[SOLVED] iMac vs. Mac mini

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FauxFox

FauxFox

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Jul 17, 2013
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Hi forum goers!

I'm getting a Mac soon, and I'm comparing 2 different models...

1) Mac mini 2.6ghz quad-core Intel Core i7 (upgrade on my own to 16gb RAM)

2) iMac 21.5" 3.1ghz quad-core Intel Core i7 (stock 8gb RAM)

Price is not a factor in this comparison

I know that the iMac has the dedicated graphics AND HD Graphics 4000, but the Mac mini would have double the RAM.

So, in this case, for light to moderate gaming, everyday browsing and schoolwork, would the mini be a better performer? (just wondering because of the RAM difference)

ALSO

Since the iMac has the HD Graphics 4000 AND the GTX 650m inside it too, does the system use both of those in tandem? Or just the 650m?


Thanks again!
 
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As much as I know and reading tests here you'll not get much of improvement in games (maybe 5% statistically look at Hardware/CPU thread here) from hyper threading right now.
And there is no way Mac Mini is better for games being only HD4000 equipped than iMac.

And taking into consideration your price point I still would recommend going with base 27" because you can't change screen later and because it can support more ram and it's easy accessible. And I would recommend choosing trackpad instead of mouse because you need another mouse for gaming anyway.
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iskra

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Jul 30, 2012
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Albeit not easy but you can add memory to iMac 21 2012 model by your own — http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8Tuq373wPs
I doubt you'll be able to feel real difference from 16GB now except cases when working with graphics and video creation tools.

I would say iMac since it's integrated and cheaper package overall (keyboard/mouse or trackpad, camera, speakers). Add memory and SSD when warranty expires.

Even more if you are going with BTO 21.5 then it would be no brainer to just go for base 27 model. 4 easy accessible slots for up to 32GB ram and nice screen. I doubt you will see difference between 2.9 and 3.1GHz i5

And then why not wait for Haswell refresh. It must be around the corner.

Regarding your question about HD4000 it's definitely used for Intel's QuickSync transcoding but it's not used in tandem with discrete graphics.
 
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FauxFox

FauxFox

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Jul 17, 2013
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Thanks for the great help! I'm a very "techie" hardware guy, but I've seen and considered videos showing the opening of the 21.5" iMac, and I don't feel like I want to embark on THAT journey... ;)

And yes, I am waiting for Haswell, I'm just trying to decide which one will fit me better (In terms of overall productivity). If the iMac currently has a better performance, there is NO WAY Apple is gonna downgrade it's performance during the Haswell upgrade...

And BTW, I'm looking at the 3.1ghz i7. It (interestingly enough) is an i7 model on the 21.5" BTO... I would opt for the better processor... And since I'm a student, I get the student discount! ^_^ (then again, ANYONE can claim to be a student and get the discount, LOL)

The reason I'm worried about the 8gb or RAM is because I plan on running Windows 7 through Parallels on the machine (and gaming on each end of the virtual machine). If I weren't running Parallels, I wouldn't be worried, but I want flawless performance on each side of the VM...

By the way, this is the BTO model I'm looking at for the iMac...

3.1GHz Quad-core Intel Core i7, Turbo Boost up to 3.9GHz
8GB 1600MHz DDR3 SDRAM - 2x4GB
1TB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm
NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M 512MB GDDR5
Apple Magic Mouse
Apple Wireless Keyboard (English) & User's Guide

$1638.97

and this is the one for the Mac mini

2.6GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i7
4GB 1600MHz DDR3 SDRAM - 2x2GB
1TB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm
User's Guide (English)
Pages
Numbers
Keynote
Accessory Kit

($928.97) plus $263.99 for a new Asus VG248QE monitor...

And I KNOW that there will be a pretty good different between a 2.9ghz i5 and a 3.1ghz i7, the question is, will is vastly affect any gaming performance? Because I know that those i7s make a good difference...



 
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iskra

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Jul 30, 2012
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As much as I know and reading tests here you'll not get much of improvement in games (maybe 5% statistically look at Hardware/CPU thread here) from hyper threading right now.
And there is no way Mac Mini is better for games being only HD4000 equipped than iMac.

And taking into consideration your price point I still would recommend going with base 27" because you can't change screen later and because it can support more ram and it's easy accessible. And I would recommend choosing trackpad instead of mouse because you need another mouse for gaming anyway.
 
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Passerbuy

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Aug 28, 2013
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I would hold buying anything yet till we hear from Apple in the Fall. I used a PC before until someone said get a Mac I said what`s that,and he promised to help me. The first Mac I bought was a Mac Mini in 2007(I am 65 years old) Then I said I might as well buy the iMac what a big mistake I went through 3 faulty iMacs.
It was getting that bad I had to get an Advocate to take over. It took a year to get my refund off Apple £1213. It had the screen fault which thousands of people have got,and still ongoing. Then I said I will buy the new Mac Mini but that`s faulted has well which Apple,and Intel have owned up to this fault.
I am typing this out on my Mac Mini from 2007. My advice Wait!
 
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