2012 iMac vs 2012 Mac Mini

Discussion in 'Buying Tips and Advice' started by jharvey71884, Jul 16, 2014.

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  1. jharvey71884, Jul 16, 2014

    jharvey71884 macrumors 6502

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    #1
    So I was about ready to throw down on refurbished mini, but saw something interesting. What do you think?

    2012 iMac - 21.5
    2.7 quad core i5
    1 TB fusion
    NVIDIA GeForce GT 640M with 512MB
    8 GB or ram
    Comes with Apple Keyboard/Mouse

    Total - $1315


    2012 Mac Mini
    2.3 quad core i7
    1 TB fusion
    Intel HD 4000
    16 GB ram (will upgrade it for $140)
    Will buy Apple Keyboard/Mouse ($140)
    $225 monitor

    Total - $1430


    Thing that worries me about the Mini is the graphics. I do a lot of Lightroom and quite a bit of Final Cut Pro stuff with my job. Nothing too big, but a lot of interviews. The thing I worry about the iMac is the 8GB of ram.
     
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  2. mad3inch1na, Jul 16, 2014

    mad3inch1na macrumors 6502a

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    #2
    Especially if you are using apps like that, 8GB is definitely worrisome. On the other hand, the HD 4000 is a terrible performer for 3D graphics. The 640m about triples the performance on 3D benchmarks.

    This might seem crazy, but here is the computer you should get. It is $1870, but the RAM can be upgraded to 32GB, it has a gorgeous display worth at least $500 alone, and it outperforms both the computers you are looking at in every aspect. Based on your needs, it is the perfect fit.

    http://store.apple.com/us/product/G0PG1LL/A/refurbished-27-inch-imac-34ghz-quad-core-Intel-Core-i5

    At least consider it. If you cannot afford it, I would probably go with the mini, but that is only because I would expect you to replace it very soon and retain some value in the accessories you do keep. Both of the computers you are looking at have some serious tradeoffs.

    Best,
    Matt
     
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  3. jharvey71884, Jul 16, 2014

    jharvey71884 thread starter macrumors 6502

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    Wish I could get that 27inch, but both the Mini and iMac are at the top of my budget.
     
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  4. mattbaar26, Jul 16, 2014

    mattbaar26 macrumors regular

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  5. jharvey71884, Jul 16, 2014

    jharvey71884 thread starter macrumors 6502

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  6. thetechfixer, Jul 17, 2014

    thetechfixer macrumors 6502

    thetechfixer

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    #6
    The Mac Mini's Graphics will not cut it, definitely try to pickup a 27" if you can
     
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  7. Truefan31, Jul 18, 2014

    Truefan31 macrumors 68040

    Truefan31

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    #7

    U can put a ssd to tb external.
     
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