iMac 2020 i5 vs i7 for office/content creation

[arz]

Hello! I have enjoyed reading all the feedback about the 2020 27” iMac. I have read very little about the base and mid models. Most people on the forum seem to be talking about the higher end configurations.

Would I really benefit from going to the i5 to the i7? Also, would the 5300 to 5500XT GPU be a big performance boost for my work?

I am planning on keeping it for about 5 years (or as long as it is supported). I would add 16 or 32gb of ram myself. I also have a 1TB Sandisk Extreme Pro SSD for my media files.

My current computer: 2012 15” MacBook Pro Retina, 8gb ram. It's still working, but the battery is about dead and it is getting slower with Adobe CC. I think the new iMac would be a good computer for the next 5 years. Regardless of which model I buy it will be a huge upgrade 😁

My daily work can be quite varied:

• Lots of writing and research
• Basic video editing for YouTube (1080p for now)
• Adobe Audition for radio/podcast
• Creating video presentations (Keynote, Premiere, etc.)
• Adobe Lightroom/Photoshop
• Adobe InDesign
• Basic WordPress/web design

My current MacBook is still handling this workload surprisingly well! But—I really want a good, large screen. Working for hours on a 15” screen is getting old. I do have a 1920x1080 monitor I use sometimes, but my eyes really like the retina screen on my MacBook.

Since I live in Romania, the prices are very high. Custom configurations are out of my price range. The current sale prices are about $2400/$2600/$3000 for the stock models.

I don’t want to overbuy—but I also want enough power to get my current work done, and also learn some new software like Adobe AE.

Which model would be enough for my needs?

Thanks for any advice you can give!

 

[wilberforce]

IMO the screen on the 27" iMac is absolutely its best feature.
The faster CPUs and GPUs on the higher models are nice to have but not essential, and way faster than your current 2012 MBP.
This forum may not provide the most balanced feedback, as people here are more focused (obsessive?) on performance. Like a car forum where there is endless discussion on tuning for more horsepower.
For some people faster processing means being more productive professionally, which overrides concerns about the initial cost.
I think the main issue with the lowest base model is that it only has 256GB SSD, considering that you should not plan on using more than about 200GB to allow for caching etc. I found with my last iMac that when I used more than about 90% of the SSD it noticeably slowed down. But if you can make this work for you in combination with your external drive, I think the base model is fine. I suggest 32GB third party RAM.
I'm sure others will have differing opinions!

 

[arz]

I think the main issue with the lowest base model is that it only has 256GB SSD, considering that you should not plan on using more than about 200GB to allow for caching etc. I found with my last iMac that when I used more than about 90% of the SSD it noticeably slowed down.

Thanks for your thoughts! You are right about keeping some disk space free. I bought my external ssd because I learned I needed about 40-60gb of free space to keep my mbp running smooth (I have the 256gb internal ssd). I put my videos/media on my external ssd. I also have many external drives for backups.

I could probably make the 256ssd work...but I would have to be careful. Of course, for the $200 extra cost for the middle model I could buy another 512 or 1tb external....

 

[pldelisle]

I personally find tier-1 to be only a very, very business-use model. For anything other than spreadsheets, I'd go at least tier-2. Better CPU and more storage 100% worth it. Tier-3 is for those getting serious about video/music editing or computer science. The Radeon 5300 is a very low end GPU. Depending of your tolerance or if you are editing RAW photos, it might be painful.

 

[Supermacguy]

I would suggest going for a faster processor if it's in the budget. Given that you want to keep it for 5 years (or even more if it keeps being usable), as software advances it will ask more of the CPU (and GPU). It's really future-proofing to get the best computer you can, at any given time. That's my advice to anyone. You can always add storage later (external) or more ram, but the CPU you can't replace.

 

[arz]

Thanks for the advice. I do edit raw photos in Lightroom. But my mbp has always handled it well. That might be because I use a Canon 80d which is only 16mp.

However, if I am going to spend $2400, I might be better just going all the way to $3000! $600 over a period of 5 years is not much. That would give me a lot more power for possible 4K editing etc. If I still lived in the US I would get the i7 (got to love EU prices!).

Thanks again!

 

[wilberforce]

Geekbench 5 multiscore scores, with 32GB RAM, are typically:

Base i5 (3.1GHz): ~6500
Mid i5 (3.3GHz): ~7000
i7 (3.8GHz): ~8900
i9 (3.6GHz): ~10000

For example, base i5 scores (you have to go through and pick out the ones using 32GB):

i5-10500 - Geekbench 5 CPU Search - Geekbench

Note: scores are significantly lower for 8GB RAM.

This might help judge relative performance for processor-intensive tasks (not normal business use). This makes me think the base i5 is no slouch. My top spec 2014 iMac only scored about 3800. A typical 2012 MBP scores about 2800.
See:

Mac Benchmarks - Geekbench

I know these are only benchmarks, and not "real life," but it is all we have that is quantitative. Hope this helps.

 

[arz]

I know these are only benchmarks, and not "real life," but it is all we have that is quantitative. Hope this helps.

Thank you, it is helpful. I tried finding the benchmarks between the different tiers but could not. The reviews of the i5 (10600) are good. But...then you also get the 5500xt with the top tier. Combined—that makes it a better value.

I will probably give it another month before making a decision. I can spend up to $3000....but that is a lot for a computer (for me). If I can get 5-7 years out of it (like I have with my mbp), then that will make me feel better.

 

[wilberforce]

Thank you, it is helpful. I tried finding the benchmarks between the different tiers but could not. The reviews of the i5 (10600) are good. But...then you also get the 5500xt with the top tier. Combined—that makes it a better value.

I will probably give it another month before making a decision. I can spend up to $3000....but that is a lot for a computer (for me). If I can get 5-7 years out of it (like I have with my mbp), then that will make me feel better.

Yes, the i7 with the 5500XT is a very compelling combination, and is what I personally got - but I am in U.S. with U.S. pricing. Makes a big difference

 

[arz]

Yes, the i7 with the 5500XT is a very compelling combination, and is what I personally got - but I am in U.S. with U.S. pricing. Makes a big difference

I am an American living in Romania (for the past 13 years). So I am paying in US $$$ and also paying the EU prices, really hurts with the exchange rates 😄 Oh well! Maybe I should just wait and buy a laptop in the US next year. But I would really like a desktop this time around.

I priced building a PC for fun. By the time I buy a good 4K monitor I would save a few hundred dollars (not as much as people think). My wife thinks I should stay with Apple (she knows I will complain about Windows if I switch!). But it is very tempting for my Adobe software....

 

[wilberforce]

I am an American living in Romania (for the past 13 years). So I am paying in US $$$ and also paying the EU prices, really hurts with the exchange rates 😄 Oh well! Maybe I should just wait and buy a laptop in the US next year. But I would really like a desktop this time around.

I priced building a PC for fun. By the time I buy a good 4K monitor I would save a few hundred dollars (not as much as people think). My wife thinks I should stay with Apple (she knows I will complain about Windows if I switch!). But it is very tempting for my Adobe software....

I used to use a laptop (and still have a Macbook), and used to use Adobe software in Windows.
IMO the only reason to use a laptop is if you need the portability.
The experience on a desktop with a 27" retina screen far exceeds that on a laptop, especially for visual editing, and MacOS and Adobe just seem to "work."
Yes, you can plug in a 4K monitor into a laptop, but this is much less cost-effective than a desktop for the same performance level - if you don't need the portability.

 

[petsk]

I personally find tier-1 to be only a very, very business-use model. For anything other than spreadsheets, I'd go at least tier-2. Better CPU and more storage 100% worth it. Tier-3 is for those getting serious about video/music editing or computer science. The Radeon 5300 is a very low end GPU. Depending of your tolerance or if you are editing RAW photos, it might be painful.

The base iMac beats the top end MBP 16” in all categories except for the storage capacity/performance. So what you are trying to say is that the Macbook Pro 16” is uselsess for anything heavier than spreedsheets. Nothing could be further from the truth.

The base iMac and Radeon 5300 is perfectly fine. For a random user the only thing worth upgrading in the iMac is storage.

 

[pldelisle]

The base iMac beats the top end MBP 16” in all categories except for the storage capacity/performance. So what you are trying to say is that the Macbook Pro 16” is uselsess for anything heavier than spreedsheets. Nothing could be further from the truth.

It is good for sure. Saying for spreadsheets was just an expression. It is sure capable of better. But people who buy this base model is usually for this usage. They don’t necessarily car about performance. They just want something basic with a big beautiful screen. The non-upgradability of tier-1 speaks by itself. Limited storage, limited GPU power, low end CPU. The tier-2 is already a much better bang for the buck.

 

[arz]

I think the arguments for the base and top tier are both valid. It just depends on what your expectations are and what you are upgrading from. Compared to my 2012 mbp they are all powerful. In my experience over the last 20 years, for my use, the screen has had the largest impact on my productivity/enjoyment.

In the end I would probably be happy with the middle tier model. But--I would buy the stock top tier if possible. Only because I would like to get more serious about 4k editing and some possible 2d motion graphics in the next few years. However, the prices here are so high that I need to think carefully about my options. I might wait and see if the prices get lower or have a friend ship one from Germany. Amazon.de will not ship iMacs to Romania at this time (as well as Amazon.co.uk and all other EU stores). Must be some kind of temporary restriction.

I'll try to let you know what I buy and how it works for me.

 

[TiffMy]

IMO Either go base or top tier
Especially you have external SSD, and not upgrading to i9.

 

[TiffMy]

Yes, the i7 with the 5500XT is a very compelling combination

Indeed.
However, IMO the tier 3 is normal to a little overpricing , while the tier 1 is obviously underpricing.
So if tier 1 would fulfil the job, it is much cost effective to choose the tier 1, which is my case. I am not sure when and how much the extra performance would be used in the future, which the extra could make me feel it is necessary and cost-effective to choose the tier 3 instead of 1.
Which tier to be chosen, totally depends on the need, usage and scenarios of each individuals.

 

[cltd]

IMO Either go base or top tier
Especially you have external SSD, and not upgrading to i9.

Why not tier 2 (i5 3.3 512GB) ?

 

[myjacob]

I think the arguments for the base and top tier are both valid. It just depends on what your expectations are and what you are upgrading from. Compared to my 2012 mbp they are all powerful. In my experience over the last 20 years, for my use, the screen has had the largest impact on my productivity/enjoyment.

In the end I would probably be happy with the middle tier model. But--I would buy the stock top tier if possible. Only because I would like to get more serious about 4k editing and some possible 2d motion graphics in the next few years. However, the prices here are so high that I need to think carefully about my options. I might wait and see if the prices get lower or have a friend ship one from Germany. Amazon.de will not ship iMacs to Romania at this time (as well as Amazon.co.uk and all other EU stores). Must be some kind of temporary restriction.

I'll try to let you know what I buy and how it works for me.

Hmm.. I had similar dilemma before buying Mac.

i7 with 5500XT + 512GB vs i5 with 5300 + 256GB

I’ve made a lot of research before purchase. Finally after few days I’ve made decision and bought i5/5300/256GB.

Why ? For 500€ in price difference I’m getting only:

- GPU which is faster about only 8-10% in gaming and about 15% in other things. Apple shouldn’t name base model 5300, because these GPUs have really similar specifications. 5500 without XT would be much better name.

- CPU which is faster about 25% in apps which support multicore and about 10% faster on single core. ( BUT Actually i7 is really nice because got soldered TIM which spread heat faster)

- 256GB extra with better speeds.

So ... I bought base model with i5/5300, HyperX 32GB RAM (100€), external 500GB SSD NVME enclosure with USB 3.1 Gen 2 (75€) + Apple Care Protection ( 150€ ). Total: about 2375€.

I’m gonna sell this Mac in 2-2.5 years with warranty and just buy something with Apple Silicone.

You should buy base model or i7 with 5700. That’s the only two options in my opinion.


This is best comparison between i5 and i7. It’s French review but just look on benchmark’s results:

Sorry for my English, I hope I helped you

 

[ChrisA]

My current MacBook is still handling this workload surprisingly well! But—I really want a good, large screen. Working for hours on a 15” screen is getting old.

Why not just buy a 27" or 30" monitor? Later if you do upgrade to a new iMac you can stall use the monitor with it

 

[TiffMy]

- GPU which is faster about only 8-10% in gaming and about 15% in other things. Apple shouldn’t name base model 5300, because these GPUs have really similar specifications. 5500 without XT would be much better name.

- CPU which is faster about 25% in apps which support multicore and about 10% faster on single core. ( BUT Actually i7 is really nice because got soldered TIM which spread heat faster)

I didn’t know this, if that is true then the base model is really nice machine.
Also the i5 CPUs have also HT now, the difference between i5 and i7 is smaller these days, which is one of my consideration on choosing the base model.
The soldered TIM is used to spread the extra heat generated in i7, the heat in i5 is lower so I assume that is no big difference on heat issues.
The i7 or i9 is for higher productivity for high demanding works like 3D graphics and 4K + or 60 FPS video editing, after all, time is money.
If the job rely on GPU much more than CPU, adding eGPU later with newer and faster GPU may help more. However, Apple is moving to AS, will it continue to support the future AMD GPU is an unknown.

 

[arz]

Why not just buy a 27" or 30" monitor? Later if you do upgrade to a new iMac you can stall use the monitor with it

I am using a 1080p monitor with my mbp at the moment. I could upgrade to a nice 1440 monitor. It would be much better than my old monitor.

But my mbp is starting to get slow and not meet my needs. Yesterday, I was working in Audition and also doing some light video editing. It was freezing and I had to restart a few times (not sure why?). I think I need a new computer within the next few months. My computer is necessary for my job.

 

[arz]

Hmm.. I had similar dilemma before buying Mac.

i7 with 5500XT + 512GB vs i5 with 5300 + 256GB

I’ve made a lot of research before purchase. Finally after few days I’ve made decision and bought i5/5300/256GB.

Why ? For 500€ in price difference I’m getting only:

- GPU which is faster about only 8-10% in gaming and about 15% in other things. Apple shouldn’t name base model 5300, because these GPUs have really similar specifications. 5500 without XT would be much better name.

- CPU which is faster about 25% in apps which support multicore and about 10% faster on single core. ( BUT Actually i7 is really nice because got soldered TIM which spread heat faster)

- 256GB extra with better speeds.

So ... I bought base model with i5/5300, HyperX 32GB RAM (100€), external 500GB SSD NVME enclosure with USB 3.1 Gen 2 (75€) + Apple Care Protection ( 150€ ). Total: about 2375€.

I’m gonna sell this Mac in 2-2.5 years with warranty and just buy something with Apple Silicone.

You should buy base model or i7 with 5700. That’s the only two options in my opinion.


This is best comparison between i5 and i7. It’s French review but just look on benchmark’s results:

Sorry for my English, I hope I helped you

Thanks! I may do the same thing. I do think the top tier is a good jump in performance from the base model. Most of my Adobe apps can make use of the 8 cores of the i7.

Looks like the i5 3.1 multi benchmark is ~6500, i7/5500 ~8900. So about 2400 difference, that is like adding my mbp! Of course in real life it will probably not be that big of a difference. Still...€2600 for the i7 is a lot of money!

 

[arz]

Indeed.
However, IMO the tier 3 is normal to a little overpricing , while the tier 1 is obviously underpricing.
So if tier 1 would fulfil the job, it is much cost effective to choose the tier 1, which is my case. I am not sure when and how much the extra performance would be used in the future, which the extra could make me feel it is necessary and cost-effective to choose the tier 3 instead of 1.
Which tier to be chosen, totally depends on the need, usage and scenarios of each individuals.

I agree, for my current work/needs the base i5 is the most cost effective. But the i7/5500 would give me a little more power than I currently need. If I upgrade to a 4K camera and get back into graphics work it would be worth it.

 

[pldelisle]

I agree, for my current work/needs the base i5 is the most cost effective. But the i7/5500 would give me a little more power than I currently need. If I upgrade to a 4K camera and get back into graphics work it would be worth it.

True!

 

[arz]

I decided to buy the base i5. I should get it tomorrow. It will be a huge upgrade from my 2012 mbp!

In Romania it is the best value for me. Buying the top tier just to future proof was too much money to justify. Plus, my main criteria was the 5k screen as I write for hours.

I will order 32gb of ram and maybe a Magic Trackpad (really like my trackpad on my mbp).

Thanks for all the commits and help! I will let you know how it works out for me.