Which imac 5k 27" for VMs and software dev?

[TheCopywriter]

I plan on using windows VMs (visual studio), xcode, probably more than one linux VM... all at the same time possibly.

I plan on upgrading the memory, but my question is do I need the i7 for all the VMs?

Also, is the low end graphics card really sufficient for the 5k display?

 

[Samuelsan2001]

You don't need the i7 but it will make a difference running multiple VM's.

The low end graphics card is just that sufficient.

 

[TheCopywriter]

"The low end graphics card is just that sufficient."

What do you mean?

Also, how much of a difference?

 

[zacster]

Unless you have the VMs cranking away all at once, I don't think the i7 will buy you much. If OTOH you are doing video codec conversion on UHD on all 3 VMs, yes the i7 will be worth it. The same with the graphics card, it'll be nice when you need it to have a better one, but would you notice in day to day use?

 

[maflynn]

I'd opt for the midrange machine, it will give you a little more oomph on the GPU, I'd also look to configure it with an SSD. VMs are fairly demanding on storage units and you don't want to be impacted by a slow hard drive.

As for the i5 vs.i7. If you'll be running more then one VM at a time, I think you'll be better off with the i7. Same logic applies to the ram, i.e., you might be better off with 16GB.

Just my $.02