Is my early 2006 iMac 32-bit or 64-bit?

I ask because Mactracker says that it's 32-bit, so does that mean that Snow Leopard would be a waste of time? I thought the whole point was that it's 64-bit, but if it runs in 32-bit mode only then I can't see the performance increase being anything to talk about.

I get:
+| | "firmware-abi" = <EFI32>+
This just tells me that the EFI (firmware?) is 32-bit, but not anything about the Core Duo processor or other hardware capabilities.
There is nothing under Hardware in System Profiler that identifies the bit of the hardware, 32 or 64, it doesn't even tell me the CPU model number (in fact, there is no CPU information other than "Intel Core Duo", "1.84GHz", 2 cores and 2MB L2 Cache). Mactracker says that this is a "Yonah" T2400 Intel Core Duo.
After a bit of digging I came up with this on the Intel website:
http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=27235
It states that the T2400 CPU has a 32-bit instruction set, which I take as final proof that it is a 32-bit CPU and (as far as my understanding of computing goes) is not capable of running true 64-bit code in a 64-bit address space. Therefore all Snow Leopard code should run in 32-bit mode (I really don't know how or believe it if someone says that it can run 64-bit applications on 32-bit hardware). I can only conclude that I should expect 32-bit performance, any performance increase over normal Leopard will be from more efficient code and not anything to do with it being 64-bit.
I think my best option would be to wait for a few updates, perhaps by 10.6.5 they will have better 64-bit support, the iMacs will boot into 64-bit mode by default (I know it can be tweaked but that's not the point) and I can expect to see much improved performance from the latest hardware and software.'
One of the things I do that takes a lot of CPU time is video crunching, whether it be converting or iMovie / iDVD. This process is what I am most interested in speeding up, I know there will be no substitute for a faster CPU but I'm hopeful that running in 64-bit mode will help with shifting such large amounts of data around the system.

Similar Messages

Where can i download audio drivers for early 2006 imac?

please help me to download audio driver for my early 2006 imac that i purchased USED my built-in mic does not work! THANK YOU

It most likely is disconnected or broken if someone has been working on that iMac.
Go to: Apple > About This Mac > More Info and in the Hardware secton select Audio (Built-in) and see if the Internal Microphone is listed there.
If it is, then go to: Applications > Utilities > open Audio MIDI Setup > select Built-in Input and fiddle around with the settings to see if you can get it working.
If not, then you need to have the Built-in Mic serviced and/or replaced.
Alternately there are Mac compatible USB Mic's and iSight Cameras out there that work well with iMac's.

Early-2009 iMac Windows 7 Pro 64-bit

I have a 24" early-2009 iMac (2.66 Ghz, Intel based, 8 GB of RAM, 2 TB hard drive, Mountain Lion OSX). Apple's website fails to list my particular iMac in the list of machines that can only run Windows 7 Pro 32-bit so I bought a 64-bit copy (there was another website that I located that listed my iMac as being capable of running both the 32-bit and 64-bit versions). Today I went to load Windows 7 throuh bootcamp, but the instructions for bootcamp state that the 64-bit version can only work on iMacs starting in LATE 2009.
Does anyone know if the version of Windows 7 that I have will work with my iMac? Anyone had any success loading Windows 7 Pro 64-bit through bootcamp on an early-2009 iMac?
Please note that I posted a similar question earlier today, but it wasn't listed under this particular community and figured this was the better place to ask this question. Also, I have reviewed other similar postings but most seem to get into the technical issues of loading Windows 7 through bootcamp, but don't address the issue here of using an early-2009 iMac. If, however, I have overlooked such a posting then please direct me to it because I want to get Windows running so I can run Microsoft Office.
Thanks.

There has always been a way to get x64 to install - where there is will there is way. I have 2006 Mac with 64-bit processor (Xeon) but EFI is 32-bit, which would also mean that even if I used 32-bit Windows I would only be able to use a meager 1.9GB RAM! to say I ain't about to and amused at this is an understatement.
http://www.gopulls.com/blog/2009.08.26/install-windows-7-x64-on-a-mac-beat-the-s elect-cd-rom-boot-type-error/
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2372797?threadID=2372797&tstart=0
http://sergiomcfly.blogspot.com/2008/04/select-cd-rom-boot-type-when-installing. html
Some require using your Windows in a VM first.
VirtualBox is free VM
Windows 8 Preview is also free (32/64 versions)
The iMac was really strange. Even the 2008s had Penryn 64-bit processor and Apple had started supporting both MacBook and MacBook Pro 64-bit (they later degraded MacBook to not being supported in late 2008 - really ).
You want Office, and it might run just fine in 32-bit in a VM so another reason to try VirtualBox - I know Excel runs better natively
Macs that work with 64-bit editions of Microsoft Windows Vista and Windows 7
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1846
If you see this:
"Installation error: Boot Camp x64 is unsupported on this computer model."
Means just use control+click and "Troubleshooting Compatibility Mode" and/or use the BOOTCAMP64.msi app directly instead of SETUP or anything else. I know Lion Boot Camp support software is even more agressive at this whole "unsupported" stuff - very odd to say the least.

Early 2006 iMac processor upgrade

I have an "Early 2006" Core Duo 20" iMac. I know that the processor can be upgraded (this model was socketed, unlike later iMac models).
My research on the internet concerning this comes up with info that outdated. I know that it is difficult, and I know that the chip needs to be a "mobile Core 2 Duo chip" (those that
My questions are:
1. Has anyone on this board done this?
2. What processors am I limited to, as the info I see is a couple of years old and applies to older processors? I obviously do not want to insert an incompatible chip or one that runs too hot for my logic board & fans (even though I am sure I could use SMC fan Control to help out).
3. Is the old limitation of 2gb ram limited by the 32-bit nature of the Core Duo or by the logic board... meaning if I DO upgrade to a 64-bit Core 2 Duo chip, does that change the 2GB RAM limit?
BTW, these are two of the older articles I've combed through:
http://www.maclife.com/article/createupgrade_your_imac_to_a_core_2_duoprocessor?page=0%2C0
and
http://www.xlr8yourmac.com/systems/macmini_core_2_duoswaps.html#storytop

Hi Charles
It's a little off the subject, but it would probably cost you less in the long run to sell your Core Duo and buy a New, an Apple Refurbished or Pre-Owned Core 2 Duo.
Check out > [Pre-Owned Intel Core 2 Duo iMac's|http://www.applepalace.com/apple-mac/apple-computers/imac-desktop-system s/imac-intel/index.asp]
Dennis

So I cannot use iCloud cause I have with one early 2006 iMac, one Macbook Air

I have two Macs now:
1 iMac early 2006 (intel core duo)
1 latest Macbook Air
So I upgraded my MobileMe to iCloud in my Macbook Air and I syncronized my info. But when I use my iMac (i cannot install lion cause it doesn't accept core duos) I cannot have the syncronized info!! Because I cannot have iCloud installed on my Snow Leopard!!
So when I was doig everything smoothly with MobileMe (keeping syncronized two macs) now I cannot cause iCloud couldn't be installed on Snow Leopard of my iMac.
WHY?? Apple instead of simplifing things (as they were doing not long time ago) now it gets things more complicated!!!

But this wasn't the way apple were doing things!! I can see that you are a new apple user,
this is the mentality which apple styaed always away: old tecnology!! it's just a crap! I am a paying MobileMe (or call it .Mac) customer since 2005.
and it is not about tecnology!! they can simply still allow installing iCloud on Snow leopards!! and using it could be allowed who owns another Lion computer or IPhone ios5!

17" early 2006 iMac powers down during startup

I am running 10.5.2 on an early 2006 1.86GHz Intel Core Duo 17" iMac (white), 160GB HD, 8x Superdrive, 2x1GB RAM.
1MB L2 Cache (from memory), bus speed 667 MHz (also from memory).
Latest BootROM (forget which one), checked for updates about a week ago.
Am, or rather was. It died this afternoon. I came back to it after lunch and the hard disk was making a distinctive pattern of clicks - a slow 1 - 2 - 3, which sounded like regular clicks and releases of a button, and then a short burst, followed by the 1 - 2 - 3 etc. The noises themselves weren't unusual, sounding just like ordinary disk access sounds, it was just the regular pattern that was distinctive, and the fact that none of my open apps were responding. I had been copying some files to the computer over the network and the copy had errored out with only a few files left to copy. Over the next 30-45 minutes I managed to force quit all the apps (about 7mins per program), but still couldn't shut down or restart, and ended up holding down the power button to switch the machine off.
I gave it half and hour's rest and powered it up, but it got stuck after the apple logo and the circle of spinning bars appeared (they were both still there). The hard disk made the distinctive pattern of sounds again.
The next time I started it, I tried zapping the PRAM, but the machine got to the same stage before powering itself down. Trying to boot into Safe mode or from my Leopard install DVD or in Target Disk Mode also failed. Every time, the Apple logo and the spinning circle of bars appeared, then the machine shut off, I presume before it can do any of those tasks.
I have tried taking each of the RAM modules out - same result.
I am not sure whether the problem is the hard disk, or the logic board or power supply, or something else entirely. I have heard on another forum that some iMacs went out with faulty capacitors on the logic boards and that you can check on Apple's website to see if your serial number falls into that range, but I can't find the page (search terms were intel imac logic board faulty capacitors power supply serial number, and variations thereof).
Recently I have installed several freeware and shareware apps from magazine DVDs, and had particular problems with Intego Fileguard. It creates 'safes' to encrypt folders you specify, though when I asked it to put my emails, pictures, movies and music in four separate safes they all became corrupted immediately. In the case of the pictures and music I lost most of the files (nearly all recoverable from backups/original CDs, thankfully!).
Also, just yesterday the machine had crashed after a restart, reaching the same point as it does now, but this time it didn't power off. When I powered it down and gave it a rest, it started up normally.
This is my first dead Mac, and I'm realising what a traumatic experience it can be. Help will be much appreciated!

Welcome to the Apple Discussions!
I would reset the System Management Controler.

Need early 2006 iMac installation disks, which ones?

I need to know which SPECIFIC installation disks came with or are usable on a 2006 iMac. I wiped the computer before knowing my MacBook OS X Tiger disks wouldn't work on the iMac. So I either need to purchase new disks as the computer I inherited did not come with the disks or can anyone help me figure out how to get the OS back on the computer?

You can get replacement System Install & Restore CD/DVDs from Apple's Customer Support - in the US, (800) 767-2775 - for a nominal S&H fee. You'll need to have the model and/or serial number of your Mac available.
If you're not in the US, you may need to go through the regional Apple Store that serves your location to find the contact number. Here's a list of links to all of those - http://store.apple.com/Catalog/US/Images/intlstoreroutingpage.html Another resource: International Support Phone #s.

Early 2006 iMac Kernel Panics on startup

We have recently purchased a second hand 20" iMac, and after a few days it has started to kernel panic on startup, before the Apple logo disappears. A whirring when it begins to turn on has also appeared.
I shall photograph the kernel panic message if it helps. The local Apple Store have suggested that since there is a greater time period before the Apple Logo appears, the fault might be something to do with the motherboard/hard drive. Are there any suggestions here which may help us?
Thank you.

KimGale wrote:
The kernel panic occurs before I can log in.
here's some to read up on:
_*Resolving Kernel Panics*_ and here _*http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2546*_.
for OS X 10.6 specifically, see this: http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?path=Mac/10.6/en/8965.html.
also
_*What is a kernel panic*_,
_*Technical Note TN2063: Understanding and Debugging Kernel Panics*_,
_*Mac OS X Kernel Panic FAQ*_,
and
_*Tutorial: Avoiding and eliminating Kernel panics*_
The disk is in there, and now we can't get it out
FWIW,
Kappy wrote:
Five ways to eject a stuck CD or DVD from the optical drive
Ejecting the stuck disc can usually be done in one of the following ways:
1. Restart the computer and after the chime press and hold down the left mouse button until the disc ejects.
2. Press the Eject button on your keyboard.
3. Click on the Eject button in the menubar.
4. Press COMMAND-E.
5. If none of the above work try this:
Open the Terminal application in your Utilities folder. At the prompt enter or paste the following:
/usr/bin/drutil eject.
If this fails then try this:
Boot the computer into single-user mode. At the prompt enter the same command as used above. To restart the computer enter "reboot" at the prompt without quotes.
JGG

Early 2006 IMAC wont start up

So here is my problem.
20" imac was working fine today- we were listening to music on itunes and came back to change the song and the computer would not respond. Tried command-option-esc and the like- nothing worked.
So I turned it off and unplugged it, let it rest for a minute to reset RAM, restarted it.
It gets as far as the grey startup screen with the wheel turning and stalls out there.
I have tried safe booting with shift key-- didn't work.
Starting up pressing D and running the hardware test- everything is fine.
Command Option P-R then restart- nothing.
So I started up from the DVD and ran disk utility to try and verify and repair volume. It immediately said "Invalid Volume header", thought a few seconds then said "Invalid node structure" and an error message pops up saying repair was unsuccessful.
Is there anything else I can do besides take it to an Apple Store?
Any thoughts would be appreciated!
Thanks in advance
20 inch IMAC Mac OS X (10.4.7)

Sounds like you've tried just about everything. Strange that it passed the hardware test and then gave you a message saying that the repair of the disk was unsuccessful.... Did you recently install some new software or memory on your Mac? You might try and do a complete system reinstall. If that doesn't help then take it back to apple.
lenn

CD Jammed in early 2006 17" iMac

Not sure if this is in the right section but anywho...
I was installing Windows XP on Boot Camp on my Early 2006 iMac, and it was going fine until the screen went black and I got "Disk Error".
Now I can't eject the CD whatsoever. It comes up on the Finder and can be accessed, but when I press eject, or use terminal or startup key commands, it just makes lots of struggling sounds and gives up then just reads the disk again.
I've tried using credit cards, various small metal things to try and force the disk out, and various key commands etc.
Any other suggestions??
Thanks

Restart your computer and hold the left mouse button down. This will initiate a disc eject. If that fails don't try to force the disc out - take it to an authorized repair center. Sticking things into the optical drive is a good way to ruin the drive and/or disc and to void your warranty (assuming your computer is still under warranty).

Snow Leopard runs super slow on early 2006 (Intel) iMac

Hi. I need some advice please. I have an early 2006 iMac 20" that was running slow and I wanted to upgrade OS and main applications so I bought the SL box set. I backed up my data on a USB HDD and did a clean install, but now the system runs incredibly slowly. Genius at the Apple store ran diagnostics all day and found no problems with the HW and recommended I added another 1GB of RAM to existing 1GB. I did and system is still incredibly slow. I get the beach ball all the time and sometimes the system is completely unresponsive. Anyone else have performance issues with SL on this model iMac?
Message was edited by: Leibochips

See:
Mac Maintenance Quick Assist,
Mac OS X speed FAQ,
Speeding up Macs,
Macintosh OS X Routine Maintenance
Essential Mac Maintenance: Get set up,
Essential Mac Maintenance: Rev up your routines,
Maintaining OS X, and
Myths of required versus not required maintenance for Mac OS X for possible fixes.

HT5639 how to install bootcamp on windows 7 64 bit on late 2006 imac

I ma trying to get Windows 2007 ultimate to install boot camp on my late 2006 24"CTO iMac. I am able to install the OS but when it come to install bootcamp it tells me that 64 bit is not supported on this machine. I need to be able to install it so all drivers get installed and the boot selector gets installed.
The machine I know is not true 64 bit and I wish it was a cheap way to make it 64 bit but I can't afford a new Mac at this time.
The specs are:
2.33 GHz Core 2 Duo
4 GB Ram
1 TB HD
256 MB Nvidia 7600GT
24" High Res Display upgrade
Thanks for the help and if it is no way then I am stuck with using the alt or option key at boot to select OXS after a reboot out of Windows 7.
Tim

Your iMac does not run 64 bit Windows. See the following table from http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5634
Mac model
Windows 8, 64-bit
Windows 7, 64-bit
Windows 7, 32-bit
Windows Vista, 64-bit
Windows Vista, 32-bit
Windows XP, 32-bit
iMac (27-inch, Late 2012)
5
5
iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2012)
5
5
iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2011)
5
5
4
iMac (27-inch, Mid 2011)
5
5
4
iMac (21.5-inch, Mid 2011)
5
5
4
iMac (27-inch, Mid 2010)
5
5
4
iMac (21.5-inch, Mid 2010)
4
4
iMac (27-inch, Late 2009) 1
4
4
iMac (27-inch, Late 2009) 2
4
4
4
4
4
iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2009)
4
4
4
4
4
iMac (20-inch, Mid 2009)
4
4
4
iMac (20-inch, Early 2009)
4
4
4
iMac (24-inch, Early 2008)
4
4
4
iMac (20-inch, Early 2008)
4
4
4
iMac (24-inch, Mid 2007)
4
4
4
iMac (20-inch, Mid 2007)
4
4
4
iMac (24-inch, Late 2006)
4
4
4
iMac (17-inch, Late 2006, CD)
4
4
4
iMac (20-inch, Late 2006)
4
4
4
iMac (17-inch, Late 2006)
4
4
4
iMac (17-inch, Mid 2006)
4
4
iMac (17-inch, Early 2006)
4
4
4

Power supply of iMac (17-inch Early 2006) Serial number: W862742AU2N

dear all
i have {iMac (17-inch Early 2006)-Serial number: W862742AU2N}, the power supply of this computer got burnt. i took this computer to Delhi (as i am living in the eastern part of india and there are only few Apple service center in this country.)
service center told me that this power supply is not available -
deatils of the powewr supply is this
Celeteronix
Model No. M38A/M60
CELETERONIX P/N:APP-22-LFM38A/LFM60
In Put- 100-240VAC,50/60Hz
Out Put- +12 DC/15.4A()
Max out put power : 185W
APPLE P/N 614-0394
any help is highly appreciated
thanks in advance \
regards
shriprakash
Jharkhand, india

Hello Alex,
We're just other users here, & I don't consider it likey, but if AppleCare can't help, ask to speak to customer service, also, no idea on EU consumer laws that I hear are a bit better than over here.

My iMac is an early 2006 running Snow Leopard and cannot be upgraded to Lion or Mt Lion. Do I have to buy a new computer in order to use the iphone 5 which I have ordered ?? ?

My iMac is an early 2006 model running Snow Leopard 10.6.8 and cannot be up graded to Lion or Mountain Lion. I also am running iTunes 10.6.3 and cannot down load iTunes 7.
Hardware Overview:
Model Name:          iMac
Model Identifier:          iMac4,1
Processor Name:          Intel Core Duo
Processor Speed:          1.83 GHz
Number Of Processors:          1
Total Number Of Cores:          2
L2 Cache:          2 MB
Memory:          1.5 GB
Bus Speed:          667 MHz
Boot ROM Version:          IM41.0055.B08
SMC Version (system):          1.1f5
Serial Number (system):          W8******U2N
Hardware UUID:         ****
It is running through a cable modem and Wi-Fi Extreme and is lightning fast.
I cannot afford to buy nor do I need a faster and more powerful iMac. My G3 iPhone accidently went swimming the other day (and died) after I had already ordered a new iPhone 5 which hasn't arrived yet.
My bottom line question is ; Do I have to buy a new iMac to be able to use my new iPhone 5.    Thanks, Ted
<Edited By Host>

OSX 10.6.8 can run iTunes 10.7
iTunes system requirements - http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/

Windows 7 Pro 64-Bit on Early 2008 iMac - No CD/DVD Driver error

Hi,
I'm trying to install Windows 7 64-bit on my early 2008 iMac and its failing at the point after I click "Start Install" in the Windows 7 installation.
Its complaining that I don't have the required CD/DVD drivers, and prompts me to insert a disk/usb drive. Well, I can't find a way to eject the Win7 disk.
Is there a way around this? Or am I going to have to install Win7 32-bit? Will my licence for the 64-bit version work with a 32-bit version instead??
Thanks

Hi
You dont need to change the booting order in BIOS.
You can boot from CD/DVD drive using another way
Press F12 after notebook has powered up
Then a boot menu should appear there you should choose the ODD as booting device and should press ENTER.
This would enable the booting from CD/DVD drive
You can also press the C button immediately after notebook has powered up this should enable CD/DVD drive as well.!

Is my early 2006 iMac 32-bit or 64-bit?

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