Late 2010 iMac 21.5" Processor misinformation

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Hey everyone, I've done a few searches for this, but I've not found anything about it.

I recently got a secondhand new model iMac and it performs really well. The only problem I have with it is that it didn't come with the back-up disks and it doesn't seem to know that it has an i3 processor, it says "3.06 GHz Unknown." While it doesn't seem to affect the performance, for potential resale purposes and peace of mind, I'd like it to be sorted.

I thought it could be a problem fixed by a re-install of Snow Leopard, but now I'm not so sure. Plus the Snow Leopard Retail disk I have won't work for the Late 2010 models. Either way it should be well within warranty, so I can take it to the local Apple Store anyway.

Screenshot2010-10-15at143830.png


Has anyone seen this problem before? Any potential solutions?

Thanks a lot,

David
 
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What is listed under processor information in system profiler?
 
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System Profiler says:

Hardware Overview:

Model Name: iMac
Model Identifier: iMac11,2
Processor Speed: 3.06 GHz
Number Of Processors: 1
Total Number Of Cores: 2
L2 Cache (per core): 256 KB
L3 Cache: 4 MB
Memory: 4 GB
Processor Interconnect Speed: 5.86 GT/s

Cheers,

David
 

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Was Mac OSX 10.6.4 installed on the machine when you purchased it? You said it came with no DVD's.
 
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Yep, 10.6.4 was installed. There were no updates required when I turned it on.

Normally I'd simply erase and install, but I don't have the disks that will do it - I don't think the current Retail disk with 10.6.3 will cut it. So I'm making do at the moment while I get my MacBook fixed. Once that is done, I can fully sort this out. My plan is to order a set of back-up disks for it for the future, but I'm gonna try and find out if it is a hardware problem first.
 

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10.6.3 would work fine (and you could just use software update to get back to 10.6.4) but, you would be better off getting the proper DVD's that came with the machine from Apple. That way you also have ilife and the software that came with your iMac and also the Apple Hardware Test should anything go wrong down the line.
 

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System Profiler says:

In the "System Profiler" info you provided above...one line of info is missing which is:

"Processor Name:"

It should be after "Model Identifier:"...and before "Processor Speed:".

- Nick
 
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In the "System Profiler" info you provided above...one line of info is missing which is:

"Processor Name:"

It should be after "Model Identifier:"...and before "Processor Speed:".

- Nick

agree with Nick and I've attached a couple of screenshots which might help show this better for you.

HTH

screenshot1.jpg

screenshot2.jpg
 
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Nick, I don't know where that is.

SystemProfiler.jpg


Also, I couldn't get the Retail Disk to work. It said it wouldn't install. I'll give it another go in a bit, but I don't think it will work. Something about a computer released with 10.6.4 not being able to load 10.6.3?

I dunno. :\

Thanks for the help!

David
 
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Hmm, it seems we have a problem then...
Does that make this the 09 model? The RAM is 1333 MHz, I though that was one of the signs of the 2010 model.

As I said before... I dunno :\
 
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Hmm, it seems we have a problem then...
Does that make this the 09 model? The RAM is 1333 MHz, I though that was one of the signs of the 2010 model.

As I said before... I dunno :\

not sure if the serial numbers work the same for the 21.5.. I would imagine they do? - if so it indicates that your Mac is a week 32 2010 model
 

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If it's a 2010 model it might need 10.6.3 as the minimum and anything older will not install.

EDIT: the 2010 model needs 10.6.4.

http://www.lowendmac.com/imacs/imac-mid-2010.html

What is interesting is I just purchased from OWC (For a close friend) the Snow Leopard 10.6 upgrade DVD. It just arrived a few days ago. I went to my friends and installed it and it was 10.6.3. So if the minimum requirement on your machine is 10.6.4, that DVD would not install!
 
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I've just had a thought.. when Apple refurbish their computers do they change the serial number i.e. from the factory (W8 to YZ)??? if so they might also change other details i.e. processor name?

EDIT: just found this on the Apple website:

Refurbishment Process

Each Apple Certified Refurbished Product:

is fully tested (including full burn-in testing)
is refurbished with replacement parts for any defective modules identified in testing
is thoroughly cleaned and inspected
is repackaged (including appropriate manuals, cables, new boxes, etc.)
includes the operating software originally shipped with the unit and the custom software offered with that system
is given a new refurbished part number and serial number
is placed into a final QA inspection prior to being added to sellable refurbished stock

source: http://store.apple.com/us-hed/help/online_store_exclusives

so within this process I guess it's entirely possible that they've also changed/deleted or removed the processor name if they're also changing other identifiers??..
 
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When I looked it up on the Apple Support site, it says its a Mid 2010 model. Do you think this is a hardware fault? Or something rectified with a OS erase and install?

Either way, I have an appointment at the local store on Monday, so I'll be able to take the screen shots and point it out there.

EDIT - pangster, you make a good point, I suppose I had better ask them!

Thanks everyone
 
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When I looked it up on the Apple Support site, it says its a Mid 2010 model. Do you think this is a hardware fault? Or something rectified with a OS erase and install?

Either way, I have an appointment at the local store on Monday, so I'll be able to take the screen shots and point it out there.

Thanks everyone

per my reply above - I think it's possible they've just changed it along with changing the serial number etc...

I'm going to the Buchanan Street store at somepoint at the weekend as well to swap my 1 week old 27" iMac due to yellow tinged screen..
 

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I am quite sure it's an OS install issue. Who did you purchase this from? Private party? Ebay?

I will almost bet a reinstall of 10.6.4 will solve that issue. Do report back and let us know what happens at Apple.

Also whatever you do, purchase the DVD's that came new with that machine as in the future they will come in handy if you ever run into any issues.
 

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I recently got a secondhand new model iMac and it performs really well. The only problem I have with it is that it didn't come with the back-up disks and it doesn't seem to know that it has an i3 processor, it says "3.06 GHz Unknown."

Given what you mentioned in your original post...that you just got this computer 2nd hand & that it's a 2010 model...it is most definitely still covered (at the very least) under Apple's automatic 12 month warranty...which you as the 2nd owner are covered under as well (whoever owns the computer gets the warranty).

If I were you...I would just head to your nearest Apple Store (if you have one near you)...and have them check it out. Or call Apple, and ship this computer to them for investigation.

Good luck,

- Nick

p.s. By the way...in the photo in your original post...it shows 4 firewire drives hooked up to your iMac...what's the deal with that?...just curious (that's a lot of drives).;)
 
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Ha, I'll be at that store on the Monday. Good times...

EDIT: I think I'll rely on the warranty first :)

David
 

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pangster, why do you feel your replies are not visible?
 

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