Review: Apple iMac MK472LL/A 27-Inch Retina 5K Desktop (Renewed)
The Apple iMac MK472LL/A is a model from the Late 2015 generation of 27-inch iMacs, featuring a stunning Retina 5K display. While it's an older machine, a renewed version offers a compelling combination of a premium screen and respectable performance at a potentially attractive price point for those who don't need the latest specifications.
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| Review: Apple iMac MK472LL/A 27-Inch Retina 5K Desktop (Renewed) |
🖥️ Display: The Star of the Show
Undoubtedly, the biggest selling point of this machine is its 27-inch Retina 5K (5120 x 2880) display. Even years after its release, this screen is an industry benchmark. It offers incredible pixel density, making text look razor-sharp and images/videos spectacularly detailed.
Resolution: The 5K resolution provides an expansive workspace, particularly beneficial for photo and video editing where you can view 4K content at native resolution while still having screen space for tools.
Color Accuracy: It features a wide color (P3) gamut, making it highly suitable for creative professionals who require accurate color reproduction.
The display alone often justifies the purchase, especially for users upgrading from non-Retina or lower-resolution screens.
⚙️ Performance and Specifications
The MK472LL/A configuration typically includes solid, albeit aging, components. For a renewed model, performance will depend heavily on the original configuration and condition.
| Component | Specification (MK472LL/A) | Notes |
| Processor | 3.2 GHz Intel Core i5 (Quad-Core, Skylake) | Adequate for general use and light-to-moderate content creation. |
| RAM | 8GB of 1867 MHz DDR3 RAM | The 8GB DDR3 is the minimum standard and will likely be the primary bottleneck for heavy multitasking. Fortunately, the RAM is user-upgradable on this model. |
| Storage | 1TB Fusion Drive | A combination of a traditional HDD and a small SSD cache. This offers faster boot and app loading speeds than a pure HDD but is significantly slower than a full SSD. |
| Graphics | AMD Radeon R9 M390 (2GB GDDR5) | Capable for the time, handles the 5K display well for desktop tasks. Not suited for modern, demanding gaming at 5K resolution. |
Performance Verdict: This configuration is excellent for basic office work, web browsing, and moderate photo editing. However, for professional video editing (especially 4K), 3D rendering, or heavy multitasking, the stock 8GB RAM and the Fusion Drive will feel limiting.
🔄 Renewed Condition and Value
The "Renewed" status means the unit has been inspected, cleaned, and often repaired to work like new. This is where the value proposition becomes clear.
Cost Savings: Renewed older models provide access to the premium 5K screen and a high-quality all-in-one design at a fraction of the original or new price.
Longevity and Updates: While the Mac OS X mentioned in the listing (likely El Capitan or an early version) will need to be updated, this machine is still capable of running modern macOS versions, extending its usable life.
Upgradeability: The easily accessible RAM slots are a huge benefit. Upgrading the RAM to 16GB or 32GB is highly recommended and dramatically improves the system's longevity and multitasking capabilities.
🔌 Connectivity and Design
The "Tapered Edge" design of this iMac is iconic and remains attractive, despite the relatively thick display bezels by modern standards.
Ports: Connectivity is good, typically including four USB 3.0 ports, two Thunderbolt 2 ports (fast for the era), an SDXC card slot, and Gigabit Ethernet. Note that it uses the older Thunderbolt 2 standard, not the newer Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) found on later models.
Peripherals: It usually ships with the Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse 2, which are sleek but often critiqued for their ergonomics and the keyboard's lack of a number pad (on the standard version).
🎯 Conclusion: Who is this iMac For?
The renewed Apple iMac MK472LL/A is a fantastic choice for budget-conscious users who prioritize a stunning, color-accurate 5K display over cutting-edge processing power.
Ideal Users: Students, home office users, writers, web developers, and entry-level graphic designers will find this machine highly capable, especially after a simple RAM upgrade.
Recommendation: If you purchase this model, strongly consider an immediate RAM upgrade and manage your expectations regarding high-end gaming or the fastest data transfer speeds.