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iMac 24” vs iMac 27” PLEASE HELP CHOOSING

O

Okusaguy

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Feb 25, 2020
24
3
Hey everyone!

Looking for buy my first IMac and it’s obviously come down to the new 24” or the older 27”. I have zero knowledge on iMacs.

-So first off it will be used mainly for real estate work, not gaming/editing etc

-I like the idea of a bigger screen because I normally have 3 separate browsers/software screens open at once. A 24” is doable but the 27” allows for bigger screens.

-I would like to upgrade the unit in the future if I’m able to (I think the new iMac 24 will not allow you) But would I really need to if the M1 chip apparently crushes the Intel chip?

-Price is not that big of a factor so I’m willing to spend but don’t wanna break the bank if that makes sense.

Which one do I get?!

thanks in advance!
 
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Given that you don't plan on very resource intensive tasks and screen size is a big factor, then get the 27" iMac.
 
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Personally I went with the 24” as the size was a better fit for my preferences. I also had no need for Intel compatibility and wanted the forward looking tech. I had been using a 27” display with my MBA and found it too tall.
 
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T'hain Esh Kelch said:
If you can wait for the updated 27”, do that. If you can run two displays, pick the 24”. Otherwise, the current 27”.
Click to expand...
I would but I need a computer very soon and i believe there’s no release dates or information announced for a newer 27” with an m1 just yet right?
 
BE AWARE:
There will be a new, "larger-than-27-inch" iMac coming in early 2022.
I would expect it to be announced/released in January/February.

It will have the improved m1x CPU and other improvements over the current 24" m1 iMac.
Consider yourself as having been "duly forewarned" about the upcoming iMacs.

If you simply "cannot wait that long", and you need an iMac with a larger display than 24", then the 27" Intel iMac would certainly be a good-enough purchase, that should remain fast and functional for years.

Like the saying goes...
"If you need one now, then BUY one now..."

One other thing:
Within the next 4-6 weeks, there looks to be a new m1x Mac Mini coming.
It will probably be a quite powerful "little box".
If you already have PC peripherals, you could just plug them in...
 
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Fishrrman said:
BE AWARE:
There will be a new, "larger-than-27-inch" iMac coming in early 2022.
I would expect it to be announced/released in January/February.

It will have the improved m1x CPU and other improvements over the current 24" m1 iMac.
Consider yourself as having been "duly forewarned" about the upcoming iMacs.

If you simply "cannot wait that long", and you need an iMac with a larger display than 24", then the 27" Intel iMac would certainly be a good-enough purchase, that should remain fast and functional for years.

Like the saying goes...
"If you need one now, then BUY one now..."

One other thing:
Within the next 4-6 weeks, there looks to be a new m1x Mac Mini coming.
It will probably be a quite powerful "little box".
If you already have PC peripherals, you could just plug them in...
Click to expand...
Anything bigger than 27” would be too big for my liking if that’s the case.

I think the 27” iMac has more than enough capabilities for what I need and I think I’m going to get it.

thank you and thank everyone for all the help!
 
I'd wait for the apple silicon 27" iMac. I also have a Late 27" 2009 iMac that I want to upgrade. Like you, the size of the 27" is something that I actively benefit from in my work.

However, I have both a 2018 15" MacBook Pro with 6 cores and a M1 MacBook Air. Both with 16GB RAM. I'm not sure how the Intel on the 2018 MacBook Pro compares with the Intel on the 2020 iMac, but this 13" M1 MacBook Air is so fast and doesn't get hot at all. Now, I know you'll be using a desktop and so the concern isn't great, but I don't know how these Intel will age over time.

Even watching a few videos on the 2018 MacBook Pro gets the laptop hot within minute(s). I have Gfxcardstatus installed, so I know it has nothing to do with the dGPU on the MacBook Pro. Absolutely, zero problem with the M1 temperature or speed wise even after long usage. There are no fans on the M1 Air and yet it remains cool.

After having used the M1, I won't be touching the Intel again. I'd rather get a m1 24", then buy the 27" Intel if I needed something right now.
 
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I recently picked up a 2020 iMac for work (audio production!) despite having an M1 MacBook Air. Yes the M1 is killer, but the iMac still runs more smoothly and consistently with fewer, or indeed no, bug or compatibility issues. With the nano texture glass the display is an absolute joy to use, and coming from a 2018 MacBook I expected it to be a typically intel mac, and noisy. It’s not! The pinacle of the intel machines. Buy one and enjoy it!
 
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I own an old 2011 27" iMac. I bought a new 24" so I could get all the advantages of the M1 chip. The 24" though was just too small. I returned it and bought a 2020 27" Apple refurbished iMac (when you buy refurbished from Apple it's like buying a new one - my experience over the years - save two or three hundred dollars). Note: get it with 8GB of RAM (not enough for most people) then buy extra ram separately.(MAJOR dollar savings). It's EASY to add RAM (lots of videos on how to do it). The most recommended of the many many choices of RAM for iMac that I found was Crucial RAM 16GB Kit (2x8GB) DDR4 2666 MHz CL19 Memory for Mac CT2K8G4S266M for about $78. You'll end up with 24GB of ram. Actually I'd stay with my old 27" iMac but it, like other older iMacs can't be upgraded to the current operating systems (forced to stay with the old High Sierra).

Sorry to be so wordy but I thought a little extra information might be helpful for a first time buyer.
 
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KennyJr said:
I own an old 2011 27" iMac. I bought a new 24" so I could get all the advantages of the M1 chip. The 24" though was just too small. I returned it and bought a 2020 27" Apple refurbished iMac (when you buy refurbished from Apple it's like buying a new one - my experience over the years - save two or three hundred dollars). Note: get it with 8GB of RAM (not enough for most people) then buy extra ram separately.(MAJOR dollar savings). It's EASY to add RAM (lots of videos on how to do it). The most recommended of the many many choices of RAM for iMac that I found was Crucial RAM 16GB Kit (2x8GB) DDR4 2666 MHz CL19 Memory for Mac CT2K8G4S266M for about $78. You'll end up with 24GB of ram. Actually I'd stay with my old 27" iMac but it, like other older iMacs can't be upgraded to the current operating systems (forced to stay with the old High Sierra).

Sorry to be so wordy but I thought a little extra information might be helpful for a first time buyer.
Click to expand...

Don’t be sorry, I actually am glad you gave all the info you did.

I was aware of the high priced ram Apple charges so I decided to go with the 8gb of ram and upgrade myself.

What I don’t know is how much I would need. I was looking at the 64gb upgrade but probably don’t need all that for what I use the computer for.
Thanks for the link, I was searching for a good ram company that works in this iMac.

Also, I’m glad you told me you bought refurbished. I researched yesterday and found out you still get the exact same warranty and everything is literally the same as a brand new one except for the box and the fact that it was tested multiple times which is great.

Im contemplating returning the one I got and buying the exact one refurbished for $300 less.

What I want to know is when you input your serial number does it indicate it was refurbished? Reason I ask is because if I want to sell it would the buyer be aware because that might scare them off?
 
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Okusaguy said:
Don’t be sorry, I actually am glad you gave all the info you did.

I was aware of the high priced ram Apple charges so I decided to go with the 8gb of ram and upgrade myself.

What I don’t know is how much I would need. I was looking at the 64gb upgrade but probably don’t need all that for what I use the computer for.
Thanks for the link, I was searching for a good ram company that works in this iMac.

Also, I’m glad you told me you bought refurbished. I researched yesterday and found out you still get the exact same warranty and everything is literally the same as a brand new one except for the box and the fact that it was tested multiple times which is great.

Im contemplating returning the one I got and buying the exact one refurbished for $300 less.

What I want to know is when you input your serial number does it indicate it was refurbished? Reason I ask is because if I want to sell it would the buyer be aware because that might scare them off?
Click to expand...
IF you get a 2020 27" iMac, I suggest do not combine the original 8GB RAM with the additional RAM. Doing so will run, but either the RAM speed will drop from 2667MHz to 2133MHz, or the RAM will lose full dual channel operation (depending on the installed order of the DIMMs), either way degrading RAM performance. This is unique to the 2020 27" iMac only. Better is to toss the original 8GB RAM, and install only matching new DIMMs.
There are a bunch of threads from last year on this. Also reflected by memory upgrade instructions on Apple's website (for only the 2020 27" iMac).
I have a 2020 27" iMac, btw. I am happy with 32GB (2x16GB)
 
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wilberforce said:
IF you get a 2020 27" iMac, I suggest do not combine the original 8GB RAM with the additional RAM. Doing so will run, but either the RAM speed will drop from 2667MHz to 2133MHz, or the RAM will lose full dual channel operation (depending on the installed order of the DIMMs), either way degrading RAM performance. This is unique to the 2020 27" iMac only. Better is to toss the original 8GB RAM, and install only matching new DIMMs.
There are a bunch of threads from last year on this. Also reflected by memory upgrade instructions on Apple's website (for only the 2020 27" iMac).
I have a 2020 27" iMac, btw. I am happy with 32GB (2x16GB)
Click to expand...
Ok good to know.
What specific name brands do you recommend for ram?

thanks for your help
 
also, this question applies to everyone…… now that I’ve been looking at refurbished iMacs, would you guys buy a refurbished iMac from Apple directly or buy a sealed brand new one off eBay for the same price? (From a reputable seller of course)

I can still get Apple care if I buy off eBay and the item is brand new correct?

just trying to get your opinions on this.

Thanks
 
Okusaguy said:
Don’t be sorry, I actually am glad you gave all the info you did.

I was aware of the high priced ram Apple charges so I decided to go with the 8gb of ram and upgrade myself.

What I don’t know is how much I would need. I was looking at the 64gb upgrade but probably don’t need all that for what I use the computer for.
Thanks for the link, I was searching for a good ram company that works in this iMac.

Also, I’m glad you told me you bought refurbished. I researched yesterday and found out you still get the exact same warranty and everything is literally the same as a brand new one except for the box and the fact that it was tested multiple times which is great.

Im contemplating returning the one I got and buying the exact one refurbished for $300 less.

What I want to know is when you input your serial number does it indicate it was refurbished? Reason I ask is because if I want to sell it would the buyer be aware because that might scare them off?
Click to expand...
I've been buying refurbished for years. I've never had any pushback. I think the buyers are also aware that buying Apple refurbished is like buying brand new. I've always gotten top dollar when I've sold mine (I work hard to keep them in like-new condition - for resale value).
 
KennyJr said:
I've been buying refurbished for years. I've never had any pushback. I think the buyers are also aware that buying Apple refurbished is like buying brand new. I've always gotten top dollar when I've sold mine (I work hard to keep them in like-new condition - for resale value).
Click to expand...
I personally wouldn’t know until I did my research so I assumed the average consumer wouldn’t take the chance with refurbished items because of the misconception it has.

But does the serial number indicate somehow that it is a refurbished item? Just curious.
 
Okusaguy said:
Ok good to know.
What specific name brands do you recommend for ram?

thanks for your help
Click to expand...
Crucial has best reputation, but both of these brands worked for me:

www.amazon.com

Crucial 32GB Kit (16GBx2) DDR4 2666 MT/s (PC4-21300) CL19 DR x8 SODIMM 260-Pin for Mac - CT2K16G4S266M

CT2K16G4S266M is a 32GB Kit consisting of (2) 16GB Dual Ranked DDR4 SODIMM modules 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 2666MT/s...
www.amazon.com

www.amazon.com

Timetec 32GB KIT(2x16GB) Compatible for Apple DDR4 2666MHz / 2667MHz for Mid 2020 iMac (20,1/20,2) / Mid 2019 iMac (19,1) 27-inch w/Retina 5K, Late 2018 Mac Mini (8,1) PC4-21333 /PC4-21300 MAC RAM

Timetec – Memory of a lifetime Compatible with (But not Limited to): *Please click image for more compatible systems model Need to know if this part is compatible? Contact us with manufacturer and model information of your motherboard
www.amazon.com
 
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zoom25 said:
I'd wait for the apple silicon 27" iMac. I also have a Late 27" 2009 iMac that I want to upgrade. Like you, the size of the 27" is something that I actively benefit from in my work.

However, I have both a 2018 15" MacBook Pro with 6 cores and a M1 MacBook Air. Both with 16GB RAM. I'm not sure how the Intel on the 2018 MacBook Pro compares with the Intel on the 2020 iMac, but this 13" M1 MacBook Air is so fast and doesn't get hot at all. Now, I know you'll be using a desktop and so the concern isn't great, but I don't know how these Intel will age over time.
Click to expand...
The Intel CPU in the 2018 MacBook Pro is completely different from the ones in the 2020 27" iMac. The desktop Intel CPUs are faster than the laptop CPUs and the cooling system in the 27" iMac is quite a bit better than the one in a 15" MBP.

I can hear a 15" MBP from across the room.
 
ADGrant said:
The Intel CPU in the 2018 MacBook Pro is completely different from the ones in the 2020 27" iMac. The desktop Intel CPUs are faster than the laptop CPUs and the cooling system in the 27" iMac is quite a bit better than the one in a 15" MBP.

I can hear a 15" MBP from across the room.
Click to expand...

Yeah the iMac for sure has different/better cooling along with newer Intel chips in comparison to the 2018 MacBook Pro.

However, I've had 4 15" MacBook Pros over the years and they'd all get hot fast. This new M1 MacBook Air on the other hand is something else.

I'm not sure of how the cooling compares on the 24" M1 iMac vs. 27" Intel iMac, but I'd guess the M1 is still the cooler and quieter option there?
 
zoom25 said:
Yeah the iMac for sure has different/better cooling along with newer Intel chips in comparison to the 2018 MacBook Pro.

However, I've had 4 15" MacBook Pros over the years and they'd all get hot fast. This new M1 MacBook Air on the other hand is something else.

I'm not sure of how the cooling compares on the 24" M1 iMac vs. 27" Intel iMac, but I'd guess the M1 is still the cooler and quieter option there?
Click to expand...
M1 iMac is definitely quieter and cooler!
 
I purchased a new 27" iMac a few months ago. It items perfectly for my needs, mostly Photoshop and other photo apps. I bought it with 8GB of RAM and upgraded the RAM myself using two 16GB of Teamgroup Elite DDR4 2666MHZ PC4-21300 SODIMMs from Amazon that cost $105. This RAM uses Micron chips and works fine.
 
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