M4 iMac for mid-tier creatives?

[SazerLite]

I've been stuck with my old 2013, i5, 8GB MacBook Pro for far too long.
I intend to make a big leap forward with a new M4, 10-core iMac with 32GB RAM and 1TB storage. I'm planning on getting it from Apple Refurbished, by the way. And I want this machine to last a good long time. At least 7+ years before I consider buying an upgrade.

Now, question is, is this a good setup for a medium-level creative/hobbyist?

To break it down, I want to use it like so, from highest priority and concern to lowest:

• Video editing. Likely with DaVinci Resolve, or possibly Final Cut Pro. Mostly silly videos with some effects and edits and animations. Not stuff like large, professional documentaries or blockbuster quality films or anything like that.
• Livestreaming. Primarily just on-screen streaming; no web-cam. Streaming my video-editing process or even some light gaming, as well as with some friends via Discord.
• On-screen recording. Mainly footage of older PC games via Steam/GOG or on an emulator like BasiliskII/SheepShaver/QEMU.
• Gaming. Mainly older games, indie games, or some games made specifically for Mac, like the Myst/Riven remakes. Also will dabble into console emulation, mainly up to the GCN, PS2, Xbox generation, which I hear runs great on even the base M4. Not intending to play the newest big-budget games like Cyberpunk 2077. If wanted to indulge myself with the newest AAA games, I'll just get the Steam Deck (and/or see what awaits the Nintendo Switch 2).
• Programming. I have a keen interest in software/game development. Again, nothing huge or extremely demanding. Indie fare mostly.
• Animation. Mostly 2D. My go to animation software is Moho. May also do some drawings on Clip Studio Paint.
• Blender. Likely will use to make 3D concepts and outlines. Possibly simple/low-res animations. Not intending to make professional 3D animated films like Flow or Sintel.
• Discord calls/streams. I'm betting I can watch and participate in Discord livestreams and activities without the machine struggling.
• Browsing. I assume it can watch 1080p 60fps streams no problem. How well can it watch 4K 60fps videos? I know, rare, but still.

Okay, I think that's all I needed to cover. Sorry if it's a little too all over the place. And forgive me if any of these details are woefully ill-informed. As much as I love computers, I'm still a tenderfoot when it comes to certain specifics.
I'd also like to know how many of these purposes can be done simultaneously. Obviously, I'm not going to do all of them at once, but it would be nice to be able to livestream my video editing while voice chatting with online friends without issue.
Also, note that I have no plans to use Apple Intelligence or any other kind of AI system (outside of possibly some voice alters).

Thanks for your patience.

 

[splifingate]

new M4, 10-core iMac with 32GB RAM and 1TB storage

You will face few difficulties in meeting your expectations.

 

[SazerLite]

You will face few difficulties in meeting your expectations.

How so?

 

[throAU]

Don’t plan for 7 plus years. Plan for 5. If you get 7 great. But budget for 5.

 

[SazerLite]

Don’t plan for 7 plus years. Plan for 5. If you get 7 great. But budget for 5.

I can live with 5 years. That said, after having used this still functioning laptop for upwards of a decade, I think I'll be able to squeeze 7 years out of a more powerful iMac.

Now, would you say my potential setup is good enough for my purposes? Even for just 5 years?

 

[throAU]

I can live with 5 years. That said, after having used this still functioning laptop for upwards of a decade, I think I'll be able to squeeze 7 years out of a more powerful iMac.

Now, would you say my potential setup is good enough for my purposes? Even for just 5 years?

Yeah should be.

You may get 7 but I don’t recommend people planning that far ahead because in computing terms it is an eternity.

Especially right now as we are on the cusp of things like AR, actual useful AI, etc. and hardware is rapidly adapting at the moment as opposed the past decade or so of stagnation.

I’ve been in the industry for 30 years and right now is the quickest tech has been advancing for at least 10-15 years.

 

[SazerLite]

Yeah should be.

You may get 7 but I don’t recommend people planning that far ahead because in computing terms it is an eternity.

Especially right now as we are on the cusp of things like AR, actual useful AI, etc. and hardware is rapidly adapting at the moment as opposed the past decade or so of stagnation.

I’ve been in the industry for 30 years and right now is the quickest tech has been advancing for at least 10-15 years.

Thanks for the input.
Really, most of the purposes I've listed I'm fairly confident would work out just fine on a 32GB M4 iMac.
The only one that I'm unsure about is livestreaming. If I am able to livestream a work or gaming session at 1080p smoothly, I'd be satisfied.

 

[throAU]

Thanks for the input.
Really, most of the purposes I've listed I'm fairly confident would work out just fine on a 32GB M4 iMac.
The only one that I'm unsure about is livestreaming. If I am able to livestream a work or gaming session at 1080p smoothly, I'd be satisfied.

Pretty sure the base m1 can process/mix multiple streams of 1080p no issue and that doesn’t even have a media processing engine on it.

In terms of video processing the m2 onward will handle anything you’re likely to throw at it unless you’re dealing with high end multiple streams of 4k.

If you’re talking about livestream of games running on the Mac though that’s a bit of an obscure use case?

 

[SazerLite]

If you’re talking about livestream of games running on the Mac though that’s a bit of an obscure use case?

It is a rare case, I'll admit. I primarily would be streaming and playing older/indie games, as well as my video editing and animation work. Might get a video card for console gaming too someday, but that's for another day.
I assume livestreaming while using Final Cut Pro or DaVinci Resolve would run fine? Also, 60fps? Not completely necessary, but would be nice.

 

[Adelphos33]

Let’s start with the basics. You have used a laptop but are now looking at a desktop. Why? Do you always work at home or do you carry you laptop around?

 

[SazerLite]

Let’s start with the basics. You have used a laptop but are now looking at a desktop. Why? Do you always work at home or do you carry you laptop around?

It was an old hand-me-down Mac from my mother years ago.
I'm fine with laptops, but I'd like to have one solid place to do my work on a larger, higher quality display. I rarely take my MacBook out of the house anyway.

 

[DPL145$]

You will have zero problems with the proposed set up. 7 years...probably a bit long...as lot can change in the world of computer and your life in 7 years (and you need to bust your butt in terms of career and income over the next 7 yrs, get it done).... I do everything you are doing and a bit more (database stuff) on 4 machines in my house. 2 iMacs -different rooms (both M1), Mac Studio (M1) with 2 Apple Studio displays and a M3 MacBook Air 13. They all run fine..... The set up you are thinking about will be great and enjoyable.

 

[Allen_Wentz]

I've been stuck with my old 2013, i5, 8GB MacBook Pro for far too long.
I intend to make a big leap forward with a new M4, 10-core iMac with 32GB RAM and 1TB storage. I'm planning on getting it from Apple Refurbished, by the way. And I want this machine to last a good long time. At least 7+ years before I consider buying an upgrade.

Now, question is, is this a good setup for a medium-level creative/hobbyist?

To break it down, I want to use it like so, from highest priority and concern to lowest:

• Video editing. Likely with DaVinci Resolve, or possibly Final Cut Pro. Mostly silly videos with some effects and edits and animations. Not stuff like large, professional documentaries or blockbuster quality films or anything like that.
• Livestreaming. Primarily just on-screen streaming; no web-cam. Streaming my video-editing process or even some light gaming, as well as with some friends via Discord.
• On-screen recording. Mainly footage of older PC games via Steam/GOG or on an emulator like BasiliskII/SheepShaver/QEMU.
• Gaming. Mainly older games, indie games, or some games made specifically for Mac, like the Myst/Riven remakes. Also will dabble into console emulation, mainly up to the GCN, PS2, Xbox generation, which I hear runs great on even the base M4. Not intending to play the newest big-budget games like Cyberpunk 2077. If wanted to indulge myself with the newest AAA games, I'll just get the Steam Deck (and/or see what awaits the Nintendo Switch 2).
• Programming. I have a keen interest in software/game development. Again, nothing huge or extremely demanding. Indie fare mostly.
• Animation. Mostly 2D. My go to animation software is Moho. May also do some drawings on Clip Studio Paint.
• Blender. Likely will use to make 3D concepts and outlines. Possibly simple/low-res animations. Not intending to make professional 3D animated films like Flow or Sintel.
• Discord calls/streams. I'm betting I can watch and participate in Discord livestreams and activities without the machine struggling.
• Browsing. I assume it can watch 1080p 60fps streams no problem. How well can it watch 4K 60fps videos? I know, rare, but still.

Okay, I think that's all I needed to cover. Sorry if it's a little too all over the place. And forgive me if any of these details are woefully ill-informed. As much as I love computers, I'm still a tenderfoot when it comes to certain specifics.
I'd also like to know how many of these purposes can be done simultaneously. Obviously, I'm not going to do all of them at once, but it would be nice to be able to livestream my video editing while voice chatting with online friends without issue.
Also, note that I have no plans to use Apple Intelligence or any other kind of AI system (outside of possibly some voice alters).

Thanks for your patience.

The box you describe with 32 GB RAM should do anything you discuss, well. The Mac's Unified Memory Architecture will pretty much use all of the RAM immediately, which is a good thing. As time goes on and OS/apps become more demanding the way the 32 GB RAM is used will be come less optimal; operation will become less smooth. IMO where [I estimate 2-4 years in the future] you will first feel the difference will be in "how many of these purposes can be done simultaneously."

Like throAU said, software demands on hardware seem like they will be growing particularly rapidly in our 5-year future. IMO RAM usage will be particularly demanding. Even today, 32 GB RAM can be driven into sub-optimal operation with concurrent usage of the apps you describe + Mail app + Browser app + Messaging app + etc. In particular, leaving certain web pages open can inefficiently hog RAM, but that is easy to fix by not leaving web pages open. ;~)

 

[Warped9]

I have an M3 iMac with 16/512. I primarily do 3D modelling with it with absolutely no issue. Great computer.

 

[Allen_Wentz]

I've been stuck with my old 2013, i5, 8GB MacBook Pro for far too long.
I intend to make a big leap forward with a new M4, 10-core iMac with 32GB RAM and 1TB storage. I'm planning on getting it from Apple Refurbished, by the way. And I want this machine to last a good long time. At least 7+ years before I consider buying an upgrade.

Now, question is, is this a good setup for a medium-level creative/hobbyist?

To break it down, I want to use it like so, from highest priority and concern to lowest:

• Video editing. Likely with DaVinci Resolve, or possibly Final Cut Pro. Mostly silly videos with some effects and edits and animations. Not stuff like large, professional documentaries or blockbuster quality films or anything like that.
• Livestreaming. Primarily just on-screen streaming; no web-cam. Streaming my video-editing process or even some light gaming, as well as with some friends via Discord.
• On-screen recording. Mainly footage of older PC games via Steam/GOG or on an emulator like BasiliskII/SheepShaver/QEMU.
• Gaming. Mainly older games, indie games, or some games made specifically for Mac, like the Myst/Riven remakes. Also will dabble into console emulation, mainly up to the GCN, PS2, Xbox generation, which I hear runs great on even the base M4. Not intending to play the newest big-budget games like Cyberpunk 2077. If wanted to indulge myself with the newest AAA games, I'll just get the Steam Deck (and/or see what awaits the Nintendo Switch 2).
• Programming. I have a keen interest in software/game development. Again, nothing huge or extremely demanding. Indie fare mostly.
• Animation. Mostly 2D. My go to animation software is Moho. May also do some drawings on Clip Studio Paint.
• Blender. Likely will use to make 3D concepts and outlines. Possibly simple/low-res animations. Not intending to make professional 3D animated films like Flow or Sintel.
• Discord calls/streams. I'm betting I can watch and participate in Discord livestreams and activities without the machine struggling.
• Browsing. I assume it can watch 1080p 60fps streams no problem. How well can it watch 4K 60fps videos? I know, rare, but still.

Okay, I think that's all I needed to cover. Sorry if it's a little too all over the place. And forgive me if any of these details are woefully ill-informed. As much as I love computers, I'm still a tenderfoot when it comes to certain specifics.
I'd also like to know how many of these purposes can be done simultaneously. Obviously, I'm not going to do all of them at once, but it would be nice to be able to livestream my video editing while voice chatting with online friends without issue.
Also, note that I have no plans to use Apple Intelligence or any other kind of AI system (outside of possibly some voice alters).

Thanks for your patience.

Refurbished are a great way to go; better IMO than a new box as long as one can tolerate some tiny cosmetic imperfection. I have purchased many refurbished Macs. The hard part is finding them in the configurations that you want.

Also, it is best not to overfill the internal SSD mass storage beyond ~80%, so with video listed as your first priority you will need to maintain an external TB SSD drive, ideally mostly used for work not in immediate process. Plus drives for backup of course. Make sure to use high quality cables rated for at least the level of TB the iMac provides. Old cables working fine on older TB may perform anomalously when tasked with a more modern TB spec. In the world of doing work on computers, the word anomalous is a very bad thing, wasting time, so IMO it is best just to use quality modern cables from the start of any new devices.

 

[SazerLite]

Refurbished are a great way to go; better IMO than a new box as long as one can tolerate some tiny cosmetic imperfection. I have purchased many refurbished Macs. The hard part is finding them in the configurations that you want.

Also, it is best not to overfill the internal SSD mass storage beyond ~80%, so with video listed as your first priority you will need to maintain an external TB SSD drive, ideally mostly used for work not in immediate process. Plus drives for backup of course. Make sure to use high quality cables rated for at least the level of TB the iMac provides. Old cables working fine on older TB may perform anomalously when tasked with a more modern TB spec. In the world of doing work on computers, the word anomalous is a very bad thing, wasting time, so IMO it is best just to use quality modern cables from the start of any new devices.

Believe you me, I've been eyeing around at external SSDs for a while now, and I'm still not completely sure which one to go for.
I've had my old WD HDD for a while, but it's mostly used up at this point, and it is a bit difficult to work with sometimes (probably doesn't help that I initially used it for Time Machine but then switched over to Carbon Copy Cloner).

I believe at least 4TB is a good level to go for. Now I don't necessarily need my SSD to go super fast or anything. I don't intend to do work off of it; rather I work on something on my internal drive and then put it in my SSD for storage afterwards. So Thunderbolt 4/5 is probably overkill. Thunderbolt 3 sounds good, but some of them are still a little pricey.

SABRENT Rocket XTRM Plus 4TB Thunderbolt 3 Portable SSD - High-Speed External Storage, Rugged Aluminum, USB-C Compatible, 2700MB/s, Bus-Powered, Plug & Play (SB-XTMP-4TB)

www.amazon.com

Also, I'd like for it to be long lasting and stable, as in not susceptible to technical errors. I may get a separate SSD for my computer back up as well.

Any advice?

 

[Allen_Wentz]

Believe you me, I've been eyeing around at external SSDs for a while now, and I'm still not completely sure which one to go for.
I've had my old WD HDD for a while, but it's mostly used up at this point, and it is a bit difficult to work with sometimes (probably doesn't help that I initially used it for Time Machine but then switched over to Carbon Copy Cloner).

I believe at least 4TB is a good level to go for. Now I don't necessarily need my SSD to go super fast or anything. I don't intend to do work off of it; rather I work on something on my internal drive and then put it in my SSD for storage afterwards. So Thunderbolt 4/5 is probably overkill. Thunderbolt 3 sounds good, but some of them are still a little pricey.

SABRENT Rocket XTRM Plus 4TB Thunderbolt 3 Portable SSD - High-Speed External Storage, Rugged Aluminum, USB-C Compatible, 2700MB/s, Bus-Powered, Plug & Play (SB-XTMP-4TB)

www.amazon.com

Also, I'd like for it to be long lasting and stable, as in not susceptible to technical errors. I may get a separate SSD for my computer back up as well.

Any advice?

My only advice to lose that HDD and get thee to a SSD ASAP. And to buy good cables ;~). Save the old HDD for backup of backup.

Buy for the life cycles, not for today. TB5 may be too pricey because it is so new, but think twice before buying new TB3 hardware. TB3 will be fine unless/until keeping your internal drive underfilled perhaps becomes too much trouble. Only you can decide.

 

[SazerLite]

Can anyone recommend any particular external SDD?
Again, doesn't have to be the fastest, but being able to transfer, say, a 20+ GB file(s) to and from the drive in just a few seconds would be nice. And, of course, I want to be reliable and consistent; no connection or other technical issues.
I can make this into a separate thread if need be.

 

[uller6]

I like the crucial X8 ssds. I have three and they’ve been fast, quiet, and reliable.