Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

shopkeeper

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Jan 23, 2007
19
0
I am going to buy a iMac for 3D modelling and rendering (with occassional animation) work.

Is there a significant difference in performance (especially rendering)between the 2 iMacs? How do the 2 graphics cards compare for processor intensive task such as 3D modelling?

Here in the UK the price difference between the two uncustomised setups is almost 300 pounds. Is the difference worth the extra money considering my requirements.

Thanks for any help.

(btw. I have used a Macbook running Bootcamp for occassional modelling work and have had no problems under this setup what-so-ever but the 13" screen is a limitation for this type of task)
 
If you're using a macbook and having no problems then the iMac will be a pleasant upgrade for you. The macbooks have integrated graphics, which hampers any intensive 3D work. You won't see an enormous difference in the two different iMac models. The one with the faster processor will have marginally faster renders, maybe 5-10%. On the whole, both machines are extremely fast.
 
You'll want to pay more attention to the GPU and RAM, rather than the processor. I believe the 24" iMacs come with 4 GB of RAM standard, and that's good. For the GPU, try to get the nVidia GT 130 or the ATI Radeon HD 4850. Those will help a lot for graphics-intensive work. Also, make sure your HD is 7200 RPM or above.

There is one other option I will give you, to help you decide which is the best way to go: If you're 'Book is doing well with your graphics editing, you could always buy an external monitor and hook it up. That would save you a heap of money if your 'Book can handle what you do. :)
 
You'll want to pay more attention to the GPU and RAM, rather than the processor. I believe the 24" iMacs come with 4 GB of RAM standard, and that's good. For the GPU, try to get the nVidia GT 130 or the ATI Radeon HD 4850. Those will help a lot for graphics-intensive work. Also, make sure your HD is 7200 RPM or above.

There is one other option I will give you, to help you decide which is the best way to go: If you're 'Book is doing well with your graphics editing, you could always buy an external monitor and hook it up. That would save you a heap of money if your 'Book can handle what you do. :)

But, rendering is VERY CPU intensive
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.