Base 24” iMac buying advice

[WiiDSmoker]

Thinking of just getting the base 24” with 512 SSD. I come from the world of Windows. My computer habits have greatly changed. Safari, iTunes, Microsoft office, iCloud photos is all I do now.

Would the base model with upgraded storage be a good fit for me? Or would 16 GB RAM be needed (and semi future proofing)

Thanks!!

 

[ignatius345]

I got the 16GB iMac, myself. Around the same time I also got an M1 MacBook Air with 8GB of RAM. The Air gets super sluggish if I run multiple user accounts which I guess taxes the RAM a lot.

When I bought the Air, my thinking was that I'd be using it for only the basics. Stuff changed and now I use it for graphic design more than I thought -- and I really wish I'd beefed up the specs a little.

Anyway, all that's to say, I advise future-proofing and spending the $200 on more RAM, as you never quite know how your needs might change. Also bear in mind that newer OS upgrades over the years tend to get more demanding, so a little more RAM might keep things snappy for longer.

 

[Cubix]

RAM can't be upgraded later, and storage space can be added later by attaching external drives. Something to think about.

 

[WiiDSmoker]

RAM can't be upgraded later, and storage space can be added later by attaching external drives. Something to think about.

Kind of where I’m at. Seems ridiculous that Apple sells a brand new iMac base at 8 GB Ram ?

 

[Fishrrman]

Get 16gb of RAM. 8gb is not enough any more.

Also, get the four-port (on the back) version.
DO NOT buy the two-port version.
Not enough ports!

I believe the four-port version comes with the ethernet connector on the power adapter, as well. You want ethernet with an iMac, if you have it available in the same room...

 

[Bodhitree]

I bought the 16 GB upgrade for my 24” iMac, mainly because I do some software developing on there. As I understand things, 8 GB is enough for basic use, but if you open up a lot of tabs and apps you can run out and find things getting sluggish. And yes, it can’t be upgraded later.

 

[T'hain Esh Kelch]

Get 16. that will last you a lifetime.

 

[ignatius345]

Kind of where I’m at. Seems ridiculous that Apple sells a brand new iMac base at 8 GB Ram ?

8GB on a modern M1 Mac is a lot better than on an Intel Mac, though, for sure. I'd like it if they started at 16GB too, but an M1 Mac at 8GB is a usable machine.

 

[WiiDSmoker]

think after all the feedback I’ll do 16/512. Just sounds best to be sure and not be crippled