iMac Pro (2017): Refurbished, Specs & Repairs
A space grey workstation built into a 27-inch 5K iMac
The iMac Pro (2017) put workstation parts inside the slim 27-inch iMac case: an Intel Xeon W processor with up to 18 cores, Radeon Pro Vega graphics, ECC memory and a 5K Retina display, all finished in space grey with matching keyboard and mouse.
It remains a capable machine for photography, video, music production and development work with compatible software. It is now an older Intel Mac and does not run the latest versions of macOS, so check your applications before buying.
Every refurbished iMac Pro (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 Pro (2017) went on sale in December 2017 and was sold until March 2021, without a hardware update. It was Apple’s first Mac with the T2 Security Chip and offered far more cooling capacity than a standard iMac, so it stays quiet under heavy load.
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 an older iMac Pro with a suitable replacement.
Which iMac does this cover?
This guide covers the iMac Pro (2017), with the model identifier iMacPro1,1. Its space grey finish makes it easy to tell apart from the silver 27-inch iMacs, and it has no memory access door on the back.
Choose About This Mac from the Apple menu to check the processor, memory and graphics. There was only one iMac Pro model, but it was sold in many configurations.
Specifications at a glance
| Display | 27-inch Retina 5K display, 5120 × 2880 resolution, 500 nits, P3 wide colour |
|---|---|
| Processor options | 8, 10, 14 or 18-core Intel Xeon W |
| Memory | 32GB, 64GB, 128GB or 256GB 2666MHz DDR4 ECC |
| Storage | 1TB, 2TB or 4TB SSD, encrypted by the T2 Security Chip |
| Graphics | Radeon Pro Vega 56 (8GB) or Vega 64 / Vega 64X (16GB) |
| Connections | Four Thunderbolt 3 ports, four USB-A ports, 10Gb Ethernet, SDXC card slot and headphone socket |
| Camera | 1080p FaceTime HD camera |
| Wireless | 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Size and weight | 51.6cm high, 65cm wide, 20.3cm stand depth; approximately 9.7kg |
Ask us to confirm the exact configuration of any refurbished machine available.
What is it useful for?
Our recommendation is to assess this model for photo editing, music production, compatible video and 3D software, and development work. The Xeon processor, ECC memory and Vega graphics handle sustained workloads well, and the 5K screen is excellent for detailed work.
It is not equivalent to a current professional Mac. Recent creative software increasingly requires a newer macOS or Apple silicon, and a Mac Studio or Apple silicon iMac will usually be faster for modern video work.
A Mac for Bristol students
For Bristol students on design, photography or music courses, an iMac Pro can be an affordable way to get a large, colour-accurate screen and plenty of power for a desk at home.
Check course software requirements before choosing an older Intel Mac. If you need a machine for several years of study, compare it with a newer desktop or a laptop, 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 storage your team uses so we can help you choose a suitable machine.
An iMac Pro can suit a design studio or office with compatible software, with 10Gb Ethernet for fast shared storage built in. Check application support and your organisation’s security requirements before using it as a main staff computer.
macOS compatibility
Apple lists macOS Sequoia as the newest compatible operating system for this model. It cannot run macOS Tahoe or later, so check how long Sequoia will remain suitable for your work and security needs.
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
The memory is on modules inside the case, but unlike the 27-inch iMac there is no access door. Changing it means removing the display and much of the inside, so it is a job for a technician and is rarely worthwhile.
The SSD is paired with the T2 Security Chip and is not a simple swap. Fast external Thunderbolt 3 storage is usually the practical way to add space. Ask us before deciding whether an upgrade is worthwhile.
Repair symptoms to check
Display faults
Check the screen for lines, dark patches, uneven brightness or image retention, and inspect the glass for cracks. Display repairs involve the bonded glass panel, so get an assessment first.
Startup and power problems
Failure to start, random shutdowns or a machine that powers on without a picture can have several causes, including the power supply or the T2 chip firmware. Tell us what happens when you press the power button.
Graphics, heat and fan noise
Display glitches during graphics-heavy work, freezing or unusually loud fans deserve assessment. Dust build-up in the vents can make a normally quiet iMac Pro much louder.
Storage and data
If you need files from an iMac Pro that will not start, ask about data recovery before any repair. The T2 chip encrypts the internal SSD, which makes recovery more involved.
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 Pro (2017)
Confirm the processor, memory, graphics and SSD capacity, and check the display in good light. Ask whether the original space grey keyboard and mouse are included. 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 or replacement offers the best value.
References and further reading
Compare the iMac Pro (2017) with similar models
The 27-inch iMac (2019) has the same 5K screen with easier memory upgrades but less powerful graphics. The 2019 Mac Pro offers far more expansion, and a Mac Studio with a separate display is the modern choice for this kind of work.
- iMac 27-inch Retina 5K (2019)
- Mac Pro (2019)
- iMac 27-inch Retina 5K (2015)
- Mac Studio M5 Max / M5 Ultra (2026)
Buy or repair an iMac Pro (2017)
Looking for a powerful all-in-one with a 5K screen? Ask about our current iMac Pro stock, or let us diagnose and quote for a repair on the one you already own.
Image credit
Photo: Nobuyuki Hayashi. Wikimedia Commons source · CC BY 2.0. Resized and compressed to WebP.
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