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Oldmopars

macrumors member
Original poster
Aug 5, 2025
61
9
I recently came across a deal on a 2021 24in iMac base model. It is in perfect condition and came with the keyboard.
The iMac was legally acquired by the prior owner through the courts due to landlord/tenant back rent etc. issue. I paid them $140 for it.
The iMac is iCloud locked and the original owner is not available and may not be for 5-10 years unless they get early parole.
I found I can get a damaged iMac that is unlocked for under $300. If I take the 2 and build one I will have a M1 iMac that is really nice for around $450. I may even be able to resell the leftover stuff and recoup some of what I spent to fix it.
But, I am a little worried. I have read here that the 2021 iMacs have an issue where at around 2 years the screen goes bad. From what I have read, they all seem to d it and the only option is a new screen.
I don't "Need" this iMac. I have a 2023 MacBook Pro M2 Max, a 2011 27in iMac i7, 2 Mac Pro 5,1s,2 Mac Minis (2011), 2 Gaming PC's(AMD Ryzen 7 5800xt and R5 3600) and at least 8 other various older computers. (The reasons are too complicated to explain here)
Should I sell it on Ebay, make a few dollars and get a M4 iMac or Mac Mini down the road?
Buy the damaged iMac, fix it, sell the left overs and keep it, or, fix it and sell both the fixed one and the left overs?
 
I know I’m tempting fate here…but my 2021 M1 iMac performs flawlessly with absolutely zero issues with the screen. Just saying. 😍
So, I bought a parts replacement that was unlocked. To make it easy, I took the screen off the locked one and put it on the unlocked one with the broken screen. I now have a 24in M1 iMac for about $500. Not a screaming deal, but we are very happy with the final product.
I am now looking to get rid of the left overs. One week on E-Bay and not a single bid or offer. I think if it does not sell, I am going to sell the charger and maybe a few other parts and junk the rest. I think I will get more back out of parts than the whole.
 
I know I’m tempting fate here…but my 2021 M1 iMac performs flawlessly with absolutely zero issues with the screen. Just saying. 😍
Honestly speaking, you using M1 iMac screen haven't have " sudden lines appear " ? How long you been using it. As some users don't always buy the latest iMac, they will buy the older ones if Apple store still selling. Partly Mac Rumours here already has an article one M1 iMac user encounter Lines suddenly appear upon using it for one year or so. This is not just few insolated cases. Quite a lot M1 iMac users later suffer the same fate. I using M3 iMac even too JUST recently... I don't even know this flaws later go around search and find out a lot already highlight to Apple ever since last year even till now as More and more M series users as long they reach one year of usage or so , lines suddenly appear on their iMac screen.
 
Since it was launched back in 2021. Bought it new from Curry’s. Had AppleCare on it and never needed it…fingers crossed I haven’t just tempted fate by mentioning it again!
I don't know maybe due to " some batches or what " but I believe you surely see MacRumours even do an article on M1 iMac user suddenly noticed got Lines appear on their screen after using it for one year or so. This time frame whereby the display ribbon etc finally get short thus lines appear due to high voltage daily passing through it.

Well even you have Apple care, can get it fix but this line problem will back after one year , is all due to Apple flaws back end come M series....
 
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