iMac 21.5" vs 27"

[beau1121]

There might be some forum around explaining this but I would like some updated perspectives. I am currently torn between the two iMac’s

The specs for both of them:

1) iMac 21.5”
3.1GHz Quad core Intel Core i7
8GB DDR3 SDRAM
1TB Fusion Drive

2) iMac 27”
3.2GHz Quad core Intel Core i5
8GB DDR3 SDRAM
1TB Fusion drive

I understand that there are internal differences like the video card, GT 750 for the 21.5” vs the GTX 580 27”. I’m not so much concerned about the monitor size as I am with the others. Ultimately, I would like to justify one or the other based on the following factors. Would having a 3.1ghz i7 be better than a 3.2 i5? Is this and the better graphics card worth the $120 difference.

 

[chscag]

Ultimately, I would like to justify one or the other based on the following factors. Would having a 3.1ghz i7 be better than a 3.2 i5? Is this and the better graphics card worth the $120 difference.

Do you really need an i7 CPU? With the 27" iMac you get a larger and higher resolution screen and a machine which you can upgrade the memory yourself. While the 21.5" iMac is still a great machine, it's not upgradeable at all.