i5 vs i7 Processor

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Would I notice the difference between i5 & i7 processor other than future longevity for my computer uses when buying a new mac? Let me begin with what I do on computer: Besides internet forum reading, looking up stuff wanting to learn or purchase, purchasing, bill paying, working with office doc's like word, excel, pp, very little access, mp3 & some streaming radio stations, photo's with photoshop elements ( no real heavy processing, a hobby photographer), jig saw puzzles, e-mail, calendar to sync with iphone. Thats pretty much it, not a gamer. Sorry I know little about how the iMac uses hardware like memory and stuff and trying to choose wisely. Any help greatly appreciated.
 

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For a while, the big difference was that i5s were dual-core while i7 was quad-core. That is no longer the case, and based on your use case, you will find little to no difference between the i5 and i7. Additionally, the i5 is no less future proof as the i7. At the end of the day, it won't be the i5 or i7 CPU that will force your hand to upgrade, but some other hardware or more likely software.
 
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Thanks Ashwin, what's your opinion on 8G ram? I've already decided on a 256 SS hard drive.
 
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Also could help more if iMac model details and operating system are known.

For you photographic work 16GB would be a real help.
 
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Also could help more if iMac model details and operating system are known.

For you photographic work 16GB would be a real help.

Thanks Harry for the photography tip.
 

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To expand a bit on the RAM aspect. If you were purchasing an Apple computer that had user-upgradeable RAM...then getting 8gig of RAM is probably ok (and upgrade later).

Unfortunately...most Apple computers sold now do not have user upgradeable RAM. Which means you need to configure it with as much RAM as you will ever need while owning it. If you were thinking of purchasing a new Apple computer with "non-user-upgradeable" RAM...I would advise getting at least 16gig of RAM.:)

- Nick
 

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The 27" iMac (which I believe you are exploring) has user-accessible memory and so I would not upgrade beyond the 8GB during purchase time. You can upgrade later on with Crucial or OWC memory very easily down the line for way cheaper than what Apple will charge you.

Generally, I feel like 16GB is a good base amount of RAM. If you have money burning a hole in your pocket, you can upgrade to 32GB, but I don't see any value in your case going beyond that.

The beauty of going to 16GB is that you an use the 4GB you and add 2 more 4GB sticks to get to 16GB. If you want to go further, you're going to have to replace the existing 4GB sticks which seems like a waste.
 
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Will not make much difference, i5 or i7. If gaming, GPU is more important.

The hard drive will greatly affect the performance of app loading times, switching on mac, etc. All macs come with a SSD anyways.

Provided you dont go beyond basic usage though, 8GB RAM is good. My sister has that and it's calm.

I have 16GB RAM. This suffices for my programming especially when I did Android programming, this used up a heavy chunk of RAM.

I therefore think 8GB RAM will suffice or basic tasks but be sure your usage will not expand ;)
 
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Apple still sells iMacs with a Fusion Drive, a limited Flash or Blade Drive of between 24GB and 128GB and a 7200rpm platter drive so that is not quite true Rocky for doing graphic

For the couple of hundred bucks I have always purchased the i7 option for doing graphic design. The little extra helps, I believe, when it is time to sell the machine.
 

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Regarding i5 vs. i7 CPU.

- i5 supports Turbo Boost 2.0.
- i7 supports Turbo Boost 2.0 and hyper-threading.

Both of these improve performance. Do a quick search to learn more about each.:)

- Nick
 
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Thanks to Nick, RazOrEdge, harry and rocky for your help.
I have decided already I want a 256G SSD, if I need more space later I figured I could add an external.

Yes RazOrEdge I have been considering the 27. I do have desktop space so that isn't a issue, one of my concerns in choosing is right now is I have a 24 which is a nice size and am concerned that if I go with the 21.5 it my seem a bit smaller after using the 24.

Harry good point om the i7, surprised that it isn't standard yet.
 

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The 21.5" doesn't have user upgradable RAM, so you'll have to pay up front to upgrade. The 27" is really great and with the 5K resolution, you can fit a lot on there and not have it feel like everything is teeny tiny. I have a 27" iMac and I would definitely recommend the 27".
 
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I went with an 3.8Ghz i5 in my 2017 27" iMac because of more than a few complaints I had read about i7's really running hot and running fans constantly in the particular iMac form factor. I use Adobe Lightroom and play relatively low intensity games like BioShock and do get fans kicking on sometimes, but not nearly as much as I've hear others getting with i7's. The i5 delivers enough performance I have zero issues with either Lightroom or BioShock on "high" settings. I'm running 16GB of Apple OEM + 32GB of OWC sourced memory and the Raedon Pro 580 8GB video card
 
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Ashwin I've started to seriously looking at the 27, I also like the fact I can order the ram with 8 and go to 16 but I definitely want a SSD.

xj-linux that's for the tip on heating up some. I probably will choose the i5. I have noticed that Apple is using 7th gen instead of 8th on new mac's. Been reading and trying to get a handle on the differences as per suggestion from Nick. I may be looking to deep into this. It was much easier back in the day when all you had to do is choose by processor speed.
 
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Don't order a 27" with 16GB of memory. Much cheaper to purchase from Crucial or OWC after you get it and there is a hatch on the rear to make installation easier. Never had a heat issue with an i7 and Kenny do not even consider the 21" model.
 

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Definitely go with the 27" if you can work it into the budget. You"ll love the 27" display!:)

- Nick
 
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Thanks Harry & Nick. I've been looking at the base 27, adding a 256 SSD & keyboard w/# pad. do like the # pad, being using it from the beginning of pc use.
 
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I've spent some hours investigating a new Mac and, because of space limitations, have settled for a Mini with an i5 or i7 processor, using an existing Viewsonic 21" monitor, maybe an upsize later. An i7 with 16 Gb Ram and 256 Gb SSD is appealing, but will set me back NZ$2679, up from $1449 using minimum configuration of i3/8/128. "That's the way the money goes ...." Interestingly, although 4-core as opposed to 6, the i3 is in fact faster than the i7, but for gaming, which I intend trying more seriously, I think the latter would be superior.

I have used a friend's 27" iMac, and honestly, it's a case of where do you look next? At close range, it's huge! Keep in mind 27" used to be the size of a tv screen which might be viewed from a distance up to 4 m. Have you considered a 24" screen with a Mini?
 
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@hughvane - I am using a 24” screen with my mini, and it’s about 24 - 28 inches back. Actually, I just hooked up a 24” LED TV to it as well.
 
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I have used a friend's 27" iMac, and honestly, it's a case of where do you look next? At close range, it's huge! Keep in mind 27" used to be the size of a tv screen which might be viewed from a distance up to 4 m. Have you considered a 24" screen with a Mini?

I have been using a 24 for the past year on my win box and I believe the 27 won’t be to bad for viewing, eye’s aren’t what they use to be. lol
 

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