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virginblue4

macrumors 68020
Original poster
Apr 15, 2012
2,036
727
United Kingdom
So, which is faster and/or more powerful?

The new iMac 2.9GHz i5, 16GB RAM and fusion drive or the MacBook Pro with retina display 2.6GHz i7, with 16GB RAM.

I want overall answers but also answers related to photo and video editin and gaming.

Thanks :)
 
So, which is faster and/or more powerful?

The new iMac 2.9GHz i5, 16GB RAM and fusion drive or the MacBook Pro with retina display 2.6GHz i7, with 16GB RAM.

I want overall answers but also answers related to photo and video editin and gaming.

Thanks :)

The rMBP, not even that close compared to 21.5" iMac. It has a faster CPU and the same GPU except the rMBP has 1gb vs. 512MB of memory. It also has 512gb of true SSD, vs. 128gb "fused" with a slow 1tb 5400rpm drive.
 
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Comparing the two CPUs with an average CPU Mark number:

i7 3720QM scores 8582
i5 3470s scores 6625

I was surprised to see the difference in scores. Thankfully the word "Pro" in the MacBook Pros still means something these days.
 
27" iMac = better GFX, upgradable RAM, bigger screen
15" rMBP = faster storage drive(pure SSD), better CPU

Really depends on what you need to do and what you prioritise.
 
27" iMac = better GFX, upgradable RAM, bigger screen
15" rMBP = faster storage drive(pure SSD), better CPU

Really depends on what you need to do and what you prioritise.

15 mbpr better CPU??? I'm sorry but the imac uses desktop chips, much more energy consuming and faster! You're wrong
 
15 mbpr better CPU??? I'm sorry but the imac uses desktop chips, much more energy consuming and faster! You're wrong

Nowadays, Ivy Bridge mobile chips are pretty close to the desktop chips. Of course, the 3720QM is not going to compete with the 3770, but it can more than hold its ground agains the 3470s in the base 27" iMac. Anyway, look up the benchmarks quoted by Johnf1285 above.
 
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