How much we pay for an iMac: prices by model and year
The buyout price of an Apple all-in-one depends on the model, screen size and year. Below is a table of maximum payouts for the 9 positions we accept, plus a direct answer to "24 M1 or 27 Intel — which is worth more".
Payout table by iMac model
| iMac model | We pay up to, ₸ |
|---|---|
| iMac Pro 27″ | 850 000 |
| iMac 27″ Retina 5K (2020) | 620 000 |
| iMac 27″ Retina 5K (2019) | 480 000 |
| iMac 24″ M1 | 420 000 |
| iMac 27″ Retina 5K (2017) | 310 000 |
| iMac 21,5″ Retina 4K (2019) | 260 000 |
| iMac 21,5″ (2017) | 190 000 |
| iMac 21,5″ (2015) | 130 000 |
| iMac for parts | 45 000 |
The top model in excellent condition with a full kit gets the maximum amount. At Topcash, chips on the screen or a missing box lower the payout, but we still buy the all-in-one — all the way down to the "for parts" position.
Which is worth more — iMac 24″ M1 or iMac 27″ Intel
We buy the iMac 27″ Retina 5K (2020) on Intel for up to 620,000 ₸, and the iMac 24″ M1 for up to 420,000 ₸: the larger screen and professional line are valued higher despite the newer Apple Silicon chip. The 200,000 ₸ difference comes down to the 27-inch versus 24-inch size and positioning: 27-inch models were bought for video editing, graphics and development, so demand for them stays higher. The Apple M1 chip in a 24-inch body is faster in everyday tasks, but its memory is capped at 16 GB, while Intel versions come in configurations with 32 and 64 GB — a decisive factor for heavy projects. If you have a 24″ M1 all-in-one in perfect condition with the box and Magic Keyboard — send photos: the kit and year can push the payout closer to the top of the range.
How much an iMac buyout costs — what drives the spread
The spread of iMac buyout payouts in Almaty is from 45,000 ₸ to 850,000 ₸: a nearly 19-fold difference explained by model, year, screen condition and kit. Model and screen size set the base: iMac 27 costs more than 24, and the Pro costs more than both. The year and processor generation — Intel or Apple M — shift the amount by 30-50% between neighboring generations. Chips, backlight bleed and scratches on the screen lower the payout, while an SSD instead of an HDD and more RAM add to the price. The box, keyboard, mouse and documents are another plus to the amount. We check demand against Kaspi Magazin, OLX.kz and Technodom: if a model sells actively on the secondary market, we pay more willingly. Before contacting us, check the model in the "About This Mac" menu — the exact name and year speed up the appraisal and help us name a real amount right away instead of a "range".
What determines the buyout price of an iMac
Even the same model is valued differently — six factors affect the final amount. We break down each one so you understand exactly what we pay more for.
Model, screen size and year of release
The iMac 27″ costs more than the 24″, the iMac Pro costs more than both, and each new generation of Intel or Apple M processor adds to the payout — that's why we always confirm the year of release first. In our experience, the iMac Pro 27″ sells at the top rate, while the iMac 21.5″ with Core i5 is worth three times less. Screen size doesn't affect the price on its own, but through the configuration: the 27″ Retina 5K almost always comes with discrete graphics and more memory, while the 24″ M1 has an integrated Apple chip. The difference between Intel and Apple M generations is noticeable in demand: M1 models sell more readily because they run quieter and cooler. If you're unsure about the year, send the serial number via WhatsApp: we'll use it to determine the exact configuration and won't lower the amount due to confusion over generations.
Screen condition, memory and storage
- Screen: chips, backlight bleed and deep scratches reduce the payout — we check visually.
- Storage: SSD is valued higher than HDD and Fusion Drive, we confirm the capacity in "About This Mac".
- RAM: more RAM — higher price, especially for 27″ and Pro.
- Ports and camera: working Thunderbolt and FaceTime HD confirm it's in good order.
- Accessories: box, Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse and documents add to the amount.
- Demand: we check the market against Kaspi Store, OLX.kz and Technodom.
Accessories and documents — what really adds to the price
We'll buy an iMac without the box and documents, but with the full set — box, keyboard, mouse and documents — the price is higher; a store receipt isn't required. At Topcash, accessories are valued as a separate line: original packaging with a matching serial number and working peripherals add noticeably more to the payout than a box darkened by time. Documents matter not on their own, but as confirmation of the device's origin — if the receipt is lost, a national ID of Kazakhstan is enough, and we'll check the serial number against the databases. Third-party keyboards and mice barely affect the price: iMac buyers want the original Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse. If the keyboard or mouse is missing, don't buy new ones just to sell — their cost won't pay off in the payout, it's better to simply mention the missing accessories in advance.
A faulty iMac and an iMac for parts
Not every all-in-one can be repaired, but almost every one can be turned into money. We break down how non-working devices are appraised, how much is paid for them, and which units won't be accepted anywhere.
Will we buy an iMac with a broken screen or one that won't turn on
Yes, iMac buyout in Almaty also covers non-working all-in-ones: up to 45 000 ₸ is paid for a unit for parts — the result depends on the screen size, year and nature of the fault. A broken display, a flooded board, a burnt-out power supply, a bent aluminium frame — the appraiser breaks down each defect into the surviving components: Intel processor or M-series chip, RAM, SSD, motherboard, fans, power supply. A working motherboard from a 27-inch 2019 model costs several times more than one from a 21.5-inch 2015 model, so the same "won't turn on" is valued differently. Moreover, an all-in-one with a cracked glass but working internals is more profitable to sell as a working device at a discount than as a donor. Describe the problem in words via WhatsApp — "won't turn on", "stripes on the screen", "motherboard not working" — and we'll quote a price before your visit, so you don't bring the all-in-one in for nothing.
What we don't buy and why
- Unlinked Apple ID: without signing out of the account and turning off "Find My Mac", the device stays locked for the new owner, so Topcash doesn't accept it.
- Device reported stolen: we check the serial number and IMEI — if it matches the database, we refuse immediately, this is a transaction security requirement.
- Tampered serial number: unreadable or altered markings — an outright refusal, the device's history can't be restored.
- Criminal origin: if there are doubts about lawful ownership, we don't proceed with the deal, even if the all-in-one is technically in good order.
- Check before your visit: if the iMac is reported stolen or the serial number is unreadable, it's better to sort it out with the seller or at a service centre, not at the branch.
How to prepare an iMac for sale
Five steps take about half an hour, but noticeably speed up the deal: a prepared all-in-one is checked faster and appraised higher. Let's go through them in order — from backup to gathering the accessories.
Checklist for preparing an iMac for sale
- Backup: save your working files to an external drive or iCloud — after a system reset, the data can't be recovered.
- Sign out of Apple ID: open “System Settings”, sign out of the account completely and confirm with your password.
- Turn off “Find My Mac”: without this step the all-in-one stays tied to the previous owner, and the sale drags on.
- Factory reset: via recovery mode — this way the iMac returns to a clean state, ready for inspection.
- Gather the kit: box, keyboard, mouse, charger and documents add to the price — Topcash pays more for a full set.
- Check before your visit: wipe the screen, test the ports, camera and sound — it's better to show minor defects right away.
Do I need to unlink Apple ID and what to do if the password is forgotten
Yes, unlinking Apple ID is mandatory: an all-in-one with a linked account won't sell, and resetting the password via the Apple website takes from a few minutes to a day. If access to the email the iCloud is registered to is lost, request a reset via a trusted phone number or Apple support — without this step the deal can't be completed. In our practice, in October someone brought an iMac 24″ M1 bought second-hand three years ago: the previous owner hadn't unlinked “Find My Mac”, and the buyer had to track him down through listings to remove the lock. Check the lock status in advance — on the Apple website or in iCloud settings. If the account belongs to someone else — an ex-spouse, an employer — arrange the sign-out before your visit: Apple's protection can't be bypassed even if you want to sell.
How the deal works: appraisal, documents, money
The deal takes from 15 minutes to half an hour and is processed officially. Here's the step-by-step process and which documents are needed for the iMac buyout.
Appraisal by photo and inspection at the branch
We appraise by photo on WhatsApp free of charge in 5–10 minutes, and the in-branch inspection in your presence takes 10–20 minutes — after it we confirm the price and complete the deal. The appraiser checks the nameplate against the model database, looks at the 21.5 or 27 inch diagonal, Intel or Apple M processor generation, memory size and drive type — an SSD raises the amount, while a mechanical HDD lowers it. The screen is checked separately for chips and backlight bleed, along with the ports, FaceTime camera and speakers: these defects are deducted from the base price per the Topcash price list. Send 3–4 photos — the front panel, the nameplate with the model, the screen turned on and the kit: this way the appraiser will immediately see the condition and quote an exact amount, not a range, and you won't have to bring the all-in-one just to clarify.
Documents and paperwork
For the iMac buyout you only need a national ID of the RK or a passport and to be 18 or older — we complete the deal with a sale and purchase contract, and pay the money right after signing. The contract records the device's serial number, model, amount and date: one copy stays with the seller, the second with the company. The serial number is first checked against Apple and MVD databases — we don't accept all-in-ones with a tampered number or wanted, nor devices with an unlinked Apple ID. If the iMac is registered to a relative, the buyer must still come in person and present their own ID. Insist on a written deal even for a small amount: the contract is the only proof of lawful transfer, and verbal agreements protect neither party in a dispute.
How fast will I get the money
We pay for the iMac right after inspection and signing the contract — in cash or by transfer to Kaspi Gold, Halyk and any card in Kazakhstan. Cash is convenient for amounts up to 300–400 thousand tenge, while for an iMac Pro 27″ with a payout up to 850 000 ₸ a transfer is faster: crediting to a card takes from a few seconds to a couple of minutes depending on the bank. The transfer is recorded in the statement, and you keep a digital confirmation of the amount — this is more convenient than holding a large amount of cash. If you plan to receive the money in cash, warn the appraiser in advance: the branch may not have the needed amount of bills, and then the deal will be postponed for a couple of hours or a transfer will be offered.
Where and when to sell an iMac in Almaty
You can hand in the all-in-one at any time of day — the branch network is open 24/7. Here's where to bring your device and how the deal goes.
6 branches, 24/7, Tole Bi St., 186
An all-in-one can be dropped off at any of Topcash's 6 branches — all are open 24/7, and the location at 186 Tole Bi St. accepts devices without an appointment. An all-in-one counts as a small device, so home pickup isn't needed: bring it yourself to the branch that suits you, the appraiser checks it in front of you in 10–20 minutes and confirms the amount. We pay cash right after the purchase agreement is signed — 24/7, including nights, holidays and weekends. Locals most often go to the branches near Abay metro station and on Rozybakiev St. — there's convenient parking and usually no line in the morning. If you're coming at night or on a weekend, call ahead to check how busy the branch is — during peak hours the check may take a bit longer than the standard 10–20 minutes.
iMac buyout for cash and collateral loan as an alternative
If you need the all-in-one back, instead of selling you can take a collateral loan at Topcash at a rate of 0.19–0.25% per day — but this page is specifically about selling for cash. The difference is fundamental: with a buyout you get the full amount and part with the device for good; with a loan you take money against collateral and get the iMac back after repayment. For the 27″ Retina 5K model the difference in money is noticeable: on a buyout we pay up to 620 000 ₸, while with a loan the amount depends on the appraisal and is usually lower — but the device stays yours. A loan makes sense when you need the all-in-one back in a month or two: you get money now and keep the device, whereas after a sale you can't get it back.
Conclusion
Selling an all-in-one comes down to four questions: how much it's worth, what condition it's in, what to prepare and how to get paid. Below is a short summary worth keeping in mind before the deal.
Key takeaways
- The price depends on the model and condition: payouts range from 45 000 ₸ for a device for parts to 850 000 ₸ for an iMac Pro 27″ in excellent condition.
- A faulty iMac can be sold too: all-in-ones with a cracked screen or that won't turn on are accepted for parts, but cheaper than working ones.
- Preparation speeds up the deal: a backup, signing out of Apple ID, turning off Find My Mac and resetting the system are must-dos before your visit.
- Documents are minimal: a national ID or passport is enough, the deal is formalized with a purchase agreement.
- Money — right away: in cash or by transfer to a Kazakhstan card after the check and signing of the contract.