i7 and Photoshop - Fan noise / Performance benefits?

[hurtmemore]

I find people recommend the i7 builds for Photoshop to take advantage of extra cores and higher clock speed.

I've heard mixed things about iMac's fans turning on during intense loads, and being fairly loud - especially with the i7.

Is Photoshop on iMac an application that often heats up the CPU and gets the fans going? Is it problem? Or is heating more an issue with graphically intensive programs, games, 3D modeling, etc. I'm currently using an older MacPro and don't worry much about heat/fan noise, my Pro will slow down with large complex projects, but it doesn't kick the fans into high gear. I'm used to having better cooling and ventilation.

Trying to decide if an iMac is right for me. Back and forth between iMac and PC desktop, leaning iMac, but wouldn't want to get stuck with a machine sounding like a vacuum cleaner.

Any experience / opinions?

 

[shigzeo]

My iMac is the late 2012 top of the line, which is barely adequate for my current digital cameras.

I am a macro photographer and rely heavily on deep stacks, typically of 50-120 image composites.

The imac's fans kick in big time, but only get about as loud as an old refrigerator.