i5 1GB GFX or i7 512 GFX ?

[lc25]

So i have been using macbooks and macbook pros for a long time but i am looking at getting a 27" imac for the desk so i can use my macbook pro for mobile tasks. At the moment macbook pro stays plugged in and i take my macbook everywhere...... Another side task being i wouldn't mind getting back into a bit of gaming CSS and Guildwars (run though crossover) as i have heard good reviews about it working well, i do miss GW..... anyway i have been looking at the refurb store and i am rather tempted but i can't seem to work out what would be a better trade off, only 512 of gfx ram with a i7 or 1Gb with a i5 now obviously for the gaming side the i5 is the better option but i kinda want the i7 can anyone advise what they picked for playing games ?

 

[Hellhammer]

For gaming, get the one with the better GPU. i7 makes no difference in gaming as games cannot take advantage of its extra threads

 

[mad-jamie16]

If you want the iMac more for games then I would definitely recommend the i5. The i7 won't be better for games or normal use.

 

[dndlnx]

Sure it has 1GB...but overall performance - 5750 does not exactly crush the 4850, at least on the desktop version. The 4850 will handle counter strike fine @ 1920x1080. I've messed around with portal and l4d on the mac steam a little, it did pretty good.

I would make the decision based on other stuff, like if you want the i7 hyperthreading, or slightly higher clocked ram of the mid-2010's (1333mhz?) etc

 

[TMRaven]

The 5750 in the iMac is mobility 5850, and the 4850 a mobility 4850, so the difference in performance is even more negligible. Still something to get when focused on gaming tho.