The iMac "Core i7" 2.8 21.5-Inch Aluminum (Mid-2011) is technically a "configure-to-order" version of the iMac "Core i5" 2.7 21.5-Inch Aluminum (Mid-2011), but is also documented separately for user convenience. The two models are identical, except for the processor and its corresponding L3 cache.
This model is powered by a Quad Core 2.8 GHz Intel "Core i7" I7-2600S (Sandy Bridge) processor, which includes a dedicated 256k L2 cache per core and an 8 MB shared L3 cache. It uses a "Direct Media Interface" (DMI) that connects the processor and chipset at 5 GT/s, rather than a system bus.
If only the processor is customized, its configuration includes 4 GB of RAM (1333 MHz PC3-10600 DDR3 SDRAM), a 1 TB (7200 RPM) hard drive, a vertical slot-loading DVD±R DL "SuperDrive", and AMD Radeon HD 6770M graphics with 512 MB of dedicated GDDR5 memory. It also features an integrated "FaceTime HD" video camera and stereo speakers under the 21.5" glossy 16:9 LED-backlit TFT Active Matrix LCD (1920x1080 native) with "IPS technology".
Connectivity consists of four USB 2.0 ports, a Firewire "800" port, built-in AirPort Extreme, Gigabit Ethernet, an SDXC card slot, and a single "Thunderbolt" port. This port is backward compatible with Mini DisplayPort, supports an external display up to 30" (2560x1600), and allows connection of other Thunderbolt peripherals with up to 10 Gbps of bidirectional bandwidth.
Externally, the "Mid-2011" iMac line shares the "edge-to-edge" glass design and "seamless all aluminum enclosure" of the preceding "Mid-2010" models. Internally, however, this line is upgraded with faster processors and graphics, along with external improvements like a higher-resolution webcam and a Thunderbolt port.
The "Mid-2011" iMacs were shipped with a compact aluminum Apple Wireless Keyboard and a choice of a multi-touch "Magic Mouse" or a "Magic Trackpad" for gesture controls. An aluminum remote was also available as a US$19 add-on.