Need help choosing between 2 iMacs

Since you're looking at C2D models it's likely that performance isn't a big issue for your anyway. Just get whichever one is cheapest.

 

The newer mac will be supported longer. Spec for spec they are pretty close, you won't see much difference in the clock speeds.

 

I don't really care for geekbench scores. It's all about real word usage. If you have the chance try both systems and see what works best for you. Also consider your budget and how long the mac is supported. Since Apple is going to a yearly OS cycle I would guess that they will no longer support older macs with the newer software.

 

The new one's gain in video card should outshine its loss in CPU speed.

 

I've played enough D3 on my HD 2600 to say.. try the other one.

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Also, since you're into benchmarks, try 3DMark.

 

I'm playing D3 at native 19x12 (because anything else looks fuzzy to me), and otherwise set to low/minimum everything. It just doesn't look that good. And it starts freaking out (lagging etc.) when you're fighting 10 guys at once (which is often).

The Nvidia in the 2009 should do better.

 

Why not sell both and put a little cash in and get the new imac when it comes out?

 

the 9400 will definitely not do any better. all you see on the diablo mac support forums right now is everyone complaining about the 9400 basically being useless. and lets face it, that card sucked even when it came out in 2008.