iMac Vesa 2020

[Markisss88]

Has anyone purchased the VESA model for an iMac 27" model before ? I know the iMac pro has the VESA adapter but the regular iMac doesnt have that option. Any recommendations on if I should purchase the VESA model or stick with the stand to find an adapter although I havent found one.....

 

[arctair]

I have similar questions... I know I need a VESA mount — this would be my first iMac since they came in colors with CRT monitors, but all my current Mac Mini monitors are VESA mount-based. But I'm concerned it will have limited resale value if there's no way to attach a stand to it at any point (which I guess is my primary question).

It seems like limiting four screw holes to just the Pro model is more Apple chicanery. You'd think they'd just have them on all models, and the VESA-only versions (i.e. no stand) would be $40 less, not more.

 

[diabora]

I got mine with VESA yesterday, (i9, 5700 XT) It is mounted on a Ergotron LX Tall Pole, wich makes for a very flexible and clean looking setup. Personally I find the build in iMac stand very ergonomic limiting, and way to low, especially for a standing desk.

Regarding resale value, I plan on selling the iMac including the Ergotron arm when that day come.

(Please note the bezels compared to the LG C9 65" in the background 😂)

 

[arctair]

That looks great. And yea those bezels lol... an iMac trademark I suppose. Any ventilation issues so far? And my arm isn't as pretty/matching, so I suppose if I ever did sell I could just replace it with something more aesthetically pleasing lol.

Completely on a side-note, what made you go with the i9 over i7? I have an i9 in my bag, but after reading a bit here, I'm unsure, even though it will mostly be used for 6K video editing and photo editing and I plan on keeping it a while (first new machine since an late-2010 Mini). I keep reading those last two cores don't really add up too much, whether it's because of software under-utilization, shutdown due to heating issues (hence the ventilation question), or otherwise.

I got mine with VESA yesterday, (i9, 5700 XT) It is mounted on a Ergotron LX Tall Pole, which makes for a very flexible and clean looking setup. Personally I find the build in iMac stand very ergonomic limiting, and way to low, especially for a standing desk.

Regarding resale value, I plan on selling the iMac including the Ergotron arm when that day come.

(Please note the bezels compared to the LG C9 65" in the background 😂)

View attachment 946580

 

[Robin Lee]

I had the same inquiry just couple of hours ago and came across this VESA mount adapter by VIVO. Just placed an order to be used with an incoming 27" iMac 5K 2020.

VIVO Adapter VESA Mount Kit, Bracket Set for Apple 21.5 inch and 27 inch iMac, Late 2009 to 2020 Models, LED Display Computer, Stand-MACB

International products have separate terms, are sold from abroad and may differ from local products, including fit, age ratings, and language of product, labeling or instructions.

www.amazon.com

 

[arctair]

Functional, but I don't think I could abide by the look of the stand just dangling in space. I'm definitely going with the VESA version of the 27".

I had the same inquiry just couple of hours ago and came across this VESA mount adapter by VIVO. Just placed an order to be used with an incoming 27" iMac 5K 2020.

VIVO Adapter VESA Mount Kit, Bracket Set for Apple 21.5 inch and 27 inch iMac, Late 2009 to 2020 Models, LED Display Computer, Stand-MACB

International products have separate terms, are sold from abroad and may differ from local products, including fit, age ratings, and language of product, labeling or instructions.

www.amazon.com

 

[CWallace]

I bought the VIVO adapter, but ended up never using it as I decided to mount my second display over my iMac so the integrated iMac stand worked better.

I agree the aesthetics are atrocious, but I figured I'd never see it since it was behind the iMac.

 

[arctair]

Well, my second monitor is basically in outer space (I currently only use it to flip between/occasionally glance at my IPcams and weather radar, and don't want it right in my face when I'm working), so I shouldn't really talking about aesthetics... not to mention those cables

I bought the VIVO adapter, but ended up never using it as I decided to mount my second display over my iMac so the integrated iMac stand worked better.

I agree the aesthetics are atrocious, but I figured I'd never see it since it was behind the iMac.

 

[diabora]

That looks great. And yea those bezels lol... an iMac trademark I suppose. Any ventilation issues so far? And my arm isn't as pretty/matching, so I suppose if I ever did sell I could just replace it with something more aesthetically pleasing lol.

Completely on a side-note, what made you go with the i9 over i7? I have an i9 in my bag, but after reading a bit here, I'm unsure, even though it will mostly be used for 6K video editing and photo editing and I plan on keeping it a while (first new machine since an late-2010 Mini). I keep reading those last two cores don't really add up too much, whether it's because of software under-utilization, shutdown due to heating issues (hence the ventilation question), or otherwise.

Regarding the i9 - I run a small video production company, and I couple times a year, I have very tight deadlines, where even a few minutes in export time, can make a difference in meeting the deadline. I just exported a 5 min 4k 422 10 bit ProRes clip from fcpx wich maxed out all 10 cores, and export time was great by the way.

Regarding noise, coming from an MacBook Pro 16 (i9, 5500m) this thing is a bliss, the fan is only ramping up roughly 50% into the export and even at full speed, it isn't annoying, (at least to my ears) the pitch is way lower than a MacBook. The MacBook on the other hand is just terrible, the same could be said of my previously owned 2017 iMac (maxed put)

 

[macman01101]

I got mine with VESA yesterday, (i9, 5700 XT) It is mounted on a Ergotron LX Tall Pole, wich makes for a very flexible and clean looking setup. Personally I find the build in iMac stand very ergonomic limiting, and way to low, especially for a standing desk.

Regarding resale value, I plan on selling the iMac including the Ergotron arm when that day come.

(Please note the bezels compared to the LG C9 65" in the background 😂)

View attachment 946578View attachment 946579View attachment 946580

@diabora - I was thinking of getting this same ergotron arm, and attaching it to a normal sitting desk, and then raising the arm to standing height when I want to stand up for a bit. Maybe put the keyboard on a box or tray.

Do you ever stand while using this ergotron arm? How is the experience? Appreciate it!

 

[oneafour]

returned my first iMac for the same reason mentioned here, the stand is too low, and now im expecting the VESA version from Apple/UPS.... an amazon basic/premium arm mount is waiting. =)

thanks for the photos @diabora

 

[filmgirl]

I just got the i9/5700XT VESA too. I’ve got mine on a stupid stand right now because my standing desk isn’t here and I can’t put on an arm on my current terrible desk. @diabora what is it like moving the iMac up and down on the pole? Is that a giant pain?

I’ve been debating arms and although I really don’t want to do the Ergotron HX because $300+ is genuinely obscene (and they get away with this because most of the buyers are big companies or hospitals who aren’t going to care about the line item but me who just spent $4400 on a computer doesn’t want to spend another $300 when $150 would suffice), but I’ve been torn as to what LX to get. If the tall arm is a PITA to move up and down I might as well get the regular (or even the Amazon Basic which is the same exact arm just rebadged).

Thanks for the insight! I have another 27” 4K monitor but it’s much lighter so its arm options are much more sane.

 

[oneafour]

ive read you can get a taller stand/pole for the amazon premium arm.

 

[diabora]

I just got the i9/5700XT VESA too. I’ve got mine on a stupid stand right now because my standing desk isn’t here and I can’t put on an arm on my current terrible desk. @diabora what is it like moving the iMac up and down on the pole? Is that a giant pain?

I’ve been debating arms and although I really don’t want to do the Ergotron HX because $300+ is genuinely obscene (and they get away with this because most of the buyers are big companies or hospitals who aren’t going to care about the line item but me who just spent $4400 on a computer doesn’t want to spend another $300 when $150 would suffice), but I’ve been torn as to what LX to get. If the tall arm is a PITA to move up and down I might as well get the regular (or even the Amazon Basic which is the same exact arm just rebadged).

Thanks for the insight! I have another 27” 4K monitor but it’s much lighter so its arm options are much more sane.

Adjusting the arm height on the pole require the use of an Allen key, however the arm have a good range of motion in height, so basically the height on the pole is a one time thing, on day to day use you adjust height via the arm movement.

The LX handles the weight of the iMac with no problem (weight capacity is rated at 25lbs)
I recommend getting the tall pole version, I initially got the short one, but the max height was just a bit short. And the tall pole version also has a bigger more stable base plate/table mount.

In my market (Denmark) the LX tall pole is around 200$, the amazon version looks to be the same, just in black instead of polished aluminum.

 

[ouimetnick]

Did they fix the soft screws used to mount the VESA adapter to the iMac? I remember a YouTubed had an issue with his iMac Pro when he went to remove the VESA mount adapter, the screw heads twisted right off.

 

[jasonefmonk]

Did they fix the soft screws used to mount the VESA adapter to the iMac? I remember a YouTubed had an issue with his iMac Pro when he went to remove the VESA mount adapter, the screw heads twisted right off.

The non-pro iMac needs a build-to-order option to get a VESA compatible mount. It is part of the iMac housing. The iMac Pro user-upgradable VESA adapter is unchanged from the cheap garbage they were selling when that video came out.

 

[UnstableMole]

I've got my new 27" iMac on a monitor arm on my standing desk (both Fully) and I've been experiencing an annoying wobble when I type (whether the desk is in stand or seated position). I've used this exact setup with a monitor and laptop, and did not have this wobbling issue, I assume the greater weight of the iMac its he culprit.

Definitely

Have any of you noticed a similar issue? Is my desk just too wobbly? Do I type too hard? Any thoughts or suggestions?

 

[filmgirl]

I've got my new 27" iMac on a monitor arm on my standing desk (both Fully) and I've been experiencing an annoying wobble when I type (whether the desk is in stand or seated position). I've used this exact setup with a monitor and laptop, and did not have this wobbling issue, I assume the greater weight of the iMac its he culprit.

Definitely

Have any of you noticed a similar issue? Is my desk just too wobbly? Do I type too hard? Any thoughts or suggestions?View attachment 949425

First, it looks great! As for the wobble, if it is happening even when not standing, I have to think it might be the arm.

I’m waiting on my Uplift V2 Commercial to arrive (it shipped last Friday but I might not get it until next week. Sigh.) and I’ll be using with with an Ergatron LX arm - but I won’t be able to offer feedback until I get it in.

Based on my past experiences with relatively heavy monitors and arms, my instinct says it might be the arm and that adding either a bigger clamp or having something like this https://vivo-us.com/products/stand-ac01r, but I’ll defer to others in this thread.

 

[pldelisle]

I'm also looking to change my desk eventually ... Looking for Ergonofis Sway desk. I went to test it, it felt very sturdy. No movement at all even when lift to top position. I was very impressed. But since I'll likely get this desk, I'm too interested through the VESA version of the Mac, specially with 2 25 or 27 inch display in portrait mode on each side.

 

[oneafour]

if your desk is wobbly and the monitor arm is attached to it, it will only amplify the shake.

I also imagine being on carpet does not help unless its really heavy or sturdy.

 

[UnstableMole]

First, it looks great! As for the wobble, if it is happening even when not standing, I have to think it might be the arm.

I’m waiting on my Uplift V2 Commercial to arrive (it shipped last Friday but I might not get it until next week. Sigh.) and I’ll be using with with an Ergatron LX arm - but I won’t be able to offer feedback until I get it in.

Based on my past experiences with relatively heavy monitors and arms, my instinct says it might be the arm and that adding either a bigger clamp or having something like this https://vivo-us.com/products/stand-ac01r, but I’ll defer to others in this thread.

Thanks!

I like the looks of that reinforcement bracket, definitely seems worth a try for $30 (if I can find one, of course everything is hard to get these days; hoping you get your new desk soon!)

if your desk is wobbly the monitor arm is only going to amplify it.

Yeah I think there's definitely a bit of a wobble to the desk that's getting amplified through the arm. I'm experimenting with different arrangements to see if I can't stiffen things up or dampen the wobble.

 

[oneafour]

please keep us updated with what works. your setup with a sit/stand desk looks great!

not sure if your desk has the crossbar between the two legs, but I've read that really helps with some of the support too.

However, im not a physicist, but id imagine as the table's height increase, the stability should somehow increase too or should already compensate for the additional height.

 

[kretek]

First, it looks great! As for the wobble, if it is happening even when not standing, I have to think it might be the arm.

I’m waiting on my Uplift V2 Commercial to arrive (it shipped last Friday but I might not get it until next week. Sigh.) and I’ll be using with with an Ergatron LX arm - but I won’t be able to offer feedback until I get it in.

Based on my past experiences with relatively heavy monitors and arms, my instinct says it might be the arm and that adding either a bigger clamp or having something like this https://vivo-us.com/products/stand-ac01r, but I’ll defer to others in this thread.

Pardon me , but how did you get that keyboard split exactly in half.

 

[UnstableMole]

please keep us updated with what works. your setup with a sit/stand desk looks great!

not sure if your desk has the crossbar between the two legs, but I've read that really helps with some of the support too.

However, im not a physicist, but id imagine as the table's high increase, the stability should somehow increase too or should already compensate for the additional height.

Thanks! And will do.

My desk does not have such a support but that sounds like it could work. I have a mechanical engineering background myself but I'm afraid that is leading more to me getting distracted by things that don't matter or that I can't control. 😛

Pardon me , but how did you get that keyboard split exactly in half.

Are you referring to my keyboard? You quoted @filmgirl but I don't think she mentioned or showed a keyboard? Just in case, I'll say this a Kinsesis Gaming keyboard. I've used the Freestyle model as well and liked it a great deal.

 

[jasonefmonk]

Yeah I think there's definitely a bit of a wobble to the desk that's getting amplified through the arm. I'm experimenting with different arrangements to see if I can't stiffen things up or dampen the wobble.

Any updates on wobble? The iMac is just below their specified 9kg weight limit. I’ve found myself pricing out the Fully desk, and was interested in their articulating arm like you have as well. It make sense to have one button to move from sit to stand, and that the monitor goes with it.

Right now I have the premium Amazon Basics articulating arm, wall mounted, and if I get the desk I’ll need to move the monitor manually before/after moving the desk surface. I don’t have the iMac quite yet so I’m still just exploring.