Do the current iMacs use desktop or laptop CPU's?

[ThomasJL]

From the introduction of the very first iMac and for the many subsequent revisions during the PPC days, iMacs used desktop CPU's. When Apple made the switch to Intel, they started using laptop CPU's in iMacs. So, my question is this: Are today's iMacs using laptop or desktop CPU's?

 

[celticpride678]

Apple currently uses the Intel Core i3 and i5 processors in the iMac. These processors are also available for notebook computers, but the power of them make them desktop-only (ex. 3.2 GHz).

 

[TMRaven]

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They use clarkdale and lynnfield CPUs, so they are desktop grade.

 

[chris98vf]

people like to think that iMac's are laptops that have stands but aside from the DVD drive they are desktops inside and out. Even the hard drive is a full size 3.5"

 

[skiltrip]

people like to think that iMac's are laptops that have stands but aside from the DVD drive they are desktops inside and out. Even the hard drive is a full size 3.5"

RAM is laptop RAM though. But aside from that little tidbit. You are correct. And I'm glad you are. I love my iMac.

 

[nStyle]

RAM is laptop RAM though. But aside from that little tidbit. You are correct. And I'm glad you are. I love my iMac.

The GPU is mobile as well...

Apple, for better or worse, is more concerned with aesthetics and design before components. It would be nearly impossible to fit top of the line components in the current sized iMacs, due to space constraints and heat issues.

 

[iMikeT]

Desktop: CPU, Hard Drive, Form factor

Notebook: Everything else

 

[ThomasJL]

Aren't laptop components more expensive?

Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't all laptop components more expensive than their relative desktop components?

If so, then wouldn't it make more sense for Apple to only use desktop components for their iMacs?

 

[iMikeT]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't all laptop components more expensive than their relative desktop components?

True, for the most part.

If so, then wouldn't it make more sense for Apple to only use desktop components for their iMacs?

The biggest constraint is the all-in-one flat screen design. Compromises needed to be made to satisfy the form factor.

 

[John T]

The GPU is mobile as well...

Apple, for better or worse, is more concerned with aesthetics and design before components. It would be nearly impossible to fit top of the line components in the current sized iMacs, due to space constraints and heat issues.

Are you insinuating that components designed primarily for use in laptops is of inferior quality to those used in desktops?! I'm sure owners of Macbooks will agree with you!