iMac 2020 Reviews And Benchmarks - The Last Intel iMac

[mikehalloran]

For the average user who already owns a 2019 model then I see liitle reason to upgrade

Perhaps you don't but others are not you and vise-versa. Everyone's entitled to an opinion.

For those who do a lot of video conferencing (Zoom etc.) the 3 mic array (to aid in noise cancelling), improved, sharper camera, improved speakers and nano-glass (to reduce glare) make this a serious contender for working in today's environment. My wife gives private lessons, teaches classroom, works with clients and makes music. Six months ago, it was all in person — all online now. The definition of Average User is changing, perhaps forever.

I was figuring on replacing her 2011 for Christmas but when I saw the 27" 2020, I said, "Yes! Now!".

There is a downside. She's on High Sierra and prefers older versions of some apps. Upgrading to Catalina is not an issue—it's mandatory. She'll now be dealing with current versions of Office, Acrobat Pro, FileMaker and other apps. I bought the upgrade licenses last year but will now be in-house tech support. Oh my...

Hoping my 8 core i7 iMac with 5700XT gets here tomorrow and I'm gonna be trying to get the best results for Red Dead Redemption 2 and Battlefront 2, both beautiful games that would benefit from some real power.

We'll be interested in the results.

…The lack of a redesign doesn't bother me at all. It will come!

Agreed — a non-issue for those of us getting work done.

If the iMac had received the iMac Pro cooling I may have been tempted. I made my last imacs fans roar quite a bit but the iMac Pro coped far far better

We're in that same boat. If the iMP gets the same tweaks, I'll buy even though I'll likely take a couple thousand $$$$ hit on the sale of my 14 Core in the process. Unlike my spouse, only 75% of my work has moved online.

The apple silicon 24” will be the one for me [if it comes......]

Not holding my breath.

Oh something will come, no doubt, but it won't be soon.

 

[Mcdevidr]

In other words, you have it installed incorrectly. Yes, really, you have told me this even if you don't believe it. That I've seen this before has been lost on you. Your sarcasm will not fix your problem but can make it more difficult to deal with.

Bad instructions (this happens) or operator error? I don't know because I don't have your machine on my bench. If I did, I'd have you up and running in 10 minutes or less. If you were one of my clients, I'd do it for free. If not, that would be $65.

Mismatched RAM must be properly installed in the correct slots or it won't work in an iMac. Get OWC on the phone and make them walk you through this.

Or buy two more matching sticks. It's your money. My iMacs (including the hundreds I service) run great.

In other words you are incapable of reading. Don’t worry seems common in these times. Normally I wouldn’t respond but this is insulting. But hey if anyone has any issues with ram don’t bother looking at videos that report and show how you have to install ram in this new Mac just divert all attention to this man who can fix anything.

 

[Nicole1980]

The other good review I've seen. Props to Max Tech'. Plenty of benches. Here are the temps. Simples.

Azrael.
[automerge]1596892538[/automerge]


The same iFan. Disappointing. Clearly worked on the efficiencies of the cpu and gpus.

Should have just used the iMac Pro chassis and cooling.

Azrael.

Azrael.

Why does every single one of your paragraphs end with
Azrael

Even inside a single post when you have more than one response to a quote, each response ends with
Azrael

I struggle to understand, do you think everything you say is so quotable that you must trade mark it with ...
Azrael?

I’m sure it’s not your intent
Azrael,

But it comes across as a little pompous ...
Azrael.

 

[1992LC575]

Nobody can make you read every post on the forum, if you don't like it you can just tune out. I didn't even notice this until you mentioned it just now, and I could not be less offended either way : )

I'm happy there are long time forum members sharing information, particularly when they take time to read everyone's posts and respond to many individually.

Azrael.

Why does every single one of your paragraphs end with
Azrael

But it comes across as a little pompous ...
Azrael.

 

[ErikGrim]

Azrael.

Why does every single one of your paragraphs end with
Azrael

Even inside a single post when you have more than one response to a quote, each response ends with
Azrael

I struggle to understand, do you think everything you say is so quotable that you must trade mark it with ...
Azrael?

I’m sure it’s not your intent
Azrael,

But it comes across as a little pompous ...
Azrael.

Leave Azrael alone. It's an odd quirk for sure, but their posts are usually top notch, so just ignore it. No more annoying than the silly penis extender signatures listing hardware.

 

[ErikGrim]

I keep reloading my order page just in case the delivery date changes from 17-18th

I'd love to see some benchmarks for the 5700 XT in XCOM 2 and Civ VI as those are the main games I still play in macOS. (FWIW, the Gathering Storm Graphics benchmark averages 21-25fps in 1440p and 11-15fps in 5K for my 4ghz i7 2014 M295X iMac, and XCOM 2 is generally just terrible at 1440p)

 

[fokmik]

Azrael.

Why does every single one of your paragraphs end with
Azrael

Even inside a single post when you have more than one response to a quote, each response ends with
Azrael

I struggle to understand, do you think everything you say is so quotable that you must trade mark it with ...
Azrael?

I’m sure it’s not your intent
Azrael,

But it comes across as a little pompous ...
Azrael.

He is a fun kid, he is always here nothing else to do maybe
Hey Nicole wanna get some coffee together?

 

[Nicole1980]

He is a fun kid, he is always here nothing else to do maybe
Hey Nicole wanna get some coffee together?

You got it! Whats a hot spot near you?

 

[nihil0]

I keep reloading my order page just in case the delivery date changes from 17-18th

I'd love to see some benchmarks for the 5700 XT in XCOM 2 and Civ VI as those are the main games I still play in macOS. (FWIW, the Gathering Storm Graphics benchmark averages 21-25fps in 1440p and 11-15fps in 5K for my 4ghz i7 2014 M295X iMac, and XCOM 2 is generally just terrible at 1440p)

Xcom 2 is terrible because of very poor optimization and because it doesn't run on Metal.

 

[Voyageur]

Xcom 2 is terrible because of very poor optimization and because it doesn't run on Metal.

Yes, it is much better through Bootcamp. So the question is still open

 

[sarkrui]

Have anyone tried to or seen videos upgrading the SSD for i5/i7 models that support up to 8TB iMac27' 2020?

 

[Azrael9]

Xcom 2 is terrible because of very poor optimization and because it doesn't run on Metal.

What about Elite Dangerous? Does that run on Mac?

Azrael.

 

[Lankyman]

Perhaps you don't but others are not you and vise-versa. Everyone's entitled to an opinion.

For those who do a lot of video conferencing (Zoom etc.) the 3 mic array (to aid in noise cancelling), improved, sharper camera, improved speakers and nano-glass (to reduce glare) make this a serious contender for working in today's environment. My wife gives private lessons, teaches classroom, works with clients and makes music. Six months ago, it was all in person — all online now. The definition of Average User is changing, perhaps forever.

I was figuring on replacing her 2011 for Christmas but when I saw the 27" 2020, I said, "Yes! Now!".

I did say for the average user. You are using yours for work related activities. I own the 2019 model I'm an average user and my usage this year is identical to last year and probably the preceding 5 years. 😀 Our previous model (still used daily) was the mid-2011 21.5 inch. I believe in getting my monies worth. 🤣

 

[Azrael9]

View attachment 942420

Left: 2020 model

• 3.8 GHz 8-Core i7
• 40 GB RAM (self-install)
• Radeon Pro 5500 XT
• 512 GB SSD.

Right: 2019 model

• 3.6 GHz 8-core i9
• 40 GB RAM (self-install)
• Radeon Pro Vega 48
• 512 GB SSD.

The 2020's i7 performance is impressive, equalising the single core performance of the i9, and beating it by 10% on multi core on Geekbench

The 5500 XT's performance is less impressive, performing 20% worse in synthetic benchmarks than the Vega 48. I was hoping it would be a closer match considering it is built on a new process. Of course, the 5700 XT will comfortably outperform the Vega 48, but at a steep price.

Real world performance is another matter though. You won't see a difference in performance on GTA V, for instance, regardless of settings. Not that these are machines for gaming anyway - and the Windows drivers are still poor.

In stock configs the 2020 iMac offers good value for money, performing as good as a specced out 2019 model for 2/3rds the price.

Now, roll on ARM and a new design please Apple.

Why have one iMac when you can have two.

God gives with both hands... *holds hands out ready to receive a grapefruit in each hand...*

Azrael.

 

[Azrael9]

Different tests on iMac 3.1 5300. About 60-80 fps in 5K and 4K in Fortnite Mac OS with some Epic settings (AA and texture) and 80-100 fps in 1440p!

That's crystal clear to me, even in Spanish, that the 6 core 5300 is actually a bit of a bargain. If I'd had my sensible head on...I'd have bought that with no complaints.

That extra £1700 could have gone a long way to other stuff. eg. An external monitor and an iPad 12.9.

There IS a price to pay for the 10 core and the 5700XT...and a 1TB SSD. Guess I'll call the extra 'future proofing.' (Though some say that would buy an AS iMac in due course...)

Azrael.

 

[wave84]

If anyone could post some numbers while running Overwatch it would also be great. Note that there may be significant differences when gaming for a while (30+ mins).

Currently I'm on a Macbook Pro 16", the top version with the core i9 and the 5500M. It starts out strong at 200+ FPS but in less than 20 minutes it drops to unplayable levels, 40ish FPS or so. When I check why, it's because CPU frequency drops as low as 1.19 GHz(!). Temperature doesn't seem that high, so it's probably a thermal / power limitation of CPU + GPU. It was fine when I got it in the spring, but now during summer time I have to resort to a combination of the following in order to make it playable:

- I turn the AC on in the room
- I ramp the fans to maximum immediately after booting into Windows
- I run Throttle Stop and disable Turbo Boost
- I play at native desktop with 50% render scale on an external 4K monitor (lid closed) - so roughly equivalent to HD resolution - all settings on LOW, and FPS capped at 70

That is the only way to play it for an extended period of time. We're talking about a CPU and a GPU who, in theory, should be able to kill it in such an old, undemanding game. And of course on top of it all, it sounds like a jet.

To say I am disappointed is an understatement. Everybody was praising this laptop in initial reviews. So I'm afraid to bite the bullet again with this new iMac.

 

[Logan Six]

I put together the specs for the whole AMD Pro 5000-series in MBP/iMac/Mac Pro for comparison. I also included specs for RX cards that pc users buy or you can use as eGPU with Mac. Many tests on Youtube for example show the result for RX cards which are faster than Pro cards in Macs. The specs are from AMD's website.

5300 in iMac is like 5500M in MBP in terms of TFLOPS. 5500XT is like 5600M in MBP.

View attachment 941785

Thank you for this comparison. Reaffirms my decision to get the 27" with the Radeon Pro 5700. I was going to wait for a 27" Apple Silicone iMac but other folks have speculated that it might not come out till late next year, and I like to game in Bootcamp so this model will hold me over for the next several years. In the meantime I can save up for a dedicated PC to replace the loss of Bootcamp for gaming. Then get a nice 27" Apple Silicone in 4-5 yrs.

 

[Azrael9]

If anyone could post some numbers while running Overwatch it would also be great. Note that there may be significant differences when gaming for a while (30+ mins).

Currently I'm on a Macbook Pro 16", the top version with the core i9 and the 5500M. It starts out strong at 200+ FPS but in less than 20 minutes it drops to unplayable levels, 40ish FPS or so. When I check why, it's because CPU frequency drops as low as 1.19 GHz(!). Temperature doesn't seem that high, so it's probably a thermal / power limitation of CPU + GPU. It was fine when I got it in the spring, but now during summer time I have to resort to a combination of the following in order to make it playable:

- I turn the AC on in the room
- I ramp the fans to maximum immediately after booting into Windows
- I run Throttle Stop and disable Turbo Boost
- I play at native desktop with 50% render scale on an external 4K monitor (lid closed) - so roughly equivalent to HD resolution - all settings on LOW, and FPS capped at 70

That is the only way to play it for an extended period of time. We're talking about a CPU and a GPU who, in theory, should be able to kill it in such an old, undemanding game. And of course on top of it all, it sounds like a jet.

To say I am disappointed is an understatement. Everybody was praising this laptop in initial reviews. So I'm afraid to bite the bullet again with this new iMac.

Gaming on a laptop. Hmm.

I fried my 2012 iMac with a 2004 PC game. 680MX. Toast.

The latest iMac with 5700 XT 'Pro' will make more of a fist of your game than a 1 inch Macbook Pro.

Even so. The HD setting for games? The MBPro should crush it. Overwatch. Reasonably demanding. But it's not the new kid on the block anymore?

Azrael.

 

[Azrael9]

Thank you for this comparison. Reaffirms my decision to get the 27" with the Radeon Pro 5700. I was going to wait for a 27" Apple Silicone iMac but other folks have speculated that it might not come out till late next year, and I like to game in Bootcamp so this model will hold me over for the next several years. In the meantime I can save up for a dedicated PC to replace the loss of Bootcamp for gaming. Then get a nice 27" Apple Silicone in 4-5 yrs.

Spot on.

You can wait forever. I once waited 10 years for an iMac. Keep doing that and you'll eventually run out of track.

Get the 5700XT. I don't think you'll regret it.

This iMac doubles as a PC as well. That's a 2 for 1 that AS won't have. Bootcamp. That will offset the incoming AS (6 months to 1 year away depending on model size...) for those that need an Intel iMac right now.

Azrael.

 

[Azrael9]

If anyone could post some numbers while running Overwatch it would also be great. Note that there may be significant differences when gaming for a while (30+ mins).

Currently I'm on a Macbook Pro 16", the top version with the core i9 and the 5500M. It starts out strong at 200+ FPS but in less than 20 minutes it drops to unplayable levels, 40ish FPS or so. When I check why, it's because CPU frequency drops as low as 1.19 GHz(!). Temperature doesn't seem that high, so it's probably a thermal / power limitation of CPU + GPU. It was fine when I got it in the spring, but now during summer time I have to resort to a combination of the following in order to make it playable:

- I turn the AC on in the room
- I ramp the fans to maximum immediately after booting into Windows
- I run Throttle Stop and disable Turbo Boost
- I play at native desktop with 50% render scale on an external 4K monitor (lid closed) - so roughly equivalent to HD resolution - all settings on LOW, and FPS capped at 70

That is the only way to play it for an extended period of time. We're talking about a CPU and a GPU who, in theory, should be able to kill it in such an old, undemanding game. And of course on top of it all, it sounds like a jet.

To say I am disappointed is an understatement. Everybody was praising this laptop in initial reviews. So I'm afraid to bite the bullet again with this new iMac.

This iMac owners tries a battery of games. No noise. The new iMac seems untaxed.

Sure, no iMac crushing latest games, maybe. But the new iMac seems to keep its composure on mainstream stuff on HD settings.

'Almost/virtually silent on gaming loads.'

Azrael.

 

[dlopan]

What killed it for me is the non expandability for the drive. Can't expand, forget it. Forget apple anyway. I'll put one together for much less it's insane

 

[wave84]

This iMac owners tries a battery of games. No noise. The new iMac seems untaxed.

Sure, no iMac crushing latest games, maybe. But the new iMac seems to keep its composure on mainstream stuff on HD settings.

'Almost/virtually silent on gaming loads.'

Azrael.

Yeah, it seems like that. I'm also unsure which version to get. Ideally I would have wanted the slowest CPU with the fastest GPU, but that's not an option this year. Either I get the middle version with the i5 and the 5300, but long term I'm afraid that 5300 won't suffice.
Or I get the top version with the i7 and the 5500XT or an even better GPU, but then I'm afraid of that 8 core i7 eating into my thermal budget!

Decisions, decisions.... Either way, the sane thing would be to just wait 2 months for the first AS mac and see what the fuss is about, right? That's what I said in the spring also... "I'm gonna wait" - and next morning I had already ordered the 16"

Men and their toys...

 

[Azrael9]

Yeah, it seems like that. I'm also unsure which version to get. Ideally I would have wanted the slowest CPU with the fastest GPU, but that's not an option this year. Either I get the middle version with the i5 and the 5300, but long term I'm afraid that 5300 won't suffice.
Or I get the top version with the i7 and the 5500XT or an even better GPU, but then I'm afraid of that 8 core i7 eating into my thermal budget!

Decisions, decisions.... Either way, the sane thing would be to just wait 2 months for the first AS mac and see what the fuss is about, right? That's what I said in the spring also... "I'm gonna wait" - and next morning I had already ordered the 16"

Men and their toys...

Aye. To wait. Or not to wait. iToys is the question. Was it ever so?

Thermal budget. That 8 core with 5700XT will be fine. The latter is down clocked. And the 8 core is doing 'more' for the same power requ' of the last cpu by the sounds of it.

To be fair.

If you went with the stock 6 core (with hyperthreading...) and the 5300 you'd be surprised at the bang you get for that £1750 and could pour the rest into the other stuff you want. It's that or just load it up with the 8 core and the 5700 8 gigger (which will be more future proofed.)

The 'slower' 5300 and 5500 are actually clocked higher. For what it costs. Pay the extra few hundred to get the 5700. It's offering far more bang for the buck to balance out your system.

Yeah. I've been waiting since March when my iMac 2012 fell over.

Azrael.

 

[Zhuravlik]

Some results from the top of the line I9 with 5700 XT, decibel measurement etc ...

 

[nihil0]

What about Elite Dangerous? Does that run on Mac?

Azrael.

Sorry, can't tell you if it runs and how does it run cause I never played it.