iMac specs. Quick question.

Hey guys,

Looking at getting an iMac in the next few weeks. 21 inch.

Just looking on the site, is there much difference between:

2.7GHz quad-core Intel Core i5
Turbo Boost up to 3.2GHz

and

2.9GHz quad-core Intel Core i5
Turbo Boost up to 3.6GHz

I don’t really understand the tech specs very well. Obviously the 2.9 is faster, but does will it make a noticeable difference?

The difference in price is about $200. Unless the specs make a big difference I really can’t justify that price difference.

Thoughts?

you really want to ask this question on here ???

didn’t you learn anything from previous closed threads .

rider26 - 21 February 2013 02:51 AM

Hey guys,

Looking at getting an iMac in the next few weeks. 21 inch.

Just looking on the site, is there much difference between:

2.7GHz quad-core Intel Core i5
Turbo Boost up to 3.2GHz

and

2.9GHz quad-core Intel Core i5
Turbo Boost up to 3.6GHz

I don’t really understand the tech specs very well. Obviously the 2.9 is faster, but does will it make a noticeable difference?

The difference in price is about $200. Unless the specs make a big difference I really can’t justify that price difference.

Thoughts?

Very very little performance difference. Save the money.

You should also note the $200 more expensive imac also has a “faster” GPU (650m vs 640m) but once again I don’t think it really matters they are both rather low end but will do the job.

rider26 - 21 February 2013 02:51 AM

Hey guys,

Looking at getting an iMac in the next few weeks. 21 inch.

Just looking on the site, is there much difference between:

2.7GHz quad-core Intel Core i5
Turbo Boost up to 3.2GHz

and

2.9GHz quad-core Intel Core i5
Turbo Boost up to 3.6GHz

I don’t really understand the tech specs very well. Obviously the 2.9 is faster, but does will it make a noticeable difference?

The difference in price is about $200. Unless the specs make a big difference I really can’t justify that price difference.

Thoughts?

it makes no difference what so ever and for work you will be doing you will not even notice the difference.  If you can stock up on memory ...

You’d get a much bigger performance boost upgrading to the 1Tb Fusion Drive option.

chucky - 21 February 2013 03:18 AM

You’d get a much bigger performance boost upgrading to the 1Tb Fusion Drive option.

^ This, I imagine the Mac is what you’re gonna use for PS etc? A SSD and more RAM are the best way to increase PS performance. For $200 I’d put it towards the SSD/Fusion Drive, much better performance/$. Possibly up the RAM if it’s in your budget.

Thanks guys, will look into the Fusion Drive and extra RAM.

I will mostly be using this computer for work. I will also need to run programs CS6 and Final Cut.

Is it worth paying more for the Fusion Drive and extra RAM if I’m only using it for the above?

rider26 - 21 February 2013 04:31 AM

Thanks guys, will look into the Fusion Drive and extra RAM.

I will mostly be using this computer for work. I will also need to run programs CS6 and Final Cut.

Is it worth paying more for the Fusion Drive and extra RAM if I’m only using it for the above?

I still really gawk at apples upgrade prices for each item but AFAIK you don’t have much of a choice with the new model iMacs as you can’t DIY.

The base system without upgrades will run both of those programs so they aren’t a “must” purchase. However I can’t argue that the fusion drive (essentially a pricey SSD hybrid hard drive) will help with overall system response and photo/video editing so if you have the money it is worth considering (especially when the stock mechanical drive is only 5400rpm).

The more RAM the better but it is mostly noticeable when you are working with large files/intensive programs/multitasking etc. The stock 8gb RAM isn’t completely terrible so I would give this upgrade lower priority than the SSD.

rider26 - 21 February 2013 04:31 AM

Thanks guys, will look into the Fusion Drive and extra RAM.

I will mostly be using this computer for work. I will also need to run programs CS6 and Final Cut.

Is it worth paying more for the Fusion Drive and extra RAM if I’m only using it for the above?

I’d definitely go the Fusion Drive, I couldn’t go back to using a computer (PC or Mac) without a SSD, the performance increase is definitely noticeable. With the RAM, you can always start with the 8GB and upgrade later if you feel the need to.

PC PC PC!!!

Oh whoops wrong thread… 

Thank you guys. Will definitely look into those upgrades. Really appreciate the advice.

Koper - 21 February 2013 04:42 AM

. . . you can always start with the 8GB and upgrade later if you feel the need to.

Not with the new 21.5” iMac - at least not DIY. Only the 27” has user serviceable RAM. It is possible to switch RAM on the new 21.5” iMac, but it’s a shitfight as there’s no easily accessible port like on the 27” model (and previous 21.5” iMacs).

Jez if you want to see my mac with fusion drive let me know and come past..

there is huge difference with SSD drive and normal things just respond so much quicker.

drc13 - 21 February 2013 04:41 AM

. . . you don’t have much of a choice with the new model iMacs as you can’t DIY.

Only with the new 21.5” iMac, the 27” still has some DIY.

drc13 - 21 February 2013 04:41 AM

I still really gawk at apples upgrade prices for each item . . .

I do agree that by comparison to aftermarket DIY is exorbitant - but don’t forget that you’re not just paying for the product, you’re paying for Apple techs to test prior to installation, the installation itself, and Apple taking on all warranty responsibility. Still, I go for DIY whenever practical.

can we not start with this shit again… lol