Which iMac Core-i7 model to buy?

[Justin Debakey]

I'm considering three different, new iMac Core-i7 models:

1. 3.4ghz (27") 2011 CTO model for $2199,

2. 2.8ghz (21.5") 2011 CTO model for $1699, or

3. 2.93ghz (27") 2010 model in stock at a major vendor for $1810 closeout, new and un-registered.

Primary use is Logic Studio and Pro Tools.

Opinions anyone?
_________________________________________

Mac Pro: 2008 3ghz 8-core

MacBook Pro: 2011 i7 2.3 4-core wSSD (dual HD)

MacBook Pro: 2008 C2D 2.4 wSSD (dual HD)

iMac: 2010 i3 3ghz

iPad 2

iPhone 4

 

[flipster]

Number three is logical, but number one is future proof for the next four years. Plus, it's top of the line right now.

Sandy Bridge CPUs, thunderbolt, better gpu, all come with option 1

 

[duky]

Number 3 is a pretty blazing computer which is why I bought one today. Of all three options it is cheapest so I think you are getting the most bang for buck. If you want a 6 Gbps SSD then you will need the latest iMac model and if you think you will make use of Thunderbolt then, again, you will need the latest model but I don't think you necessarily need a 17% increase in processor speed considering the old one was already very fast. Btw, the model you are speaking of was available just an hour ago from the refurb store. I would suggest getting it from there since it is $1569 and refurbs are just as good as new computers (full warranty etc) except for the fact that they come in a brown box instead of a fancy white one. They are not there right now but you can bet your bottom dollar that if you wait a couple of hours or 1-2 days they will be back (refurbme.com). Good luck!

 

[mackage]

Why are you just considering i7's?

The base i5 2.7 is quite a powerhouse.

 

[Justin Debakey]

Why are you just considering i7's?

The base i5 2.7 is quite a powerhouse.

While the i5 is powerful and more than adequate for many tasks, I still prefer the i7, with both hyper-threading and turbo boost for heavier processing needs. When dealing with 20+ stereo virtual instrument tracks rendering in real-time along with 40 or more audio tracks in Pro Tools or Logic Pro, (quad) Core-i7 based iMacs and Macbook Pros have proven to be up to the task, and a cost-effective alternative to some Mac Pro models.

The throughput of Digital Audio Workstations is significantly increased when using multiple threads per core. While some of the 2-core Core-i5 processors (like the one used in the 2010 MBP 2.53ghz, for example) featured hyper-threading (Logic Pro saw 4 cores), the 2011 Core-i5 based iMacs do not feature hyper-threading.

_________________________________________

Mac Pro: 2008 3ghz 8-core

MacBook Pro: 2011 i7 2.3 4-core wSSD (dual HD)

MacBook Pro: 2008 C2D 2.4 wSSD (dual HD)

iMac: 2010 i3 3ghz

iPad 2

iPhone 4

 

[qzxyu]

Keep in mind the lack of Thunderbolt in the older iMac. Sounds like you do a lot of editing and the Thunderbolt port would probably come in handy down the line.

I'm considering three different, new iMac Core-i7 models:

1. 3.4ghz (27") 2011 CTO model for $2199,

2. 2.8ghz (21.5") 2011 CTO model for $1699, or

3. 2.93ghz (27") 2010 model in stock at a major vendor for $1810 closeout, new and un-registered.

Primary use is Logic Studio and Pro Tools.

Opinions anyone?
_________________________________________
Image Mac Pro: 2008 3ghz 8-core Image MacBook Pro: 2011 i7 2.3 4-core wSSD (dual HD) Image MacBook Pro: 2008 C2D 2.4 wSSD (dual HD) Image iMac: 2010 i3 3ghz Image iPad 2 Image iPhone 4 Image

 

[MythicFrost]

I recommend the first. I believe the performance increase is worth it.

 

[scoobydiesel]

I look at option 1 because it offers the most future proof scenario out of the 3 options. The price isnt that much different and of course I think you will end up taking advantage of Thunderbolt down the line as well.

So I pick option 1

 

[Georgio]

If you're into your music then surely the new iMac's (any model) with the Thunderbolt interface is the only choice?

 

[iamthedudeman]

I'm considering three different, new iMac Core-i7 models:

1. 3.4ghz (27") 2011 CTO model for $2199,

2. 2.8ghz (21.5") 2011 CTO model for $1699, or

3. 2.93ghz (27") 2010 model in stock at a major vendor for $1810 closeout, new and un-registered.

Primary use is Logic Studio and Pro Tools.

The difference between option 1 and two is neg. CPU's will give you similar performance. GPU is better on option 1 though. You can add a SSD to option 2 that will blow the 3.4 out of the water for the same price. You will be giving up the 27 panel though for the increased performance.

I personally went with option two. I don't game so the GPU didn't really matter to me. I also went with the SSD + 1TB option as well.
The difference between the 2.8 i7 and the 3.4 i7 is neg. Both turbo up to 3.8Ghz. Very similar performance. You will be giving up a thunderbolt port, and a better GPU, you can daisy chain a thunderbolt port so no big deal.

The reason I went with that setup is that the 21.5 imac is used as my main desktop but not as my main screen, I run dual screen mode and use a 27 Cinema Display as my main screen. The difference between the Cinema Display 27 and the imac 27 is stark in my opinion. You have to see it for yourself. All the 27 imacs I had a yellow hue to them, the colors were way too warm, the Cinema Display is colder, better colors, more accurate. I thing they fixed the issue on the 2011 models so that should not be a problem.

Also you have to consider the fact that using the 21.5 as a extra display opens you up to use whatever screen you want. More future proof. Yes you give up a thunderbolt port and better GPU, but you add the ability to upgrade your main screen whenever you want. New PLS screen, sure, OLED screen with semi-gloss, check. Both of which put the imac 27 and my Cinema Display to shame.

Something to think about.




You can add a 27 to a imac 27, tried that and it just doesn't work well for me, overkill. Way overkill. Can you say headache?