iMac 27-inch Retina 5K (2020): Refurbished, Specs & Repairs
The last and fastest Intel iMac
The iMac 27-inch Retina 5K (2020) was the final Intel iMac and the most powerful 27-inch model Apple made. It has six, eight or ten-core Intel processors, all-SSD storage, Radeon Pro 5000-series graphics, a True Tone 5K display with an optional nano-texture finish, a 1080p camera and up to 128GB of memory.
It is a strong choice for photo editing, design, music production and office work, and it still supports macOS Tahoe, the last major macOS version for Intel Macs. Check your applications before buying.
Every refurbished iMac 27-inch Retina 5K (2020) 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 27-inch Retina 5K (2020) was released in August 2020 and sold until March 2022, when Apple discontinued the 27-inch iMac. It was the first iMac with the T2 Security Chip and an SSD in every model.
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 iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2020), with the model identifier iMac20,1 or iMac20,2. It looks identical to the 27-inch iMacs from 2014 to 2019, so check the full model name rather than relying on the case.
Choose About This Mac from the Apple menu to check the model. The 2020 model has a six-core Core i5, eight-core Core i7 or ten-core Core i9 processor and Radeon Pro 5300, 5500 XT, 5700 or 5700 XT graphics.
Specifications at a glance
| Display | 27-inch Retina 5K display, 5120 × 2880 resolution, 500 nits, P3 wide colour, True Tone; optional nano-texture glass |
|---|---|
| Processor options | 3.1GHz or 3.3GHz six-core Core i5, 3.8GHz eight-core Core i7, or optional 3.6GHz ten-core Core i9 |
| Memory | 8GB 2666MHz DDR4 as standard; four slots; up to 128GB |
| Storage | 256GB up to 8TB SSD, encrypted by the T2 Security Chip |
| Graphics | Radeon Pro 5300 (4GB), 5500 XT (8GB), 5700 (8GB) or 5700 XT (16GB) |
| Camera | 1080p FaceTime HD camera |
| Connections | Two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports, four USB-A ports, Gigabit Ethernet (10Gb optional), SDXC card slot and headphone socket |
| Wireless | 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Size and weight | 51.6cm high, 65cm wide, 20.3cm stand depth; approximately 8.9kg |
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 consider this model for photo editing, design, music production, development and office work. The large 5K screen, fast SSD and multi-core processors make it a very capable desktop.
It can also run Windows through Boot Camp, which Apple silicon Macs cannot. For the newest professional software and long-term macOS support, an Apple silicon Mac is the better choice.
A Mac for Bristol students
For Bristol students on design, photography, music or engineering courses, the 2020 27-inch iMac gives a large, colour-accurate screen and plenty of power for a desk at home.
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.
The 2020 27-inch iMac suits design studios, estate agents and offices that work with large documents and images, and the 10Gb Ethernet option suits fast shared storage. Check application support and your organisation’s security requirements, as Intel Macs will not receive new major macOS versions.
macOS compatibility
This model supports macOS Tahoe. Apple has said Tahoe is the last major version of macOS for Intel Macs, so future versions will need an Apple silicon Mac. Security updates for Tahoe are expected to continue for a time after that.
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
Memory is easy to upgrade through the access door on the back, with four slots and support for up to 128GB. That makes this a very good iMac for heavy multitasking.
The SSD is fitted to the logic board and encrypted by the T2 chip, so it cannot be upgraded. Fast external Thunderbolt 3 storage is the practical way to add space.
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.
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 27-inch Retina 5K (2020)
Confirm the processor, graphics, memory, SSD capacity, display finish and Ethernet option, and check the display in good light. Most importantly, check that your essential software supports macOS Tahoe or earlier.
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 27-inch Retina 5K (2020) with similar models
The 2019 model is cheaper but uses Fusion Drives. For current macOS support, a 24-inch Apple silicon iMac or a Mac mini with a 27-inch display is the modern alternative.
Buy or repair an iMac 27-inch Retina 5K (2020)
Looking for a big-screen iMac with plenty of power and easy memory upgrades? Ask about our current iMac stock, or let us diagnose and quote for a repair on the one you already own.
Top image credit
Photo: othree. Wikimedia Commons source · CC BY 2.0. Resized and compressed to WebP; responsive versions supplied. Design reference: a Late 2015 27-inch iMac is pictured; the model year on this page differs.
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