iMac 24 2.66 vs 2.93; gt130 vs 4850?

[iLLucionist]

Hi,

Two short questions on which I really need an answer. This academic year, I'll be writing a lot of papers, but most specifically, I am forced to use SPSS (statistical software package for social sciences).

Will I really need the 2.93 over the 2.66 and notice the improvement?

Same goes for the gfx. I like full-hd 1080, I'll be in InDesign, and use Logic Pro. Will I need "slash" notice the 4850 over the gt130?

Also, are the "hang-ups" with the 4850 truly fixed and does it indeed run a lot hotter (inc. really that more noise) than the gt130?

Thanks! It's really important at this very moment, since the academic year is only weeks ahead..

 

[Tom Dahl]

The CPU difference of about 10% (2.66 vs. 2.93) would probably be directly noticeable in CPU-intensive applications. That probably pertains to SPSS and Logic Pro. The importance of 10% is in the eye of the beholder.

I doubt that any of the applications you mention are heavy graphics consumers, so the difference between GT130 vs. ATI 4850 is probably not important for them.

Regarding temperatures and freezes, I've had a 3.06GHz / 4850 iMac since April. It has never frozen. Other users who did have freezes, seem to have been cured by the firmware update in June or so. When under load (video game) my iMac is quite hot in the upper left rear. But I have no experience with other aluminum iMacs with which to compare it.

 

[zedsdead]

I highly recommend the ATI card, and yes, the issues have been worked out.

 

[iLLucionist]

Thanks! I went for the 2.93 with the 4850. Hope it'll arrive soon.. two weeks before college starts again.