Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

To those who decided to buy the Intel iMac 2020: what argument prevailed?

C

cltd

macrumors regular
Original poster
May 22, 2014
137
32
This decision drives me crazy. My situation:
-my iMac 27 2013 i7 died few months ago (GPU failure);
-now I use Macbook Pro 15 (2015), which is substitute of failed iMac but only in part (Internet, Office - it's to weak to carry my audio works);
-I have a lot of software for Intel iMac: for example audio production software (Native Instruments Komplete Ultimate, Propellerhead Reason, Presonus Studio One, a lot of VST and synths etc etc);
- I'am afraid: a) many vendors will not re-release ARM software versions I already have; b) even if they release, I will have to pay again.

So, please give me advice: to buy Intel iMac 2020 or wait for ARM? :)
Thanks in advance!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Fluttershy462 and barkmonster
cltd said:
This decision drives me crazy. My situation:
-my iMac 27 2013 i7 died few months ago (GPU failure);
-now I use Macbook Pro 15 (2015), which is substitute of failed iMac but only in part (Internet, Office - it's to weak to carry my audio works);
-I have a lot of software for Intel iMac: for example audio production software (Native Instruments Komplete Ultimate, Propellerhead Reason, Presonus Studio One, a lot of VST and synths etc etc);
- I'am afraid: a) many vendors will not re-release ARM software versions I already have; b) even if they release, I will have to pay again.

So, please give me advice: to buy Intel iMac 2020 or wait for ARM? :)
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
You are better with Intel iMac because you use specific software. These will likely take a long time to be fully compatible and optimized for Apple Silicon.

I don't think it's very much of a consideration to wait in your case.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Fluttershy462, nihil0 and cltd
cltd said:
This decision drives me crazy. My situation:
-my iMac 27 2013 i7 died few months ago (GPU failure);
-now I use Macbook Pro 15 (2015), which is substitute of failed iMac but only in part (Internet, Office - it's to weak to carry my audio works);
-I have a lot of software for Intel iMac: for example audio production software (Native Instruments Komplete Ultimate, Propellerhead Reason, Presonus Studio One, a lot of VST and synths etc etc);
- I'am afraid: a) many vendors will not re-release ARM software versions I already have; b) even if they release, I will have to pay again.

So, please give me advice: to buy Intel iMac 2020 or wait for ARM? :)
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...

As I recall there were always problems with audio production software and yearly macOS updates when Native Instruments, Steinberg, AVID, and so on advised not to upgrade to new version for several months because of incompatibility. I imagine move from X86 to ARM will make things with compatibility even worse and will take much longer for those companies to adapt. So therefore, it would be a no brainer for me to choose Intel iMac. You will be fine for next 5-7 years easy.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Darajavahus and cltd
I wanted a new desktop Mac now, not in the next year or two. Also I need to be able to run Docker and x86 Linux VMs.

For a laptop I might be tempted to wait for ARM but not for a desktop.
 
  • Like
Reactions: jacklivehere and highlypaid
cltd said:
This decision drives me crazy. My situation:

-I have a lot of software for Intel iMac: for example audio production software (Native Instruments Komplete Ultimate, Propellerhead Reason, Presonus Studio One, a lot of VST and synths etc etc);
- I'am afraid: a) many vendors will not re-release ARM software versions I already have; b) even if they release, I will have to pay again.
Click to expand...

You already have your answer. Go all in on the 2020 iMac and take measures (boost fan speed or egpu) to prolong the life of the integrated one. By the time the 2020 one dies the landscape for your specialized software will have changed so availability of the tools you need should not be a problem on the new architecture.
 
  • Like
Reactions: barkmonster and cltd
pldelisle said:
Ridiculous. Fan speed I could understand. Going eGPU with an iMac 2020 ? Just no. The iMac has plenty of GPU power and music production doesn't need an extraordinary GPU at all.
Click to expand...

dead onboard GPU means zero resale value or dumping in the trash. Was disappointed to hear his 2013 dies of a bad gpu because I went through that with my 2011 and thought it was an aberration with that generation. If I paid like 3500$ for a machine I don't want it to fail because of the dumb soldered GPU. So I'd grab a cheap enclosure and a cheap RX480 and call it a day.
 
giv-as-a-ciggy-kent said:
dead onboard GPU means zero resale value or dumping in the trash. Was disappointed to hear his 2013 dies of a bad gpu because I went through that with my 2011 and thought it was an aberration with that generation. If I paid like 3500$ for a machine I don't want it to fail because of the dumb soldered GPU. So I'd grab a cheap enclosure and a cheap RX480 and call it a day.
Click to expand...
And have all the problems that come with eGPU.

Thanks but no thanks.

I prefer a fried GPU after 7-8 years of usage than having to deal with problems for all that long.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Lankyman
giv-as-a-ciggy-kent said:
dead onboard GPU means zero resale value or dumping in the trash. Was disappointed to hear his 2013 dies of a bad gpu because I went through that with my 2011 and thought it was an aberration with that generation. If I paid like 3500$ for a machine I don't want it to fail because of the dumb soldered GPU. So I'd grab a cheap enclosure and a cheap RX480 and call it a day.
Click to expand...

Why even buy an iMac if you are going to use a GPU. Just get a Mac mini if you want an external GPU and hook it up to an external monitor.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Lankyman
cltd said:
Believe me, You wouldn't do that ;)
Click to expand...
Believe me, I'd do.

Anyway, I've already fried a bunch of GPUs in the last 2 years. I think my count is 3 or 4. Full sized Nvidia GPUs. Not in an iMac. I don't need an iMac to fry GPUs. When it burns, get it changed. As simple as that.
 
Last edited:
Currently rocking a maxed out 2013 iMac. I'm really looking forward to AS and hopefully a 30-32" iMac. But I decided on getting the 2020 due to it supporting Bootcamp for gaming and the fact that I don't want to get a first generation AS and be involved in all the issues that will surely come with it. So getting the 2020 iMac to tie me over for the next 2-4 years until the AS is fully implemented, software and other issues have been solved. But also so I can see what the future is going to be for gaming and similar. At that point I will decide if I'm gonna go AS iMac or maybe a Mac Mini/Macbook Pro with a gaming PC on the side.
And even though AS iMac is coming, the 2020 iMac is a BEAST and would last you a long time without a problem.
 
  • Like
Reactions: cltd
I haven't made the jump yet myself but I'm leaning heavily in that direction. My thoughts: (1) A new sexy design would be nice, but the computer is a tool and I have no issue with the current design nor is a larger screen necessary; (2) Apple has had a lot of time to refine this computer and I would rather let the first iteration or 2 of the AS/redesign models go by as later versions will be more refined; (3) Like you, some of my software may not be updated quickly (I just don't know and I don't know what glitches there may be); (4) the 2020 model is a great machine and runs everything I use now and for the foreseeable future well.
 
  • Like
Reactions: cltd
Ive been running off of a 16inch MBP as my daily driver, been saving for an iMac (I had a 2017) and saving my Apple gift cards from all my trade ins for the new design when it eventually comes and give my wife the iMac.
 
  • Like
Reactions: filmgirl
It was just time for an upgrade and I like my new setup.... Luna Display with iPad on Sidecar. Yes, all three screens are extended together.

1bb2304a61d8bc8187f1a4f653dd0a13.jpg



Left-2020 iMac; Right-2012 -Both 27”
2018 IPP 12.9

Link to vid:
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: cltd
I'm upgrading from a 2017 27" iMac w/ 4.2GhZ quad-core i7, 40GB RAM, 512GB SSD, and Pro 580 8GB to a 2020 27" iMac w 3.6GhZ 10-core i9, 128GB RAM, 4TB SSD, and 5700XT.

My 'math' on the expensive upgrade: I use my computer for creative work that I make a living off of, so my computer (as sexy as I find it) is just a tool that I want as 'invisible' as possible when I work. In some applications I will see a large difference in speed (After Effects, Premiere Pro, etc.) and in some applications I will see a minimal but noticeable difference in speed (Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign) that might be a fraction of a second here, two seconds there, etc.

The way I work personally, minimizing those friction-points where the 'computing' is happening keeps me more in the 'flow' and helps to keep my precious-and-rare focus on the task at hand. Over a period of 12-18 months with a more powerful computer that frees me up a little bit more I will certainly have achieved enough through the reduced friction to more than pay off the upgrade.

If a new, irresistible ARM iMac comes out in 2021 I'll just sell the 2020 one, take the loss (which will have been paid for by the increased productivity and output), and then keep repeating the cycle...
 
  • Like
Reactions: kazmac, filmgirl and ZBoater
I went with a 2020 iMac i9 3.6mhz, 5700XT, 1TB SSD, 64GB RAM, 10 Gigabit ethernet. Typically my job keeps me dependent on a laptop as I travel, but that has changed for the foreseeable future because of the pandemic. So I wanted a bigger display first. But my 2017 MacBook Pro was already being pushed to the limit with some of the rendering I do in Vectorworks and Augment, and the thought of it pushing an external didn't sound great. I wanted to wait for apple silicon at first, until I realized that most of my software isn't going to be native for a while. Worse, I use a bunch of plug in's that are pretty essential in my workflow, and that could take a while.

Sure it sucks knowing that at some point in the next 12 months or so there will be a 'sexy' new form factor iMac. But honestly it won't be able to do the work I need it to do, and so there was no decision to make. Maybe in 2 years or so I'll upgrade my laptop to the apple silicon, so I can have intel and apple silicon. But right now, the 2020 iMac is a beast.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Rigtee, Fluttershy462, assisterah and 1 other person
For what I do, it’ll be at least 18 months before AS software is in a place to support what I need. I do a lot of consumer stuff but in my day job I run Docker containers, VMs, and use tools like homebrew. Friends with DTK's tell me nearly everything has to be compiled from source (assuming it’s a command line tool or library) and I don't have the patience for that.

I use Adobe CC and I’m not interested in running an emulated version until a native version is out. I’m not interested in whatever terrible VM solution will be around. I’m not interested in not being able to do what I need my Mac for for realistically. 18 months minimum.

There is no question I’ll get an AS machine but I need a desktop today, especially with WFH, that can do what I need it to do. And that also means running Windows or another OS natively on occasion.

For me, it was a no-brainer. This is the most competitive offering Apple has released in years. Latest generation processor? Check. Downright modern graphics by Apple standards? Check. Additional options like 10GbE? Check. Affordable, considering the components and the Apple tax? Check. Sign me up.

Would I like faster wireless and better cooling, of course. But this is still Apple and Apple will never give me exactly what I want. (Well, the BlackBook was pretty close, but I digress).

I do have very real reservations about how long Apple will provide updates to non AS machines and the general state of Mac apps (once iOS apps come, I do worry), but this is still a machine I can boot with another OS without having to go through heaven and earth to do, which means there will be some sort of future for it. Or I’ll just replace it in 3 years like I did with my old iMac and keep it around as a memory of Intel Macs.

Plus, it made way more sense than buying a Mac Pro, which I briefly seriously considered. I can use that money I’m saving building a fun AMD system when the next chips come out. Or on something else.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Rigtee, m-a, Grumply and 5 others
ZacksWorld said:
I'm upgrading from a 2017 27" iMac w/ 4.2GhZ quad-core i7, 40GB RAM, 512GB SSD, and Pro 580 8GB to a 2020 27" iMac w 3.6GhZ 10-core i9, 128GB RAM, 4TB SSD, and 5700XT.

My 'math' on the expensive upgrade: I use my computer for creative work that I make a living off of, so my computer (as sexy as I find it) is just a tool that I want as 'invisible' as possible when I work. In some applications I will see a large difference in speed (After Effects, Premiere Pro, etc.) and in some applications I will see a minimal but noticeable difference in speed (Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign) that might be a fraction of a second here, two seconds there, etc.

The way I work personally, minimizing those friction-points where the 'computing' is happening keeps me more in the 'flow' and helps to keep my precious-and-rare focus on the task at hand. Over a period of 12-18 months with a more powerful computer that frees me up a little bit more I will certainly have achieved enough through the reduced friction to more than pay off the upgrade.

If a new, irresistible ARM iMac comes out in 2021 I'll just sell the 2020 one, take the loss (which will have been paid for by the increased productivity and output), and then keep repeating the cycle...
Click to expand...

Except for hard drive size (my 2017 had a 1TB SSD and I got a 2TB with my 2020) and the fact that I had 48GB of RAM in the 2017 by the end, this is exactly what I switched from and to too! My only other change was to get the VESA setup this year. High-five fellow 128GB friend (though it was an accident in my case — lost Amazon order wound up in my favor)!

I do a mixture of creative work and code so I'm making a similar calculus as you. And honestly, I sold my iMac to a friend for $1500, even though I could have gotten more — I just wanted to get rid of it. I no longer think about my computers in terms of resale value, partially because I’m very lucky that I can afford what I want, but also because I’ve become concerned with always having the latest and greatest (getting a new iPhone each year notwithstanding) and instead am happy to use a computer until a real successor came along. Last year, I was really tempted by the 2019 iMac but getting less than half what I paid for my machine just didn’t make sense. This year it was different. After three years, this was the right machine, irrespective of what I got for my 2017. I’m hoping whatever desktop I replace this 2020 machine with will follow the same calculus.

(Even if a big part of me still hates that I got a loaded 2017 iMac in July, only for the iMac Pro to come out a few months later.)
 
  • Like
Reactions: filmak, ZacksWorld and assisterah
filmgirl said:
Except for hard drive size (my 2017 had a 1TB SSD and I got a 2TB with my 2020) and the fact that I had 48GB of RAM in the 2017 by the end, this is exactly what I switched from and to too! My only other change was to get the VESA setup this year. High-five fellow 128GB friend (though it was an accident in my case — lost Amazon order wound up in my favor)!

I do a mixture of creative work and code so I'm making a similar calculus as you. And honestly, I sold my iMac to a friend for $1500, even though I could have gotten more — I just wanted to get rid of it. I no longer think about my computers in terms of resale value, partially because I’m very lucky that I can afford what I want, but also because I’ve become concerned with always having the latest and greatest (getting a new iPhone each year notwithstanding) and instead am happy to use a computer until a real successor came along. Last year, I was really tempted by the 2019 iMac but getting less than half what I paid for my machine just didn’t make sense. This year it was different. After three years, this was the right machine, irrespective of what I got for my 2017. I’m hoping whatever desktop I replace this 2020 machine with will follow the same calculus.

(Even if a big part of me still hates that I got a loaded 2017 iMac in July, only for the iMac Pro to come out a few months later.)
Click to expand...

Meanwhile, I keep my iPhones for 5 years and my MBP for 7 years.... 😅
 
  • Like
Reactions: BluefinTuna, filmgirl and ZacksWorld
filmgirl said:
High-five fellow 128GB friend (though it was an accident in my case — lost Amazon order wound up in my favor)!

I do a mixture of creative work and code so I'm making a similar calculus as you.
Click to expand...

You know, the 128GB RAM thing, for me it's like: I see my current RAM get to 100% utilization all the time right now, when I'm doing 'simple things' like working on something in Photoshop and Illustrator while I have a minimized browser w a few tabs open on it, and WhatsApp and Messages open and hidden. Would I maybe be able to have 'gotten away with' 64GB of RAM w the new iMac? Yeah, but for $300 more I can have 128GB of RAM and have the headroom for when I'm doing 4K60 stuff in After Effects, Premiere, etc.

Another program I use for work uses -all- of my available CPU on the current iMac; it's a multi-threaded program, so with the 8-core vs 10-core I just spend the $400 there, again, to know that I'm not leaving speed on the table to save me some money when I know I'm using all the cores to create things that make me money.

I like to 'nerd out' with computers and stuff but at the end of the day when you're using something as a tool to do work, there's a lot to be said for the 'insurance policy' that is spending a little extra up top to make sure you're not leaving efficiency and speed on the table just because you wanted to save $300 spread out over 18 months of work because you have two friends who tell you you're "insane" for getting 128GB of RAM, or for spending a few hundred bucks on the 10-core i9 over the 8-core i7...
 
  • Like
Reactions: filmgirl
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back