2.7 GHz dual core i7 vs 2.0 GHz quad core i7. and different graphics cards

[Spooky]

Note that this is a. follow-on to a 2011 thread qsking a similar question....
basically, 2.7 GHz dual core i7 vs 2.0 GHz quad core i7. I have a few more
differences to add to that, however....

I am looking at two Mac minis. The first is (upgraded to) a 2.7 GHz dual core, at
Configure - Apple Store (U.S.)
and the second is a server with a 2.0 GHz quad core at
Configure - Apple Store (U.S.)

The first obviously has a faster cpu speed, but is only a dual core.
The second, more expensive one, has twice the disk space (and faster drives),
but the sales guy said the first's graphics card is much better.

Money is a real issue. I can probably afford either, but the server would
leave me really tight for the month. (I live on disability).

So, basically, I'm looking for suggestions between these two.

Thanks,
--jim

 

[Shad martin]

I bought the 2.5 with the ATi card and I love it but I also do a lot of editing with AVID media composer, After Effects and Photoshop. The ATi card is going to be faster at rendering GFX even though the 2.0 has way better has bench marks. You can always add a second faster drive for the cost of the drive, an 80.00 ifixit HDD Upgrade kit and 45 minutes. If you are not doing anything with video or photo editing then go with the server.

 

[Spooky]

Yeah, the graphics card was, in the end, THE major issue.

Photography is one of my hobbies, and I WILL be doing video...
no doubt about that.

The 2.5 GHz (with the 2.7 GHz upgrade) won. I would have
posted a follow-up, but there was a problem with my login
(my real login/passwd was being rejected...then I found
out that when I changed my nickname here, it also CHANGED
my username...). I basically gave up when even the reset
failed to work.....

I JUST finally got it reset......

Thanks,
--jim