I've just ordered a BTO 20 inch iMac but now, being a gamer i feel that the GPU (256 VRAM X1600) isn't gonna last down the road. My first question is whether the GPU could last 2-3 years? Next i was wondering about returning it to apple in exchange for the 24 incher with the 7600 GT. I've heard things like such an exchange is not possible since my 20 incher is a BTO. So, i cant exchange it even if i'm willing to fork out the extra cash for the 24 inch iMac?
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Changing 20 inch to 24 inch
- Thread starter Gpxism
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Not sure if you can change your order because it's BTO, but...
as for the 24'', it's great for gaming. The screen makes games beautiful. The graphics card (BTO-7600) is also something like twice as powerful as the x1600. So far I've been too busy to put on any graphics-intensive games, but everything I've thrown at it so far (okay, so maybe one thing - WC3) has been completely smooth at 1900x1200 max settings.
as for the 24'', it's great for gaming. The screen makes games beautiful. The graphics card (BTO-7600) is also something like twice as powerful as the x1600. So far I've been too busy to put on any graphics-intensive games, but everything I've thrown at it so far (okay, so maybe one thing - WC3) has been completely smooth at 1900x1200 max settings.
Yeah i've been running WoW on it. Everything on max except anisotropic filthering on low, multisampling on 1x and full screen glow effect off i get a steady 40-50 FPS outdoors. Totally playable. Just worried that given one year the GPU wouldnt be powerful to run future games smoothly. Given the amount of money i spent on my BTO 20 inch i'd expect it to run the mile. I just didnt know the 7600 GT is so much better than the x1600
i had the same problem but i ordered from macmall and those *******s wont cancel so i ended up selling the computer on ebay before it even arrived and ordering the 24 on amazon
Gpxism said:
Honestly, NEITHER video card will realistically last you for 2-3 years, although the 7600GT will fare better in the long run. It all really depends on the type of games you plan on playing. The 7600GT will runs todays and tomorrows well, but anything beyond that, it'll probably start to chug, especially at the 24" iMacs native LCD resolution.
Whether you're willing or not, I'm pretty sure you can't swap. Especially with a CTO mac. Per your first question, the X1600 256mb card is great, I had it on my old 20" CD iMac (which I just sold, check my signature). I was able to drive a 40" HD plasma with 1080p content just fine on that card, and play Doom3 on high quality high res settings. Also video editing via FCP5. You should be fine with that card.Gpxism said: