Base 27 iMac, good enough?

[msregister]

Reading this forum, most have ordered the mid to high tier 27 imac 2017.

Considering base 27 imac, no upgrades, will it be good enough or should I consider upgrading?

I don´t do gaming or professional photo/video editing but have 10-15 work applications, 2 browsers, each with 20+ tabs etc. open at all times.

 

[Adam Warlock]

Even a base iMac is plenty powerful for the vast majority of people, but if you're running many of those apps at the same time I suggest you buy some extra RAM, perhaps 8 to 16 GB, and stick it in the machine in addition to the base 8 GB it comes with.

 

[Fishrrman]

In terms of the CPU and graphics, the base configuration should be fine, BUT...
...DON'T get the standard drive.

Instead, consider spending either $100 or $300 (respectively) more for either the 256gb or 512gb SSD. (You need to configure these through "build to order", I not sure if brick-n-mortar Apple Stores will carry this as a standard configuration)

If you need more storage space, you can always add an external USB3 SSD as well.

NOTHING will keep the iMac running fast and smooth throughout its life as will an SSD inside.
Even the 256 will make a world of difference!

 

[hugodrax]

In terms of the CPU and graphics, the base configuration should be fine, BUT...
...DON'T get the standard drive.

Instead, consider spending either $100 or $300 (respectively) more for either the 256gb or 512gb SSD.

If you need more storage space, you can always add an external USB3 SSD as well.

NOTHING will keep the iMac running fast and smooth throughout its life as will an SSD inside.
Even the 256 will make a world of difference!

My new 27inch iMac is running quite smooth with the 2tb drive. The CPU upgrade to i7 is what I would do.

 

[keysofanxiety]

My new 27inch iMac is running quite smooth with the 2tb drive. The CPU upgrade to i7 is what I would do.

Unnecessary for the OP. SSD will make the biggest real-world performance difference and vastly increase the reliability of the drive.

i7 is overkill and will not have any noticeable performance difference for the OP's usage as they are not doing CPU intensive work.

 

[Zapp21]

The i5 3.8 and especially the Radeon Pro 580 graphics will push the resale value in the future a lot I guess? The SSD upgrade is a must though!

 

[CWallace]

At the minimum, you will want the 2TB Fusion Drive (not the 1TB) as the SSD is 4 times as large (128GB vs. 32GB) so you are much more likely to have the data and applications you are working with on the SSD.

 

[Packers1958]

I got the base 27 inch, but opted for the 512 SSD instead of the fusion drive. Updating from a 2011 iMac and I know the base model will be plenty good for me. I may update the RAM later on.

 

[msregister]

The i5 3.8 and especially the Radeon Pro 580 graphics will push the resale value in the future a lot I guess? The SSD upgrade is a must though!

Thanks, resale value is not a consideration, it gets passed down to the kids...

 

[Luxtrau]

I have just one advice, like a few people said: don't get a HDD or FusionDrive. It will slow down your Mac. Maybe not immediately, but as soon as you have more files stored. I had a FD on my Mac Mini and this was noticeably slower.

 

[importluva]

Im thinking about the same base 27" but with 512 SSD. Add more external storage later if you need it. Went to the store today to see it and my god that screen...

 

[Falcon80]

Im thinking about the same base 27" but with 512 SSD. Add more external storage later if you need it. Went to the store today to see it and my god that screen...

I agree this is a good choice.