Why no GPU BTO in lower end iMacs?

[DryEyez]

I'm a new mac user, so maybe I'm missing something really obvious or maybe it is just normal and this is the way things work. I've always, when looking at macs, wished that there was a BTO for upgrading the GPU. I would have happily paid more money for a GPU upgrade in my MBP, I don't want a larger screen, just a more powerful GPU.

Anyway, to my question, why are apple only offering the GPU bump on the high end 27" iMac. I realise this is probably to make more money, but is there any other reasoning behind this at all? I'm tempted by the base 21.5 inch, 27 is too big, but I'd like to BTO to the 2GB GPU? What am I missing here...

 

[Eidorian]

If the iMac had options, we would all end up buying the cheapest one.

 

[profets]

Or even an SSD option on the lower 21" model.

 

[admanimal]

Or even an SSD option on the 21" model.

There is an SSD option on the more expensive 21".

EDIT: Looks like you edited your post for accuracy right as I was posting this.

 

[DeaconGraves]

Pure speculation on my part, but there might not be enough room in the 21" for the higher end card (and potentially too much heat)?

 

[DryEyez]

Pure speculation on my part, but there might not be enough room in the 21" for the higher end card (and potentially too much heat)?

Hmm, I would probably buy that, if it weren't for the fact there is no GPU BTO option on the low end 27" either

 

[profets]

There is an SSD option on the more expensive 21".

EDIT: Looks like you edited your post for accuracy right as I was posting this.

Lol, sorry my bad, I had replied quickly when I meant to say lower end option.

 

[ConnorTurnbull]

I wish they did...

£80 upgrade from 1gb to 2gb GPU in the high end model. Come on Apple, do you not want my money? I'd happily pay £80 for 512mb to 1gb.

 

[DeaconGraves]

Hmm, I would probably buy that, if it weren't for the fact there is no GPU BTO option on the low end 27" either

(Deleting my post. Was actually more complicated that I was putting it out to be.

 

[Icaras]

There is an SSD option on the more expensive 21".

EDIT: Looks like you edited your post for accuracy right as I was posting this.

I am personally very happy about the SSD options finally on the 21.5".

 

[profets]

I am personally very happy about the SSD options finally on the 21.5".

Kind of sucks though that if you are happy with the low end 21 but want to add an SSD you end up shelling out another $900 (you do get some other upgrades with it but still).

 

[DryEyez]

So I was curious if it's possible to hook up an external GPU, because for me that's all that is lacking for me personally. I'd love a 2GB graphics card in a 21.5" iMac, rather than buying a high end 27" iMac, JUST for the GPU. Has anyone else done this? I was trying to find external GPUs for sale online but have had little luck.


I also made another thread in the MBP forum, as I would love to do this with my MBP I currently have. (15" 2010, 2.4GHZ, i5, GT 330m 256mb).

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1146969/

 

[Icaras]

Kind of sucks though that if you are happy with the low end 21 but want to add an SSD you end up shelling out another $900 (you do get some other upgrades with it but still).

Yea, but drops in price will happen eventually. I still remember when the MBA first launched. I remember when the 64GB SSD BTO for the first Air was $1000 on the Apple Online Store.

$900 more for a 256GB SSD plus a better GPU and CPU is definitely better than pricing was in the past! Bottom line though, my satisfaction stems from the options that we're finally starting to get in the lower end range.