This thread is a monster. I leave it for a few days to come back to over ten new pages! I want to keep up in order to help make the proper decision with regard to my build but I just can't find the time...
So if someone would indulge me with some advice, it would be hugely appreciated! First context: my 2011 27" iMac died a couple months ago. Whatever I get will be a dramatic improvement, so I can't really go wrong. I'd like to wait for Apple Silicon, but it's not going to happen. I need a machine now. I'm a data hoarder and I realize that I can go external (as I have been, by necessity), but I can't shake the desire to have it all on tap from a lickety-split SSD. I'm going 4TB, and I am allowing this irrationality this time around. I'm going 8 gigs of ram with the intention of upgrading it myself via Crucial to 40 gigs. That leaves me to two decisions-- the CPU and GPU.
As for the CPU... I typically go all out to stave off obsolescence, but in this case I'm thinking that the i7 would suffice. Everyone seems to be freaking out about the thermals on this machine. Is the i7 that much cooler than the i9 or do they both sound like hair dryers under load? Either one would be amazing compared to the 3.4 Sandy Bridge processor that I'm coming from, so going i9 would probably be a matter of vanity (more irrationality). The most intensive tasks I'd be throwing at my machine would be work with HandBrake. After that-- Photoshop and lots of it. Given what I've shared here, can anyone offer a compelling reason to go i9?
For GPU... I'm torn between the Radeon Pro 5500 XT and the Radeon Pro 5700. I don't know what the additional $300 buys me. I'm not a gamer, so it seems as though I can make do with less. The truth is, I don't know much about GPUs at all.
I figure I'll keep this machine for at least 5 years, and probably longer. I don't get the sense that the AS iMacs designed to perform at the level of today's higher end Intel iMacs will hit for three years-- but who knows? That's just my sense.
Thoughts?
Hello Jashue,
If you're a data hoarder then you've answered the 1st question. A large SSD. (I went for the upgrade to the 1TB SSD but I couldn't stomach Apple's pricing up to the 2TB SSD.) But for you, you've made your mind up for the 4 TB SSD. You know your data use better than anyone. And as you say, you can always add external SSDs. They're coming down in price all the time.
Handbrake and Photoshop. The 8 core is more than good enough. Plenty. More than plenty. It's standard on the top tier now and it outperforms the previous 8 core. Even the 6 core is close to last gen 8 core. If you were doing 3d rendering 8 core would still be good. But in that instance I'd push for the 10 core. And I have.
GPU. I can't see what you're doing that required more than an 5500XT. It's less than a Vega 48 (but it's not that far behind it and this was previously a £450 option give or take...) but the 5500XT has VCN.1 AMD encoders. Showing 1-3x improvements over previous gpu. (See Max Tech' videos.) So if you take up any video work in Final Cut to augment your Photoshop workflow you'll be well catered to here.
If it was me? I'd future proof this with a 5700 8 gig. If you're going to pay the extra on a 4TB SSD. I don't see the point on future proofing your data but not your gpu. (But I have a thing about gpus. I'm just thinking about system balance. 4TBSSD. 8 core. 40 gigs of Ram. Go for the better gpu. Helps with system smoothness as apps become more dependent on gpus going forwards.)
If you're coming from a 2011? This is going to seem like a speed demon. :O
4TBSSD.
8 core.
5500XT (should be quite a step up from what you currently have...however, I'd go for the 5700xt 8 gig.)
8 gig of Ram. (Buy your own 2x16 gig sticks. 32 gigs. Add to the 8. Gives you 40 gig for PShop usage.)
I think that would be the machine you'd be needing. Your call on the gpu. But better to add it now. As the eGPU option will be very pricey later. The 5700XT is a real sweet spot for performance. Who knows what you'd need the gpu power for later. It's lower clocked so may well perform well within capability when running the odd game or application that you run into re: the future. And by what you save not opting for a 10 core you can opt for the 5700XT 8 gigger. This is the 1st iMac which some may pass the fit and proper gamer's test. So treat yourself with a game of your choice to take a break from all that Photoshoping.
My favourite tipple back in the day was Marathon Infinity by Bungie. When Photoshop 4 was my Love Goddess of choice...and my High Priest mistress was a Power Mac Tower.
Azrael.
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