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macrumors 68040
Original poster
Sep 10, 2013
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I'm considering buying a second-hand 2020 iMac 27" 5k base model (256 SSD, 8GB RAM), for about CAD$1000 (USD$750), with warranty until this fall. Apparently it runs perfectly now but Apple had to replace the logic board and power supply on it at one point. I would very much appreciate advice on any of the following:

1) Does this seem like a reasonable value? It's between that and getting a cheap base M2 Mini or used M1 even (prices are high on them though), since I already have another PC but that 5k display would be very nice to have.

2) I plan to also run Windows and Linux on it. Am I correct in thinking I can have an external TB3 drive for each Windows and Linux, plus the internal drive for macOS, and they should all play nicely and let me run whichever OS I need to? And if macOS becomes no longer supported on it I should be able to just install Windows or Linux to the main SSD with bootcamp drivers and use it like a nice Windows and Linux PC?

3) I know Apple is moving away from Intel but would it be reasonable to expect another two years of macOS support from the 2020 (latest version needed for xCode dev for iOS)?

4) Any known issues with 2020 iMac I should watch for? I'm a bit out of the loop with computers these days! I know some years have certain flaws and risks to be aware of, often involving the dGPU.

I appreciate any insight -- Thanks!
 
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