How will this iMac perform?

[Aristor]

Hello, I had a few questions about how a 27" iMac would perform.
3.1GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i5
2560 x 1440 resolution
12GB (two 2GB + two 4GB) memory
1TB hard drive
AMD Radeon HD 6970M with 1GB
(Windows 7 64 bit in bootcamp for gaming)

1) In what resolution do movies, music videos, and tv shows downloaded from itunes play in?

2) How are the speakers in the iMac? Will I get that weird buzzing sound or hear breaks in audio? (especially while my computer is handling a lot)

3) Do 27" iMacs ever overheat?

4) What is Thunderbolt? (I understand it's a cord to connect 2 things together, but what exactly does it connect?)

5) How will that iMac run Guild Wars 2 and Skyrim? (Settings/Framerate)

Thanks!

 

[MatthewAMEL]

1) In what resolution do movies, music videos, and tv shows downloaded from itunes play in?

iTunes offers SD and 720p HD content. Depends on the individual show/movie. Audio is 256 AAC. That's for purchased content. iTunes has no problem playing 1080p HD

2) How are the speakers in the iMac? Will I get that weird buzzing sound or hear breaks in audio? (especially while my computer is handling a lot)

No buzzing or cracking, but I don't use the built-in speakers. I have a set of HK Sound Sticks. I love them.


3) Do 27" iMacs ever overheat?

Not unless there is something wrong with the hardware.

4) What is Thunderbolt? (I understand it's a cord to connect 2 things together, but what exactly does it connect?)

Essentially a way to move the PCIe bus outside the computer. Allows ultra high speed devices. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thunderbolt_(interface)

5) How will that iMac run Guild Wars 2 and Skyrim? (Settings/Framerate)

I run Skyrim (Win7 64-bit) in 'high' at native resolution on my 2009 27" i7 iMac. Framerates are perfectly smooth.

 

[Aristor]

Oh, 1 other thing, will the 27" iMac I listed be compatible with this RAM upgrade?

8GB Apple iMac 3.2GHz Intel Core i3 (21.5-inch - DDR3) Mid 2010 Desktop/PC Memory Upgrade

http://www.crucial.com/mac/index.aspx

If not can you recommend a similarly priced model that is compatible?

Thanks!

 

[colonelbutt]

fast

 

[tom vilsack]

once your spending that kinda $$$ for a extra $200

geekbench scores

Intel Core i5-2400 3.1 GHz (4 cores) 8362

Intel Core i7-2600 3.4 GHz (4 cores) 11581

http://www.primatelabs.ca/geekbench/mac-benchmarks/