantly, check that your essential software supports its operating system.
Complete Mac Solutions carries a large stock of refurbished Macs and has an extensive supplier network to help source suitable configurations. Many of our Macs come fully boxed, with all accessories and in fantastic condition. Packaging, accessories and condition vary between machines, so ask us to confirm what comes with the one you choose.
Explore our Apple Macs for sale or speak to us about a desktop for home, study or business. If you already own this model, we can help you consider whether repair, an upgrade or replacement offers the best value.
References and further reading
Compare the iMac 21.5-inch (2017) with similar models
The Retina 4K model from the same year has a much sharper screen and quad-core processors. The 2019 Retina 4K model is faster again, and the 2015 model is often cheaper.
- iMac 21.5-inch Retina 4K (2017)
- iMac 21.5-inch Retina 4K (2019)
- iMac 21.5-inch (2015)
- iMac 21.5-inch (Mid 2014)
Buy or repair an iMac 21.5-inch (2017)
Looking for an affordable all-in-one Mac for everyday tasks? Ask about our current iMac stock, or let us diagnose and quote for a repair or SSD upgrade on the one you already own.
Top image credit
Photo: Mike Lau. Wikimedia Commons source · CC BY-SA 2.0. Resized and compressed to WebP; responsive versions supplied. Design detail: the slim aluminium iMac introduced in 2012. This photograph illustrates the casing design, not a confirmed screen size or exact model year.
