Apple iMac 24 M1 2021 in review: Does Apple's M1 SoC also convince in the desktop?

Name: Apple iMac 24 M1 2021
Brand: Apple

On the desk it becomes colorful.

Apple now also uses its own M1 processor for the iMac. The new model with a 23.5-inch 4.5K Retina display replaces the previous 21.5-inch model and is available in many different colors. In the test, the desktop computer convinces in many areas, only the loud cooling is a surprise.

Andreas Osthoff, 👁 Andreas Osthoff, ✓ Brian Burriston (translated by DeepL / Ninh Duy), Published 10/18/2021 🇩🇪 🇷🇺 ...

Apple ARM Desktop Thunderbolt

Test device courtesy of Apple Deutschland

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Apple iMac 24 M1 2021 (iMac Series)

Processor

Apple M1 8 x 2.1 - 3.2 GHz

Graphics adapter

Apple M1 8-Core GPU

Memory

8 GB

, LPDDR4X-4266

Display

23.50 inch 16:9, 4480 x 2520 pixel 219 PPI, IPS, glossy: yes, 60 Hz

Storage

Apple SSD AP0512, 512 GB

, 467 GB free

Connections

2 USB 3.1 Gen2, 2 USB 4.0 40 Gbps, 2 Thunderbolt, 2 DisplayPort, Audio Connections: 3.5 mm, 1 Fingerprint Reader, Brightness Sensor

Networking

Broadcom BCM57762 (10/100/1000MBit/s), 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/ax = Wi-Fi 6/), Bluetooth 5.0

Size

height x width x depth (in mm): 461 x 547 x 147 ( = 18.15 x 21.54 x 5.79 in)

Operating System

Apple macOS 11 Big Sur

Camera

Webcam: 1080p FaceTime HD
Primary Camera: 2 MPix

Additional features

Speakers: 6, Keyboard: Chiclet, Keyboard Light: no, 143W PSU, Magic Mouse, Magic Keyboard, Magic TrackPad, 12 Months Warranty

Weight

4.404 kg ( = 155.35 oz / 9.71 pounds) ( = 0 oz / 0 pounds)

Price

1800 Euro

Links

Apple homepage

Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

see all specifications

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Possible competitors in comparison

Rating	Date	Model	Weight	Height	Size	Resolution
85.4 % v7 ^(old)	10 / 2021	Apple iMac 24 M1 2021 M1, M1 8-Core GPU	4.4 kg	461 mm	23.50"	4480x2520
86.4 % v7 ^(old)	11 / 2020	Apple iMac 27 Mid 2020 i9-10910, Radeon RX 5700 XT (Desktop)	8.9 kg	203 mm	27.00"	5120x2880
86.8 % v6 ^(old)	07 / 2018	Apple iMac Pro W-2145, Pro Vega 56	9.8 kg	516 mm	27.00"	5120x2880

Case, equipment and input devices

The case of the iMac differs from its predecessors. The thickness of the case is now the same in all places (previously very bulbous), but the use of plastic underneath the display means that the all-in-one no longer looks as high-quality. The width of the lower bezel also does not look particularly modern; more would certainly have been possible here. However, the build quality is still excellent and does not give reason for criticism. The built-in stand does not allow for height adjustment, only the tilt angle can be adjusted slightly. The iMac is also available as a version with an integrated VESA adapter (~50 Euros/~$58 surcharge), but there is no stand included and it cannot be retrofitted. Our test device in yellow looks very good, although every taste should find a suitable color here.

4 USB-C connectors (2x TB4, 2x USB 3.2 Gen.2), Gigabit Ethernet is available on the power supply unit

The base model with 7 GPU cores only offers two USB-C ports on the back (USB-4/Thunderbolt 3 with 40 GBit/s). Those who opt for a configuration with 8 GPU cores get two more USB-C ports (3.2 Gen.2) as well as the Gigabit Ethernet plug on the power supply as standard. Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 are also included, although the WLAN performance (as with the M1 MacBooks) is a bit low (Wi-Fi 6 only with 80 MHz). However, the signal quality was very good in the test.

The iMac is very flexible with these ports, but the position is not very practical in practice when you want to quickly connect an external hard drive or a USB stick. We would have liked to see an additional USB connector on the side, similar to the jack on the left edge. Thus, you will hardly get around a USB hub.

We already know the input devices from the predecessors and especially the TrackPad works very well. The keyboard is very practical thanks to the integrated Touch ID, but it only offers very little travel for desktop input (comparable to the MacBooks) and is also not illuminated. If you want to write a lot, you will certainly get better alternatives, but they do not offer all comfort features.

143-watt power supply with Gigabit Ethernet port

Networking
iperf3 transmit AX12
Average 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (405 - 1750, n=103)	787 MBit/s +4%
Apple iMac 24 M1 2021 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax	754 (359^min - 811^max) MBit/s
Apple iMac Pro Broadcom 802.11ac	713 MBit/s -5%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB) 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax	649 (611^min - 664^max) MBit/s -14%
Apple iMac 27 Mid 2020 Broadcom 802.11ac	602 MBit/s -20%
Apple MacBook Pro 16 2019 i9 5500M Broadcom 802.11ac	581 (533^min - 616^max) MBit/s -23%
iperf3 receive AX12
Apple MacBook Pro 16 2019 i9 5500M Broadcom 802.11ac	817 (806^min - 821^max) MBit/s +15%
Average 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (284 - 1414, n=103)	765 MBit/s +7%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB) 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax	757 (378^min - 806^max) MBit/s +6%
Apple iMac 27 Mid 2020 Broadcom 802.11ac	723 MBit/s +1%
Apple iMac Pro Broadcom 802.11ac	721 MBit/s +1%
Apple iMac 24 M1 2021 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax	713 (591^min - 739^max) MBit/s

Apple iMac 24 M1 2021; iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø712 (591-739)

Apple iMac 24 M1 2021; iperf3 transmit AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø742 (359-811)

ColorChecker Apple iMac 24 M1 2021: 9.08 ∆E min: 2.33 - max: 14.79 ∆E

Display - iMac with 4.5K Retina Screen

The 23.5-inch display offers a very high resolution of 4,480 x 2,520 pixels with a pixel density of 218 PPI. The content is thus displayed razor-sharp and there are also no scaling problems in conjunction with macOS. The subjective picture impression of the IPS panel is excellent and things like True Tone (automatic adjustment of the color temperature to the environment) as well as the brightness sensor are simply very practical and they also work flawlessly.

Apple states a brightness of 500 nits, but we can only confirm this in the center of the display according to our analysis (CalMAN Professional & X-Rite i1 Pro 2). The average brightness is around 480 cd/m². Compared to the previous iMacs, Apple was able to reduce the black value, which is why the contrast ratio (>1,400:1) is also better. We did not notice PWM flickering and the response times are comparatively good for an IPS display (no ghosting).


427 cd/m²	489 cd/m²	468 cd/m²
481 cd/m²	523 cd/m²	492 cd/m²
475 cd/m²	482 cd/m²	477 cd/m²

Distribution of brightness

tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2

Maximum: 523 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 479.3 cd/m² Minimum: 3.6 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 82 %
Contrast: 1414:1 (Black: 0.37 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 1.1 | 0.5-29.43 Ø4.89, calibrated: 0.4
ΔE Greyscale 1.5 | 0.5-98 Ø5.1
86.6% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
100% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
97.7% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.16

Download ICC File (X-Rite i1Pro 2)

	Apple iMac 24 M1 2021 IPS, 4480x2520, 23.5"	Apple iMac 27 Mid 2020 APPAE32, IPS, 5120x2880, 27"	Apple iMac Pro APPAE1E, , 5120x2880, 27"
Display		1%	1%
Display P3 Coverage	97.7	98.7 1%	99 1%
sRGB Coverage	100	100 0%	100 0%
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage	86.6	89.5 3%	88.8 3%
Response Times		19%	-6%
Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% *	29.2 ?(15.6, 13.6)	27.2 ?(12.4, 14.8) 7%	30.4 ?(14, 16.4) -4%
Response Time Black / White *	17.6 ?(10, 7.6)	12.4 ?(4.8, 7.6) 30%	18.8 ?(11.2, 7.6) -7%
PWM Frequency		22730 ?(66)	208.3 ?(50)
Screen		-18%	-71%
Brightness middle	523	529 1%	496 -5%
Brightness	479	511 7%	468 -2%
Brightness Distribution	82	88 7%	87 6%
Black Level *	0.37	0.48 -30%	0.54 -46%
Contrast	1414	1102 -22%	919 -35%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *	1.1	1.4 -27%	3 -173%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *	2	2.6 -30%	5.8 -190%
Colorchecker dE 2000 calibrated *	0.4		0.9 -125%
Greyscale dE 2000 *	1.5	2.2 -47%	2.5 -67%
Gamma	2.16 ^102%	2.32 ^95%	2.22 ^99%
CCT	6729 ^97%	6826 ^95%	6824 ^95%
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998)		80	79.4
Color Space (Percent of sRGB)		100	100
Total Average (Program / Settings)		1% / -8%	-25% / -46%

* ... smaller is better

CalMAN Grayscale (target color space P3)

CalMAN Saturation (target color space P3)

CalMAN ColorChecker (target color space P3)

CalMAN Grayscale calibrated (target color space P3)

CalMAN Saturation calibrated (target color space P3)

CalMAN ColorChecker calibrated (target color space P3)

The display covers the P3 color space almost completely, and the panel is already very well calibrated in its factory state. There is no color cast in the grayscale and all color deviations are below the important mark of 3. We can still improve the display minimally with our calibration, but you can only see that in the measured values. Thus, the new iMac 24 is suitable for editing pictures/videos without restrictions.

Display Response Times

ℹ

Display response times show how fast the screen is able to change from one color to the next. Slow response times can lead to afterimages and can cause moving objects to appear blurry (ghosting). Gamers of fast-paced 3D titles should pay special attention to fast response times.

↔ Response Time Black to White
17.6 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined	↗ 10 ms rise
17.6 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined	↘ 7.6 ms fall
The screen shows good response rates in our tests, but may be too slow for competitive gamers. In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 36 % of all devices are better. This means that the measured response time is better than the average of all tested devices (20.8 ms).
↔ Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey
29.2 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined	↗ 15.6 ms rise
29.2 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined	↘ 13.6 ms fall
The screen shows relatively slow response rates in our tests and may be too slow for gamers. In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.165 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 36 % of all devices are better. This means that the measured response time is better than the average of all tested devices (32.6 ms).

Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)

ℹ

To dim the screen, some notebooks will simply cycle the backlight on and off in rapid succession - a method called Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) . This cycling frequency should ideally be undetectable to the human eye. If said frequency is too low, users with sensitive eyes may experience strain or headaches or even notice the flickering altogether.

Screen flickering / PWM not detected

In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 8564 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 343500) Hz was measured.

The viewing angle stability of the IPS screen is very good. However, you should not place the iMac 24 opposite windows due to the glossy surface, otherwise you might have problems with reflections. At full brightness and a dark background you can also see clear halos. In this respect the previous iMacs were better.

Performance and emissions

The Apple M1 SoC we already know from the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro 13 and the Mac Mini. Two fans are used in the iMac with 8 GPU cores (model with 7 GPU cores only one fan), which is why the performance is stable. The results are on par with the Mac Mini as well as the MacBook Pro 13. In practice, the iMac 24 is an extremely responsive system, but the old Intel models offer even more performance, especially in multi-core tests.

The system is only suitable for gaming to a limited extent because not many titles are supported. However, thanks to the ARM base, you have access to Apple's arcade collection, which you can get from the iPhones and iPads. We also really like the 6 speakers that can easily replace cheap external speakers. Apple uses the space in the case cleverly and the built-in modules will be completely sufficient for most users.

We were surprised by the loud cooling. In everyday use (browsing, videos), the system is almost always silent and even pure GPU load is practically inaudible, but under high CPU load, the two fans quickly reach more than 40 dB(A), both in native and emulated apps. We can even measure a maximum of 46 dB(A). When compared to the Mac Mini, which remains practically inaudible at the same performance, the new iMac 24 simply gets much too loud under load.

The included 143-watt power supply is perfectly sufficient and still has enough reserves for Thunderbolt or USB-C accessories, because we could measure a maximum of ~79 watts even in the stress test at full brightness.

Cinebench R15 Multi Endurance test

Apple iMac 24 M1 2021 Apple M1: Ø1068 (1047.92-1074)

Apple iMac 27 Mid 2020 Intel Core i9-10910: Ø2171 (2137.21-2302.16)

Apple iMac Pro Intel Xeon W-2145; Win10: Ø1694 (1676.31-1706.48)

Apple iMac Pro Intel Xeon W-2145; macOS: Ø1687 (1658.31-1695.42)

Apple Mac Mini Late 2020 Entry (M1, 8GB) Apple M1: Ø1046 (1039.99-1048.33)

Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB) Apple M1: Ø1066 (1062.05-1069.6)

Apple MacBook Pro 16 2019 i9 5500M Intel Core i9-9880H; macOS 10.15.1: Ø1407 (1386-1435)

Apple MacBook Pro 16 2019 i9 5500M Intel Core i9-9880H; Win 10: Ø1296 (1268.87-1362.31)

CPU Performance Rating: Percent
Cinebench R23: Multi Core | Single Core
Cinebench R20: CPU (Multi Core) | CPU (Single Core)
Cinebench R15: CPU Multi 64Bit | CPU Single 64Bit
Geekbench 5.5: Multi-Core | Single-Core

CPU Performance Rating
Average of class Desktop	100 pt
Apple iMac 27 Mid 2020 ^-2! Intel Core i9-10910	57.9 pt
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB) Apple M1	47.6 pt
Apple iMac 24 M1 2021 Apple M1	47.4 pt
Average Apple M1	47.2 pt
Apple iMac Pro ^-6! Intel Xeon W-2145	46.3 pt
Apple Mac Mini Late 2020 Entry (M1, 8GB) ^-1! Apple M1	44.9 pt
Apple MacBook Pro 16 2019 i9 5500M Intel Core i9-9880H	43.8 pt

Cinebench R23 / Multi Core
Average of class Desktop (12735 - 42705, n=13, last 2 years)	28652 Points +267%
Apple MacBook Pro 16 2019 i9 5500M Intel Core i9-9880H	8758 Points +12%
Apple MacBook Pro 16 2019 i9 5500M Intel Core i9-9880H	8747 (8681.12^min - 8746.74^max) Points +12%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB) Apple M1	7811 Points 0%
Apple iMac 24 M1 2021 Apple M1	7802 Points
Apple Mac Mini Late 2020 Entry (M1, 8GB) Apple M1	7799 Points 0%
Average Apple M1 (7409 - 7830, n=6)	7728 Points -1%

Cinebench R23 / Single Core
Average of class Desktop (1662 - 2353, n=13, last 2 years)	2046 Points +36%
Apple Mac Mini Late 2020 Entry (M1, 8GB) Apple M1	1520 Points +1%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB) Apple M1	1513 Points 0%
Average Apple M1 (1496 - 1520, n=6)	1512 Points 0%
Apple iMac 24 M1 2021 Apple M1	1508 Points
Apple MacBook Pro 16 2019 i9 5500M Intel Core i9-9880H	1140 Points -24%

Cinebench R20 / CPU (Multi Core)
Average of class Desktop (4085 - 16722, n=12, last 2 years)	10706 Points +410%
Apple iMac 27 Mid 2020 Intel Core i9-10910	5196 Points +147%
Apple MacBook Pro 16 2019 i9 5500M Intel Core i9-9880H	3422 Points +63%
Apple MacBook Pro 16 2019 i9 5500M Intel Core i9-9880H	3057 Points +46%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB) Apple M1	2109 Points 0%
Apple iMac 24 M1 2021 Apple M1	2101 Points
Apple Mac Mini Late 2020 Entry (M1, 8GB) Apple M1	2086 Points -1%
Average Apple M1 (1863 - 2109, n=4)	2040 Points -3%

Cinebench R20 / CPU (Single Core)
Average of class Desktop (451 - 902, n=12, last 2 years)	778 Points +94%
Apple iMac 27 Mid 2020 Intel Core i9-10910	501 Points +25%
Apple MacBook Pro 16 2019 i9 5500M Intel Core i9-9880H	453 Points +13%
Apple MacBook Pro 16 2019 i9 5500M Intel Core i9-9880H	442 Points +10%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB) Apple M1	406 Points +1%
Apple Mac Mini Late 2020 Entry (M1, 8GB) Apple M1	403 Points 0%
Average Apple M1 (401 - 406, n=4)	403 Points 0%
Apple iMac 24 M1 2021 Apple M1	402 Points

Cinebench R15 / CPU Multi 64Bit
Average of class Desktop (2094 - 6588, n=16, last 2 years)	4713 Points +339%
Apple iMac 27 Mid 2020 Intel Core i9-10910	2302 (2137^min - 2302^max) Points +114%
Apple iMac Pro Intel Xeon W-2145	1686 Points +57%
Apple iMac Pro Intel Xeon W-2145	1678 Points +56%
Apple MacBook Pro 16 2019 i9 5500M Intel Core i9-9880H	1435 (1401^min - 1435^max) Points +34%
Apple MacBook Pro 16 2019 i9 5500M Intel Core i9-9880H	1362 (1268.87^min - 1362.31^max) Points +27%
Apple Mac Mini Late 2020 Entry (M1, 8GB) Apple M1	1087 Points +1%
Apple iMac 24 M1 2021 Apple M1	1074 (1048^min - 1074^max) Points
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB) Apple M1	1070 (1060^min - 1070^max) Points 0%
Average Apple M1 (1020 - 1087, n=4)	1063 Points -1%

Cinebench R15 / CPU Single 64Bit
Average of class Desktop (233 - 356, n=16, last 2 years)	311 Points +51%
Apple iMac 27 Mid 2020 Intel Core i9-10910	215 Points +4%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB) Apple M1	208 Points +1%
Average Apple M1 (206 - 208, n=3)	207 Points 0%
Apple iMac 24 M1 2021 Apple M1	206 Points
Apple MacBook Pro 16 2019 i9 5500M Intel Core i9-9880H	184 Points -11%
Apple MacBook Pro 16 2019 i9 5500M Intel Core i9-9880H	184 Points -11%
Apple iMac Pro Intel Xeon W-2145	177 Points -14%

Geekbench 5.5 / Multi-Core
Average of class Desktop (11095 - 26186, n=14, last 2 years)	18487 Points +140%
Apple iMac 27 Mid 2020 Intel Core i9-10910	10244 Points +33%
Apple iMac 24 M1 2021 Apple M1	7695 Points
Apple Mac Mini Late 2020 Entry (M1, 8GB) Apple M1	7690 Points 0%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB) Apple M1	7590 Points -1%
Average Apple M1 (7034 - 7710, n=9)	7501 Points -3%
Apple MacBook Pro 16 2019 i9 5500M Intel Core i9-9880H	7109 Points -8%

Geekbench 5.5 / Single-Core
Average of class Desktop (1755 - 2559, n=14, last 2 years)	2268 Points +31%
Apple Mac Mini Late 2020 Entry (M1, 8GB) Apple M1	1741 Points 0%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB) Apple M1	1740 Points 0%
Apple iMac 24 M1 2021 Apple M1	1737 Points
Average Apple M1 (1710 - 1745, n=9)	1729 Points 0%
Apple iMac 27 Mid 2020 Intel Core i9-10910	1381 Points -20%
Apple MacBook Pro 16 2019 i9 5500M Intel Core i9-9880H	1115 Points -36%

Jetstream 2: Total Score
WebXPRT 3: Overall
Octane V2: Total Score
Mozilla Kraken 1.1: Total
Speedometer 2.0: Result
Blackmagic Disk Speed Test: 5GB Read | 5GB Write

Jetstream 2 / Total Score
Average of class Desktop (n=1last 2 years)	247 Points +41%
Apple iMac 27 Mid 2020 Radeon RX 5700 XT (Desktop), i9-10910, Apple SSD AP1024	203.1 Points +16%
Average Apple M1, Apple M1 8-Core GPU (175.4 - 184.3, n=6)	179.2 Points +2%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB) M1 8-Core GPU, M1, Apple SSD AP0256	177.5 Points +1%
Apple Mac Mini Late 2020 Entry (M1, 8GB) M1 8-Core GPU, M1, Apple SSD AP0256	177.3 Points +1%
Apple iMac 24 M1 2021 M1 8-Core GPU, M1, Apple SSD AP0512	175.4 Points

WebXPRT 3 / Overall
Average of class Desktop (262 - 409, n=13, last 2 years)	366 Points +31%
Apple Mac Mini Late 2020 Entry (M1, 8GB) M1 8-Core GPU, M1, Apple SSD AP0256	293 Points +5%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB) M1 8-Core GPU, M1, Apple SSD AP0256	281 Points 0%
Apple iMac 24 M1 2021 M1 8-Core GPU, M1, Apple SSD AP0512	280 Points
Average Apple M1, Apple M1 8-Core GPU (216 - 293, n=6)	258 Points -8%
Apple iMac 27 Mid 2020 Radeon RX 5700 XT (Desktop), i9-10910, Apple SSD AP1024	236 Points -16%
Apple MacBook Pro 16 2019 i9 5500M Radeon Pro 5500M, i9-9880H, Apple SSD AP1024 7171	184 Points -34%

Octane V2 / Total Score
Average of class Desktop (n=1last 2 years)	76610 Points +23%
Average Apple M1, Apple M1 8-Core GPU (62055 - 66974, n=6)	63211 Points +2%
Apple Mac Mini Late 2020 Entry (M1, 8GB) M1 8-Core GPU, M1, Apple SSD AP0256	62390 Points +1%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB) M1 8-Core GPU, M1, Apple SSD AP0256	62113 Points 0%
Apple iMac 24 M1 2021 M1 8-Core GPU, M1, Apple SSD AP0512	62055 Points
Apple iMac 27 Mid 2020 Radeon RX 5700 XT (Desktop), i9-10910, Apple SSD AP1024	55976 Points -10%
Apple iMac Pro Pro Vega 56, W-2145	46837 Points -25%

Mozilla Kraken 1.1 / Total
Apple MacBook Pro 16 2019 i9 5500M Radeon Pro 5500M, i9-9880H, Apple SSD AP1024 7171	905 ms * -101%
Apple iMac 27 Mid 2020 Radeon RX 5700 XT (Desktop), i9-10910, Apple SSD AP1024	737 ms * -64%
Apple iMac Pro Pro Vega 56, W-2145	598 ms * -33%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB) M1 8-Core GPU, M1, Apple SSD AP0256	516 ms * -15%
Average Apple M1, Apple M1 8-Core GPU (446 - 516, n=6)	481 ms * -7%
Apple iMac 24 M1 2021 M1 8-Core GPU, M1, Apple SSD AP0512	450.6 ms *
Apple Mac Mini Late 2020 Entry (M1, 8GB) M1 8-Core GPU, M1, Apple SSD AP0256	446.1 ms * +1%
Average of class Desktop (377 - 561, n=13, last 2 years)	437 ms * +3%

Speedometer 2.0 / Result
Average of class Desktop (n=1last 2 years)	422 runs/min +96%
Average Apple M1, Apple M1 8-Core GPU (209 - 255, n=6)	220 runs/min +2%
Apple Mac Mini Late 2020 Entry (M1, 8GB) M1 8-Core GPU, M1, Apple SSD AP0256	219 runs/min +2%
Apple iMac 24 M1 2021 M1 8-Core GPU, M1, Apple SSD AP0512	215 runs/min
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB) M1 8-Core GPU, M1, Apple SSD AP0256	213 runs/min -1%
Apple iMac 27 Mid 2020 Radeon RX 5700 XT (Desktop), i9-10910, Apple SSD AP1024	161 runs/min -25%

Blackmagic Disk Speed Test / 5GB Read
Average of class Desktop (n=1last 2 years)	2896 MB/s +3%
Apple Mac Mini Late 2020 Entry (M1, 8GB) M1 8-Core GPU, M1, Apple SSD AP0256	2870 MB/s +2%
Apple iMac 24 M1 2021 M1 8-Core GPU, M1, Apple SSD AP0512	2820 MB/s
Average Apple M1, Apple M1 8-Core GPU (2728 - 2870, n=4)	2804 MB/s -1%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB) M1 8-Core GPU, M1, Apple SSD AP0256	2798 MB/s -1%
Apple MacBook Pro 16 2019 i9 5500M Radeon Pro 5500M, i9-9880H, Apple SSD AP1024 7171	2788 MB/s -1%

Blackmagic Disk Speed Test / 5GB Write
Average of class Desktop (n=1last 2 years)	3123 MB/s +9%
Apple MacBook Pro 16 2019 i9 5500M Radeon Pro 5500M, i9-9880H, Apple SSD AP1024 7171	2880 MB/s +1%
Apple iMac 24 M1 2021 M1 8-Core GPU, M1, Apple SSD AP0512	2864 MB/s
Average Apple M1, Apple M1 8-Core GPU (2194 - 2895, n=4)	2542 MB/s -11%
Apple Mac Mini Late 2020 Entry (M1, 8GB) M1 8-Core GPU, M1, Apple SSD AP0256	2214 MB/s -23%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB) M1 8-Core GPU, M1, Apple SSD AP0256	2194 MB/s -23%

* ... smaller is better

3DMark | Geekbench 5.5 | GFXBench

3DMark - Wild Life Unlimited Score
Average of class Desktop (110844 - 172147, n=4, last 2 years)	138493 Points +664%
Apple Mac Mini Late 2020 Entry (M1, 8GB) Apple M1 8-Core GPU, Apple M1	18177 Points 0%
Apple iMac 24 M1 2021 Apple M1 8-Core GPU, Apple M1	18117 Points
Average Apple M1 8-Core GPU (17731 - 18326, n=7)	18099 Points 0%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB) Apple M1 8-Core GPU, Apple M1	17731 Points -2%

Geekbench 5.5
Metal Score
Average of class Desktop (n=1last 2 years)	77213 Points +253%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB) Apple M1 8-Core GPU, Apple M1	21951 Points 0%
Apple iMac 24 M1 2021 Apple M1 8-Core GPU, Apple M1	21897 Points
Average Apple M1 8-Core GPU (20411 - 21951, n=6)	21378 Points -2%
OpenCL Score
Average of class Desktop (8030 - 457541, n=14, last 2 years)	272766 Points +1312%
Apple iMac 27 Mid 2020 AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT (Desktop), Intel Core i9-10910	56327 Points +192%
Apple iMac 24 M1 2021 Apple M1 8-Core GPU, Apple M1	19323 Points
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB) Apple M1 8-Core GPU, Apple M1	19078 Points -1%
Average Apple M1 8-Core GPU (18352 - 19323, n=3)	18918 Points -2%

GFXBench
2560x1440 Aztec Ruins High Tier Offscreen
Average of class Desktop (n=1last 2 years)	326 fps +300%
Apple iMac 27 Mid 2020 AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT (Desktop), Intel Core i9-10910	188.4 fps +131%
Apple MacBook Pro 16 2019 i9 5500M AMD Radeon Pro 5500M, Intel Core i9-9880H	94.7 fps +16%
Apple Mac Mini Late 2020 Entry (M1, 8GB) Apple M1 8-Core GPU, Apple M1	81.7 fps 0%
Apple iMac 24 M1 2021 Apple M1 8-Core GPU, Apple M1	81.4 fps
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB) Apple M1 8-Core GPU, Apple M1	78.2 fps -4%
Average Apple M1 8-Core GPU (60.9 - 81.7, n=8)	74.3 fps -9%
1920x1080 Aztec Ruins Normal Tier Offscreen
Average of class Desktop (n=1last 2 years)	853 fps +295%
Apple iMac 27 Mid 2020 AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT (Desktop), Intel Core i9-10910	493.2 fps +128%
Apple MacBook Pro 16 2019 i9 5500M AMD Radeon Pro 5500M, Intel Core i9-9880H	254 fps +18%
Apple iMac 24 M1 2021 Apple M1 8-Core GPU, Apple M1	216.1 fps
Apple Mac Mini Late 2020 Entry (M1, 8GB) Apple M1 8-Core GPU, Apple M1	215.4 fps 0%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB) Apple M1 8-Core GPU, Apple M1	207 fps -4%
Average Apple M1 8-Core GPU (149 - 216, n=8)	196.9 fps -9%

	low	med.	high	ultra
Total War: Three Kingdoms (2019)	100	33	20	15
Borderlands 3 (2019)	54	33	20

	Apple iMac 24 M1 2021 M1 8-Core GPU, M1, Apple SSD AP0512	Apple iMac 27 Mid 2020 Radeon RX 5700 XT (Desktop), i9-10910, Apple SSD AP1024	Apple iMac Pro Pro Vega 56, W-2145	Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB) M1 8-Core GPU, M1, Apple SSD AP0256
Noise		-21%	-25%	-17%
off / environment *	24.2	29.1 -20%	29.1 -20%	29.2 -21%
Idle Minimum *	24.2	29.7 -23%	29.8 -23%	29.2 -21%
Idle Average *	24.2	29.7 -23%	29.8 -23%	29.2 -21%
Idle Maximum *	24.2	29.7 -23%	29.8 -23%	29.2 -21%
Load Average *	25	35 -40%	39.7 -59%	32.1 -28%
Load Maximum *	46	43.6 5%	47.9 -4%	41.9 9%
Witcher 3 ultra *		35

* ... smaller is better

Noise Level

Idle		24.2 / 24.2 / 24.2 dB(A)
Load		25 / 46 dB(A)

	30 dB silent 40 dB(A) audible 50 dB(A) loud
min: , med: , max: Earthworks M23R, Arta (15 cm distance) environment noise: 24.2 dB(A)

Max. Load

Idle


29.4 °C 85 F	30.1 °C 86 F	30.3 °C 87 F
28.4 °C 83 F	30.3 °C 87 F	30 °C 86 F
30.3 °C 87 F	39.1 °C 102 F	32.4 °C 90 F

Maximum: 39.1 °C = 102 F
Average: 31.1 °C = 88 F


28.8 °C 84 F	28.5 °C 83 F	28.2 °C 83 F
28.9 °C 84 F	30.8 °C 87 F	28.2 °C 83 F
30.8 °C 87 F	38.1 °C 101 F	28.7 °C 84 F

Maximum: 38.1 °C = 101 F
Average: 30.1 °C = 86 F

Power Supply (max.) 38.3 °C = 101 F | Room Temperature 21.8 °C = 71 F | Fluke t3000FC (calibrated), Voltcraft IR-900

(+) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 31.1 °C / 88 F, compared to the average of 29.7 °C / 85 F for the devices in the class Desktop.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 39.1 °C / 102 F, compared to the average of 34.4 °C / 94 F, ranging from 25 to 47 °C for the class Desktop.
(+) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 38.1 °C / 101 F, compared to the average of 34 °C / 93 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 26.2 °C / 79 F, compared to the device average of 29.7 °C / 85 F.

Surface temperatures stress test (front)

Frequency diagram (checkboxes can be checked and unchecked to compare devices)

Apple iMac 24 M1 2021 audio analysis

(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (86.9 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(+) | good bass - only 1.3% away from median
(+) | bass is linear (4.7% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 2.6% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (4.3% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 2% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (4.2% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(+) | overall sound is linear (5.9% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 0% of all tested devices in this class were better, 13% similar, 88% worse
» The best had a delta of 6%, average was 17%, worst was 46%
Compared to all devices tested
» 0% of all tested devices were better, 0% similar, 100% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 24%, worst was 134%

Apple iMac 27 Mid 2020 audio analysis

(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (82.9 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(+) | good bass - only 2.6% away from median
(+) | bass is linear (4.2% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 1.7% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (5% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(±) | reduced highs - on average 7.3% lower than median
(+) | highs are linear (5.1% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(+) | overall sound is linear (8.7% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 13% of all tested devices in this class were better, 13% similar, 75% worse
» The best had a delta of 6%, average was 17%, worst was 46%
Compared to all devices tested
» 2% of all tested devices were better, 1% similar, 97% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 24%, worst was 134%

Power Consumption

Off / Standby	0.13 / 0.9 Watt
Idle	9.7 / 42.3 / 42.6 Watt
Load	59.2 / 78.7 Watt


Key: min: , med: , max: Metrahit Energy

	Apple iMac 24 M1 2021 M1, M1 8-Core GPU, Apple SSD AP0512, IPS, 4480x2520, 23.5"	Apple iMac 27 Mid 2020 i9-10910, Radeon RX 5700 XT (Desktop), Apple SSD AP1024, IPS, 5120x2880, 27"	Apple iMac Pro W-2145, Pro Vega 56, , , 5120x2880, 27"	Average Apple M1 8-Core GPU	Average of class Desktop
Power Consumption		-189%	-265%	64%	-50%
Idle Minimum *	9.7	27.6 -185%	49.5 -410%	3.34 ?(1.01 - 9.7, n=6) 66%	15.6 ?(7.2 - 24, n=2, last 2 years) -61%
Idle Average *	42.3	64.7 -53%	86.7 -105%	14.6 ?(6.2 - 42.3, n=5) 65%	62 ?(n=1last 2 years) -47%
Idle Maximum *	42.6	65.3 -53%	88.9 -109%	13.3 ?(4.4 - 42.6, n=6) 69%	37.9 ?(9.2 - 66.6, n=2, last 2 years) 11%
Load Average *	59.2	162 -174%	150.1 -154%	23 ?(8.99 - 59.2, n=6) 61%	92.1 ?(63.5 - 120.7, n=2, last 2 years) -56%
Witcher 3 ultra *	59.2	247 -317%
Load Maximum *	78.7	354 -350%	508.5 -546%	33.2 ?(9.89 - 78.7, n=6) 58%	153.4 ?(111.5 - 195.2, n=2, last 2 years) -95%

* ... smaller is better

Energy consumption Unigine Valley / Stress test

Apple iMac 24 M1 2021; Witcher 3 ultra: Ø59.2 (56.8-61.6)

Apple iMac 24 M1 2021; 1280x720 Prime95 28.10 and Furmark 1.25: Ø74.9 (70.2-78.7)

Pros

+ great display

+ very good system performance

+ very good speakers

+ USB 4 and Wi-Fi 6

Cons

- loud cooling

- Plastic frame under the display

- Wi-Fi 6 only with 80 MHz

- no maintenance options

Verdict - The iMac gets too loud

In review: Apple iMac 24 M1 2021. Test device provided by Apple Germany.

The new iMac 24 M1 replaces the previous iMac 21.5 and is primarily suitable for everyday tasks with the M1 processor. Here, the all-in-one can also convince with a silent operation, but the iMac gets too loud during high CPU loads (e.g. video editing), especially in comparison with the Mac Mini M1. The larger iMac 27 is still in the lineup and offers more performance with the Intel CPUs and can also be equipped with significantly more memory and dedicated GPUs, so it remains the better (but also more expensive) solution for demanding users.

The new 23.5-inch IPS display leaves a very good impression and is also suitable for color-accurate editing of pictures or videos. The user experience is improved, especially thanks to features like True Tone or the sensitive brightness sensor. The new speaker system is also convincing and can easily replace many inexpensive external speakers.

The Apple iMac 24 M1 is a good all-in-one computer for everyday use, where you will have a lot of fun with the screen and the speakers. However, the iMac gets significantly too loud under load and there are also no maintenance options.

Besides the too loud fans under high CPU load, the same disadvantages remain that we already know from the previous iMacs. The ports on the back are difficult to reach, there are now no maintenance options at all, and the included keyboard is hardly convincing due to the short key travel and the lack of backlight. Furthermore, you have to decide whether you want to use the iMac 24 with the stand or a VESA mount before buying it.

Price and availability

Our test unit of the new iMac 24 M1 is available at online stores like Cyberport for 1,869 Euro (~$2170) available. The cheapest model (silver) with 256 GB SSD storage and the slightly slower 7-core GPU, which is also perfectly sufficient for everyday use, starts at Amazon US for around $1,299.

Apple iMac 24 M1 2021 - 10/17/2021 v7 ^(old)
Andreas Osthoff

Chassis

84 / 98 → 86%

Keyboard

81%

Pointing Device

98%

Connectivity

64 / 81 → 80%

Weight

Display

82%

Games Performance

80%

Application Performance

93%

Temperature

93%

Noise

92%

Audio

97%

Camera

31 / 85 → 36%

Average

69%

85%

Desktop - Weighted Average

Price comparison

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Editor of the original article: Andreas Osthoff - Managing Editor Business Laptops - 1747 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2013

I grew up with modern consumer electronics and my first computer was a Commodore C64, which encouraged my interest in building my own systems. I started working as a review editor for Notebookcheck during my dual studies at Siemens. Currently, I am mainly responsible for dealing with business laptops and mobile workstations. It’s a great experience to be able to review the latest devices and technologies and then compare them with each other.

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Translator: Ninh Ngoc Duy - Editorial Assistant - 505500 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2008

My main responsibility as an editorial assistant is maintaining the Library section, which aggregates reviews from other publications and channels. In addition, my daily breakfast is Notebookcheck's long list of new content, which I comb through to select the most interesting topics for translation from English to French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and Dutch."

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