2013 iMac specs speculation

[jmhart]

Firstly, this thread assumes there will be a 2013 iMac released this fall. Naysayers can dispute this in the appropriate thread HERE.

At the high end, here's what I think we'll see for Haswell CPU options:

Model Cores Threads Frequency Turbo Frequency L3 cache Max GPU Frequency TDP
Core i5-4670S 4 4 3.1 GHz 3.8 GHz 6 MB 1200 MHz 65 Watt
Core i7-4770S 4 8 3.1 GHz 3.9 GHz 8 MB 1200 MHz 65 Watt

As far as the GPU goes, I sure hope Apple offers an upgrade option to the 780M which is the mobile (and therfore downclocked) NVidia Titan based GPU with 2496 cores. This isn't too hard to believe since they did offer the top end 680MX in the 2012 model, an NVidia SKU that didn't even exist until the launch of the iMac.

I think we'll see the same HD/SSD/Fusion options as the 2012, but hopefully the high end will get bumped to a 4TB HD.

I think for me though the deciding factor may be the LCD panel. If they opt for the 4+ generation old LG panel, I'm not sure I can bite. It's hard to think of spending that much money for a machine that has a display with inferior color gamut to my iPad 3. While I don't see increased resolution as a necessity, I do think they need to step up their game in the gamut department to compete with other professional level displays.

 

[I8P'CS]

Waiting with you on a 2013 imac. Just feel we'll be waiting till Sept-Oct which is fine with me. Refused to buy first generation. Going all SSD too No fusion. Tick-Tock.....

 

[PJM82]

Waiting with you on a 2013 imac. Just feel we'll be waiting till Sept-Oct which is fine with me. Refused to buy first generation. Going all SSD too No fusion. Tick-Tock.....

Refused to buy first generation? The iMac launched in 1998. That's a heck of a protest !

 

[mrmarts]

My 2010 imac is running out of space i download far too many movies and tv shows from iTunes, and games from the app store. My video card is ageing 512mb and i could use the usb 3.0 ports and thunderbolt ports. I will be tempted to change it if this years imac introduces a 4tb fusion drive, better wi fi (ac) and at least 3gb of graphics.

Otherwise i will wait till next year with the rumoured speed bumps to the thunderbolt and usb 3.0 ports and possibly the introduction of a hdmi port and a retina display with a bigger display "30 i did say possibly.

 

[toddzrx]

Hate to be a killjoy, but I'd be amazed if you see anything more than processor and GPU spec bumps. 50/50 chance we see 802.11ac.

 

[PavelT]

i dont see a 2013 imac at all. maybe in Q2 2014

 

[tears2040]

I just bought one of the Top of the line iMacs,
27"
3.4ghz i7
2gb graphics card
with 1TB Fusion

I love my new Computer, I honestly feel people are lost. Buy now there will always be something better, these 2012 iMacs are insanely Fast and more than enough to run any program.......

This computer will last me easily 3 years.

 

[Lancer]

I'm sure they will have a 2013 iMac, some time in the 2nd half of the year when the new CPUs come online. Its probably going to be just internal spec upgrades.

 

[I8P'CS]

Refused to buy first generation? The iMac launched in 1998. That's a heck of a protest !

Cool story bro, Why you mad? lol You choose to buy late 2012 good luck to you and happy computing. I'm waiting why is that affecting you? I want minor/major issues to be rectified and prices could change on things like SSD or fusion as standard meaning i pay less for SSD upgrade.

Apple waited two months to add fusion to base model then another 4 months to add SSD, some of those that purchased early might of liked some of these options.

It leaves me in a better position to purchase when Haswell iMacs show up. Again I'll be purchasing on release day!! Which will be Nice,

 

[PJM82]

If you read back your own post it states that you've been waiting since the first generation iMac (i.e 1998) to buy one. I suspect you mean your not ready to buy the current 2012 model which does now offer lower capacity SSDs.

Haswell gets mentioned a lot on here but it won't be the huge leap forward that Core 2 was over the P4 and the i7s over the Core 2s. Its more of a step forward.

The thing to watch for now is not the internal hardware, we have the SSDs etc but if that beautiful screen becomes touch screen and if we are seeing the last days of an independent OS X and a combined desktop/phone/ipad OS emerges. Yes they share the same core but the the reset of the OS is so very different. Hopefully they can do a better job that Microsoft has managed. It could be Apples time to shine with OS X if they pull it off. Thats what everyone should be excited about .

 

[Serban]

better buy now a 21.5 or 27 and use it untill late 2014 and see the next generation imac.

 

[Tanax]

Hate to be a killjoy, but I'd be amazed if you see anything more than processor and GPU spec bumps. 50/50 chance we see 802.11ac.

And processor and GPU spec bumps are.. bad?

Refused to buy first generation? The iMac launched in 1998. That's a heck of a protest !

I think we both know he meant the first generation since a major redesign, which is exactly what the late 2012 model was - a major redesign. There are also baby-sicknesses with new designs, therefore it's better to wait for Apple to figure them out and fix them and perfect the design further.

 

[Macman45]

I think a lot will depend on what happens with the Pro. My own guess is that the Imac will offer a wider range of customisation, including multiple CPU's, more GPU options etc.

That holds for me unless the Pro does FINALLY get a proper update, and not a minor bump such as adding in T/Bolt.

It's always guesswork though.....Bottom line? Wait and see

 

[toddzrx]

And processor and GPU spec bumps are.. bad?

Certainly not. I am just cautioning that readers reign in their expectations for the next refresh. For example: speculating that Apple will offer a new retina screen. I don't see that happening until 2015 at the earliest (just my own gut feel; nothing more).

 

[PJM82]

And processor and GPU spec bumps are.. bad?



I think we both know he meant the first generation since a major redesign, which is exactly what the late 2012 model was - a major redesign. There are also baby-sicknesses with new designs, therefore it's better to wait for Apple to figure them out and fix them and perfect the design further.

Its hardly a major re-design. Its slimmer and thats about it. Face on you couldn't tell the difference between the pass few generations.

I guess you missed the smiley face at the end of the sentence.

 

[Digital Skunk]

I think a lot will depend on what happens with the Pro. My own guess is that the Imac will offer a wider range of customisation, including multiple CPU's, more GPU options etc.

That holds for me unless the Pro does FINALLY get a proper update, and not a minor bump such as adding in T/Bolt.

It's always guesswork though.....Bottom line? Wait and see

I don't see the iMac being more than just the consumer Mac desktop with the option to scratch the surface of a low-end to mid-range workstation.

Apple is digging hard to find a way to save the Mac Pro, otherwise, it would've just kept up with the offerings from HP and Dell. There isn't much to do with a workstation other than making it faster/cheaper/more customizable. Apple has more than enough genius to do that.

I think the wait is going to be a shocker, e.g. they will kill off the Mac Pro, or they will change the workstation game.

My bet is on them killing it. People just don't buy enough of them, and now, most that would have moved on to the much better options in the iMac or PC world.

Now, as far as the 2013 iMac? I think we'll see modest updates. No special tiers or custom workstation configs to help ease the pain of a dead Mac Pro. Just more Fusion drives and thin designs that limit hardware options.

 

[jmhart]

Certainly not. I am just cautioning that readers reign in their expectations for the next refresh. For example: speculating that Apple will offer a new retina screen. I don't see that happening until 2015 at the earliest (just my own gut feel; nothing more).

A 'retina' screen implies increasing the resolution which I don't think is necessary or practical yet as you say. What I am hoping for is simply an updated panel with improved color gamut and less off angle problems than these several generation old LG panels that they're using in the 2012 model have, for instance corners appearing lighter than the rest of the screen depending on viewing angle. Maybe now that they've got the screen lamination tech down, they'll actually start using panels that can compete with the iPad 3/4 in color accuracy. I suppose it's possible the newer panel cost would drive the price up and maybe that's why they're still using the older tech.

In any case, it's somehow ridiculous to me that I would pay iMac prices for a machine with a display I can't upgrade and has inferior color gamut to my iPad 3. This plus the lengthy availability delays pushing many shipments all the way into 2013 were enough to keep me from picking up the 2012 model.

 

[Tanax]

Certainly not. I am just cautioning that readers reign in their expectations for the next refresh. For example: speculating that Apple will offer a new retina screen. I don't see that happening until 2015 at the earliest (just my own gut feel; nothing more).

Oh, I see. I definitely agree with you, Retina is just not happening the coming refresh.

However, if you're like me:
1. Waiting for more funding before buying
2. Not really *needing* a new computer but rather wants a new one because you want to upgrade your existing

..then spec bumps are definitely a most welcome addition

Its hardly a major re-design. Its slimmer and thats about it. Face on you couldn't tell the difference between the pass few generations.

I guess you missed the smiley face at the end of the sentence.

It is a major re-design, maybe not on the outside but the internals have changed a lot and you can most definitely tell the difference between the internals of late 2012 and the earlier models. On top of that, they're using a new glue-on display technique that was not present in pre-late2012 models (they say it was to make the iMac slimmer).

I didn't miss the smiley, but if you meant to say it as a joke, you should probably use the "" smiley instead of "".

 

[karpich1]

Its hardly a major re-design. Its slimmer and thats about it. Face on you couldn't tell the difference between the pass few generations.

I guess you missed the smiley face at the end of the sentence.

The internals did change a lot. Ignoring the spec-bumps, inside the case is different (hardware, placement, etc).

I'm not saying it's like looking under the hoods of a 1990 Civic vs a 2013 Ferrari (for the 2011 and 2012 iMacs). But there is a difference.

So different case shape, different internal parts, and different internal part layouts.

With an iMac, that's about as close to a major re-design as you can get when you want an all-in-one. Unless you want a radically-different looking case, like going back to the the old lamp-style case or the HP upgradable all-in-one.

 

[xgman]

Its hardly a major re-design. Its slimmer and thats about it. Face on you couldn't tell the difference between the pass few generations.

So what do you want it to look like? A toaster?

 

[Digital Skunk]

Oh, I see. I definitely agree with you, Retina is just not happening the coming refresh.

However, if you're like me:
1. Waiting for more funding before buying
2. Not really *needing* a new computer but rather wants a new one because you want to upgrade your existing

..then spec bumps are definitely a most welcome addition

YES! And that's where it matters most. Some users always want to think the next model is going to be SUPER DUPER compared to the previous gen. But even in the fast paced professional markets a machine, especially one that just sits on a desk, is supposed to last at least 3 years.

The 24" iMac I bought is still kicking strong, running 10.8 and all rather smoothly . . . it's pushing 6 years now. Upgrading to a current gen 27" (even a base model) will show dramatic improvements in speed overall. Now, drooling over a late 2012 when I have an early 2011 . . . . not so much.

It is a major re-design, maybe not on the outside but the internals have changed a lot and you can most definitely tell the difference between the internals of late 2012 and the earlier models. On top of that, they're using a new glue-on display technique that was not present in pre-late2012 models (they say it was to make the iMac slimmer).

I wouldn't call it a major redesign for just the internals. A redesign? Yes. Major? No. It's still relatively the same black bezel we saw in the change over from polycarb. to Alu. Sleeker and thinner, but same basic design concepts.

Dramatic changes to the internals mean that we had a major redesign going from the PowerMac G5 to the Mac Pro. The internals changed even more so than the iMac's.

 

[PJM82]

So what do you want it to look like? A toaster?

No an iMac. I've not complained about its looks. I think it looks great. I like the fact my 2012 model looks like the earlier models just slimmer. Lets be honest, its the same screen, minor graphics revisions, slightly different processors. Since when was that a major upgrade?

The jump from 68k to PPC. Now there is a major hardware change. PPC to intel, theres another.

Look at it this way. The PS3 has had three major changes but they are still considered the same thing. Some of the hardware in each is different but they still function the same. Sony didn't suddenly name the slim line PS3 the PS4 despite internal differences and completely different external looks.

Get what I'm trying to get at?

Now we are way O/T.

 

[smoking monkey]

100% Spec Bumps

80% October/November

70% New wifi standard

15% Bigger standard fusion drive

0% Retina

0% Redesign

 

[luffytubby]

I just bought one of the Top of the line iMacs,
27"
3.4ghz i7
2gb graphics card
with 1TB Fusion

I love my new Computer, I honestly feel people are lost. Buy now there will always be something better, these 2012 iMacs are insanely Fast and more than enough to run any program.......

This computer will last me easily 3 years.

True. In your case the computer is new and you have gotten your version early in cycle. The OP might be in need of an upgrade 1-2 years from now.


-------


OP: Won't Nvidia 770 be more likely? 780 seems like a very big step up from 680!

 

[Zandros]

As far as the GPU goes, I sure hope Apple offers an upgrade option to the 780M which is the mobile (and therfore downclocked) NVidia Titan based GPU with 2496 cores.

I think it's very likely Apple will offer the 780M, however, recent information suggests that this will essentially be a 680MX, perhaps with slightly higher clocks. It seems like it will also be the replacement card for the 680M (aka the iMac 675MX), so I'm assuming it will be priced about the same. Therefore I believe it will be the base card in the high-end 27" iMac.

I'm also going to go wild and assume the 21.5" iMacs will use BGA parts with Iris Pro.

Hence:

Base 21.5" - $1199 (down $100 to compensate for essentially static performance)
Intel i5-4570R (2.7 GHz, Iris Pro)
8 GB RAM
1 TB HDD
802.11ac

Top 21.5" - $1499
Intel i5-4670R (3.0 GHz, Iris Pro) (Upgrade to i7-4770R 3.2 GHz, Iris Pro)
8 GB RAM
1 TB + 128 GB Fusion
802.11ac

Base 27" - $1799
Intel i5-4430 (3.0 GHz)
nVidia Geforce GTX 770M 1 GB
8 GB RAM
1 TB + 128 GB Fusion
802.11ac

Top 27" - $1999
Intel i5-4570 (3.2 GHz) (Upgrade to i7-4770 3.4 GHz)
nVidia GeForce GTX 780M 2 GB (possible upgrade to another Apple exclusive?)
8 GB RAM
1 TB + 128 GB Fusion
802.11ac

On my wishlist is another, better/newer panel, possibly with RGB LED backlight. Now that they've got the lamination process down*, I hope they dare to update the actual panel. Another thing that I see as possible, but somewhat unlikely, is a change in how the display is mounted, i.e. moving away from the tape.

*Edit: Apparently the OP said the exact same thing, so here's to hoping.

As for the video cards, the Geforce 700 series is basically a rebrand/slight upclock of the existing 600 series, so I feel they need to offer increased performance somehow and the Radeon 9000 cards appear to come a bit late for my taste.

I'm assuming no upgrade to the Thunderbolt subsystem.

As for the release date, my gut tells me September, technically it could perhaps be as early as July, but logically I'm thinking after the launch of the iPhone 5S, whenever that will be (unless it comes in November/late October, in which case I think they will release the iMac before).