Deciding which iMac to buy

[AlexGraphicD]

Looking to buy a 27” 2019 model but can’t decide on which configuration is best for my needs. My main use is occasional graphic and web design, Safari with multiple tabs open, some photo editing in Affinity Photo and light video editing in iMovie and FCX every now and then. No 3D rendering, or music production stuff although I may want to experiment in the future with those too.

I know that there are all lots of rumors for a new redesign in 2020 And maybe it would be better if I wait, but I may have to buy now based on my current needs.

My main question is if the base model GPU would be sufficient for my needs or if I should choose the mid range model. Is there a significant difference between those two? Also, I will be upgrading the RAM myself if I need more than the standard 8GB.

I don’t see my self really needing the i9 based on the use that I describe above, but I’d like to verify that with someone on this forum who has more experience on computer specs.

I’d like to order the iMac with an SSD but I’m also wondering if I can save a couple of hundred dollars by just getting the standard 1TB Fusion and connect an external SSD via thunderbolt to boot and store all my files and media. I was never really comfortable having an external boot drive, but my budget is tight and I don’t really do high end work that pays for my investments.

If external boot makes sense, then what do you recommend? Mechanical drive or SSD? Connect via USB 3 or Thunderbolt?

P.S. Upgrading from a 27” late 2015 3.3ghz quad core, 2TB fusion, m395 2GB.

Thanks in advance

 

[glenthompson]

Do NOT buy the 1tb fusion. You will regret it. It has a 32gb SSD instead of the 128gb in the 2 and 3tb models. Cache hit ratio on the SSD will be poor. Better to get a small internal SSD and store your files on a fast external drive.

 

[dn325ci]

Sounds like you’re trying to find the value play in the lineup, which is smart. For what you described, I’d personally invest at the i9, standard 580X video with 8GB, 8GB RAM, and at least a small SSD to replace the Fusion. My humble defense is as follows:

CPU - look at the performance scores. The mid grade processors are only slightly faster. The i9 is a step function faster. This investment will have relevant performance for a long time.

RAM - just get the 8GB and upgrade it yourself. Save hundreds.

GPU - for what you describe, the Vega isn’t worth it in my mind. The 580X already has 8GB of video RAM, like the Vega. The step below this 575X only has 4GB.

SSD - this is critical in my mind and probably is the most noticeable real world performance issue for most users. The Fusion drives are absolutely frustrating when you open anything not stored in the very small integrated SSD. Opening apps or even just large files not stored in the little SSD will have you cursing. It’s so bad it destroys the performance of everything else. The boot up time for the Fusion is stupid, if you’re a frequent restarter. Save yourself a tremendous number of cursing moments and at least go with a small SSD. Use external SSD after that if you want more.

 

[throAU]

^ I'd echo the above and also add that if you can wait, wait for the iMac refresh. It's been a while and apple will likely include cheaper/larger SSD for same/less money in the near future, making the fusion drive largely irrelevant (not that it is a great idea anyway).

If you can avoid buying an iMac right now, it is definitely best to wait until the incoming refresh. Even if it isn't a major update and just internal parts changes, I really think you'll regret buying now, 3 months down the track.

Not because of CPU or GPU - but because SSD will be far more affordable.

 

[velocityg4]

CPU: For most of what you describe anything higher than the base CPU will be a minor bump. Except for video editing with the i9. With light video editing it hardly seems worth it. Even the i5-9600K is only about 15% faster than the i5-8500 assuming full turbo boost can be maintained.

RAM: 8GB isn't much RAM. Given that you'll be using up the remaining slots and the price of RAM. I'd say just add a 2x8GB set for a total of 24GB. Rather than getting 16GB and having to replace modules a few years down the road. 24GB should be plenty for your stated uses for a while. Unless you're editing massive pictures like from a 60+MP DSLR. Then you'll want more RAM.

Storage: Financially the Fusion drive with an external Thunderbolt 3 NVMe SSD makes the most sense. Especially since you can get the base iMac at a discount from multiple stores like BHPhotovideo.com. The price difference could easily buy you a Thunderbolt 3 NVMe enclosure and a good 1TB NVMe SSD to put in there.

GPU: The 570x is plenty for your uses. Photo editing won't get much benefit besides a few tasks. Video editing can benefit more from a GPU upgrade. As you say it is a minor task of yours. It doesn't seem like it would justify the cost.

Waiting: There might be some decent GPU upgrades this year. As AMD already has better GPU. There's no 10nm Intel desktop CPU's this year. Unless Apple rocks the boat by going with AMD Ryzen or even ARM. There likely won't be anything worth waiting for. Of course there is 802.11ax WiFi but 802.11ac is far faster than most people have use for.

I'd say base 27" iMac bought through an authorized reseller who offers a discounted price or refurbished
- 24GB RAM you upgrade yourself
- Thunderbolt 3 NVMe 1TB (assemble yourself)
- Some big HDD if you need a lot of storage

 

[AlexGraphicD]

I apologize, I also should’ve mentioned that I am upgrading from a 27” late 2015 iMac, 3.3ghz quad core, 2TB fusion, m395 2GB of memory.

The reason is cause this is my 2nd iMac that I own and developed the dreadful grey spots on the corner of the screen and sadly I have no warranty anymore. It is not anything noticeable, but I’m worried it will get worse and the screen will be damaged completely down the road, so I have an offer to trade it for $725 and I have to respond by the end of this week.

 

[Azrael9]

Looking to buy a 27” 2019 model but can’t decide on which configuration is best for my needs. My main use is occasional graphic and web design, Safari with multiple tabs open, some photo editing in Affinity Photo and light video editing in iMovie and FCX every now and then. No 3D rendering, or music production stuff although I may want to experiment in the future with those too.

I know that there are all lots of rumors for a new redesign in 2020 And maybe it would be better if I wait, but I may have to buy now based on my current needs.

My main question is if the base model GPU would be sufficient for my needs or if I should choose the mid range model. Is there a significant difference between those two? Also, I will be upgrading the RAM myself if I need more than the standard 8GB.

I don’t see my self really needing the i9 based on the use that I describe above, but I’d like to verify that with someone on this forum who has more experience on computer specs.

I’d like to order the iMac with an SSD but I’m also wondering if I can save a couple of hundred dollars by just getting the standard 1TB Fusion and connect an external SSD via thunderbolt to boot and store all my files and media. I was never really comfortable having an external boot drive, but my budget is tight and I don’t really do high end work that pays for my investments.

If external boot makes sense, then what do you recommend? Mechanical drive or SSD? Connect via USB 3 or Thunderbolt?

P.S. Upgrading from a 27” late 2015 3.3ghz quad core, 2TB fusion, m395 2GB.

Thanks in advance

You've got a rig. For the love of God, wait.

The current iMac is out of date and smells 'off.'

8 gigs of ram standard. Low grade GPUs. 'mere' 6 core standard. Rusty Fusion drives.

All for the best part of £2000.

If you want to spend time upgrading from your current, decent enough rig, to this. You'll go for the i7 8 core, 1 512 or 1TB SSD, 32 gigs of ram (go 3rd party) and the upgrade to the Vega (an eye watering best part of £500.)

It will cost you over £3000 (£3200?) all told.

It's your money.

Azrael.
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For Affinity Photo and any video editing. Going from what you have now to the 8 core and Vega will make a large difference. There are YouTube video reviews on the interweb that have it besting the iMac Pro entry model with:

i9 8 core.
SSD.
Vega 48.

Those things will make a large difference to rendering, preview window and lots of layers for print files in Affinity Photo.

And yes.

32 gigs of ram would make sense.

If you can hang on for alonger, an iMac model will probably be a significant improvement. (Mind you, with the iPad, Mac Mini and iPhone SE releases we're looking at a stagnation and consolidation set of released so far.)

Azrael.
[automerge]1587042168[/automerge]

I apologize, I also should’ve mentioned that I am upgrading from a 27” late 2015 iMac, 3.3ghz quad core, 2TB fusion, m395 2GB of memory.

The reason is cause this is my 2nd iMac that I own and developed the dreadful grey spots on the corner of the screen and sadly I have no warranty anymore. It is not anything noticeable, but I’m worried it will get worse and the screen will be damaged completely down the road, so I have an offer to trade it for $725 and I have to respond by the end of this week.

A 725$ trade in offer? So you'll get a decent iMac for about half the price of a new one.

Even if you go for an off the shelf iMac the cpu and gpu will be better.

I'd still opt to improve the CPU to 8 core, the gpu to Vega 48 and you MUST take an SSD. That and 32 gigs of memory.

And the machine will be night and day with what you have. With a $700 discount.

You can have the $3200 top of the line for about $2500.

That's a deal. Like getting the iMac Pro for half price.

'Take it.'

Azrael.

 

[AlexGraphicD]

You've got a rig. For the love of God, wait.

The current iMac is out of date and smells 'off.'

8 gigs of ram standard. Low grade GPUs. 'mere' 6 core standard. Rusty Fusion drives.

All for the best part of £2000.

If you want to spend time upgrading from your current, decent enough rig, to this. You'll go for the i7 8 core, 1 512 or 1TB SSD, 32 gigs of ram (go 3rd party) and the upgrade to the Vega (an eye watering best part of £500.)

It will cost you over £3000 (£3200?) all told.

It's your money.

Azrael.
[automerge]1587041945[/automerge]
For Affinity Photo and any video editing. Going from what you have now to the 8 core and Vega will make a large difference. There are YouTube video reviews on the interweb that have it besting the iMac Pro entry model with:

i9 8 core.
SSD.
Vega 48.

Those things will make a large difference to rendering, preview window and lots of layers for print files in Affinity Photo.

And yes.

32 gigs of ram would make sense.

If you can hang on for alonger, an iMac model will probably be a significant improvement. (Mind you, with the iPad, Mac Mini and iPhone SE releases we're looking at a stagnation and consolidation set of released so far.)

Azrael.
[automerge]1587042168[/automerge]


A 725$ trade in offer? So you'll get a decent iMac for about half the price of a new one.

Even if you go for an off the shelf iMac the cpu and gpu will be better.

I'd still opt to improve the CPU to 8 core, the gpu to Vega 48 and you MUST take an SSD. That and 32 gigs of memory.

And the machine will be night and day with what you have. With a $700 discount.

You can have the $3200 top of the line for about $2500.

That's a deal. Like getting the iMac Pro for half price.

'Take it.'

Azrael.

[automerge]1587046847[/automerge]
Actually, I am selling it to macofalltrades.com. They offer way more money than Apple's trade in program. The bad part is that they don't offer any 2019 models on their listings so if I go with them, I will get my $700 but then I won't be able to have a computer for as long apple updates the iMac somewhere down the line..Basically the only reason I am rushing to buy a new iMac is because of the issue with the screen and I don't want to wait and lose even more selling value. I'd like to sell it now and just get whatever reasonable configuration money-wise from Apple. I guess if they come up with a new iMac this year, I can always sell the 2019 model and get the new one. Does that make sense?
[automerge]1587046943[/automerge]

 

[velocityg4]

[automerge]1587046847[/automerge]
Actually, I am selling it to macofalltrades.com. They offer way more money than Apple's trade in program. The bad part is that they don't offer any 2019 models on their listings so if I go with them, I will get my $700 but then I won't be able to have a computer for as long apple updates the iMac somewhere down the line..Basically the only reason I am rushing to buy a new iMac is because of the issue with the screen and I don't want to wait and lose even more selling value. I'd like to sell it now and just get whatever reasonable configuration money-wise from Apple. I guess if they come up with a new iMac this year, I can always sell the 2019 model and get the new one. Does that make sense?
[automerge]1587046943[/automerge]

My main concern with that. They may see those grey spots you describe and decide to change their offer to something much less. It could also be damaged during shipping. Then you are all out of luck.

I'd sell it locally for cash. You'll likely get more money. Once it is sold, you're done.

Don't forget with either option to securely erase your HDD and remove the computer from iCloud.

 

[AlexGraphicD]

My main concern with that. They may see those grey spots you describe and decide to change their offer to something much less. It could also be damaged during shipping. Then you are all out of luck.

I'd sell it locally for cash. You'll likely get more money. Once it is sold, you're done.

Don't forget with either option to securely erase your HDD and remove the computer from iCloud.

Actually, I already told them about the issue and I sent them photos, it is really barely noticeable and they offered $725 down from $780 if it didn't have that issue based on the application form on their website.
I wouldn't really want to sell it for cash to anyone without disclosing this issue, I wouldn't want that to happen to me. Though I might try and list on on Craigslist and hope that somebody will buy it for a little bit more money being fully aware of the issue. Any ideas of how much I could sell for? I am posting a pic with the issue.

 

[Azrael9]

[automerge]1587046847[/automerge]
Actually, I am selling it to macofalltrades.com. They offer way more money than Apple's trade in program. The bad part is that they don't offer any 2019 models on their listings so if I go with them, I will get my $700 but then I won't be able to have a computer for as long apple updates the iMac somewhere down the line..Basically the only reason I am rushing to buy a new iMac is because of the issue with the screen and I don't want to wait and lose even more selling value. I'd like to sell it now and just get whatever reasonable configuration money-wise from Apple. I guess if they come up with a new iMac this year, I can always sell the 2019 model and get the new one. Does that make sense?
[automerge]1587046943[/automerge]

Yeah, I get you. Makes sense. Good fortune to you. Sounds like you're doing the upgrade at the right time for you. Who knows when or if Apple will upgrade the iMac this year and if it will be much of an upgrade.

It's never easy deciding when to upgrade. We always want to get the perfect storm of the next big upgrade. My rig went down (gpu fried. Everything works perfect but that.) If I could get £700 off a new one for mine? I'd take that vs an iMac if a refurb retail offered me that. I got offered peanuts by Curries/PC World for my 2012 iMac back when I thought of upgrading. So I decided to 'hang on' and then the gpu fell over a few weeks ago.)

I'd rather wait for the new iMac. Maybe Apple will release a new iMac at WWDC (6-ish weeks away) and I'd probably get one of those.

I may even build a Hackintosh/PC dual boot in the meantime. As I'm thinking of doing Mac/PC in the future.

But you still have value in your machine. $700 is significant. You, like you say, can buy 2019 now and sell it later if Apple release something more compelling. From that point of view, you have options.

Azrael.
[automerge]1587052236[/automerge]

Actually, I already told them about the issue and I sent them photos, it is really barely noticeable and they offered $725 down from $780 if it didn't have that issue based on the application form on their website.
I wouldn't really want to sell it for cash to anyone without disclosing this issue, I wouldn't want that to happen to me. Though I might try and list on on Craigslist and hope that somebody will buy it for a little bit more money being fully aware of the issue. Any ideas of how much I could sell for? I am posting a pic with the issue.

Yeah, I'd be careful of passing it on to a cash buyer. Retail can more easily absorb the hit of that as they want your business for a new machine.

$700 for a machine with a significant (an iMac with a screen issue is significant) issue is fair offer. I'd take it before Apple release a new machine. And you'll receive even less. If you're set on a 2019 machine. You can get the top configuration for about a quarter off due to that handy $700.

Azrael.
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CPU: For most of what you describe anything higher than the base CPU will be a minor bump. Except for video editing with the i9. With light video editing it hardly seems worth it. Even the i5-9600K is only about 15% faster than the i5-8500 assuming full turbo boost can be maintained.

RAM: 8GB isn't much RAM. Given that you'll be using up the remaining slots and the price of RAM. I'd say just add a 2x8GB set for a total of 24GB. Rather than getting 16GB and having to replace modules a few years down the road. 24GB should be plenty for your stated uses for a while. Unless you're editing massive pictures like from a 60+MP DSLR. Then you'll want more RAM.

Storage: Financially the Fusion drive with an external Thunderbolt 3 NVMe SSD makes the most sense. Especially since you can get the base iMac at a discount from multiple stores like BHPhotovideo.com. The price difference could easily buy you a Thunderbolt 3 NVMe enclosure and a good 1TB NVMe SSD to put in there.

GPU: The 570x is plenty for your uses. Photo editing won't get much benefit besides a few tasks. Video editing can benefit more from a GPU upgrade. As you say it is a minor task of yours. It doesn't seem like it would justify the cost.

Waiting: There might be some decent GPU upgrades this year. As AMD already has better GPU. There's no 10nm Intel desktop CPU's this year. Unless Apple rocks the boat by going with AMD Ryzen or even ARM. There likely won't be anything worth waiting for. Of course there is 802.11ax WiFi but 802.11ac is far faster than most people have use for.

I'd say base 27" iMac bought through an authorized reseller who offers a discounted price or refurbished
- 24GB RAM you upgrade yourself
- Thunderbolt 3 NVMe 1TB (assemble yourself)
- Some big HDD if you need a lot of storage

Your Ram advice is on point. You get the 24 gigs that way.
Storage. Fusion? No way. Obsolete. If the 1TB is expensive go for the 512 or 256 gig SSD. Use only for boot drive. Buy cheaper external (well, compared to Apple's prices...) SSDs for Applications and Data. That way the main drive retains it's youthful energy. Key apps and data are safe if the main machine goes down.
GPU. The 570x. You have a point of Video editing is a minor task. it's not a disaster of the card. In fact, paying Apple £400+ for a GPU upgrade would be better spent on a eGPU chassis and Radeon 5700XT and you have the power of the internal and external GPU to bring to task. For little extra outlay. (Radeon XTs are going for £350 and a chassis for couple of hundred. £550? vs Apple's £400 plus for a rather anemic upgrade.)
Waiting. Yes. Big Navi is imminent. And it's set to be corker. But that could be put in the eGPU chassis re: above comment. CPU. Intel have 10 core mainstream cpus imminent with a May launch? Maybe the iMac will launch after this?

6 more weeks to wait until WWDC. If nothing is released then. Perhaps postpone the decision until after then.

Azrael.

 

[Fishrrman]

My "there he goes again" recommendations for a new iMac:

DO NOT buy ANY iMac UNLESS it has an SSD inside.
Even a modest-sized one will do (512gb or even 256gb).
More "space" is easily added via USB3 (either SSD or platter-based hard drive).

BUT...
(You CANNOT buy an iMac with an SSD from an Apple Store or from nearly any other store -- they MUST be ordered online through Apple's "build-to-order" pages).

For the 27" iMac, get 8gb RAM. VERY easy to add more later if you need it.

I suggest that you DO NOT buy "the highest-end" CPU. They typically run on the hot side. Instead, pick something "in the midrange".

You might consider buying from the Apple refurbished online store.
But be aware that stuff moves quickly there.
You have to visit 2 or 3 times daily to see if the configuration you want is in stock, and you have to be ready to "buy it when you see it" -- for it may soon be gone.

 

[Azrael9]

Regarding the iMac 8 core option running hot. (Having had two iMacs that cook fried eggs when under any sustained work load...)

Here's the link in this 'whisper quiet thermal' review. Seems improved?

I'd still feel more happy with the iMac Pro cooling going into the next model. Which we're *still* waiting for.

Azrael.

 

[Freida]

Please wait till WWDC which is about 6 weeks away. If nothing comes out then get the 2019 model but at this stage I would not buy now. 6 weeks is not bad and it might completely change your view if something does come out.
Lets reverse that, if you buy now and in 6 weeks Apple will give you better value/design/etc. how will you feel?

Looking to buy a 27” 2019 model but can’t decide on which configuration is best for my needs. My main use is occasional graphic and web design, Safari with multiple tabs open, some photo editing in Affinity Photo and light video editing in iMovie and FCX every now and then. No 3D rendering, or music production stuff although I may want to experiment in the future with those too.

I know that there are all lots of rumors for a new redesign in 2020 And maybe it would be better if I wait, but I may have to buy now based on my current needs.

My main question is if the base model GPU would be sufficient for my needs or if I should choose the mid range model. Is there a significant difference between those two? Also, I will be upgrading the RAM myself if I need more than the standard 8GB.

I don’t see my self really needing the i9 based on the use that I describe above, but I’d like to verify that with someone on this forum who has more experience on computer specs.

I’d like to order the iMac with an SSD but I’m also wondering if I can save a couple of hundred dollars by just getting the standard 1TB Fusion and connect an external SSD via thunderbolt to boot and store all my files and media. I was never really comfortable having an external boot drive, but my budget is tight and I don’t really do high end work that pays for my investments.

If external boot makes sense, then what do you recommend? Mechanical drive or SSD? Connect via USB 3 or Thunderbolt?

P.S. Upgrading from a 27” late 2015 3.3ghz quad core, 2TB fusion, m395 2GB.

Thanks in advance

 

[Azrael9]

Please wait till WWDC which is about 6 weeks away. If nothing comes out then get the 2019 model but at this stage I would not buy now. 6 weeks is not bad and it might completely change your view if something does come out.
Lets reverse that, if you buy now and in 6 weeks Apple will give you better value/design/etc. how will you feel?

Sound advice, Freida.

If anything significant re: iMac is coming following the 'luke warm' updates to the iPad 'z', the mac 'mini' update (and it was a mini update...) or the 'special'(!) iPhone edition...then WWDC will be it. No press release for this one. It's long over due for a design and spec over haul.

How will if I or anyone else feel after buying the current out of date model after Apple comes out with something that blitzes it? *Image of someone on the edge of a bridge ready to jump.

6 weeks? 45 days-ish until WWDC. Sure, I'm currently without a rig but given current circumstances there are worse problems to worry about and I don't see why I should put myself out financially (again in light of current circumstances) for Apple (a 1 trillion corporation) if they can't be bothered to update the specs on out of date computers which cost far more than they used to and far more than they should with skimpy ram, mediocre GPUs and spinning hard drives.

Azrael.