Previous generation 3.06 or new 2.93?

[patricem]

I see Apple has added a lower price refurb 3.06 previous generation (I've been waiting ) price $1599. Total with tax $1710.00 New 2.93 at Powermax no tax total $1788.00. What would you advise? What to do? New or old? If the 3.06 was a bit cheaper I would definitely go for that as I think it is better machine, but for so close a price is it better get new? Thanks! (Also 3.06 not being offered as a clearance, only refurb...wonder why?)

 

[Eidorian]

Raw CPU power or a slightly better GPU in the new model. Pick one.

 

[eelpout]

Raw CPU power or a slightly better GPU in the new model. Pick one.

actually, if he is talking about the 2.93 with the GT 120 (this one), the 8800 GS should be faster and is 512MB vs. 256MB. The GT 130 in the new 3.06 is more equivalent to the 8800.

 

[Whackintosh]

actually, if he is talking about the 2.93 with the GT 120 (this one), the 8800 GS should be faster and is 512MB vs. 256MB. The GT 130 in the new 3.06 is more equivalent to the 8800.

If gaming is not an interest, how much of a difference would a faster GPU make for tasks like video editing, photo editing etc? Could the same functionality for these tasks be attained with the 9400 integrated gpu?

 

[Mike in Kansas]

The 3.06 seems like a rather good deal at $1599 with the 8800GS.

 

[Eidorian]

actually, if he is talking about the 2.93 with the GT 120 (this one), the 8800 GS should be faster and is 512MB vs. 256MB. The GT 130 in the new 3.06 is more equivalent to the 8800.

True the 8800M GTS is going to be faster than whatever the heck the GT120 is. The GT130 is more than likely some 9800MGS/9600GT variant and is a hair faster.

 

[eelpout]

If gaming is not an interest, how much of a difference would a faster GPU make for tasks like video editing, photo editing etc?

not a lot. you'll get some boost in apps like Aperture, CS4 etc. that have GPU support (don't know about video). in fact, if you don't game, it might be better just to get the 2.8 GHz/320GB/2600 Pro refurb for $500 less. that's the best deal going.

But what has some quivering in their boots is Snow Leopard (v10.6) and how any of these GPU's will behave on it. Some think the 8800 GS will be more future-proof.

 

[eelpout]

FYI. the Primate Labs guys have an updated blog entry with results from the new iMacs and Mini's. pretty much as expected. the ever so slight boost is probably the DDR3 RAM.
http://www.primatelabs.ca/blog/2009/03/imac-and-mac-mini-benchmarks-early-2009/

 

[Lexlee]

Benchmarks

PC Magazine has some new performance tests. This is testing different iMac models and other all in one computers.

Goto the middle of the review and click performance tests.

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2342785,00.asp

 

[patricem]

FYI. the Primate Labs guys have an updated blog entry with results from the new iMacs and Mini's. pretty much as expected. the ever so slight boost is probably the DDR3 RAM.
http://www.primatelabs.ca/blog/2009/03/imac-and-mac-mini-benchmarks-early-2009/

I wish there was a bigger difference in price.

 

[eelpout]

PC Magazine has some new performance tests. This is testing different iMac models and other all in one computers.

Goto the middle of the review and click performance tests.

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2342785,00.asp

wow. I'm shocked. the difference in speed 2:16 (3.06/8800 GS) vs 1:35 (3.06/GT 130) for the CS4 test is much greater than I expected. There's something wonky there, because the 2.66/9400M is also faster than the 3.06/8800GS by 30 seconds.

 

[patricem]

wow. I'm shocked. the difference in speed 2:16 (3.06/8800 GS) vs 1:35 (3.06/GT 130) for the CS4 test is much greater than I expected. There's something wonky there, because the 2.66/9400M is also faster than the 3.06/8800GS by 30 seconds.

Oh really? So the old 3.06 is faster than the new 3.06 but the new 2.66 is a tad faster still? Wow. I wish they would lower the old 3.06 a couple hundred more or I could get no tax. Seems weird to buy old at so similar a price to the new. I wonder if the new 2.66 would suffice for me. Better price range for me. I'm not a gamer but do a lot of photo editing for my job, and I keep my computers long time generally don't upgrade very often. ARRGGGG What to do

 

[minik]

Oh really? So the old 3.06 is faster than the new 3.06 but the new 2.66 is a tad faster still? Wow. I wish they would lower the old 3.06 a couple hundred more or I could get no tax. Seems weird to buy old at so similar a price to the new. I wonder if the new 2.66 would suffice for me. Better price range for me. I'm not a gamer but do a lot of photo editing for my job, and I keep my computers long time generally don't upgrade very often. ARRGGGG What to do

no. iMac 3.06Ghz (GT130, 512mb, 4GB RAM) > iMac 2.66Ghz (9400M, 256mb) > iMac 3.06Ghz (8800 GS, 512mb, 2GB RAM) under Photoshop CS4.

BTW, the chart results were tested under Windows Vista.

 

[itommyboy]

But what has some quivering in their boots is Snow Leopard (v10.6) and how any of these GPU's will behave on it. Some think the 8800 GS will be more future-proof.

Ummmm.....ok.

 

[eelpout]

Quote:
Originally Posted by eelpout
But what has some quivering in their boots is Snow Leopard (v10.6) and how any of these GPU's will behave on it. Some think the 8800 GS will be more future-proof.

Ummmm.....ok.

just meant that the 8800 will likely be faster than the 2600 Pro. But of course we don't know that.

Too bad PCMag didn't test the 2.93/GT 120 iMac too.

here are links to two charts directly. the second one has the ATI 2600 Pro on it, but unfortunately some of tests are out of date.

http://www.pcmag.com/image_popup/0,1871,iid=230028,00.asp
http://www.pcmag.com/image_popup/0,1871,iid=206561,00.asp

 

[papucla07]

wow. I'm shocked. the difference in speed 2:16 (3.06/8800 GS) vs 1:35 (3.06/GT 130) for the CS4 test is much greater than I expected. There's something wonky there, because the 2.66/9400M is also faster than the 3.06/8800GS by 30 seconds.

It is faster only in CS4 because of the extra 2GB it has over the 3.06/8800GS if you put the extra 2GB to the 3.05/8800GS it will much faster than the 2.66, closer to the new 3.06/GT 130. Remember the new 2.66 has 4GB the old 3.06 has 2GB standard but you can upgrade to 4GB for just about 50$.

 

[jmpage2]

You guys are talking speed differences but you're also talking about Refurb vs. New.

Refurb = roll of the dice

In my experience.

 

[Eidorian]

You guys are talking speed differences but you're also talking about Refurb vs. New.

Refurb = roll of the dice

In my experience.

A dice roll for BTO hardware on a refurb? Alright!

 

[patricem]

A dice roll for BTO hardware on a refurb? Alright!

What do you mean?

 

[patricem]

You guys are talking speed differences but you're also talking about Refurb vs. New.

Refurb = roll of the dice

In my experience.

I know...new is always nice, even tho so many people have had good luck with Apple refurbs. It's been ages since I bought new, I always get used. Not quite ready to pull the trigger tho on $1700 +, so what to do. Get new 'old' 2.8 maybe or get new 2.66 with it's lousy graphics or just wait a bit longer...it's killing me tho I'm so ready for upgrade!!!

 

[Eidorian]

What do you mean?

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/665363/

 

[SnowLeopard2008]

Buy the latest and best you can afford.

 

[Bye Bye Baby]

Go the 3.06. Great machine. I got a great price.

 

[patricem]

Go the 3.06. Great machine. I got a great price.

Where did you actually buy yours? Was it from Apple? I saw your other post I know you paid in pounds , right? I went ahead and ordered the refurb 2.8, but if I'm not happy with it i will return and spring extra for the 3.06. So many people are so happy with their 2.8 I figured i would try and use extra money for other stuff I need like new desk and chair! So you love the 3.06? Works great? was it actually a refurb or was it new, can you tell?