Comparison

[Bolo4u]

Ok, It's cool the refresh is finally out. Now for the which one to buy posts. I read through many of the current posts but didn't directly see my question here previously asked, so Ill ask.

I am a consumer level user, doing generic photo editing, home movie stuff, some game playing, web surfing, etc.

Given they are the same price, what would you choose:

The new base 27" iMac with the 2.7 I5, and 512gb GPU

or:

The last version 27" 2.8 I5 with 1gb GPU?

Is there enough of a difference between the two and would I see any significant video loss with 1/2 gb less in the new model vs. the last model?

Thanks

 

[Dute]

Ok, It's cool the refresh is finally out. Now for the which one to buy posts. I read through many of the current posts but didn't directly see my question here previously asked, so Ill ask.

I am a consumer level user, doing generic photo editing, home movie stuff, some game playing, web surfing, etc.

Given they are the same price, what would you choose:

The new base 27" iMac with the 2.7 I5, and 512gb GPU

or:

The last version 27" 2.8 I5 with 1gb GPU?

Is there enough of a difference between the two and would I see any significant video loss with 1/2 gb less in the new model vs. the last model?

Thanks

There is going to be a large difference in CPU and GPU power between the two. However, for your needs, the 2010 model may be fine - and you'll save a bunch of $$$ now.

 

[Bolo4u]

So with that being said, is it worth it to get the newest gen iMac for the same price as the last iMac (refurb or clearance) and get the newer technology, but lower GB GPU, and hopefully avoid some of the issues with the older iMacs, yellow/smoky screens, etc.

 

[Badger^2]

So with that being said, is it worth it to get the newest gen iMac for the same price as the last iMac (refurb or clearance) and get the newer technology, but lower GB GPU, and hopefully avoid some of the issues with the older iMacs, yellow/smoky screens, etc.

We have no idea if those same issues will reoccur.

either iMac is 10X overkill for your needs/uses.

 

[Bolo4u]

We have no idea if those same issues will reoccur.

either iMac is 10X overkill for your needs/uses.

Most likely they are. But I am wanting to become more of a power user (video, photo) and want to future proof as much as possible

 

[gdeputy]

I mean, you can get a 2.8 i5 quad for like 1450 right now refurbed.. that's lucrative considering it's discounted heavily (was 1999), however, if I was buying TODAY, I might opt for thunderbolt and sandy bridge if I was looking at a long term ownership...

I keep my computers 2-3 years, so for me, I could care less, my iMac won't be nearly obsolete, but if I was keeping it for 5+ years I would want thunderbolt, it will develop (hopefully).

EDIT: as far as video loss, 512 is low VRAM when you consider the native resolution. It won't effect video, or photo.. but it will have an effect on gaming where high res textures are stored in VRAM. 512 is somewhat limited.

 

[Bolo4u]

I mean, you can get a 2.8 i5 quad for like 1450 right now refurbed.. that's lucrative considering it's discounted heavily (was 1999), however, if I was buying TODAY, I might opt for thunderbolt and sandy bridge if I was looking at a long term ownership...

I keep my computers 2-3 years, so for me, I could care less, my iMac won't be nearly obsolete, but if I was keeping it for 5+ years I would want thunderbolt, it will develop (hopefully).

EDIT: as far as video loss, 512 is low VRAM when you consider the native resolution. It won't effect video, or photo.. but it will have an effect on gaming where high res textures are stored in VRAM. 512 is somewhat limited.

Well concidering the 8+ year ols Gateway desktop I am using wiht 1 GB RAMBUS and 256 or so VRAM, i think anything will be an improvement. I do with they had the 1GB as standard or at least an option on the base 27/i5

 

[macabouttobe]

If your only source of feedback is this forum then you'll hear about the negatives.

I'd hone in on some empiracle benchmarks that I think are the root of your concerns and throw out whatever "yellowing" or whatever you've been hearing.

You are hearing from 2% of the users, 88% of the people will post here if there is an issue.

Nuff said, get what fits your budget. Your requirements as laid out will be far exceeded by either option.

 

[alust2013]

Well concidering the 8+ year ols Gateway desktop I am using wiht 1 GB RAMBUS and 256 or so VRAM, i think anything will be an improvement. I do with they had the 1GB as standard or at least an option on the base 27/i5

The VRAM doesn't make much of a difference unless you are gaming.