2017 iMac Discussion (WWDC announcement)

[DavidTheExpert]

Let's discuss the iMac that was just announced. (Not the iMac Pro)

What do you all think of the hardware? Sounds like nice discreet AMD GPUs throughout the whole lineup. Brighter displays with more colors, and better storage options. Otherwise it seems like mostly the same device.

Thoughts? Opinions? Facts?


Some info from the MR live blogging:

Displays updated with 500 nits, up to 43% brighter with one billion colors.

Intel Kaby Lake processors with 10-bit HEVC decode.

Up to 32GB RAM on 21.5-inch iMac. Up to 64GB on RAM on 27-inch iMac.

Fusion Drive standard on all 27-inch iMac configurations and high-end 21.5-inch iMac. Up to 50% faster SSDs, configurable up to 2TB storage.

2x Thunderbolt 3 ports on the back.

Next-generation graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640 (integrated). Up to 80% faster than previous generation.

Discrete graphics in 21.5-inch iMac include AMD Radeon Pro 555 & 560 GPUs with up to 4GB VRAM. Up to 3x faster than previous generation.

The models start at $1,099 for the 21.5-inch iMac, $1,299 for the 4K 21.5-inch iMac, and $1,799 for the 5K 27-inch iMac. All models will go on sale today (June 5th 2017).

 

[Thunderbird]

Could someone review all the new specs at the 21" and 27" size?

I lost track.

Thanks.

 

[DavidTheExpert]

Could someone review all the new specs at the 21" and 27" size?

I lost track.

Thanks.

Just updated the top post with it.

 

[TitouDoc]

Any chance, with the TB3 ports, to get the Target Display Mode back ?

 

[RuffDraft]

Are these going to have the same heating issues, do you think, with putting even more power inside?

 

[pablofu]

Any chance, with the TB3 ports, to get the Target Display Mode back ?

I was about to ask the very same question, if answer is yes I will inmediatly buy.

 

[Thunderbird]

Just updated the top post with it.

Thanks!

I've now collated the info:

27" new updated iMac

500 nits display brightness
Kaby Lake processors with 10-bit HVEC Decode
Now up to 64 GB RAM max. (from 32 GB)
Fusion Drive standard
2 x Thunderbolt 3 ports
GPU upgrade options to...AMD Radeon 570, 575, or 580. With up to 8 GB VRAM
Faster SSDs with up to 2 TB storage

27" base price: US $1799.00


21.5" new updated iMac

500 nits display brightness
Kaby Lake processors with 10-bit HVEC Decode
Now up to 32 GB RAM max. (from 16 GB)
Fusion Drive on high end option
Faster SSDs with up to 2 TB storage
2 x Thunderbolt 3 ports
Intel Iris Pro Plus Graphics on base model; AMD Radeon Pro 555 (2GB); and 560 (4GB) on the 21" 4K model (first time for discrete graphics card option on 21" model)

21.5" base price: US$1099.00


(let me know of any mistakes)

 

[emjaymert]

Too late..I already bought a PC

 

[Grogfoot]

"GPU upgrade options to...AMD Radeon 570, 575, or 580. With up to 8 GB VRAM"

These are bona-fide desktop GPUs right? Isn't this a huge upgrade over the mobile ones they have been sticking in their iMacs for the past few years??

 

[DavidTheExpert]

"GPU upgrade options to...AMD Radeon 570, 575, or 580. With up to 8 GB VRAM"

These are bona-fide desktop GPUs right? Isn't this a huge upgrade over the mobile ones they have been sticking in their iMacs for the past few years??

The 21 inch iMacs have had only integrated graphics, while the 27 inch models had mediocre to poor discreet graphics. Now all models will have optional discreet graphics, and they seem to be fairly respectable cards.

 

[Robbo1]

Here is the press release ---- https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2017...r-processors-thunderbolt-3-brighter-displays/

From the release:

Apple today updated its iMac line with up to three times more powerful graphics, faster processors, Thunderbolt 3, faster storage options and brighter Retina displays, and added a Retina 4K display and discrete graphics to the $1,299 (US) 21.5-inch iMac. With its incredibly thin and seamless enclosure, fast processors and storage and stunning Retina display, iMac sets the gold standard for desktops. iMac delivers powerful performance for 3D graphics, video editing and gaming, and with macOS High Sierra coming this fall, iMac becomes a great platform for virtual reality content creation.
Today iMac gets a huge graphics performance increase, faster CPU performance, Thunderbolt 3 and a brighter Retina display with support for 1 billion colors.

iMac

The updated iMac features faster Kaby Lake processors up to 4.2 GHz with Turbo Boost up to 4.5 GHz and supports up to twice the memory as the previous generation. Fusion Drive is now standard on all 27-inch configurations and the top-end 21.5-inch iMac. SSD storage options are now up to 50 percent faster, and iMac comes with Thunderbolt 3, the most powerful and versatile port ever.
Graphics on iMac are much more powerful across the line with the new Radeon Pro 500-series graphics with up to 8GB of vRAM. The 21.5-inch model delivers up to three times faster performance and the 27-inch model is up to 50 percent faster.
iMac also comes with the best Mac display ever, now 43 percent brighter at 500 nits and with support for 1 billion colors, delivering an even more vivid and true-to-life viewing experience.

Availability

• The updated iMac, MacBook, MacBook Pro and MacBook Air are available to order today on apple.com, and available to buy in Apple Stores starting on Wednesday, June 7. Additional technical specifications, configure-to-order options and accessories are available online at apple.com/mac.

• Every customer who buys Mac from Apple will be offered free Personal Setup, in-store or online,2 to help them set up email, show them how to install apps and more.

• Anyone who wants to start with the basics or go further with their new Mac can sign up for free sessions at apple.com/today.

 

[Three141]

I still want to see Nvidia cards but to be honest; I thought these were good updates and this conference made up for last years dud.

Really glad to see them accept VR and although so much happened I lost track; I got the old Apple excitement today.

 

[Shivetya]

very annoyed if iMac Pro is the only model in gray.

 

[TechZeke]

"GPU upgrade options to...AMD Radeon 570, 575, or 580. With up to 8 GB VRAM"

These are bona-fide desktop GPUs right? Isn't this a huge upgrade over the mobile ones they have been sticking in their iMacs for the past few years??

The desktop RX 580 is rebadged 480, so most like these are some sort of mobile variant since they say these cards are based on Vega. Judging from the keynote, we may actually be getting desktop grade performance here, regardless.

EDIT: It's also going to be interesting to see the performance difference between the 570, 575, and 580.

For example, the old M380 was significantly slower than the M390, while the M395 and M395X weren't much faster than the M390; meaning the M390/m395 was best bank for the buck. If the 570 is only marginally slower than the 575 and 580, the base model may actually be a decent option stock for graphics intensive gaming/work.

 

[Bentron]

UK Pricing:

£1249 for entry level 4K 21.5" Model
£1749 for entry level 5K 27" Model

I wanted the 27", but I'm not sure I can justify the extra £500 outlay to my wife!

 

[boto]

I plan on holding out for the iMac Pro. I'm very disappointed with the GPU options. I was really hoping to get a nVidia 1070 or 1080 performance equivalent, but we instead get a Radeon 580 that is about 5% below a 1060.

 

[MadDane]

Does anyone know if the 1TB Fusion Drive has a 24GB or 128GB SSD? I cannot find it anywhere

 

[JonMPLS]

1TB SSD on 21.5" Might need to reorder (just by chance, I returned a 21.5 2 weeks ago for a buggy screen)

 

[Glideslope]

very annoyed if iMac Pro is the only model in gray.

Be annoyed.

 

[Three141]

very annoyed if iMac Pro is the only model in gray.

Someone saw you coming https://twitter.com/brainthrough/status/871787570455355392

 

[fokmik]

The desktop RX 580 is rebadged 480, so most like these are some sort of mobile variant since they say these cards are based on Vega. Judging from the keynote, we may actually be getting desktop grade performance here, regardless.

EDIT: It's also going to be interesting to see the performance difference between the 570, 575, and 580.

For example, the old M380 was significantly slower than the M390, while the M395 and M395X weren't much faster than the M390; meaning the M390/m395 was best bank for the buck. If the 570 is only marginally slower than the 575 and 580, the base model may actually be a decent option stock for graphics intensive gaming/work.

no, the only gpu based on vega is the imac pro that is coming to december. The others are based on desktop class polaris

 

[AFEPPL]

Still missing HDMI in.. so I wont be buying anytime soon.

 

[TechZeke]

no, the only gpu based on vega is the imac pro that is coming to december. The others are based on desktop class polaris

Okay, thanks for correction. I thought they said everything was based on Vega.

 

[mollyc]

They are now available on the site for purchase. The 27" still allows for user replaceable memory.

https://www.apple.com/shop/buy-mac/imac/27-inch

 

[Three141]

UK Pricing:

£1249 for entry level 4K 21.5" Model
£1749 for entry level 5K 27" Model

I wanted the 27", but I'm not sure I can justify the extra £500 outlay to my wife!

Buy it; then say the 'genius said long term that £500.00 will be nothing".