Shopping for 24 inch iMac configurations mostly comes down to three decisions: which Apple silicon chip (M1, M3, or M4), how much unified memory (8GB, 16GB, or 24GB), and whether 256GB or 512GB of storage covers you. The Apple 2024 iMac with M4 chip, 10-core CPU, 24GB RAM, and 512GB SSD is my best overall pick because it pairs the newest silicon with the memory headroom that keeps an iMac feeling fast for years. For tighter budgets, the renewed 2024 M4 iMac with 16GB RAM and 256GB SSD delivers most of that performance at a lower cost, while the renewed 2023 M3 model is the value play if you want 512GB of storage without paying new-retail prices. The main tradeoff you will face is storage versus memory: an 8GB/512GB machine ages worse than a 16GB/256GB one for most people. Read on for the full breakdown of each configuration and who each one suits best.
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Key Takeaways
- Memory matters more than storage for longevity: the 16GB and 24GB configurations ranked above every 8GB model despite some of them offering larger SSDs.
- The M4 chip with a 10-core CPU and 24GB RAM is the clear performance ceiling of this lineup, but the 8-core M4 configurations are only modestly behind for everyday work.
- Renewed models dominate the value tier — the renewed M1 with 16GB/512GB and the renewed M3 with 8GB/512GB undercut new M4 pricing while remaining capable machines.
- 256GB of storage is the weakest link across the lineup; every 256GB configuration depends on external drives or cloud storage for photo and video libraries.
- No configuration here is upgradeable after purchase — Apple solders both memory and storage, so the configuration you choose is the one you live with.
| inch imac configuration | Processor | Storage | Display | Camera |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple 2023 iMac 24-inch with M | Apple M3 chip, 8-core CPU | 512GB SSD | 24-inch 4.5K Retina, 500 nits | 1080p FaceTime HD |
| Apple 2024 iMac 24-inch All-in | Apple M4 chip, 8-core CPU | 256GB SSD | 24-inch 4.5K Retina, 500 nits, up to 1 billion colors | 12MP Center Stage |
| Apple iMac 24-inch | Apple M4, 8-core CPU | 512GB SSD | 24-inch 4.5K Retina, 500 nits, up to 1 billion colors | 12MP Center Stage |
| Apple 2024 iMac All-in-One Des | Apple M4 chip, 10-core CPU | 512GB SSD | 24-inch 4.5K Retina, 500 nits, up to 1 billion colors | 12MP Center Stage |
| Apple 2021 iMac 24-inch with M | Apple M1 chip, 8-core CPU | 512GB SSD | 24-inch 4.5K Retina (4480×2520) | 1080p FaceTime HD |
| Apple 2024 iMac Air with M4 Ch | Apple M4, 8-core, 3.2 GHz | 256 GB SSD | 24-inch 4.5K Retina, 4480 x 2520, 218 ppi, 500 nits, 1 billion colors | — |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Apple 2023 iMac 24-inch with M3 Chip (8-core CPU, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) – Silver (Renewed)
This renewed M3 configuration is the sweet spot for value in the 24-inch iMac lineup. The M3 chip still handles everyday computing with headroom to spare, and the 512GB SSD doubles the storage of the base new M4 model (B0DL75531G) for typically less outlay. Compared with the renewed M1 (B0C1DTVKLP), the M3 delivers a clear generational jump in speed and efficiency, making it the smarter renewed buy for anyone keeping the machine for years. The 4.5K Retina display, six-speaker Spatial Audio system, and 1080p camera are identical in quality to newer models, so the experience feels current. The tradeoffs are real: 8GB of RAM is the tightest memory allotment here, and renewed units mean non-original accessories and generic packaging. Buyers doing heavy multitasking should step up to a 24GB option instead.
Pros:- M3 chip delivers fast, efficient everyday performance
- 512GB SSD doubles the storage of the base new M4 configuration
- Identical 4.5K Retina display and audio quality as newer models
- Strikingly thin all-in-one design saves desk space
Cons:- 8GB of RAM limits multitasking and pro app headroom
- Renewed condition means accessories may not be original and packaging may be generic
Best for: Students and home users who want a full-size Retina desktop with ample 512GB storage at the lowest practical cost
Not ideal for: Heavy multitaskers or photo/video editors — 8GB of unified memory will bottleneck apps like Lightroom and Final Cut
- Processor:Apple M3 chip, 8-core CPU
- RAM:8GB
- Storage:512GB SSD
- Display:24-inch 4.5K Retina, 500 nits
- Camera:1080p FaceTime HD
- Audio:Six speakers with Spatial Audio, three-mic array
- Color:Silver
- Condition:Renewed
Our verdict“The smart buy if you want the iMac experience with generous storage while spending as little as possible.”
Apple 2024 iMac 24-inch All-in-One Desktop with M4 Chip, 16GB Memory, 256GB SSD, Silver
This is the current-generation entry point, and for most first-time iMac buyers it’s the configuration that makes the most sense. The M4 chip with 16GB of unified memory comfortably outclasses the renewed M3 (B0DHTM818W) in raw speed, and the 12MP Center Stage camera is a genuine upgrade for anyone on frequent video calls — it keeps you framed as you move. Compared with the 10-core M4 flagship (B0DL6X847C), this 8-core version gives up some GPU muscle and half the memory, but keeps the Thunderbolt 4, Wi-Fi 6E, and dual 6K external display support. The compromise sits squarely in storage: 256GB fills quickly once you add photos, apps, and games, so plan on an external drive or cloud storage. Still, for a household desktop used for browsing, documents, and streaming, that tradeoff is tolerable.
Pros:- M4 chip handles demanding work and gaming with ease
- 16GB of memory supports smooth multitasking
- 12MP Center Stage camera is a meaningful upgrade over 1080p units
- Supports up to two external 6K displays via Thunderbolt 4
Cons:- 256GB SSD is the smallest storage tier in this lineup
- All-in-one design offers no internal upgrade path later
Best for: First-time iMac owners and general households wanting a new, warrantied machine with current Apple Intelligence support
Not ideal for: Media hoarders and gamers with large libraries — 256GB of storage will feel cramped within a year
- Processor:Apple M4 chip, 8-core CPU
- Graphics:8-core GPU
- Memory:16GB unified memory
- Storage:256GB SSD
- Display:24-inch 4.5K Retina, 500 nits, up to 1 billion colors
- Camera:12MP Center Stage
- Connectivity:Up to four Thunderbolt 4, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
- Color:Silver
Our verdict“The best new-in-box starting point for everyday users, provided you’re comfortable managing limited storage.”
Apple iMac 24-inch (2024) with M4 Chip, 8-Core CPU, 8-Core GPU, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD, QWERTY English, Blue (Renewed)
Of all the renewed options here, this one attacks the configuration problem from the smartest angle: 24GB of RAM and 512GB of storage at a renewed price. Since Apple charges steep premiums to upgrade memory at purchase, a renewed 24GB machine is one of the few ways to get that headroom affordably. Compared with the renewed M3 (B0DHTM818W), this model’s 8-core M4 trades blows on CPU but adds the 12MP Center Stage camera and Apple Intelligence support. Against the new 10-core flagship (B0DL6X847C), you give up two GPU cores and four Thunderbolt ports for a friendlier price — a fair exchange for most creative work. The tradeoffs: the 8-core GPU is weaker for serious gaming or 3D work, and renewed condition means no pristine unboxing, with cosmetic wear possible. For memory-hungry workflows, though, this pick earns its place.
Pros:- 24GB of unified memory rivals configurations costing far more new
- 512GB SSD provides roomy storage out of the box
- M4 chip supports Apple Intelligence and modern creative workflows
- 12MP Center Stage camera and Spatial Audio speakers match flagship models
Cons:- Renewed condition may include cosmetic wear and non-original packaging
- 8-core GPU is noticeably weaker than the 10-core flagship for gaming and GPU tasks
Best for: Photo editors, developers, and heavy multitaskers who need 24GB of memory but want to avoid Apple’s new-unit upgrade pricing
Not ideal for: Buyers who want a sealed, brand-new machine or gamers who need the 10-core GPU for demanding titles
- Processor:Apple M4, 8-core CPU
- Graphics:8-core GPU
- Memory:24GB RAM
- Storage:512GB SSD
- Display:24-inch 4.5K Retina, 500 nits, up to 1 billion colors
- Camera:12MP Center Stage
- Color:Blue
- Condition:Renewed
Our verdict“The cleverest configuration on this list — flagship-tier memory and storage without the flagship price.”
Apple 2024 iMac All-in-One Desktop Computer with M4 chip (10-core CPU, 10-core GPU), 24-inch Retina Display, 24GB Unified Memory, 512GB SSD – Blue
This is the configuration I’d point most serious buyers toward, because it answers every bottleneck the other options leave open. The 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU version of the M4 is the real differentiator: compared with the 8-core renewed M4 (B0GP96X6GL), it delivers materially better gaming, video export, and 3D performance — not a marginal gain. With 24GB of memory and a 512GB SSD, it matches that renewed pick’s specs but adds new-condition certainty and up to four Thunderbolt 4 ports for docks and fast external storage. The 12MP Center Stage camera, studio-quality mics, and support for two external 6K displays make it a genuine creative workstation. The honest downsides: it’s the priciest route here, and like every iMac, the soldered internals mean zero upgrades — whatever you buy is what you keep. Apple Intelligence features also vary by region.
Pros:- Full 10-core M4 offers the strongest CPU and GPU performance in this lineup
- 24GB memory plus 512GB SSD removes both common upgrade regrets
- Up to four Thunderbolt 4 ports and dual 6K external display support
- Built for Apple Intelligence with seamless iPhone integration
Cons:- Highest-cost configuration in the roundup
- No internal upgradeability — components are soldered
- Apple Intelligence features have regional availability limits
Best for: Creative professionals and power users who want a new, no-compromise iMac for editing, development, and gaming
Not ideal for: Budget-conscious buyers — the renewed 24GB option covers most of this machine’s capability for considerably less
- Processor:Apple M4 chip, 10-core CPU
- Graphics:10-core GPU
- Memory:24GB unified memory
- Storage:512GB SSD
- Display:24-inch 4.5K Retina, 500 nits, up to 1 billion colors
- Camera:12MP Center Stage
- Ports:Up to 4x Thunderbolt 4
- Connectivity:Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
- Color:Blue
Our verdict“If you want one iMac that won’t feel limiting in five years, this is the configuration to buy.”
Apple 2021 iMac 24-inch with M1 Chip, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD (Renewed) – Blue
For shoppers whose priority is simply getting onto a 4.5K Retina desktop for the least money, this renewed M1 is the floor of the lineup — and a respectable one. The M1 chip still runs macOS smoothly for browsing, office work, and media, and the 16GB/512GB pairing is more balanced than the renewed M3’s 8GB (B0DHTM818W) for anyone juggling many browser tabs or large photo libraries. That said, the age shows in places: the 1080p camera lags behind the 12MP Center Stage units on the 2024 models, and you get only two Thunderbolt ports with Wi-Fi 6 rather than Wi-Fi 6E. Compared with the 2024 entry M4 (B0DL75531G), it’s a generation behind in speed and features, which is exactly why it costs less. Renewed condition is the expected caveat. For a homework machine, guest desktop, or light-duty home office, those compromises are easy to accept.
Pros:- 16GB of RAM handles multitasking better than entry-level configurations
- 512GB SSD provides plenty of storage for a budget machine
- Same stunning 4.5K Retina display as newer iMacs
- Power-efficient M1 chip runs cool and quiet
Cons:- Only two Thunderbolt ports limits docking and expansion
- 1080p webcam and Wi-Fi 6 lag behind 2024 models
- Renewed condition rather than new
Best for: Budget-limited buyers setting up a student, family, or secondary computer where web, documents, and streaming dominate
Not ideal for: Anyone planning GPU-heavy work or wanting longevity — the older chip and two-port design will feel dated sooner
- Processor:Apple M1 chip, 8-core CPU
- Memory:16GB unified memory
- Storage:512GB SSD
- Display:24-inch 4.5K Retina (4480×2520)
- Camera:1080p FaceTime HD
- Ports:2x Thunderbolt (USB 4)
- Wireless:Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0
- Condition:Renewed
Our verdict“The cheapest sensible way into the 24-inch iMac, as long as light-duty use is the plan.”
Apple 2024 iMac Air with M4 Chip (8-Core), 24-inch, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD, Silver (Renewed)
For buyers who want the current-generation M4 chip without paying new-in-box prices, this renewed silver iMac is the most sensible entry point in the lineup. Compared with the Apple 2023 iMac with M3 Chip (8GB RAM, 512GB SSD), this model trades half the storage for a faster processor and double the memory — a swap I’d argue works in most buyers’ favor, since 16GB of unified memory keeps multiple apps and browser tabs responsive in ways 8GB simply cannot. The 4.5K Retina display at 500 nits is identical to every other 24-inch iMac here, so nothing visual is sacrificed. The honest tradeoff is the 256GB SSD: photographers and video editors will hit that ceiling fast, whereas the M4 iMac with 24GB RAM and 512GB SSD handles large libraries without external drives. As a renewed unit, warranty coverage also differs from buying new.
Pros:- Current-generation M4 chip outperforms the M3 and M1 alternatives in this lineup
- 16GB of unified memory comfortably handles multitasking that chokes 8GB M3 configurations
- Same stunning 4.5K Retina display with 500 nits brightness as pricier configurations
- Renewed pricing undercuts the new-in-box M4 model with identical core specs
- Built for Apple Intelligence with on-device privacy protections
Cons:- 256GB base storage is the smallest in this roundup and fills quickly
- Renewed condition means shorter or third-party warranty coverage versus buying new
- Memory and storage are soldered with no post-purchase upgrades possible
Best for: Students, home-office users, and everyday multitaskers who want M4 performance and 16GB of RAM at the lowest possible entry price
Not ideal for: Creators with large photo, video, or game libraries — the 256GB SSD fills up quickly and can’t be internally upgraded
- Processor:Apple M4, 8-core, 3.2 GHz
- RAM:16 GB Unified Memory
- Storage:256 GB SSD
- Display:24-inch 4.5K Retina, 4480 x 2520, 218 ppi, 500 nits, 1 billion colors
- Color:Silver
- Weight:22.1 pounds
- Operating System:macOS
- Condition:Renewed
Our verdict“Buy this if you prioritize M4 speed and 16GB of RAM over storage capacity and want the cheapest legitimate way into the newest chip; skip it if your media library lives locally.”
How We Picked
I ranked these six configurations around one core question: which setup stays satisfying the longest? Because nothing inside a 24-inch iMac can be upgraded later, I weighted unified memory first, then chip generation, then storage, then condition (new versus renewed). Memory headroom determines how well the machine handles browser tab sprawl, photo libraries, and macOS updates five years out, which is why the 24GB M4 configurations sit at the top and the 8GB models rank lower regardless of their chip.
Second, I judged each configuration against its realistic buyer. A renewed M1 with 16GB RAM makes sense for a family computer; a 10-core M4 with 24GB makes sense for creative work. I also factored in the renewed-versus-new tradeoff — savings versus warranty coverage and battery-of-unknown origin concerns — and penalized configurations that pair a fast chip with too little memory or too little storage, since those imbalances waste the chip’s potential. That logic produced a ranking where balanced configurations beat lopsided ones at every price point.
| inch imac configuration | Processor | Color |
|---|---|---|
| Apple 2023 iMac 24-inch with M | Apple M3 chip, 8-core CPU | Silver |
| Apple 2024 iMac 24-inch All-in | Apple M4 chip, 8-core CPU | Silver |
| Apple iMac 24-inch | Apple M4, 8-core CPU | Blue |
| Apple 2024 iMac All-in-One Des | Apple M4 chip, 10-core CPU | Blue |
| Apple 2021 iMac 24-inch with M | Apple M1 chip, 8-core CPU | — |
| Apple 2024 iMac Air with M4 Ch | Apple M4, 8-core, 3.2 GHz | Silver |
Factors to Consider When Choosing 24 Inch Imac Configurations
Before settling on a configuration, it helps to understand how the pieces interact. These are the factors that most often trip up iMac buyers — and the mistakes that cost money or longevity.Unified Memory Is the Upgrade You Cannot Postpone
Unlike a traditional desktop, the iMac’s memory is soldered to the logic board and shared between the CPU and GPU. If you run out of RAM, macOS swaps to the SSD, which slows everything down and wears the drive faster. 8GB is workable for email, browsing, and documents, but it is the floor, not the target — multitaskers and photo editors will feel it within a year or two. 16GB is the sweet spot for most households, and 24GB buys genuine headroom for RAW photo editing, video work, or holding onto the machine for seven-plus years. My advice: when in doubt between a bigger SSD and more RAM, take the RAM. External storage is cheap; external memory does not exist.
Chip Generation: M1, M3, and M4 Are Closer Than You Think
The jump from M1 to M4 is real but incremental for everyday tasks — the bigger differences show up in sustained creative workloads and efficiency. An M4 does not make an M1 obsolete; a well-specced M1 with 16GB of RAM will outperform an 8GB M4 in heavy multitasking. Where the newer chips genuinely matter is GPU-intensive work, video export, and software support longevity, since Apple typically drops older chips from macOS support sooner. If you keep computers for a long time, buying the newest chip you can afford extends that runway. If you replace every four to five years, a renewed older chip with better memory and storage is often the smarter allocation of your budget.
Storage Strategy: 256GB Forces Compromises
Apple’s storage pricing is steep, which pushes many buyers to the 256GB tier, and that is a defensible choice — but only with a plan. macOS itself consumes a surprising chunk, and photo libraries, video projects, and even large app suites can fill 256GB faster than expected. 256GB works when your files live in iCloud or on an external SSD; it becomes frustrating when you edit video locally or accumulate large libraries. 512GB is the comfortable middle ground for a machine you intend to keep long-term. The common mistake here is assuming you can add internal storage later — you cannot, so either buy enough now or commit to an external-drive workflow from day one.
New Versus Renewed: What You Are Actually Trading
Renewed iMacs can save a substantial amount, but the tradeoffs are specific. A renewed machine has an unknown usage history — the display may have thousands of hours on it, and while iMacs have no battery to degrade, cosmetic wear varies by unit. Warranty coverage is the biggest difference: new units carry Apple’s full coverage, while renewed units depend on the refurbisher’s policy, which may be shorter or harder to use. For a configuration you cannot upgrade or repair cheaply, that coverage has real value. My rule of thumb: renewed makes sense for proven, lower-stress configurations where the savings are large; buy new when you are paying a premium for top specs, because that is exactly the machine you want fully covered.
Match the Configuration to the Real User
The most expensive mistake is buying capacity nobody uses, and the second is underbuying for someone who will outgrow the machine. A student writing papers needs 8GB and 256GB and will never notice the ceiling. A family sharing one computer for photos, schoolwork, and streaming wants 16GB. A hobbyist photographer or home-video editor should treat 24GB of RAM and 512GB of storage as the entry point, not the upgrade. Ask what the heaviest realistic workload looks like two years from now, not today — configurations always feel sufficient on day one, which is exactly why buyers regret minimum specs later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 8GB of RAM still enough on a 24-inch iMac in 2026?
For light use — browsing with a handful of tabs, email, streaming, documents — 8GB remains functional thanks to how efficiently Apple silicon manages memory. The problem is that memory pressure builds gradually: each macOS release and each app update consumes a little more, and there is no upgrade path. If you keep computers for more than three or four years, or you routinely run many apps at once, 8GB is a gamble. In this lineup, the 8GB configurations ranked below every 16GB and 24GB model precisely because the day-one experience is fine but the year-four experience usually is not. I would treat 8GB as acceptable only for a secondary or very-light-duty machine.
Should I buy a renewed M1/M3 iMac or a new M4 model?
It depends on where the savings land and how you use the machine. A renewed M1 or M3 with 16GB of RAM often delivers better long-term performance than a new 8GB M4, because memory is the harder ceiling to hit. However, renewed units carry refurbisher warranties rather than Apple’s full coverage, and condition can vary unit to unit even within the same listing. If the savings are large and the configuration is balanced, renewed is a strong value play; if the price gap is small, the new M4’s full warranty, newer chip, and longer macOS support runway justify the premium. Avoid renewed units with vague condition descriptions or short warranty windows.
Does the 8-core versus 10-core M4 CPU difference matter?
For everyday computing, the gap is small enough that most users would struggle to notice it in blind use — the extra cores mainly help with sustained multi-threaded work like video exports, code compilation, or heavy batch photo processing. What matters more is that this lineup’s 10-core configuration also comes with 24GB of RAM, so its real advantage is the memory, not just the cores. If you are choosing between an 8-core M4 with 16GB and a 10-core M4 with 24GB for creative work, the 24GB option is the one that changes how the machine feels. For office and home use, the 8-core configuration is not a compromise worth paying to escape.
Can I upgrade the RAM or storage on a 24-inch iMac later?
No — both the unified memory and the SSD are soldered or otherwise integrated with no user-accessible upgrade path, and Apple offers no post-purchase upgrade service for internal components. This is why configuration choice carries more weight on an iMac than on a generic desktop, where you could add memory or a drive down the road. The only expansion available is external: USB-C and Thunderbolt SSDs are fast enough for photo and video libraries, and they are the standard workaround for 256GB models. Memory, however, has no workaround whatsoever, which is why I consistently rank memory above storage when the budget forces a choice.
Is 256GB of storage really a problem if I use iCloud?
For many users, no — iCloud’s Optimize Storage feature keeps full-resolution files in the cloud and downloads them on demand, and it works well for photos and documents. The friction appears with large local libraries, video projects, Windows VMs, or big app suites that cannot live in the cloud, and with creative apps that cache aggressively. If your workflow is cloud-native and your heaviest files are photos, 256GB is genuinely fine and saves real money. If you edit video or keep large local archives, budget for a fast external SSD from the start, because hitting a full boot drive degrades performance across the entire system, not just file saving.
Conclusion
For best overall, the Apple 2024 iMac with 10-core M4, 24GB RAM, and 512GB SSD is the configuration I would put on most desks — it is the only model here with no weak link, and it has the longest useful life of the group. The best value pick is the renewed 2024 M4 with 16GB RAM and 256GB SSD, which captures nearly all of the modern experience at a lower entry point, with the renewed M3 with 512GB storage as the alternative for people who prioritize local capacity. For best premium, the renewed M4 with 24GB RAM in Blue matches the top pick’s performance at a better price, provided the refurbisher’s warranty is solid. Beginners and light users are best served by the renewed 2021 M1 with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD — it is the most forgiving configuration for someone who does not know their future needs, with generous memory and storage. Whichever you choose, remember the one rule that shaped this entire ranking: you cannot upgrade anything later, so buy the memory first and the storage strategy second.
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