New iMacs - which graphics option

[nick9191]

Will the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M be able to run Star Craft 2 when it comes out, and Counter Strike: Source?

That's all I really need to know, thanks.

Yes, not at super high settings but it will run them.

 

[Sebby]

If I don't play games at all, is the 9400M adequate? All I'll want to do is hook it up to my LCD using mini DisplayPort to HDMI and be able to watch the odd video.

 

[chewietobbacca]

9400M is is fine if you dont play games at all

4850 will stomp those cards though across the board for gaming and GPGPU computations

 

[tasandkrs]

I'm debating between the 9400 and the 120. I will not be playing games, but will be using it for photo and HD video editing. Will the 9400 be enough?

Thanks

 

[Patriks7]

what about the 9500/GT120? is it a good graphic card?

Look at it this way; the 9600M in the MacBook Pros is kind of a desktop 9500. So it is good, but not close to very good at all.

 

[nss.aries]

I don't need to play Crysis, but i don't want to pay 1700€ for a computer that is already old even before I buy it. I would have waited for the ATI paying the extra money, but i can't wait 4-6 weeks 'cause I need the iMac for work.
If I buy the version with the GT120 can I substitute it with the ATI when it will be available?
The GT130 is worth 130€?

Thanks and forgive the bad english 🙂

 

[RemarkabLee]

I don't need to play Crysis, but i don't want to pay 1700€ for a computer that is already old even before I buy it. I would have waited for the ATI paying the extra money, but i can't wait 4-6 weeks 'cause I need the iMac for work.
If I buy the version with the GT120 can I substitute it with the ATI when it will be available?
The GT130 is worth 130€?

Thanks and forgive the bad english 🙂

The GPU is not upgradable. You will need to replace the logic board.

 

[nss.aries]

What do you suggest, then?
I think i'll go for the GT 130.

 

[rittchard]

Here's a nice comparison chart from the Apple site:

http://www.apple.com/imac/features.html#performance

Also you may want to check out some of the Macbook and MBA gaming threads to see just what the 9400m chipset is capable of. For instance, I've been able to play Warhammer Online at medium quality with no issues on the MBA, so I wouldn't anticipate problems given the better processor on the new iMac and Mini.

Then if you believe the Apple specs, the 9400m is roughly twice as good as the original ATI 2400 (5x faster than integrated X3100, this is definitely true based on what I've seen in the MBA), and the GT120 should be twice as good as that.

Obviously you just have to make some price/performance tradeoffs. Every bit more you pay you get another decent leap in gaming power. Do you "need" it? Depends on how serious you take your gaming.

 

[gonzaload1987]

The GPU is not upgradable. You will need to replace the logic board.

Can you explain this to me please? when i bought my 2.8 imac with ati 2600 they upgraded for a new 8800gs, which i have to wait two days for the instalation...😕

 

[ColinEC]

Will the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M be able to run Star Craft 2 when it comes out, and Counter Strike: Source?

That's all I really need to know, thanks.

The GeForce 9400M is just as powerful if not more than the Radeon Mobility x1600 256MB I've got in my iMac.

I can handle Counter-Strike:Source at 1280x720 at around 40-50FPS, no AA, all high, no HDR.