Should You Still Buy a 2017 5K 27" iMac in 2023? You Might Be Surprised

In a world where Apple releases shiny new gear every year, it's easy to overlook older tech. But what if I told you that a 2017 5K 27-inch iMac—yes, that seven-year-old machine—could still be one of the best value buys in 2023? Stick around, because I think you’re going to be surprised.

This post is part one of a two-part series. Today, I’ll make the case for why this iMac is still worth your time and money. In the next post, I’ll show you its real-world performance—no benchmarks, just how it works in actual use.

Who Is This iMac For?

Let’s be honest. Not everyone can drop $1,600+ on an Apple Studio Display and another chunk of change on a Mac just to power it. But what if you could get that same jaw-dropping 5K visual experience—plus a fully functional Mac—for a fraction of the price?

If you’re on a budget but want:

  • A beautiful 5K Retina display

  • An all-in-one computer with enough power for photo/video editing

  • A premium build that still feels modern

…this iMac is for you.

Even basic tasks like web browsing, watching 4K YouTube videos, or working on documents feel elevated on this screen. Viewing your phone’s photos on it? It’s like seeing them again for the first time. The color accuracy, clarity, and detail will blow you away.

But Isn’t It… Old?

Yes, it’s a 2017 model. But here's the kicker: I’m running macOS Ventura on it—no hacks, no workarounds. It boots quickly (especially from an external SSD), runs smoothly, and has zero lag. In fact, I use this iMac over my M1-powered 24-inch iMac for most of my daily work—including editing over 500 4K YouTube videos.

It’s important to note, however, that macOS support may not continue forever. That’s one reason I’m recommending this machine now, in 2023—but I probably won’t say the same in a year or two. But as of today, you can still run the latest macOS and get regular security updates.

What’s the Catch?

There are a couple of caveats:

  1. You’ll get addicted to 5K. Once you experience a 5K display, it’s hard—no, impossible—to go back to 1080p or even 1440p.

  2. macOS updates may eventually stop. Apple tends to cut off older models after a while, but you’ll still get security updates for some time. Plus, tech-savvy users can keep these machines alive with tools like OpenCore for unofficial macOS updates.

  3. You need an SSD. The stock Fusion Drive is okay, but an external SSD boots faster and makes the whole system feel snappy.

How Much Does It Cost?

Let’s talk price. You’re not spending $2,000 like people did in 2017. Today, you can find refurbished models for as low as $549–$719. Here are a few examples:

  • OWC (Other World Computing): $719 for an upgraded i7 model with 16GB RAM and a 256GB SSD.

  • Mac of All Trades: $549–$624 for base models, depending on configuration.

  • eBay: Even lower if you’re willing to shop around carefully.

That’s less than the cost of just a Studio Display—and you’re getting an entire computer!

Compare that to similarly priced Windows all-in-ones: you're often stuck with plastic builds, mediocre screens, and weak performance. This iMac, on the other hand, still feels premium—machined aluminum, gorgeous display, and a fantastic keyboard.

Why I Still Use This in 2023

Let’s sum it up with some hard-hitting reasons:

✅ The Display

Still unmatched unless you go for Apple’s Studio Display. Crystal-clear, color-accurate, and stunning.

✅ Real Performance

From 4K video editing to graphic design and even some light coding—this machine handles it. No stuttering. No waiting.

✅ macOS Compatibility

Still runs Ventura today. Could be usable for years with updates and OpenCore in the future.

✅ Upgrade Options

  • RAM is user-upgradable (one of the last Macs where this is possible).

  • External SSD booting makes it incredibly fast.

  • Up to 128GB of RAM possible (I’m using 24GB—more than enough).

✅ Ports

You get multiple USB-A ports, Thunderbolt 3, SD card slot, Ethernet… all the connectivity that many modern Macs lack.

Final Thoughts: Worth It?

For around $550, you’re getting a machine that:

  • Looks beautiful on your desk

  • Works beautifully for nearly every task

  • Will likely retain resale value in 2–3 years

And the risk? Minimal. If you don’t love it, sell it for $100 less. It’s a low-cost experiment with a potentially huge payoff.

So, is it worth buying in 2023? Absolutely. But act fast—these are becoming harder to find in good condition. And stay tuned for the next post, where I’ll show real-world performance to back all this up.

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