iMac i5 - Radeon Pro 570 vs 575?

[bobob]

I have read most of the MacRumors threads on choosing which 2017 27" 5K iMac model and I would like specific opinions on the benefits of choosing the mid-model with the Radeon Pro 575 GPU over the base model's 570.

I don't have continuously high end demands on my iMac's processor, so I have limited my choices to either the base model i5 3.4GHz or mid-model's i5 3.5GHz. My reasoning for this, is that they are the only two 65 watt processors available in the 2017 5K iMacs, and I would prefer to avoid the 91 watt processors to avoid heat and fan noise issues.

My question is whether there will be a noticeable benefit from choosing the mid-model with the Radeon 575 with two criteria in mind. First, in driving that big beautiful 5K display and leaving overhead for demanding tasks, and second in longevity of use (I keep my iMacs a looooong time - I'm writing this on my original 2009 27" iMac which is still limping along).

The cost difference is $200.

 

[mbvmbmb]

if you can afford it then go for the 575 but i also really suggest putting an ssd on the imac. the ssd will make the system much faster. i also think that the 570 is enough to drive the display and then some. you cant go wrong either way.

 

[Ph.D.]

The processor difference between the two is minimal, but the 575 is a reasonably good step up. But benchmarks aside, it's not one you would likely notice much (some games might be a little smoother).

Financially, it isn't really worth the $200 upcharge, but if that's not a priority for you, then go for it.

As said above, definitely get an SSD over a spinner if that's not already on your list. That improvement is worth much more than the step up in graphics performance.

The base 570 is already quite good. I chose it due to noise worries, and I've been happy with it.

 

[colodane]

I have the 575 and am delighted with it. But, realistically, I would probably have been pleased with the 570 or 580 also.

As pointed out by others, the most important thing is to get SSD!

 

[mbvmbmb]

I have read most of the MacRumors threads on choosing which 2017 27" 5K iMac model and I would like specific opinions on the benefits of choosing the mid-model with the Radeon Pro 575 GPU over the base model's 570.

I don't have continuously high end demands on my iMac's processor, so I have limited my choices to either the base model i5 3.4GHz or mid-model's i5 3.5GHz. My reasoning for this, is that they are the only two 65 watt processors available in the 2017 5K iMacs, and I would prefer to avoid the 91 watt processors to avoid heat and fan noise issues.

My question is whether there will be a noticeable benefit from choosing the mid-model with the Radeon 575 with two criteria in mind. First, in driving that big beautiful 5K display and leaving overhead for demanding tasks, and second in longevity of use (I keep my iMacs a looooong time - I'm writing this on my original 2009 27" iMac which is still limping along).

The cost difference is $200.

if you really think about it lol the base imac 570 chip is still faster than the most expensive macbook pro 15 inch with the 560. the 15 mbp's 560 has the power to drive TWO 5k displays lol so im pretty sure the 570 wont have any issues driving just one.

i would really reccomend to get an ssd. you will deffinitely be able to tell the difference between a fusion drive and the ssd. you could even get by with the 256 and get an external hdd to dump files in.

 

[bobob]

i also really suggest putting an ssd on the imac.

definitely get an SSD over a spinner

the most important thing is to get SSD!

i would really reccomend to get an ssd.

Being a long-time self-respecting MacRumors member, my storage selection was made long ago - - a 1TB SSD is a non-negotiable lock for my new iMac.

Thank-you to all for the assistance in selecting a GPU.

 

[mbvmbmb]

Being a long-time self-respecting MacRumors member, my storage selection was made long ago - - a 1TB SSD is a non-negotiable lock for my new iMac.

Thank-you to all for the assistance in selecting a GPU.

haha! what gpu did you go for?

 

[bobob]

haha! what gpu did you go for?

I went with the base 570 - - your argument was the one that cinched it!

if you really think about it lol the base imac 570 chip is still faster than the most expensive macbook pro 15 inch with the 560. the 15 mbp's 560 has the power to drive TWO 5k displays lol so im pretty sure the 570 wont have any issues driving just one.