Thinking of getting a 2018 Intel mini over iMac 2020 for Adobe CC

[AAPLGeek]

Would I be making a mistake? Both configs being an i5 with 32GB RAM.

The mini would be connected to a 4k display in scaled resolution. I’m not expecting the Intel iGPU to handle that with 100% smoothness, but I’ll be fine as long as it’s performs reasonably well. The main apps I’ll be using are photoshop and illustrator.

The mini appeals to me because I won’t have to worry about issues that comes with a sealed AIO design like the iMac. The idea of having to carry the bloated 27” iMac to the store in case something breaks just repels me.

Bootcamp and x86 VMs are a requirement so M1 is out of question.

 

[Cookie18]

If the M1 is out of the question because you require Bootcamp I don’t think you’re making a mistake with the i5. I had the i5 before my M1 and it is plenty powerful enough. I think you’d be very happy with it.

Also, once I upgraded mine to 16GB of RAM I never had issues running my 4K or ultra wide monitors.

 

[AAPLGeek]

If the M1 is out of the question because you require Bootcamp I don’t think you’re making a mistake with the i5. I had the i5 before my M1 and it is plenty powerful enough. I think you’d be very happy with it.

Also, once I upgraded mine to 16GB of RAM I never had issues running my 4K or ultra wide monitors.

Thanks. I’m mainly concerned about scaled 1440p performance in Adobe apps. Reading some of the longer threads on this very forum gives the impression that it’s beyond horrible…

 

[Cookie18]

Thanks. I’m mainly concerned about scaled 1440p performance in Adobe apps. Reading some of the longer threads on this very forum gives the impression that it’s beyond horrible…

Unfortunately I don't have experience using Adobe apps but I did run everything at scaled 1440p. I had issues at 8GB but no issues at 32gb. I suppose one option could be to get an eGPU if you do have issues?

 

[AAPLGeek]

Unfortunately I don't have experience using Adobe apps but I did run everything at scaled 1440p. I had issues at 8GB but no issues at 32gb. I suppose one option could be to get an eGPU if you do have issues?

No problem, I appreciate your input. eGPU would sadly defeat the purpose of having a minimal, low noise setup so I'd just go for an iMac in that case.

Another quick question. I see you have the i3 mini in your signature? I'm curious if it's really worth getting the i5 over it since I can get the i3 config almost $450 cheaper than the i5.

 

[Cookie18]

No problem, I appreciate your input. eGPU would sadly defeat the purpose of having a minimal, low noise setup so I'd just go for an iMac in that case.

Another quick question. I see you have the i3 mini in your signature? I'm curious if it's really worth getting the i5 over it since I can the get i3 config almost $450 cheaper than the i5.

I do have the i3. I bought it because I was able to get it for a crazy cheap price and I have been really impressed with it. I honestly haven't noticed a massive difference between it and my i5. I can't remember the i3 ever really stuttering or having difficulty with any of my work. I run activity monitor a lot and it was using a higher percentage of CPU power than the i5 so I guess it wouldn't last as long as the i5 but it still had plenty of head room. I actually only got the M1 Mini because I got it from an Amazon mis-price and they actually honoured it. If it wasn't for that I would have been happy keeping the i3 for another few years. The offers I've been seeing on i3's recently, and when I got mine, make them a really interesting prospect.

 

[AAPLGeek]

I do have the i3. I bought it because I was able to get it for a crazy cheap price and I have been really impressed with it. I honestly haven't noticed a massive difference between it and my i5. I can't remember the i3 ever really stuttering or having difficulty with any of my work. I run activity monitor a lot and it was using a higher percentage of CPU power than the i5 so I guess it wouldn't last as long as the i5 but it still had plenty of head room. I actually only got the M1 Mini because I got it from an Amazon mis-price and they actually honoured it. If it wasn't for that I would have been happy keeping the i3 for another few years. The offers I've been seeing on i3's recently, and when I got mine, make them a really interesting prospect.

That's fantastic! I think you just saved me another $450.