Base 21.5" iMac w/ Fusion Drive, 16GB RAM option worth it?

[50voltphantom]

With the "perceived performance" increase of the Fusion Drive, would the 16GB RAM upgrade noticeably affect user experience during 'basic' photo and video editing work?

Having played around with a low-end Air and having it feel like a much higher spec'd machine, I would think another 8GB RAM wouldn't be a game-changer in terms of real-world user experience.

 

[Bear]

It comes down to what you mean by "basic" photo and video and what tools you are using.

Also Air is SSD and the iMac is SSD/HD - depending on how often it need to go to the HD while you're editing will be what determines whether 16GB will be worth it.

On a machine that isn't really user upgradable (at least easily) like the 21.5" iMac, I'd probably err on the side of caution and go with 16GB.

 

[50voltphantom]

It comes down to what you mean by "basic" photo and video and what tools you are using.

Also Air is SSD and the iMac is SSD/HD - depending on how often it need to go to the HD while you're editing will be what determines whether 16GB will be worth it.

On a machine that isn't really user upgradable (at least easily) like the 21.5" iMac, I'd probably err on the side of caution and go with 16GB.

Thanks for your input. I sort of came to the same conclusion after I wrote this. I guess when I say 'basic' I'm talking iPhoto/iMovie projects. When i bought my 2008 iMac I got the 2GB RAM option and now (3 OS releases later) the 4GB I have installed is barely adequate.