Question about new iMac graphics

Sassers · Dec 10, 2012, 09:49 PM

Hello!

I'm thinking about switching from a Windows PC to the new iMac. For space consideration, I'd really love to get the 21.5". I'm concerned about the graphics card, though - the GT 650M 512. I create content for a virtual world (Second Life), mainly using Photoshop CS 5.1 extended. I believe that card will be fine for PS and tolerable for Second Life, but next year I might start working in either Blender or Maya creating mesh 3D items.

Does anyone have any experience working on the smaller iMac using 3D programs? I've got the 27" spec'd out, and am pretty sure that will handle Blender/Maya ok, but I keep going back to the 21.5" because my space is so limited.

With either size I'd go with the 1TB Fusion drive, and could bump up to the i7 if that would make a difference in how the card might process 3d renders.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks!

fig · Dec 11, 2012, 03:06 PM

Depending what you're doing, you should be fine. I do some Maya work now on a 20" iMac from late 2006, it isn't fast by any means but it's usable for character animation.

I think the need for horsepower gets a bit overblown by folks who think they need more than they really do, the new iMacs are pretty darn capable and will handle your everyday Photoshop and 3d work just fine. Load it up with RAM and you're good to go.

Sassers · Dec 11, 2012, 04:11 PM

That's good to hear. That puts the 21.5 back into consideration, which I'm really happy about. I know it wouldn't be the optimum, but as long as there's a chance it's doable I'm good.

Thanks for your input!

fig · Dec 11, 2012, 04:36 PM

Yeah, if you're just doing pretty simple modeling, rendering, etc., which is what it sounds like, you shouldn't have any issues whatsoever.

And glad to help.

Renzatic · 12:32 PM

I think you could push it pretty hard, since 3D work is generally (though not always) more CPU driven than GPU. If you prefer realtime 3D over prerendered you might run into problems once you start getting into heavier scenes, but you'll still be able to push it surprisingly far.

Sassers · Dec 11, 2012, 05:54 PM

Thanks! I'm still dithering (mainly now because of the 650 card with only 512 VRAM) but the size of the 21.5 is so appealing...

Decisions, decisions

Dec 10, 2012, 09:49 PM	#1
Sassers macrumors newbie Join Date: Dec 2012	Question about new iMac graphics Hello! I'm thinking about switching from a Windows PC to the new iMac. For space consideration, I'd really love to get the 21.5". I'm concerned about the graphics card, though - the GT 650M 512. I create content for a virtual world (Second Life), mainly using Photoshop CS 5.1 extended. I believe that card will be fine for PS and tolerable for Second Life, but next year I might start working in either Blender or Maya creating mesh 3D items. Does anyone have any experience working on the smaller iMac using 3D programs? I've got the 27" spec'd out, and am pretty sure that will handle Blender/Maya ok, but I keep going back to the 21.5" because my space is so limited. With either size I'd go with the 1TB Fusion drive, and could bump up to the i7 if that would make a difference in how the card might process 3d renders. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks!
	0

Dec 11, 2012, 03:06 PM	#2
fig macrumors 6502 Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Houston, TX	Depending what you're doing, you should be fine. I do some Maya work now on a 20" iMac from late 2006, it isn't fast by any means but it's usable for character animation. I think the need for horsepower gets a bit overblown by folks who think they need more than they really do, the new iMacs are pretty darn capable and will handle your everyday Photoshop and 3d work just fine. Load it up with RAM and you're good to go. __________________ figdigital \| @figdigital
	0

Dec 11, 2012, 04:36 PM	#4
fig macrumors 6502 Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Houston, TX	Yeah, if you're just doing pretty simple modeling, rendering, etc., which is what it sounds like, you shouldn't have any issues whatsoever. And glad to help. __________________ figdigital \| @figdigital
	0

Dec 11, 2012, 04:40 PM	#5
Renzatic macrumors 601 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Android Fone Spy	I think you could push it pretty hard, since 3D work is generally (though not always) more CPU driven than GPU. If you prefer realtime 3D over prerendered you might run into problems once you start getting into heavier scenes, but you'll still be able to push it surprisingly far. Last edited by Renzatic; Dec 12, 2012 at 12:32 PM. Reason: GPU DAMNIT!
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Dec 11, 2012, 04:11 PM	#3
Sassers Thread Starter macrumors newbie Join Date: Dec 2012	That's good to hear. That puts the 21.5 back into consideration, which I'm really happy about. I know it wouldn't be the optimum, but as long as there's a chance it's doable I'm good. Thanks for your input!
	0

Dec 11, 2012, 05:54 PM	#6
Sassers Thread Starter macrumors newbie Join Date: Dec 2012	Thanks! I'm still dithering (mainly now because of the 650 card with only 512 VRAM) but the size of the 21.5 is so appealing... Decisions, decisions
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