HT201634: Identify the model of your iMac

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jim49b

Q: What is the difference between a 21.5 Model ME086XX/A (late 2013) and MG022XX/A or MF883XX/A (mid 2014)?

I ordered an iMac and noticed the model no. Is for a late 2013 vs miid 2014 model. Should I insist on a later model before accepting delivery?

Posted on May 1, 2015 2:13 PM

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Q: What is the difference between a 21.5 Model ME086XX/A (late 2013) and MG022XX/A or MF883XX/A (mid 2014)?

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  • by rkaufmann87,Helpful

    rkaufmann87 rkaufmann87 May 2, 2015 11:51 AM in response to jim49b
    Level 9 (58,115 points)
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    May 2, 2015 11:51 AM in response to jim49b

    No, the only 2014 21.5" model is an entry level configuration. The 2013 models are still current models. Rather than sending model numbers if you sent the specifications to the two machines you are considering then we can advise which is better for your needs. Of course you will need to include what your needs consist of too, meaning how you intend to use the computer, which applications you use etc...

  • by jim49b,

    jim49b jim49b May 2, 2015 12:47 PM in response to rkaufmann87
    Level 1 (0 points)
    May 2, 2015 12:47 PM in response to rkaufmann87

    Thanks for your reply. Not sure what you mean by "entry level configuration". When I looked at the support page for how to identify your Mac, https://support.apple.com/en-ca/HT201634, there are 3 listings for the 21.5" iMac. the late 2013 model identifier is shown as iMac 14,1, while the 2 mid 2014 models show iMac 14,4 Under the Model identifier. When I ordered my machine from Staples recently, I just presumed I would be getting the latest model. I can't see any difference in the specifications, but I am concerned about getting a 2013 machine in 2015, and the effect this will have on potential resale value should I want to trade up in one or two years from now. It just seems that a mid 2014 14,4 model would be more advanced in some way than a late 2013 14,1 model, and if I am paying current list price, I should be getting the latest model. There must be some reason for this difference in Model Identifier and Model Number which would make the decision on whether to cancel my order or not, a lot easier. Thanks for your time.

  • by rkaufmann87,

    rkaufmann87 rkaufmann87 May 2, 2015 1:08 PM in response to jim49b
    Level 9 (58,115 points)
    Photos for Mac
    May 2, 2015 1:08 PM in response to jim49b

    The only 2014 21.5" model is This one 

     

    All other 21.5" iMacs sold as new are 2013 models.

     

    If you are still confused, please call Apple's online store and they can help you select the right iMac for your needs. You can find that phone number on Apple's store home page. For example in the USA it is 1 800 MY APPLE

  • by Old Toad,Solvedanswer

    Old Toad Old Toad May 6, 2015 5:13 PM in response to jim49b
    Level 10 (140,898 points)
    Photos for Mac
    May 6, 2015 5:13 PM in response to jim49b

    Here are the differences between those two models:

    Mactracker001.jpg

    The late 2013 had an option between two different CPUs [Intel Core i5 (4570R, 4570S) or Core i7 (4770S) ("Haswell")] whereas the 2014 does not [Intel Core i5 (4260U) ("Haswell")].  By the order no of the 2013 it appears that the Staples offering had the Core i5 cpu so they would be same.  You can see the other specs of the two units with the MacTracker application.

    OTsig.png

  • by jim49b,

    jim49b jim49b May 6, 2015 5:21 PM in response to Old Toad
    Level 1 (0 points)
    May 6, 2015 5:21 PM in response to Old Toad

    Many thanks for your advice. Based on this information, I decided to let my order at Staples stand. I haven't picked the machine up yet, but am expecting good things based on my experience to date with a 2011 iMac 27.5", and a MacBook Pro, same vintage, already in the family.

     

    Jim49b

  • by trev1124 ,

    trev1124 trev1124 May 6, 2015 11:09 PM in response to jim49b
    Level 2 (317 points)
    May 6, 2015 11:09 PM in response to jim49b

    Hi

    I was also concerned having taken delivery of a new iMac 21.5 inch in December last year only to see on the product details it was a late 2013 model and not the Mid 2014 i was expecting. As the guys have pointed out in previous posts unless I had ordered the newly introduced mid 2014 "basic" model then the late 2013 was the current build which i was going to get.

  • by bvkoski,

    bvkoski bvkoski Jul 10, 2015 10:04 PM in response to rkaufmann87
    Level 2 (250 points)
    Jul 10, 2015 10:04 PM in response to rkaufmann87

    On this apple webpage, they currently show TWO 2014 21.5" iMacs: How to identify iMac models - Apple Support

    2014
    iMac (21.5-inch, Mid 2014)iMac14,4MF883XX/A
    iMac (21.5-inch, Mid 2014)iMac14,4MG022XX/A

     

    I know one of them is the low-grade 1.4GHz. What is the other one?