Return Ultimate iMac for Base model Mac Pro?

[koban4max]

My concern is that for $300 more, I could return my Ultimate iMac (just bought on Sunday) for a base model Mac Pro.

I'm a decent gamer, I play daily but not too super serious, my requirement to have the best video card isn't big (obviously, i would have just built a dual 780 desktop for under 3k if it was).

I know the Xeon is missing some hardware acceleratoin/instruction sets but will be a beast in anything multi-threaded CPU-bound.

The other issue is will dual D300s be more powerful in gaming over the 780M in the iMac.. My guess looking at specs say yes, it's a combined over 2000+ stream processors vs. the 1500ish in the 780M. Of course, Firepro drivers aren't designed with gaming in mind so there's a gaming performance hit there.

Lastly, you get the $999 Cinema Display value built right into a iMac vs. no monitor in the Mac Pro..

Trying to take all things into consideration and don't want to have buyer's remorse. I guess I should wait for a proper review of the base model Mac Pro before assuming anything today!

keep your iMac...mp is not for gaming.

 

[DisMyMac]

Well being I have a Thunderbolt Cinema Display in possession I wouldn't need to buy a monitor for the Mac Pro.. However, the inclusion of the built-in $999 Cinema Display with an iMac makes it a little less painful.

I did the same thing with a new iMac... decided I wanted a Pro but ended up getting a mini since they wouldn't update the Pro. Overall I don't miss that iMac, but now my mini is choking after running great for 2 years.

 

[Hunden]

Every time the words "nMP" and "gaming" are mentioned in one single sentence, some come, promptly saying, that it isn't for gaming. It is a decent Mac. Graphic wise, if Crossfire works in windows-mode, it would be great for gaming.
Game on! (Like a professional )

 

[rtrueman]

its still 14 days

Holidays have extended returns until Jan 6 or 7.

 

[Sam2lucky13]

... I overheard the following configuration:

12 core
dual 700s
I think it was 32GB
1TB
warranty

clocked in right at $5k. Guess we'll see in a few hours.

no way...some of these posters on forums claiming they were contacted months ago by apple business with config prices are full of it.

 

[Flint Ironstag]

You're right...

The store is back up, and any configuration even close to that is up there around $10k.

Looking forward to GPU benchmarks.

 

[Diversion]

Holidays have extended returns until Jan 6 or 7.

Seems only if you order online.. I bought from retail Apple store.. still 14 days.

 

[rtrueman]

Seems only if you order online.. I bought from retail Apple store.. still 14 days.

Wow... that's a bummer.

 

[Diversion]

Wow... that's a bummer.

I probably shouldn't have but I priced out a 6-core Intel CPU, desktop 780 Ti, etc.etc. full custom built desktop and it's roughly the same price as a iMac.. part of me almost wants to return mine and just go the built route.. Then I stop to think about the built in IPS 27" Cinema Display and the cleanness and quality of the iMac overall.. the included bluetooth keyboard/mouse.. etc.. Apple isn't really ripping you off on the price after you break down the costs.

And the iMac is probably the most powerful All-In-One PC you can get being there's discrete graphics inside. I don't know if other windows AIO units can be had with graphics but I digress.