Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Ice Dragon

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Jun 16, 2009
989
20
So according to Notebook Check, the max amount of memory that is offered by the top level nVidia mobile graphics card for this generation is 4096 MB or 4 GB. I probably could see Apple offering either the 765M or 770M as a base option but is there a good chance they offer not only the 780M but also with 4 GB of memory? Thoughts?
 
I wish they'll do it, but assuming how greedy they are about vRAM, I wouldn't hope too much for it.
 
Very slim. Apple at most gives user the GPU offering before the top tier. Also, they have always been poor givers with GDDR5 RAM.

To be a little more fair, last year they gave us the top tier + 1 (exc. SLI) as the 680MX was an Apple-only part with a 120W TDP.

As the current 780M is not 120W TDP (too much for even a big laptop) it's likely we may see a similar "780MX" in the refresh.

4GB of RAM, however, might be a little less likely. 2GB, and maybe 3GB at a stretch.
 
yes,i think so,assuming how greedy they are about vRAM, I wouldn't hope too much for it.
4.gif
 
Considering they mentioned dual GPU's in the Mac Pro since "GPU's are superior to that of a CPU", I wouldn't be surprised if they pushed better graphics cards with more capabilities in the iMac as well.
 
I wouldn't expect it. The reason being is that the 7xx series are higher TDP units and you already have the option for a full blown gtx 680mx, which is a lower clocked version of the 680 and 770 (without the boost 2.0 on the 770).

Edit: The 780m is the same chip as the 680mx with a higher clock and boost 2.0 so really no reason for them to do upgrade to that.
 
Edit: The 780m is the same chip as the 680mx with a higher clock and boost 2.0 so really no reason for them to do upgrade to that.

The 780M has a lower TDP than the 680MX. So it makes sense for them to upgrade to a current part (and save on power/heat) or do the same thing as they did this time and get a custom part with a higher TDP, as the iMac chassis seems to do fine with the 120W 680MX.
 
If that grfx card will become available in the new iMac, I will probably buy it as I expect the new Mac Pro just to be too expensive (if you want a high-end gaming card in it).
 
Well what the hell do you know? I called it! Imagine my surprise to waking up this morning and seeing not only that Apple updated their iMacs but that the ultimate 27" model has the 780M with 4 GB as an option. :D :D :D

(I won't be buying one though as I don't have $2k nor do I have a need for one, it's just nice to see Apple getting it when it comes to graphics cards and graphics memory.)
 
It's gonna be very interesting seeing some benchmark tests with the new 780M iMacs, but I doubt there will be a big difference. The real issue is how well the 780M the overclocks, as the 680MX is great in this area - which makes a big difference in framerates.

Some 3dmark11 benchmarks would be great! :)
 
Well what the hell do you know? I called it! Imagine my surprise to waking up this morning and seeing not only that Apple updated their iMacs but that the ultimate 27" model has the 780M with 4 GB as an option. :D :D :D

(I won't be buying one though as I don't have $2k nor do I have a need for one, it's just nice to see Apple getting it when it comes to graphics cards and graphics memory.)

Very nice call Ice :)

I can't wait to see some 680mx vs 780m benchmarks.
 
Nice call.

For benchmarks most can look here: http://www.notebookcheck.net/In-Review-Nvidia-GeForce-GTX-780M-GTX-770M-GTX-765M.93277.0.html

The 780M should be about 10% faster than the 680MX in most applications, since both are roughly equiv to GTX 680/GTX 770 desktop cards with slightly lower clocks. The 780M is actually a lower TDP card than the 680MX, which means there should be plenty of cooling to bump it up a bit if the card can handle the overclock.
 
Well what the hell do you know? I called it! Imagine my surprise to waking up this morning and seeing not only that Apple updated their iMacs but that the ultimate 27" model has the 780M with 4 GB as an option. :D :D :D

(I won't be buying one though as I don't have $2k nor do I have a need for one, it's just nice to see Apple getting it when it comes to graphics cards and graphics memory.)

Good call. I just ordered mine with the 4GB 780M.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.