27" iMac 2014 vs 2015?

[musiclvr]

I am looking for a used iMac and would like to get a 2015 version. But I came across a high-end 2014 with the following specs:

Processor: 4.0Ghz i7
Memory: 32GB
Graphics: AMD Radeon M295X with 4GB
500GB SSD

If I can get this model about $500-$700 cheaper than the 2015 model, is it worth it? Was there a significant upgrade from the 2014 models to the 2015 models?

 

[gian8989]

The 700$ cheaper is compared to a maxed iMac 2015 with 32GB of RAM or 8GB of RAM.

There isn't a big difference but the 2014 runs way too hot and if you don't use a software to increase the fan speed it starts to throttle (especially CPU).

So it all comes to the price you can get. If you can have for almost the same price the 2015 (even with 8GB RAM) don't think twice. If you can have the 2014 for 700$ less be sure to have apple care.

 

[musiclvr]

I didn't realize the 2014 models had a heating issue. Glad to know, thanks!

 

[mpe]

The 2015 also has a better display with wide-colour support.

Personally, I would get the 2014 if $700 cheaper.

 

[hfg]

Actually, they are both really nice machines. In addition to the above comparisons:
The 2015 has the Skylake processor.
The 2015 has faster RAM.
The top 2015 GPU is slightly faster than the 2014 (I think around 10%)
The 2015 has faster SSD (2.5x) which you may not really notice in normal operation.
I don't know if you will actually notice any of these improvements in normal usage ... but saving $500-700 is substantial!

I have had the maxed-out 2014 since release and haven't noticed any of the reported issues on mine, even after running the suggested benchmark stress programs. I just yesterday received a maxed-out 2015 refurb just to have it due to the uncertanty of "when ... if ... and what" might be released down the road next year. Meanwhile ... I am happy with either one.

 

[CWallace]

The fans on my 2014 i7 295X ran a fair bit higher than those on my 2015 i7 395X, but other than that, both machines were beasts.