new iMacs and graphics processors

[coldwater456]

I'm really curious of some opinions on the differences between the two 21.5" iMacs: NVIDIA vs. ATI graphics processors. What are the benefits/pitfalls of each? I'm not a gamer, but I do use some scientific graphics programs occasionally (data visualization and molecular rendering), for what it matters. I have had poor experiences with my current MacBook (2007) with the Intel shared memory graphics processor, namely: some seemingly minor graphics jobs like a 2-3 minutes youtube clip heat up the CPU and the fan kicks in heavily and annoyingly. I don't know if I can attribute the heating up to the shared memory setup or not, but I'd really like to avoid a similar problem in a new iMac. So, which 21.5" iMac should I get?!?

Thanks!

 

[Ace134blue]

I'm really curious of some opinions on the differences between the two 21.5" iMacs: NVIDIA vs. ATI graphics processors. What are the benefits/pitfalls of each? I'm not a gamer, but I do use some scientific graphics programs occasionally (data visualization and molecular rendering), for what it matters. I have had poor experiences with my current MacBook (2007) with the Intel shared memory graphics processor, namely: some seemingly minor graphics jobs like a 2-3 minutes youtube clip heat up the CPU and the fan kicks in heavily and annoyingly. I don't know if I can attribute the heating up to the shared memory setup or not, but I'd really like to avoid a similar problem in a new iMac. So, which 21.5" iMac should I get?!?

Thanks!

Depends, what are you planning on doing with it>?

 

[RogueVasion]

Depends, what are you planning on doing with it>?

"...but I do use some scientific graphics programs occasionally (data visualization and molecular rendering)..."

I also would like to know, but my graphics card use isn't for science programs, since I am a business major (i just need my microsoft office, lol). I just like knowing what I can run and how well it can run, haha! 😛

 

[dukebound85]

"...but I do use some scientific graphics programs occasionally (data visualization and molecular rendering)..."

I also would like to know, but my graphics card use isn't for science programs, since I am a business major (i just need my microsoft office, lol). I just like knowing what I can run and how well it can run, haha! 😛

lol you will be fine

im an engineer with a 3 yo mb with a mb with a gma95o and i havent had problems doing anything non game related

 

[coldwater456]

Depends, what are you planning on doing with it>?

all of the basics: email, web-surfing, Microsoft Office, no gaming, and then some occasional ported unix programs and visualization.

Maybe an ancillary question is: is the NVIDIA processor with shared memory junk?


Thanks!

 

[Peace]

The 9400M is a nice graphics chip.