Should I go with Quad-Core or Dual-Core?

Is 16GB RAM worth it?

Hello!

I am a full-time Graphic and Web Designer that also dabbles with video production. I am also a voice-over artist which requires extensive sound editing.

I am thinking of upgrading to a 27" iMac 2.8 GhZ Quad-Core and was wondering whether or not I should go for 8GB of RAM (2x4GB) or 16GB...

What are your thoughts? Any advice?

Also, as far as upgrading RAM goes, does anyone know how many slots I would have open if I were to go with 2x4GB?

Thanks!

It's worth it if you actually use it. If you don't use more than 8GB at any given time, then it's just a waste of money.

The 27" iMac comes with four RAM slots, so if you have 2x4GB then you would still have two slots open. I would suggest starting off with 8GB and if you need more, then pop in some more RAM yourself for relatively cheaper than what Apple offers. Actually, to be more specific, go with 2x2GB directly from Apple and then upgrade to 8GB on your own. Getting 8GB in 2x4GB form from Apple will cost you $600 whereas you can pick up a 2x4GB set from Newegg for about $490, and prices are going nowhere but down so you'll be able to pick up another 2x4GB set in a few months for much less than that, and definitely much less than the $1,400 Apple is charging for 4x4GB.

I agree. I feel that you should buy it with 8GB of RAM and see if it works out for you. If it does, great. If it doesn't, then buy the RAM from other sources rather than Apple, because they charge a ridiculous amount for RAMs.

Sounds good. Thanks.

So, to clarify, if I go with 8GB from Apple there would still be room to upgrade to 16GB of RAM?

Yes, you have the option to bump it up to 16GB in the future if you so wish. It is really simple to upgrade the RAM of your iMac yourself anyway.

Or go with the lowest you can from apple and get more ram for way cheaper at OWC..

I will need a computer that will run multiple applications. I'm a Graphic and Web Designer that also does extensive video and sound editing.

Would I benefit from having a Quad-Core iMac?

I have made a similar post in this thread, I posted all the things I was running at once then the CPU usage. I do things such as online gaming and movie creating and would like to know if I should get the dual or quad core. You can find my thread in this link, any replies I get may also be beneficial to you. ;D

http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/apple-desktops/173786-went-pc-mac-today.html

If you are doing a lot of high resolution renderings then yes, you would greatly benefit from having a quad over a dual

Its goes without saying that the quad core would be more beneficial than the dual core if your looking at the new out 27" ......Come down to how much $ is burning the back pocket lol

Um... quad? If I had 2gs, I'd buy one right now... and I don't even need one.

I ordered the Quad - maybe I don't even need it now, but everything is going towards multiprocessing, grand central and such. In a year or so, I think you'll be glad you went for the 4-way.

Quad - all day, because even if you dont need it all now.. you can grow into it later on. small price to pay. quad cores will be mainstream soon and is just ahead of the game as usual..