Replacing 2020 iMac i9 128GB

[jonthegeologist]

Hi.



current owner of i9 2020 iMac with the Radeon Graphics and 128GB ram and I’m looking at upgrade paths.



needs: I run a consultancy where we do database work and also create video content, so need a machine for streaming with 3 cameras and editing. For this reason, I went for the Radeon card and 128GB last time out.



query: I’m going headless and looking at Mac Studio. So, looking for advice on Max v Ultra and in particular on RAM. Buying 128GB for studio is crazy £££/$$$ but then again, I don’t know if I need it given the GPU and SoC. I have an eye on a 64GB but it feels like a ram downgrade - will it matter?

 

[Basic75]

will it matter?

How can we answer that question with no data? Load up your typical workflow and check the RAM usage on your current machine! Take care to differentiate RAM that is actually in use from the operating system's buffer cache. When in doubt send us screenshots of the bottom part of Activity Monitor showing the Memory usage.

 

[jonthegeologist]

How can we answer that question with no data? Load up your typical workflow and check the RAM usage on your current machine! Take care to differentiate RAM that is actually in use from the operating system's buffer cache. When in doubt send us screenshots of the bottom part of Activity Monitor showing the Memory usage.

I’ll happily do so, but one of the key differences architecturally is RAM v “unified RAM”. I’m keen to understand if that materially makes any difference

 

[Basic75]

I’m keen to understand if that materially makes any difference

It means that everything the GPU does is kept in main memory, too, so stuff doesn't need to be copied between GPU and CPU memory because it's the same main memory. It doesn't reduce the memory footprint of data intensive applications.

 

[OrenLindsey]

I, personally, would wait for the M3 Max and Ultra Mac Studios, because those will be kind of a big upgrade (just compare M2 Max to M3 Max, it's about 50% better!). However, those aren't coming until late 2024. If you can wait until then, you will get a major upgrade.