New iMac: upgrade CPU + 32GB RAM or 2TB SSD

[Traverse]

Hello all,

I have finally decided to buy my first desktop. But I'm torn between two options for the 27" iMac.

I can get the mid tier 27 inch iMac with core I seven processor is and 32 GB of RAM but with only one terabyte SSD storage.

Or I can pay just over $4000 and get the 27 inch iMac with the core I five processor, 16 GB of RAM, and an incredible 2 TB SSD. Better gpunis a bonus.

I'm torn between the two. What are some thoughts from current iMac owners?

 

[Stacc]

Only you can decide which upgrades are most important to you. Keep in mind the only thing that will be upgradeable down the line is the RAM. Everything else you won't be able to change.

Personally I would go with the core i7, 32 GB and 1 TB SSD.

 

[glenthompson]

Just order a mid-level 27" to replace my wife's 2011 iMac. For her, CPU is not a priority but memory and disk space is. We went with the 3tb fusion drive. Only went with 8gb memory but will upgrade later.

Do you run any processes that are CPU intensive? If not, why spend the money there?

 

[Traverse]

Just order a mid-level 27" to replace my wife's 2011 iMac. For her, CPU is not a priority but memory and disk space is. We went with the 3tb fusion drive. Only went with 8gb memory but will upgrade later.

Do you run any processes that are CPU intensive? If not, why spend the money there?

Because I feel the need to spend money. 3.8 i5 and 1TB SSD is looking good.

 

[glenthompson]

Because I feel the need to spend money. 3.8 i5 and 1TB SSD is looking good.

Take into account that the 1tb fusion drive only has 24gb of SSD vs. 128gb in the 2 and 3tb models. Big performance difference.

 

[Traverse]

Take into account that the 1tb fusion drive only has 24gb of SSD vs. 128gb in the 2 and 3tb models. Big performance difference.

I've decided with the 27" iMac 1TB SSD, AMD 580, and the i7 processor jump.

Really, I was only paying for more storage for my iTunes media and at the end of the day I couldn't justify $800 for storing iTunes junk when I can get a 12 South BackPack and a portable HDD for $150.

 

[glenthompson]

I've decided with the 27" iMac 1TB SSD, AMD 580, and the i7 processor jump.

Really, I was only paying for more storage for my iTunes media and at the end of the day I couldn't justify $800 for storing iTunes junk when I can get a 12 South BackPack and a portable HDD for $150.

A USB 3 external drive is plenty fast for streaming audio. Not too bad on a desktop since you can attach the drive to the stand with velcro and it's out of the way.

The two items that can really eat disk space are videos and music if you have a large collection. I have about 300gb of audio files and 80gb of pictures. Not much video.