Base Model 2012 iMac?

[tears2040]

Been working a lot lately so haven't kept up. How does it compare to the base model 2011 version?

I currently Edit professional with my 2011 base model Imac and even if I get a slight increase it's fine.

Thanks

[majkom]

Originally Posted by tears2040

Been working a lot lately so haven't kept up. How does it compare to the base model 2011 version?

I currently Edit professional with my 2011 base model Imac and even if I get a slight increase it's fine.

Thanks

If you mean base without fussion drive - almost no upgrade at all. You will get slightly stronger cpu, very sligtly stronger gpu, usb 3 and less reflective screen, and 5400 rpm hdd instead of 7200 rpm one.

[tears2040]

Originally Posted by majkom

If you mean base without fussion drive - almost no upgrade at all. You will get slightly stronger cpu, very sligtly stronger gpu, usb 3 and less reflective screen, and 5400 rpm hdd instead of 7200 rpm one.

Next model up or go 27" or possibly 2011 27" model, or is the usb 3 that much better?

Also seen there's an insane wait time of 3-4 weeks for the higher end models....

[djrobsd]

Originally Posted by tears2040

Next model up or go 27" or possibly 2011 27" model, or is the usb 3 that much better?

Also seen there's an insane wait time of 3-4 weeks for the higher end models....

USB 3 is a must have these days if you're going to be copying any large files or a large volume of files to external media. USB 3 is 2x faster in spindle applications (i.e. a 7200RPM connected to USB 2 vs USB3), and up 6x faster in SSD applications.

With that said, here are the geekbench scores broken down for all mac models so you can see the performance scores:

http://browser.primatelabs.com/mac-benchmarks

If you're happy with your current mac, the new imac is not a major upgrade, but if you are unhappy with things such as light reflecting on the glossy screen, the new imac has up to 75% reduction in glare. Or, if you're wanting to go USB 3 for copying lots of files to external drives, good upgrade.

Cons to new imac: 21 inch has no user serviceable ram, no optical drive, and no VESA mount compatibility. 27 inch one same cons but it does have user upgradable ram slot.

[steve119]

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Originally Posted by majkom

If you mean base without fussion drive - almost no upgrade at all. You will get slightly stronger cpu, very sligtly stronger gpu, usb 3 and less reflective screen, and 5400 rpm hdd instead of 7200 rpm one.

5400 rpm on the 21"base iMac
7200 rpm on the 27"base iMac

[majkom]

Originally Posted by steve119

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5400 rpm on the 21"base iMac
7200 rpm on the 27"base iMac

??? Op was asking about base 21, my list is all about base 21

[tom vilsack]

Save your money...pop open yours (easier then new models) and stick a nice ssd in place of harddrive...you will be shocked how much of a difference a ssd makes!

believe this is your model

ifixit harddrive replacement

[steve119]

Originally Posted by majkom

??? Op was asking about base 21, my list is all about base 21

I know, but tbf the thread does say base model, so thought it was fair to state both 21" and 27" base models......there was no intent to offend

[tears2040]

Originally Posted by steve119

I know, but tbf the thread does say base model, so thought it was fair to state both 21" and 27" base models......there was no intent to offend

I was talking about the base 21", but in the next post did mention the base 27" so you were both right.

Secondly I know I could install an SSD drive in my current imac, but I actually need a graphics boost.
When doing certain motion graphics programs I could use a slight increase.

I could easily sell my current iMac for $900 and buy a new 27" for like $1700. So is the $800 upgrade better suited towards a 27" base model or putting an SSD 500gb in my current iMac and then an External thunder bolt drive?

Thanks