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New iMac, what to choose?

Ivan Mervillie
Hi,

Earlier today my trusty 8 years old 27†iMac died on me so I’m in the market for a new computer. For now I withheld two iMacs that are within my budget:

21,5 inch 3,6 GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 with 16 GB 2400-MHz DDR4 and Radeon Pro 555, 2 GB video memory

27 inch 3,5 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 with 16 GB 2400-MHz DDR4 and Radeon Pro 575, 4 GB video memory

The main differences being:
° real estate: 21,5 cs 27 inch
° CPU: 3,6 GHz quad core i7 vs 3,5 GHz quad core i5
° GPU: Radeon Pro 555, 2 GB vs Radeon Pro 575, 4 GB

I tend to go the direction of the 27 inch, i5, Radeon Pro 575

What would you choose for running Capture One Pro? Smaller display, faster CPU and slower GPU versus bigger display, slower CPU and faster GPU?

Thanks
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Comments

9 comments

Date Votes
  • Anthony Sbarro
    No question - larger screen and better graphics. The difference in processor speed is minimal unless you're running a lot of processor intensive activities at the same time. Also, upgrade the RAM when you can.
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  • John Doe
    I would choose the 27-inch too.
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  • Franz J Wenzel
    +3 on 27"
    and if I'm not mistaken, on it you can still upgrade the RAM memory; on the 21" RAM is soldered in (non- removable)...
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  • Ivan Mervillie
    Thanks for the replies. Does a SSD make a big difference in speed compared to the Fusion Drive Apple offers?

    Cheers,
    Ivan
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  • Alessandro Cecconi
    [quote="Ivan E.M." wrote:
    Thanks for the replies. Does a SSD make a big difference in speed compared to the Fusion Drive Apple offers?

    Cheers,
    Ivan

    Sure does. Dont get Fusion Drive. Lots of potential problems
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  • Ivan Mervillie
    Thanks.

    After reading your replies and doing a little online search it starts looking like I'll need to boost up my budget.

    In that case I guess I"ll go for the 27 inch, 3,8-GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, Radeon Pro 580 8GB, 16 GB 2400-MHz DDR4 & 1 TB SSD.

    Ivan
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  • photo by FA
    my personal recommendation, as an iMac user, get the best CPU and GPU you can get.
    For RAM, don't pay Apple an extra penny, check Amazon. There are Mac approved RAMs from reputable manufacturers, I use Crucial, previously had Kingston and had issues as restarts and issues with OS upgrade. Apparently it wasn't an approved RAM, however Crucial works perfectly.

    As internal SSD, get the minimal one, at the end of the day, you'll keep the catalogue there. Then get a fast TB3 external SSD to use for RAW images, i.e. so you use referenced catalogue system.

    In fact now I use SSD for previews as well, the catalogue has a symblink to enable that, so I save my SSD. No performance issue there as long as your SSD is good. I use Samsung T5.
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  • Ivan Mervillie
    [quote="fatihayoglu" wrote:
    my personal recommendation, as an iMac user, get the best CPU and GPU you can get.


    Thanks for your reply.
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  • Jerry C
    "For RAM, don't pay Apple an extra penny, check Amazon. There are Mac approved RAMs from reputable manufacturers..."

    If you get the iMac Pro, which is quite nice, I think you should have the RAM installed by the dealer. Several will do this when you make the purchase or later. If you want to try it, first look at this excellent video:

    https://blog.macsales.com/43857-how-to- ... 7-imac-pro

    The video is accompanied by this note: "Difficulty Level: 5 of 5 – Pro Install Recommended!
    The iMac Pro DOES NOT feature a memory door on the back allowing for easy upgrades. Upgrading the memory requires dismantling the computer to gain access to the memory slots. This is a highly complex process that requires a skilled technician. If you don’t feel comfortable handling it yourself – let the OWC Pro Install Team do it for you!"

    I tried to find out if this would void your warranty, but could not get a definitive answer. Also, OWC is in my experience quite reliable, but others are too, so best to shop around.
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