not another decision thread: 2.4ghz or 2.8ghz

[adoniteking]

Hi Everyone,

Am currently about to switch from pc to Mac and i have been battling with the decision of either getting the 24" 2.8 or 2.4ghz.
I am looking to use it professionally in the sense that i will be using a lot of multimedia softwares i.e adobe products etc although i could say my current skill level is at beginners
My worry is the difference in there processing power. if i decide to buy the 2.4ghz and max out the 4gb RAM would my system be more than adequate to run all those hefty multimedia/graphics software or would it be a wiser choice to get the 2.8ghz.
I have been through the forum but i havent found any replies that really answer my question...please help*waves flag*

 

[je1ani]

I'd go with the 2.8 through the $250 upgrade... I have a 2.8 and I love it... espicially if you want to get into hardcore photo rendering..

 

[adoniteking]

I'd go with the 2.8 through the $250 upgrade... I have a 2.8 and I love it... espicially if you want to get into hardcore photo rendering..

Thanks 4 the quick reply...i know the 2.8ghz will be a fine choice as there is no other spec higher than it besides the mac pro line. what i am hoping for(am being optimistic here) is for someone(or people) who are making use of the 2.4ghz with a maxed out ram space for similar purposes and are really happy with it...
Am a student and reside in the UK(VAT!! enough said..lol) and am really looking for people who can justify the cost effectiveness of choosing the 2.4ghz over the 2.8ghz.

 

[Hallvalla]

I've been struggling with this decision as well for weeks...but saving $500 USD on the 2.4 won out in the end versus the relatively low processor speed gains. I actually just clicked "Buy" about an hour ago and I'm feeling no regrets. I'm going to use the extra $500 on other things now.

Running Adobe CS3 programs there really won't be a noticeable difference. The big difference comes with long renders/encoding of video, imo.

If money is no object, then go 2.8 Extreme.

 

[adoniteking]

I've been struggling with this decision as well for weeks...but saving $500 USD on the 2.4 won out in the end versus the relatively low processor speed gains. I actually just clicked "Buy" about an hour ago and I'm feeling no regrets. I'm going to use the extra $500 on other things now.

Running Adobe CS3 programs there really won't be a noticeable difference. The big difference comes with long renders/encoding of video, imo.

If money is no object, then go 2.8 Extreme.

Am glad to hear someone is "in my shoes as well"...i actually placed my order 3hrs ago for the 2.4ghz because my budget is strict and limited but have been grabbing my phone tightly while researching the web for any discussion on the power difference and how it affects applications..(just incase i had to change my order).
sticking with the 2.4ghz saves me £350( roughly $700) which is like a massive kryptonite on my chest.

I also think with the spec including a bumped up RAM, the imac should be fine with adobe cs3 programs but this is all based on assumptions...

 

[sonyc148]

If it can help you, I got my 20" 2.4ghz with 3GB of ram last week.
So far, it feels really fast, even when using adobe lightroom, photoshop elements, dxo, ... and even itunes in the background.

I think the 2.4ghz is the best value atm, and should be fast enough for your needs. If you're after the 0.10 seconds you might gain with the 2.8ghz, then go for it, but I think your money would be better spent on a second monitor

 

[je1ani]

lol I didn't know you live in the UK... in the states the upgrade is $250.. which would be like £125 but I see this isn't the case.... Hell a ticket to New Hampshire would run you like $600 and no tax lol it's cheaper just to fly over hahaha

 

[adoniteking]

If it can help you, I got my 20" 2.4ghz with 3GB of ram last week.
So far, it feels really fast, even when using adobe lightroom, photoshop elements, dxo, ... and even itunes in the background.

I think the 2.4ghz is the best value atm, and should be fast enough for your needs. If you're after the 0.10 seconds you might gain with the 2.8ghz, then go for it, but I think your money would be better spent on a second monitor

thanks for the great advice...after much deliberation, i have decided to stick with the 2.4ghz 24". It is the best valve out of all the config spec. Now all that remains is the agonizing wait..

 

[adoniteking]

lol I didn't know you live in the UK... in the states the upgrade is $250.. which would be like £125 but I see this isn't the case.... Hell a ticket to New Hampshire would run you like $600 and no tax lol it's cheaper just to fly over hahaha

yep..the price tags are often overwhelming but whats even more insultingly funny is the price to upgrade your ram to 4gb [£449 ~$898] that two iphone and apple shuffle! i literally went wtf! and bursted out laughing! they must think we re a bunch of noobs with signs around our necks that say KICK ME..PLEASE!

 

[mets1125]

I've been struggling with this decision as well for weeks...but saving $500 USD on the 2.4 won out in the end versus the relatively low processor speed gains. I actually just clicked "Buy" about an hour ago and I'm feeling no regrets. I'm going to use the extra $500 on other things now.
If money is no object, then go 2.8 Extreme.

Its not a $500 difference its only $250. If you BTO the 24" 2.4 you can change the CPU to 2.8 for only $250.

 

[snickelfritz]

The difference would be better spent on RAM for the 2.4.