Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
i want to buy iMac
- Thread starter fahad5022
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
For that price, you can only purchase the base 21.5 model but I wouldn't recommend it.
If you're willing to spend 100$ more, you should get the base 4k model. You're getting a much better GPU and CPU along with the 4k monitor.
But for that price you're getting a HDD and I would not recommend it, you'll get much better performance with an SSD (or a 2tb+ fusion drive but it's not available for that model). You should upgrade to a 256gb SSD but then the price goes up to 1499$.
This should be fine for small video games with Unity and be a great computer that you can keep for a long time. I hate to tell people to go over budget but I wouldn't recommend anything below that because the cheaper builds are not good value IMO.
If you're willing to spend 100$ more, you should get the base 4k model. You're getting a much better GPU and CPU along with the 4k monitor.
But for that price you're getting a HDD and I would not recommend it, you'll get much better performance with an SSD (or a 2tb+ fusion drive but it's not available for that model). You should upgrade to a 256gb SSD but then the price goes up to 1499$.
This should be fine for small video games with Unity and be a great computer that you can keep for a long time. I hate to tell people to go over budget but I wouldn't recommend anything below that because the cheaper builds are not good value IMO.
I agree with those recommendations, especially if you want to use Unity.
One of these two refurbished models might strike the right balance (if you spend more on anything, probably upgrade the memory afterward). These are both in the US and disappear when they're bought.
https://www.apple.com/shop/product/G0TH1LL/A/Refurbished-215-inch-iMac-23GHz-dual-core-Intel-Core-i5
https://www.apple.com/shop/product/...uad-core-Intel-Core-i5-with-Retina-4K-display
One of these two refurbished models might strike the right balance (if you spend more on anything, probably upgrade the memory afterward). These are both in the US and disappear when they're bought.
https://www.apple.com/shop/product/G0TH1LL/A/Refurbished-215-inch-iMac-23GHz-dual-core-Intel-Core-i5
https://www.apple.com/shop/product/...uad-core-Intel-Core-i5-with-Retina-4K-display
I'm sorry, but there is no way I could recommend someone a new iMac at this price. You might be able to get a refurbished one for this price, but all the new ones will need a few things to make it a good purchase for a long run.
The biggest issue with the base models is the HDD that it comes with. It is pitiful that Apple is still selling HDD alone, and at a minimum, the base model should have the almost as pitiful 1TB Fusion drive.
I recommend spending $200 over the base model and get the SSD, but if you could afford it, I would spend the extra amount, and get the retina 21" for the discrete graphic card.
After that, you could get the 16 GB RAM BTO option, but this wouldn't matter for a few years, and 8GB might be good for the life of the iMac.
So, to prioritize upgrades over the $1099 base model iMac:
1. SSD, if you really want to save $100, get the 1TB Fusion, but the SSD would be so much better. +$200(or $100 for the Fusion.
2. Get the Retina model for the discrete graphics, plus it has a better i5. +$200
3. Ram upgrade, only because this cannot be done later, but 8GBs would probably be fine. +$200
You are looking at $1199 at the cheapest, but that Fusion sucks. With the SSD, and the Retina, you are looking at $1499, $300 over your target price, but this would be ideal balance for a good performing iMac that is as cheap as possible.
+1 for a refurb model. If you watch them closely you might be able to find a SSD + 4k model in your price range. (1499 with 15% off = 1274$)
I saw them too. Out of the two, I would recommend the 1st one, but not the second. The first one has the SSD, but the second one has the HDD.
There are a couple more on there that look nice, but still $300 more than what the OP was looking to spend.
You can't upgrade the 21" models RAM later on.
1. upgrade ram first.. 16 GB
2. if got extra then SSD
3. for me, i used 2 monitor.
Some, here are video spec, graphic designer spec. If you simple job or react-native 8 GB + 256 GB external more then enough.
RAM 21.5 can be upgraded but with a lot of hacking and void warranty. So if wanted less hassle. save money and buy 27 inchi instead..
This seems like pretty bad advice. 8gb should be good enough, you even said it yourself, so why recommend that OP prioritize that upgrade when he's on a limited budget?
A 2nd monitor is nice, but again, on a restricted budget it's not a priority. He can always buy one later if needed.
Since the OP no telling the truth for everything.. nobody can suggest anything. Like me , i focus on development mobile alone,so 8 GB is enough .. not parallel + sql server + mutiple vm..If i need windows based development, i already got 8 GB acer laptop to handle it.
I advise 16 GB RAM, because much easier hassle long term. Programming shouldn't over 16 GB .. unless you work alone open adobe cc ilustrator, visual studio code,excel and open multiple project same time.. 32 GB should more then enough.
As i mention, 3d have their own preference, designer have their own references, gaming at least in windows open in mac same time(parallel ?) and it will never end good spec..
[doublepost=1517112324][/doublepost]dear who post,
at least search in web like this.. much better
https://unity3d.com/unity/system-requirements
https://forum.unity.com/threads/macbook-pro-for-unity-8-or-16gb-ram.425171/
(Right, right.)
The second I think had a Fusion Drive (as distinct from a pure HDD) – after years using one I’m a fan of them.
https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iMac+Intel+21.5-Inch+Retina+4K+Display+(2017)+RAM+Replacement/92288
not advisable for for normal user..
There's no way he needs 16GB based on his stated usage.
There's no reason to accuse the OP of lying. He's provided how he wants to use the machine, and we take that at face value.
I also recommend a 4k machine and looking into refurbs as a mechinism to keep the costs down.
I would say please avoid the 1TB Fusion drive, that will slow the computer down quite a bit, and I'd opt for at the very least a 256GB SSD.
im not accusing fpr lying but the requirement is unknown.. Simple 2d games.. 3d graphic games unity . Nobody knew.