MP 7,1 Mac Pro 2019 or iMac 2020

[ScreamingCheese]

I may very well change my mind but here's my thought process so far:

I will do the 2020 iMac i9, buy an interim z620 or similar machine to run a few VMs in combo with those on my iMac and then spend time researching and spec-ing out a Threadripper 24 or 32 core build. Did my preference for a single machine now potentially expand to 3? Yes, but these items can all be contained in a limited space easily. I don't want to be cluttered with PC parts and old machines. As long as my workspace and dwelling is clean and not overly cluttered, that is fine. Ideally, I want to spec out a high end PC that will last a decade with minimal upgrades with consistent performance year over year. But that topic is starting to get out of scope of these forums.

 

[vel0city]

Fan noise is a total deal-breaker for me and makes the iMac pointless for anything demanding. As soon as you start stressing the CPUs the fans kick in and stay spinning loudly, and because the iMac is so close to your ears it gets annoying quickly. Sounds like a hairdryer on medium setting, and then there's the throttling to take into account. I've bought nearly every revision of the iMac in the hope that they improve the thermals, but have returned every single one. Just a terrible example of form over function and for me the worst computer Apple have ever designed. I cannot wait for this design to be retired.

 

[Blair Paulsen]

Every use case has it's own needs. That said, my strategy has been to have 2 or 3 different computers going at the same time instead of investing a lot of cash to get into the latest high end machine. Based on the OP's task list, that would be my recommendation.
BTW, bought a 1998 C5 Corvette that is still my daily driver 22 years later. Great investment in cost per mile - not to mention fun to drive.

 

[chrash]

Fan noise is a total deal-breaker for me and makes the iMac pointless for anything demanding. As soon as you start stressing the CPUs the fans kick in and stay spinning loudly, and because the iMac is so close to your ears it gets annoying quickly. Sounds like a hairdryer on medium setting, and then there's the throttling to take into account. I've bought nearly every revision of the iMac in the hope that they improve the thermals, but have returned every single one. Just a terrible example of form over function and for me the worst computer Apple have ever designed. I cannot wait for this design to be retired.

So much this. I tried a Mac mini and I tried using my wife's iMac, but the fan noise under load just killed me. It took a while to finally come to terms with the cost, but six months later I'm VERY satisfied with my 2019 Mac Pro and don't regret it one bit. The machine is rock solid and absolutely silent.

 

[OkiRun]

So much this. I tried a Mac mini and I tried using my wife's iMac, but the fan noise under load just killed me. It took a while to finally come to terms with the cost, but six months later I'm VERY satisfied with my 2019 Mac Pro and don't regret it one bit. The machine is rock solid and absolutely silent.

Make a signature with specs??

 

[djjeff]

I may very well change my mind but here's my thought process so far:

I will do the 2020 iMac i9, buy an interim z620 or similar machine to run a few VMs in combo with those on my iMac and then spend time researching and spec-ing out a Threadripper 24 or 32 core build. Did my preference for a single machine now potentially expand to 3? Yes, but these items can all be contained in a limited space easily. I don't want to be cluttered with PC parts and old machines. As long as my workspace and dwelling is clean and not overly cluttered, that is fine. Ideally, I want to spec out a high end PC that will last a decade with minimal upgrades with consistent performance year over year. But that topic is starting to get out of scope of these forums.

You may well discover that your interim solution is more than adequate. I've been itching to upgrade my solution but can't justify it as what I have works extremely well. If I were to update it with current technology I wouldn't see a difference.

Let us know how it goes.

 

[filmgirl]

I may very well change my mind but here's my thought process so far:

I will do the 2020 iMac i9, buy an interim z620 or similar machine to run a few VMs in combo with those on my iMac and then spend time researching and spec-ing out a Threadripper 24 or 32 core build. Did my preference for a single machine now potentially expand to 3? Yes, but these items can all be contained in a limited space easily. I don't want to be cluttered with PC parts and old machines. As long as my workspace and dwelling is clean and not overly cluttered, that is fine. Ideally, I want to spec out a high end PC that will last a decade with minimal upgrades with consistent performance year over year. But that topic is starting to get out of scope of these forums.

Sounds like a plan! Let us know how it goes!

 

[sanfrancisofont1984]

Fan noise is a total deal-breaker for me and makes the iMac pointless for anything demanding. As soon as you start stressing the CPUs the fans kick in and stay spinning loudly, and because the iMac is so close to your ears it gets annoying quickly. Sounds like a hairdryer on medium setting, and then there's the throttling to take into account. I've bought nearly every revision of the iMac in the hope that they improve the thermals, but have returned every single one. Just a terrible example of form over function and for me the worst computer Apple have ever designed. I cannot wait for this design to be retired.

Curious have you tried the 2019 or 2020 one? I have not as I opted for MP 5,1 instead (before 2020 iMac was released). From some review I saw the noise is not too bad?

 

[Grumply]

But I ultimately went for the new iMac instead (I ordered the exact config you are looking at except I swapped nano texture for VESA. It’s now preparing to ship so I hope to have it next week.).

I never knew there was a VESA option for the regular iMac (they've hidden it deep on the Australian website for some reason) thanks for the headsup!

 

[vel0city]

Curious have you tried the 2019 or 2020 one? I have not as I opted for MP 5,1 instead (before 2020 iMac was released). From some review I saw the noise is not too bad?

2019 model yes. As soon as you start sculpting in Zbrush the iMac's fans spin up and stay spinning. Sculpting requires concentration and focus, Zbrush is a complicated program, I found the iMac to be distracting and annoying to use for this purpose. Zbrush to Keyshot bridge for rendering made the iMac sound like a hairdryer that I could hear from two rooms away. For me this computer was unfit for purpose so I returned it. I haven't used the 2020 model.

 

[IA64]

Don't forget that the iMac has a fatal flaw in my case and that is the screen. Ever since I started owning iMacs, the screen over time will show sign of smudges and gray clouds. It's dirt that can't be removed. Probably something to do with extra heat etc... I replaced my iMac 2008 screen 3 times and my iMac 2014 screen twice. And yes I live in a humid environment but nothing out of the ordinary.

 

[Average Pro]

One of the biggest reasons I will not consider the iMac over the Mac Pro is the screen size. I am still using the 30" Cinema Display. No issues, smudges or burned pixels. As the roller coaster signs says, "you must be this tall in order to ride."