i5 quad vs i7 dual

I am considering a quad-core i5 2.7Ghz iMac and a dual-core i7 3Ghz Mac mini. I use iMovie and After Effects, for movies and simple effects. Which processor would allow me to run these programs most quickly and smoothly?

Geekbench suggests that the iMac is 20-30% faster. I have no direct experience that's more useful...
https://browser.primatelabs.com/mac-benchmarks

The iMac without question. It also has a better graphics chipset which is discrete whereas the Mini has an integrated chipset. The downside is that the iMac is going to cost more.

If you are using After Effects (with iMovie? Really? Interesting...) Get the iMac. If you have ever used After Effects then you should know it will need every resource you computer has. You need the better graphics in the iMac. Actually an i7 in the iMac is even better yet.

Also get as much memory as you can and, if possible, and SSD.

Lisa

I sounds like iMac over Mac mini

lclev said:

If you are using After Effects (with iMovie? Really? Interesting...) Get the iMac. If you have ever used After Effects then you should know it will need every resource you computer has. You need the better graphics in the iMac. Actually an i7 in the iMac is even better yet.

Also get as much memory as you can and, if possible, and SSD.

Lisa

Click to expand...

I teach a class where students use iMovie. I got a copy of After Effects from my cousin (who works for Adobe) and I'm trying to learn it. For now, I mostly modify templates.

Since I am on a limited budget and only do the effects/movies as a hobby, in what order would you prioritize the features/options? If I can only afford the iMac i5, you still recommend that over the Mac-mini i7?

More RAM vs Fusion drive vs graphics card upgrade?

Go with the iMac - definitely. The better specs will also be appreciated by iMovie. Also with the iMac you are getting a beautiful screen.

I understand the learning curve on After Effects. I am self-taught and it has taken me several years to get just a bit more than the basics out of it. I use Premiere for editing but I have played with iMovie just enough to be able to assist others who use it.

I prefer dual-core i7 3Ghz Mac mini.