Apple iMac Apple 2024 iMac All-in-One Desktop Computer with Review
The 2024 iMac is a design triumph with a killer screen, but its 256GB base storage is a major flaw in an otherwise excellent all-in-one. Here's who should buy it—and who should look elsewhere.
The 30-Second Version
The 2024 iMac is a beautiful, reliable, and fast all-in-one for Apple fans. Just don't buy it for gaming, and be prepared to live in the cloud with that tiny 256GB SSD.
Overview
Let's cut to the chase: the 2024 iMac is a design masterpiece that's built for a very specific person. If you're looking for a clean, beautiful, and incredibly reliable all-in-one for everyday work and creative tasks, this is it. The one thing you need to know is that it's not a gaming rig or a spec monster—it's a lifestyle computer. The M4 chip, gorgeous 24-inch 4.5K display, and seamless Apple ecosystem integration are the main attractions, and they deliver exactly what they promise.
Performance
The performance story here is all about the GPU and RAM, which land in the 97th and 100th percentiles in our database. That means this thing absolutely flies for tasks that lean on graphics and memory, like photo editing and multitasking. The CPU is a bit more middle-of-the-road at the 45th percentile, which is fine for most people but tells you this isn't a workstation for heavy video encoding. The real surprise is how smooth everything feels; apps launch instantly, and the whole system just works without any fuss.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Stunning, vibrant 24-inch 4.5K display that's a joy to look at all day. 100th
- Incredibly reliable and well-built—it feels like a premium product. 99th
- Seamless integration with iPhone and other Apple devices is a huge time-saver. 99th
- The design is iconic, thin, and comes in colors that actually look good in a room. 97th
Cons
- The base 256GB storage is painfully small for 2024; you'll need to rely on the cloud. 12th
- Port selection is limited, landing in the 22nd percentile, so get ready for dongles. 20th
- It's categorically not for gaming, scoring a dismal 23.4 out of 100 in that area.
- The CPU isn't the fastest in its class, so don't buy it for raw number crunching.
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Processor
| CPU | Apple M4 |
| Cores | 10 |
| Frequency | 3.2 GHz |
Graphics
| GPU | Graphics |
| Type | integrated |
| VRAM | 48 GB |
| VRAM Type | GDDR6 |
Memory & Storage
| RAM | 256 GB |
| Storage | 256 GB |
Build
| Form Factor | All-in-One |
| Weight | 4.4 kg / 9.7 lbs |
System
| OS | macOS |
Value & Pricing
At around $1,121, the value is decent if you prize design, simplicity, and ecosystem synergy above raw specs. You're paying for the complete, polished experience. But that stingy 256GB SSD is a real buzzkill and feels like Apple is nickel-and-diming you on a machine at this price.
vs Competition
Don't even look at gaming desktops like the HP Omen or Alienware Aurora—they're for a completely different crowd. A more relevant comparison is against other all-in-ones or even a Mac Mini setup. The iMac wins on sheer elegance and the integrated beautiful screen. If you need more ports, upgradeable storage, or Windows compatibility, a Windows all-in-one or a Mac Mini with a separate monitor will give you more flexibility for similar money.
| Spec | Apple iMac Apple 2024 iMac All-in-One Desktop Computer with | HP OMEN HP OMEN 45L Gaming Desktop, Intel Core Ultra 7 | Dell Aurora Dell Alienware Aurora Gaming Desktop | Lenovo Legion Tower Lenovo Legion Tower 5i Desktop Computer | Acer Nitro Acer Nitro 60 Desktop Computer | Asus ASUS Republic of Gamers NUC NUC15JNK Mini Desktop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPU | Apple M4 | Intel Core Ultra 7 265K | Intel Core Ultra 9 285K | Intel Core Ultra 7 265F | AMD Ryzen 9 7900 | Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX |
| RAM (GB) | 256 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 64 | 32 |
| Storage (GB) | 256 | 2048 | 2048 | 2048 | 2048 | 1024 |
| GPU | AMD Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 |
| Form Factor | All-in-One | Desktop | Desktop | Tower | Desktop | Mini |
| Psu W | - | 850 | - | 850 | 850 | 330 |
| OS | macOS | Windows 11 Pro | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home |
Common Questions
Q: Can I upgrade the RAM or storage later?
Nope. With an iMac, what you buy is what you're stuck with. That's why the base 256GB storage is such a tough sell—choose your configuration carefully.
Q: Is it good for video editing?
It's fine for light 4K editing in iMovie or Final Cut, thanks to the strong GPU. For professional, heavy-duty editing with lots of effects, you'd want a Mac with a more powerful CPU (like a Mac Studio) and way more storage.
Q: Does it come with a keyboard and mouse?
Yes, it includes Apple's Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse. The mouse is the touch-sensitive one, which some people love and others find frustrating—you might want to budget for a different one if you're in the latter camp.
Who Should Skip This
If you're looking for a gaming PC, this isn't it. Go get an HP Omen or a Corsair Vengeance instead. Also, skip it if you need lots of ports or plan on upgrading components yourself. This machine is for people who want an appliance, not a project.
Verdict
We recommend the 2024 iMac if you're deep in the Apple ecosystem, want a clean desk with zero cables (besides the power cord), and your work revolves around web apps, creative suites, and communication. It's a fantastic home office and general use computer. Just be honest with yourself: if you play PC games or need tons of local storage, this is the wrong tool for the job.