new iMacs and graphics processors

Discussion in 'Buying Tips and Advice' started by coldwater456, Oct 20, 2009.

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  1. coldwater456, Oct 20, 2009

    coldwater456 macrumors newbie

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    Oct 20, 2009
    #1
    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!
     
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  2. Ace134blue, Oct 20, 2009

    Ace134blue macrumors 6502a

    Ace134blue

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    #2
    Depends, what are you planning on doing with it>?
     
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  3. RogueVasion, Oct 20, 2009

    RogueVasion macrumors regular

    RogueVasion

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    #3
    "...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! :p
     
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  4. dukebound85, Oct 20, 2009

    dukebound85 macrumors P6

    dukebound85

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    #4
    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
     
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  5. coldwater456, Oct 20, 2009

    coldwater456 thread starter macrumors newbie

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    Oct 20, 2009
    #5
    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!
     
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  6. Peace, Oct 20, 2009

    Peace macrumors Core

    Peace

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    #6
    The 9400M is a nice graphics chip.
     
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