Forums >> Workflow & Implementation >> Hardware >> Buying new iMac...looking for advice

matt32079

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Joined: Tue, Mar 31, 2009
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I'm planning on buying a new iMac within the next week.  I'll be running Revit Architecture 2011, photoshop, and the like....I'd prefer the 21.5" screen as my place isn't very big, however I'm interested in the better performance of the quadcore i7 processor and better graphics card that is only available with the 27" model.  Is the extra money worth the increase in performance that will be gained over the 21.5" i5 model.  I realize this is hard to quanitfy.  Any advice, opinions, or personal experiences are appreciated.  Below are the specs of the models I'm torn between.  

27" - 2.93 GHz Intel Core i7 (quad core), 8 GB RAM, ATI Radeon HD 5750 with 1 GB of GDDR5 memory

21.5" - 3.6 GHz Intel Core i5, 8 GB RAM, ATI Radeon HD Radeon HD 5670 with 512 MB of GDDR3 memory

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pdoug

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Joined: Mon, Mar 24, 2008
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Yes - it is worth it!  The screen is absolutely amazing.  For apps that make use of the multi processors it is worth every penny and you'll be happy you did even after a couple of years (dare I say more).

I played this game in my head too a few months ago and went with the top of the line iMac.  What I really wanted was a tower but couldn't afford it plus all the accessories.

Did I say the screen was amazing?!  Really like this machine.  Good luck!

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cgreenwood

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Joined: Thu, May 4, 2006
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 I got an iMac 27" 2.8 i7 with 8GB Ram back in April this year for my personal use. I setup Bootcamp and Windows 7 64bit OS and installed Revit 2011. I also set up virtual version of Win 7 with VM Fusion.

All I can say is ...Wow.  It fly's.  it is also very stable. It has been comprehensively 'Stress Tested' and can't find any faults. I was even surprised how well it performed under VM Fusion.

I had been doing research  for new CAD machines for the company I work for and had trialled HP Z400 workstations.

I can report that after my experience with my iMac at home, I have ordered 16 New current model, high end iMacs's for all our designers and CAD crew. I know they won't be disappointed.

It is also interesting to note that the iMac's came out cheaper than the HP workstations, even allowing for the Windows 7 OS to be added and the inclusion of Monitors for the Workstations. This blows a lot of the "Macs are more expensive" myths out of the water.

Oh and yes, the screen is Amazing.

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dabarch

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Joined: Sun, Jan 10, 2010
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Hi All,

I too have recently jumped into the Revit Building systems subscription and have brought my PC too its knees. Is Revit on an Imac really the way to go?

Thanks,

Danno

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