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Apple iMac 27" 2012 Refurbished – Intel i7, 32GB RAM, Grade B

IMac 27 2012 refurbished · From £130

Refurbished Apple iMac 27" 2012 2012

Available configurations

At a glance

About this imac

About macOS on this Mac

This Mac ships with macOS Ventura (13) installed and ready to use. Ventura runs all the everyday software you'd expect — current Microsoft Office for Mac (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), Google Chrome, Safari, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Spotify, and the Mac App Store.

A note about how Ventura is installed: Apple stopped issuing new macOS releases for this model. We've installed Ventura using OpenCore Legacy Patcher (OCLP), a respected community tool that lets older Macs run modern macOS. The Mac boots, performs and behaves like any other Ventura installation.

Important — please do not attempt to update macOS. Apple does not ship Ventura updates to this model, so the System Settings → Software Update dialog won't work as expected. Updates require re-running OpenCore, which we're happy to handle for you. Trying to update through Software Update may fail or leave the system in an inconsistent state.

One small thing to expect: very occasionally an Apple service such as iCloud, FaceTime, or Messages may ask you to re-authenticate. This is normal for OCLP-installed Macs and signing in again resolves it.

Questions about a specific app or workflow before you buy? Contact us — we're happy to confirm compatibility for what you need.

The Apple iMac 27" 2012 refurbished brings the iconic all-in-one desktop experience to your workspace at a fraction of the original cost. Launched in 2012, this 27-inch iMac remains a capable machine for everyday computing, creative work, and home office tasks. Every unit has been professionally refurbished and graded, ensuring you receive a tested, working Mac ready to go. With a generous 27-inch display, the iMac eliminates cable clutter and maximises desk space, making it ideal for users who want a clean, elegant desktop setup without compromising on screen real estate or performance.

Across our stock, you'll find configurations powered by either the Intel Core i5-3470S or the more powerful Intel Core i7-3770 processor, paired with RAM options spanning 8GB, 16GB, or 32GB. Storage choices include traditional 1TB HDD, faster 512GB SSD, or the hybrid 1TB Fusion Drive that balances capacity and speed. The 27-inch display delivers ample workspace for multitasking, whether you're editing photos, managing spreadsheets, or video conferencing. Silver finish units are available across several configurations, and you can select from Grade A, B, or C cosmetic conditions to match your budget. Prices range from free-tier Grade C units through to £220 for Grade A models with SSD storage, giving you flexibility to choose the specification that fits your needs.

Who is this iMac for?

The iMac 27" 2012 refurbished suits home users, students, and small businesses looking for a reliable macOS desktop without the premium price tag of new hardware. The 27-inch screen is excellent for creative applications—photo editing, graphic design, and video work—while the range of RAM and storage configurations means you can tailor the machine to your workload. If you're upgrading from an older Mac or switching from Windows, the all-in-one design simplifies setup: one power cable, one machine, and you're ready. It's also a smart choice for families who want a shared desktop that handles web browsing, email, streaming, and productivity software with ease.

Choosing your configuration

When selecting your unit, consider how you'll use the iMac day to day. For general web browsing, email, and media consumption, an i5 processor with 8GB RAM and 1TB HDD offers solid everyday performance. If you're running more demanding applications—Adobe Creative Suite, video editing, or virtual machines—opt for an i7 processor and 16GB or 32GB of RAM. Storage matters too: SSDs dramatically improve boot times and application launches, while Fusion Drives blend speed and capacity. HDDs remain cost-effective for large media libraries where raw gigabytes matter more than millisecond access times. Grade A units show minimal cosmetic wear, Grade B may have light scratches or scuffs, and Grade C units carry more visible marks but remain fully functional.

What's included with your iMac

Every refurbished iMac 27" 2012 ships with everything you need to get started. You'll receive the iMac itself, a power cable, and—where available—an Apple keyboard and mouse. All units are tested and ready to use straight out of the box, with macOS pre-installed. Our 12-month warranty covers hardware faults, and you have 30 days to return the unit if it doesn't meet your expectations, giving you peace of mind with every purchase.

In the box

Full specifications

ModelApple iMac 27" 2012
ProcessorIntel Core i5-3470S or Intel Core i7-3770 (varies by configuration)
RAM8GB, 16GB, or 32GB (varies by configuration)
Storage512GB SSD, 1TB HDD, or 1TB Fusion Drive (varies by configuration)
Display27-inch
ColourSilver (where applicable)
Cosmetic GradeGrade A, B, or C available
ConditionProfessionally refurbished and tested
Warranty12 months
Returns Policy30 days

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between the i5 and i7 processors?

The Intel Core i7-3770 offers higher clock speeds and better multi-threaded performance than the i5-3470S, making it more suitable for demanding tasks like video editing, photo processing, and running multiple applications simultaneously. For everyday browsing, email, and office work, the i5 is perfectly capable. If you're a creative professional or power user, the i7 configurations will serve you better.

Should I choose SSD, HDD, or Fusion Drive storage?

SSDs are the fastest option, delivering near-instant boot times and snappy application launches—ideal if speed is your priority. HDDs offer the most storage capacity at the lowest cost, perfect for large media libraries. Fusion Drives combine a small SSD with a larger HDD, automatically moving frequently used files to the faster storage for a balance of speed and capacity. Choose based on whether you value speed (SSD), capacity (HDD), or a mix of both (Fusion).

What do the cosmetic grades mean?

Grade A units show minimal signs of use—light marks at most—and look nearly new. Grade B units may have visible scratches, scuffs, or minor dents but remain in good overall condition. Grade C units have more noticeable cosmetic wear, such as scratches, marks, or scuffs, but are fully functional. All grades are tested to the same standard; the difference is purely cosmetic. Choose the grade that fits your budget and how much visible wear you're comfortable with.

Can I upgrade the RAM or storage later?

The iMac 27" 2012 allows RAM upgrades via a panel on the rear, making it relatively easy to add more memory if needed in future. Storage upgrades are more complex, requiring the screen to be removed, so it's worth choosing your preferred storage configuration at purchase. If you think you'll need more RAM down the line, starting with 8GB or 16GB and upgrading later is feasible; storage is best decided upfront.

12-month warranty – All refurbished iMacs are covered by our comprehensive 12-month warranty against hardware faults.

30-day returns – Changed your mind? Return your iMac within 30 days for a full refund, no questions asked.

Established 2011 – Buyer Area has been supplying refurbished electronics across the UK since 2011, with thousands of satisfied customers.

UK-based business – Registered with Companies House (07830466). Trading address: Unit 3 Marlborough Industrial Estate, High Wycombe, HP11 2LB.

Sustainable choice – Buying refurbished extends the life of quality electronics and reduces e-waste.