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stapleyarts

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Feb 9, 2010
2
0
Is the i7 worth it? I am a graphic designer and I illustrate digitally so speed and performance matters. Is the i7 much better than the i5?
 
i7 is definitely better than i5, although the i5 is still a pretty solid processor. is this going to be in a laptop or desktop? i7 eats up battery life.
 
The processor isn't used very intensively in most graphic design work. You'd be better off getting an i5 with an extra 4GB of RAM as RAM is much more important than CPU power when working with programs like Photoshop. If you're editing video, then I'd think about the i7.
 
The processor isn't used very intensively in most graphic design work. You'd be better off getting an i5 with an extra 4GB of RAM as RAM is much more important than CPU power when working with programs like Photoshop. If you're editing video, then I'd think about the i7.

+1, OP, take this advice. :)
 
i5 for your purpose should do.

Heck, I edit and encode video and I will be happy with an i5. Save the $200 bucks for more RAM or a 4 SATA disc enclosure (this is just me).:)
 
+1 on the i5 - heck I still do my Graphic Design on my G4/450 in Photoshop CS, Illustrator CS and InDesign CS (Yes, this is a pimped G4, but still, its a G4)
 
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Two options to consider....

Graphic designer as a hobby? If so, I'm sure the i5 with extra RAM will do the trick (for today's needs). Being a hobby, one doesn't mind waiting 10ths of seconds extra.

If graphic designer as a "professional" (especially if running your own company), then get the i7 with more advanced graphic card. For depreciation costs for this tool, buy the highest model i7 iMac under your business name. And if a business tool, get "the business" to buy lots of RAM for your future iMac "tool" as well.

Always size "the tool" for 2-3 years from now - not for today's processing needs. Especially if you see graphic design apps becoming "processor hogs" in the future...

Hope these other considersations help as well...

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