new 27 inch imac base model graphics card

asi17

asi17

asi17

Associate
Joined
30 Dec 2012
Posts
12
Anyone have any experience with the new 27 inch imac base model graphics card. You may know from my previous thread that i'm due for a replacement 21.5 inch model but have decided to go for the 27 inch. The apple advisor said for a small charge the higher spec 27 would be given but now apologised and said he meant the base model spec. I'll be paying £250 to get the 27 base model but with fusion drive, just wondering whether the graphics card is up to running videos of normal or HD quality. I could instead pay £250 and get the higher spec 27 but no fusion drive or bust my back and pay £450 to get the fusion drive as well(this would be very painful). What do you think?
 
The base model GFX card is more than adequate for watching videos (hd e.t.c) and for day to day tasks and light bit of video editing e.t.c. You really only need the 675mx or 680mx if your gaming/doing gfx intensive tasks and/or running extra monitors including the iMac its self.
 
By gaming, what sort of games do you mean?

Looking at getting the base spec 27inch myself, and will be looking at playing a few games via Windows/OS X, but nothing I'd describe as 'cutting edge'...
 
cotton31 said:
By gaming, what sort of games do you mean?

Looking at getting the base spec 27inch myself, and will be looking at playing a few games via Windows/OS X, but nothing I'd describe as 'cutting edge'...
Click to expand...

Most of the GPU grunt is used to power the 1440p panel. If you go 1080p or lower with medium or lower settings you will be ok.

I have the 680mx and it runs skyrim on high(-ish) settings on 1440p.
 
Would you say to go with the top spec 27" then, or will I get by with the 660M? I'd probably want to play Skyrim on medium-ish settings...
 
Put it this way 660m is the GPU used in most medium end gaming laptops. And that plays most games on medium+ on 1080p (don't forget 27 inch is 1440p which is twice as many pixels to power nearly) so that will be fine.


BUT don't forget your stuck with the GPU you get on purchase, so as games get more demanding your stuck with your old tech. I always say for Macbooks and iMacs, get the best you can afford at the time ( minus RAM and HDDS/SDDS in certain models which you can upgrade yourself) as it's what you have to live with. The 675mx is a down-clocked 670 (around 680m in performance ish) so that should be a lot more future proof. You might save a few quid now, but it will mean you loose money in the future as you will have to upgrade earlier and it also Macs with upgraded Spec normally have much better re-sale value so..

The choice is yours and Apple Currently offer 0% interest on finance, so if money is really tight for the next few months but you want to future proof more, maybe go for this?
 
Yeah I see what you're saying, the 675mx is probably the way to go then as I was hoping that this would last me a few years! :D

I have seen the 0% finance offer - do you know whether they offer part finance? So I could pay half up front and then less each month, or does it work like any other loan where I'd fully finance it and then I could overpay if I wanted?
 
cotton31 said:
Yeah I see what you're saying, the 675mx is probably the way to go then as I was hoping that this would last me a few years! :D

I have seen the 0% finance offer - do you know whether they offer part finance? So I could pay half up front and then less each month, or does it work like any other loan where I'd fully finance it and then I could overpay if I wanted?
Click to expand...

I've never used the finance personally so I can only give advice on my best guess. But rather than part finance surely if you keep the money you would have paid upfront in your account and then have it on direct debit p/m it won't take any extra effort upon your part.

But yeh in order for future proofing/re-sell value I wouldn't try to save a few quid now on gfx card as it will probably cost you more in the long run. So 675mx+ if I were you.
 
Yeah I suppose the finance thing doesn't really make any difference, just me not wanting to owe a lot :D I only really need it whilst I sell my MBP to cover the rest of the cost, which I can't do until I have the iMac as I need to transfer things across!

Looks like I'm going 675mx+ then!
 
I put my order in on Monday for the higher spec 27 inch with fusion drive. Just waiting for the tracking number now. They quoted 3 weeks but said that was top end. Its going to be a long wait now!
 
Last edited:
mikejs21 said:
This for real? Ive ordered a top spec 27" machine and delivery is not until after 6th Feb on the apple site.

Thanks in advance for the answer.
Click to expand...

Well mine went pop and I was in constant contact with a very nice Woman high up in customer relations during the whole procedure. She said the production on the display panels is really picking up now, and that she expects them to be closer to 2 than 3.
 
Raymond Lin said:
People who require replacement gets priority treatment. It's always been the case.
Click to expand...

Actually that isn't the case. I was told the actual shipping of the iMac e.t.c would be the same as everyone else ordering and I would just be in the queue. The only priority they gave me was making sure my order through Applecare went through A.S.A.P.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom