In the rapidly shifting landscape of 2026, where Apple Silicon is the undisputed king of efficiency, it might seem strange to talk about a machine with an Intel heart. However, for a specific group of professionals and power users in Las Vegas, the 2020 Intel iMac remains a powerhouse that offers capabilities even the newest M-series models can't replicate.
Here is why this legacy machine is still a beast for certain workflows.
1. The Bootcamp Advantage: True Windows Support
For many industries in the valleyāparticularly in law, accounting, and engineeringācertain mission-critical software only runs natively on Windows.
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The Reality: While M-series Macs can use virtualization, it isn't always 100% compatible with complex legacy databases or specialized hardware drivers.
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The Intel Edge: The 2020 iMac allows for Bootcamp, letting you run Windows natively on the hardware. It is quite literally two computers in one, providing full performance for Windows-only applications without compromise.
2. Massive RAM Expandability on a Budget
Apple Silicon is famous for its Unified Memory, which is fast but notoriously expensive and impossible to upgrade after purchase.
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The Reality: If you buy an iMac M3 today, you are stuck with the RAM you chose at checkout.
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The Intel Edge: The 27 inch Intel iMac features a user-accessible RAM door. You can buy a base model and easily upgrade it to 128GB of RAM for a fraction of what Apple charges for memory upgrades. This makes it a monster for massive browser sessions, virtual machines, and huge Photoshop files.
3. The Stunning 5K Retina Display
Even in 2026, the 5K display on the 27 inch Intel iMac is world-class.
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The Reality: To get a comparable screen today, you would need to buy a Mac Studio or Mac Mini and pair it with a Studio Display, which alone costs significantly more than a refurbished Intel iMac.
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The Intel Edge: You get a color-accurate, 500-nit, 5K display integrated into a sleek all-in-one design. For photo editors and document-heavy workers, the pixel density and screen real estate are unbeatable at this price point.
4. Legacy Ports and Peripheral Support
The transition to USB-C has been great for some, but a headache for others who rely on a decade's worth of specialized gear.
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The Reality: Newer Macs often require a dongle forest to connect older hardware.
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The Intel Edge: The 2020 model includes USB-A ports, an SDXC card slot, and Ethernet, alongside Thunderbolt 3. It bridges the gap between your classic reliable peripherals and modern high-speed storage.
| Feature | Apple Silicon iMac (24") | Intel iMac (27" - 2020) |
| Screen Size | 24 inch | 27 inch |
| Resolution | 4.5K Retina | 5K Retina |
| Windows Support | Virtualization Only | Native (Bootcamp) |
| RAM Upgrades | Not Possible | User-Upgradeable (up to 128GB) |
| Legacy Ports | USB-C Only | USB-A + USB-C + SD Card |
Is the Intel iMac Right for You?
While it isn't the choice for someone prioritizing battery efficiency or the absolute latest AI-processing speed, the 2020 Intel iMac is a strategic asset for:
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Professionals needing native Windows compatibility.
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Users who require massive amounts of RAM for specialized tasks.
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Budget-conscious creators who want a 5K display without the price tag.
Stop by our showroom on Eastern Avenue to see why this legacy beast might actually be the smartest upgrade for your specific Las Vegas business needs.
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