iMac Pro 8 Core Vs 10 Core (iMac Pro)

[iMac2018]

So I will be getting an iMac Pro that my work will be paying for - it is obviously overkill for my needs (see below), but as my work is paying for it, finding a cheaper computer doesn't matter.

I mainly use the following programmes: Chrome Browser (40-50 Tabs Open Usually), Email Client, Microsoft Word, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Indesign, Adobe Dreamweaver, Spotify and Skype. Occasionally I'll also have a VM running Windows open too.

Whilst the programmes run at the same time as each other, most of the time they're not actively doing anything - for example, I may be actively using Chrome, Outlook, Photoshop and Spotify, but the Dreamweaver and Indesign programmes are just in the background stationary etc. As you can see, the programmes/tasks that I run are not very complex (i.e. video editing or VR work etc) and I will never be doing such complex work in the future either.

So would I be better off getting the 8-core or the 10 core model?

If I opt for the 8 core model, I can upgrade my RAM from 32GB to 64GB, whereas the 10 core model will obviously have 2 more cores, but only 32GB of RAM.

Is the 8 core a lot faster in single-thread performance than the 10 core (as most of my usage will probably not take advantage of multiple cores I'm guessing)?

Thanks.

 

[FredT2]

What happened with your budget for 10-core vs 18-core? Go back to that thread and review answers, as they're largely going to be along the lines of weighing more processor power vs more RAM. There's not a huge difference between 8 and 10-core, so I'd go with more RAM for programs you're running.

 

[mpe]

So would I be better off getting the 8-core or the 10 core model?

8-core model is fine for you. The regular iMac could be just as good if not better.

If I opt for the 8 core model, I can upgrade my RAM from 32GB to 64GB, whereas the 10 core model will obviously have 2 more cores, but only 32GB of RAM.

Unless you are doing something very special in Photoshop (like stitching of 40.000px+ wide images) it doesn't matter. If you were doing something that needs 64GB+ RAM, there is a chance you wouldn't be asking...

Is the 8 core a lot faster in single-thread performance than the 10 core (as most of my usage will probably not take advantage of multiple cores I'm guessing)?

It is not. It is actually a little slower. But the difference is tiny and insignificant.