Why the 2019 iMac 5K is Still Worth Talking About
Still my Primary Computer
The iMac Retina 5K, 27-inch (2019) might not be Apple's latest all-in-one, but it still holds its own. It was one of the last Intel-based iMacs, and for some users, that makes it special. Let's dive into some fun facts about this powerhouse Mac!
User-Upgradeable RAM - A Dying Feature
One of the best things about the 2019 iMac is its user-accessible RAM slot. Unlike today's sealed Apple Silicon Macs, this model lets you upgrade the RAM yourself. Officially, Apple supports up to 64GB, but tech enthusiasts have successfully installed 128GB. That's a serious boost for video editors, developers, and anyone running resource-heavy tasks.
That Gorgeous 5K Display
The Retina 5K display (5120?2880 resolution) is still stunning. It supports P3 wide color gamut and True Tone, making it a favorite for designers and video editors. For years, people considered it the gold standard for built-in Mac displays. In fact, it was so good that many professionals stuck with this iMac instead of shelling out thousands for an external 5K or 6K monitor.
The iMac That Outlived the Mac Pro
When Apple discontinued the iMac Pro (2017) in 2021, many professionals looked to the 2019 iMac as a worthy replacement. It had an option for a Core i9 processor, which outperformed some base-level 2019 Mac Pro configurations in certain single-core tasks. Not bad for an all-in-one!
Boot Camp and Virtualization Still Matter
Unlike Apple Silicon Macs, this iMac still supports Boot Camp, meaning you can run Windows natively. It's also a great machine for running older versions of macOS, making it useful for developers and legacy software users.
The T2 Chip - A Blessing and a Curse
Apple's T2 security chip improved SSD encryption, microphone privacy, and camera processing. It also enabled Hey Siri without an iPhone nearby. But it came with a trade-off - it made some repairs harder and added restrictions on downgrading macOS.
Why People Still Love This iMac in 202
Some people still prefer this model over newer Macs. Why?
- It supports Intel-based apps without emulation.
- You can boot from external drives more easily.
- It's still one of the best-looking all-in-one Macs ever made.
The 2019 iMac 5K isn't just a relic of the past - it's a Mac with a lasting legacy. If you still have one, you've got a piece of Apple history that's worth holding onto!