New iMac and upgrading

Amp34

Amp34

Amp34

Caporegime
Joined
25 Jul 2005
Posts
28,857
Location
Canada
I'm wondering about getting an all in one instead of keeping a seperate case and as far as I can see the iMac is still the best option if you want a properly productive AIO.

With that in mind I'm looking at what sort of cost it would be. I'm looking at the 27" version for Photoshop work and the usual other computer stuff and plan on keeping whatever I get for up to 5+ years. Now looking at the options the upgrades are extortionate and so if I got one I'd be tempted to get the base spec and upgrading the RAM etc myself.

What is the difference in real workd performance between the two i5s and i7 (in both windows and OSX)? Also I'd be looking to stick an SSD into it straight away but would like to keep a bit of storage in there too, they have the option of second drives, does that mean if I just bought the 1TB option there would be space for me to install my own SSD, or are they different shapes inside?

Any other things I should contemplate before buying?

Thanks:)
 
If we just look at the top end i5 27" (the one I have) against the CTO i7 27", the performance in Photoshop is going to be around 10% or so faster. So I'd say it does come down to whether or not you are an intensive Photoshop user or not.

If we take professional work out of the equation, and just factor in day to day, basic usage, there will be no noticeable difference whatsoever between the bottom end 27" with the 2.7GHz i5, and the top of the line 3.4GHz model. All are pretty fast machines.

On the SSD front, you can just install your own (or get an Apple Certified Seller to do the job for you, it should be cheaper than ordering one through Apple from the get-go).

On the SSD front, I actually wouldn't bother if you merely open up Photoshop in the morning and leave it open. Unless you're going to use it as a current project drive and transfer data to the mechanical drive once you have finished with it :)
 
Thanks for the informative post. The thing that really drives me nuts on my (old) current computer is when I do things like merging multi photo panoramics. I may also end up having a bit of a play with HD video at some point when I upgrade my camera.

What sort of price would I be looking at with the certified install. I'm sure I can do it myself but the idea of taking the screen off a brand new iMac is a little nerve inducing... Are there specific SSDs that would need to be installed like the mechanical HDDs or is the temp sensor not an issue with them? Finally what sort of markup are the apple certified drives?

With an SSD I'd probably separate it into two partitions and use the second one as a temporary storage disk for files straight off the camera, do all the Photoshop work then move it all to the mechanical.

WRT mice. I hate the size of the magic mouse (big hands). I assume pretty much any USB mice i buy will just plug and play?

Loads of questions I know, but I need to figure this out so I can decide if one is really useable for me.
 
The issue is with an Apple specific cable that attaches to the drives. If it isn't connected the fans go mental. There was a recent discussion about it on here somewhere but basically you can get an app to regulate the fans yourself and then it is no longer a problem.

I would definitely go for this option as the Apple SSDs are muchos expensivo.
 
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