Keep 2019 entry iMac 27" from Best Buy for $1300?

[lip008]

First world problems. I was able to get in on that Best Buy price error and scoop the 2019 entry model. Today is last day to return it. I'd be new to this OS and would sell off some other hardware in the upcoming weeks to offset the cost. It was such a good price. My current desktop is a Dell XPS AIO 2710 with a lovely QHD screen running Debian. It's not a need by any stretch and I would spend the cash to open it up and put in a proper SSD and add a bit more ram.

A reason for upgrading would be the GPU and display. The XPS allows me to do retro emulation but there isn't much I can run on it. I figure this dedicated AMD card and bootcamp will allow for some decent gaming, even if it's at 1080p.

What cracks me up is this price was probably the same some are paying for the new iPhone with either apple care or more storage. It almost seems like a no-brainer to hold onto and I could probably always sell it off within the year at a minimal loss or break even.

Maybe I can run some NES/SNES/Mega Drive in 5K to, lol?

 

[Khaleal]

That’s a fantastic price! Personally, I wouldn’t return it. I bought mine for $1799 back in March

 

[lip008]

That’s a fantastic price! Personally, I wouldn’t return it. I bought mine for $1799 back in March

Two guys in Best Buy did their job and talked me into keeping it. I'll try to offload a few items before opening the box but for now it's mine.

 

[Fishrrman]

You can add RAM easily to the 27" iMacs, but changing the drive requires confidence and ability.
And... if you happen to break something... you're going to pay for the repair.

Better way to "get more speed" out of it during the warranty period is to add and boot from an EXTERNAL SSD.
It can be USB3 (through the USBa port)
or
USB3.1 gen2 (using a USBc-to-nvme enclosure and nvme drive, through the USBc port)
or
Thunderbolt3 (using a thunderbolt enclosure and nvme drive through the USBc port).

The latter can be expensive, and they all run HOT.

But I wouldn't open it until the warranty runs out.
That's just me.

 

[lip008]

You can add RAM easily to the 27" iMacs, but changing the drive requires confidence and ability.
And... if you happen to break something... you're going to pay for the repair.

Better way to "get more speed" out of it during the warranty period is to add and boot from an EXTERNAL SSD.
It can be USB3 (through the USBa port)
or
USB3.1 gen2 (using a USBc-to-nvme enclosure and nvme drive, through the USBc port)
or
Thunderbolt3 (using a thunderbolt enclosure and nvme drive through the USBc port).

The latter can be expensive, and they all run HOT.

But I wouldn't open it until the warranty runs out.
That's just me.

That is some good advice. I'm not up to snuff on thunderbolt devices. I was aware that can be done but it hasn't sunken in. I'm so used to anything external being slower. It does have two of those ports and chances of me needing a third are probably slim to none. Time to research!

 

[adamjackson]

With the 2019 27" iMac, best RAM to buy for price & warranty is this - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071H38422/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_2?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

I have 4 of those sticks in my iMac: