The new Apple iMac desktop PC is based on Intel's Core Duo T2400 microprocessor, marking a major departure for Apple, which has never used an Intel-made microprocessor in its PCs reports Digitimes.

iSuppli's teardown of the new iMac revealed that Apple also is using Intel's mobile 945 core-logic chipset (Intel 82945GM northbridge and Intel NH82801GBMSL8YB southbridge) to support the Core Duo microprocessor, and ATI RADEON X1600 graphics card. The estimated the cost of the microprocessor being US$265 and the two-device chipset US$45. Together, the Intel microprocessor and Mobile 945 chipset account for 35 percent of the new iMac's total BOM.

The Intel chips in the iMac are designed for use in notebook PCs, rather than desktops, noted iSuppli. The company also noted that Apple's decision to use Intel's notebook-oriented solution in its desktop iMac was a logical move. Above the US$873 cost of components, the iMac carries a US$25 manufacturing and test cost, adding up to an US$898 cost. The cost estimate does not account for other items included with the iMac like keyboards, mice, etc.