Core i7 vs Core i9

[msummers]

Hi
I am thinking about getting an iMac to use as a Main Server and wonder
I am planning on using it for

Vmware fusion probaly going to run windows 10

Basic web search

Boardmaker 7 App which needs 8GB of ram

I am planning on getting the 64gb of ram and keeping the storage at the 512gb I got a NAS for storage

should I stick with the core i7 or upgrade to the i9?

 

[casperes1996]

I'd say stick with the i7. Within the thermal constraints of the iMac the performance difference is very minimal

 

[mdgm]

Get 3rd party RAM for the 27” Intel. Much cheaper than through Apple. You can get up to 128GB RAM.

 

[msummers]

Get 3rd party RAM for the 27” Intel. Much cheaper than through Apple. You can get up to 128GB RAM.

Will something like this work ? 2666DR4S128S ?

 

[mdgm]

Yes, that's one place to get it. There are other vendors as well like Crucial, I think. Much cheaper than getting the RAM through Apple. Considering how easy the RAM is to access on the 27" there's no point paying over the top prices for Apple to upgrade it.

Note that with the 2020 performance is poor if you mix and match different types of RAM. So if you buy 3rd party RAM, remove the Apple modules and keep them in a safe place in case you need to put them back in to get service from Apple.

 

[Yebubbleman]

Hi
I am thinking about getting an iMac to use as a Main Server and wonder
I am planning on using it for

Vmware fusion probaly going to run windows 10

Basic web search

Boardmaker 7 App which needs 8GB of ram

I am planning on getting the 64gb of ram and keeping the storage at the 512gb I got a NAS for storage

should I stick with the core i7 or upgrade to the i9?

I'd think that a maxed out Intel Mac mini might be more efficient for your use cases (cheaper as well). Then again, I don't know what your intended use case with Fusion is. If you're using Fusion to run Windows 10 for simple processes that don't make use of having a GPU, then I'd say the iMac is probably overkill. Similarly, I don't know how many VMs you intend to run at once, nor what their purposes are.

 

[mdgm]

The RAM on the Mini is not user replaceable (it can be done but there is a much greater chance of breaking something). So if you don't want to take a Mac mini apart and need a new screen anyway savings from going with the Mini are not as nearly as great as they first appear. Plus the Mini is using an old CPU. The Intel Mini is badly in need of a replacement with newer Intel processors but considering Apple's move to Apple Silicon that would appear highly unlikely to happen.

 

[synicalx1]

Will something like this work ? 2666DR4S128S ?

That looks like the right kind, according to this - https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT201191#27inch2020

 

[CWallace]

The Intel Mini is badly in need of a replacement with newer Intel processors but considering Apple's move to Apple Silicon that would appear highly unlikely to happen.

Well Intel is actually releasing an 11th generation B-series desktop CPU on Tiger Lake to replace their "current" 8th generation model (which is what the Mac mini has been stuck with), but I don't expect Apple to adopt it with the move to Apple Silicon.

Intel Secretly Launches 65W B-Series Tiger Lake Desktop CPUs (Updated)

A more powerful roar

www.tomshardware.com

 

[wilberforce]

Will something like this work ? 2666DR4S128S ?

Some have had issues with 4 sticks of OWC RAM:

2020 iMac constant crash with 128gb RAM

The common denominator to everyone in this thread with issues, is 4 modules of OWC memory. This really looks like a manufacturing defect or oversight on the part of OWC.

forums.macrumors.com

Crucial has the best reputation:

Crucial RAM 64GB Kit (2x32GB) DDR4 2666 MHz CL19 Memory for Mac CT2K32G4S266M, Multicolor

CT2K32G4S266M is a 64GB Kit consisting of (2) 32GB DDR4 SODIMM for Mac that operates at speeds up to 2666 MT/s and has a CL19 latency. It is an Unbuffered SODIMM. It conforms to the industry standard DDR4 SODIMM layout of 260 pins and is compatible with systems that take DDR4 2666 MT/s SODIMM mem...

www.amazon.com

Unfortunately RAM prices have increased about 50% in the last six months:


Most people don't need 128GB RAM. Suggest try 2x32GB and see how it goes - and add another 2x32GB later if really needed

 

[ADGrant]

should I stick with the core i7 or upgrade to the i9?

If you are referring to the 2020 27" iMac, the i9 is only worth considering if you have workloads that can benefit from the two extra cores (e.g. Virtual Machines).

i5, i7 & i9 are just marketing labels Intel uses to confuse people. The i7 vs i9 comparison will be different for different Macs.

 

[msummers]

If you are referring to the 2020 27" iMac, the i9 is only worth considering if you have workloads that can benefit from the two extra cores (e.g. Virtual Machines).

i5, i7 & i9 are just marketing labels Intel uses to confuse people. The i7 vs i9 comparison will be different for different Macs.

I am planning on using the iMac for virtual machine windows 10 and using the imac as a daily computer will the core i7 be good enough or should i upgrade to the core i9?

 

[mdgm]

It depends on what you will be doing with those virtual machines. I still use several year old computers. Both the i7 and i9 would be much faster than the CPUs in my computers.

 

[ADGrant]

It depends on what you will be doing with those virtual machines. I still use several year old computers. Both the i7 and i9 would be much faster than the CPUs in my computers.

Agreed, one Windows VM running a single application doesn't need the i9. The money would be better spent increasing storage.

 

[msummers]

Thankyou everyone for the help!