Last Gen. 24in (refurb) or New 20in

[RedDragon870503]

In case you didn't notice, and I know most of you probably did. The price of a refurb 24 in (2.16, 7300) is pretty much the exact same as a new 20 in (2.4, 2600). With an educational discount, which I qualify for.

I have had a 20 inch iSight G5 for a while, which I LOVE, but it is time for my first intel.

Given a choice, which would you buy, a refurb 24in or a new 20in.

 

[Eidorian]

I'd look for a iMac 24" with the 7600GT for sale.

 

[RedDragon870503]

I'd look for a iMac 24" with the 7600GT for sale.

What is the going rate on a machine like that?

 

[Eidorian]

What is the going rate on a machine like that?

$50-100 over the base 7300GT model.

 

[Scannall]

I'd look for a iMac 24" with the 7600GT for sale.

Same here.

The 7300 is really weak. It's only worth it with the 7600

 

[bartelby]

Unless you want the extra screen size I'd go for a new one.

 

[RedDragon870503]

Tough call... I've been reviewing (lurking) through some forums complaining about the inadequate 2600 pro. Is the 7600GT far superior?

 

[Eidorian]

Tough call... I've been reviewing (lurking) through some forums complaining about the inadequate 2600 pro. Is the 7600GT far superior?

The 7600GT in the 24" is the desktop version and it's a powerful video card for being limited by the 128-bit memory bus.

 

[RedDragon870503]

Great, I made an offer to a forum member for a 24 with the 7600GT

The screen size is important, I mostly encode DVD's and MPEG and use my computer as a media center. The extra horse power would be important but I think the screen size would be put to greater use.

Anyone have a link to a benchmarks comparing a 2.4 to a 2.16.

I think I may be overstepping my bounds here a bit (in the annoying questions category) but is the Core 2 Duo in a 24 inch iMac upgradeable?

 

[Eidorian]

The Apple laptops use the same processors so their CPU crunching can be looked at here.

http://barefeats.com/rosa02.html

If you feel adventurous you could upgrade the processor to the T7600 at 2.33 GHz.

 

[RedDragon870503]

The Apple laptops use the same processors so their CPU crunching can be looked at here.

http://barefeats.com/rosa02.html

If you feel adventurous you could upgrade the processor to the T7600 at 2.33 GHz.

I know you are the authority on Merom and Penryn so I will just ask and I am a mere n00b: Can I upgrade the processor to the current 2.4 or 2.8 Ghz versions? Since because of your previous post I am assuming no?

 

[Eidorian]

I know you are the authority on Merom and Penryn so I will just ask and I am a mere n00b: Can I upgrade the processor to the current 2.4 or 2.8 Ghz versions? Since because of your previous post I am assuming no?

The older iMacs use a Socket M processor on Intel's Napa Centrino platform.

The new iMac and MacBook Pro use Socket P processors on Intel's new Santa Rosa platform.

The sockets are not compatible.

 

[RedDragon870503]

And the fastest socket M I can obtain is a 2.33 Ghz?

 

[Eidorian]

And the fastest socket M I can obtain is a 2.33 Ghz?

Here it is.

Now note, replacing the processor requires to disassemble the entire iMac and it does void your warranty for 167 MHz more speed. It's a scary prospect even for me.

Thank you for taking note of the expertise.

 

[RedDragon870503]

You read my mind, 650 bucks for a void warranty and 167 extra mhz...

Not going to happen.

Thanks.

Drew

 

[Eidorian]

You read my mind, 650 bucks for a void warranty and 167 extra mhz...

Not going to happen.

Thanks.

Drew

No problem. The iMac 24" w/7600GT is a very powerful machine for editing and gaming.

Makes me wish I had one or bought a Mac Pro last year. I hope you enjoy it!