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  3. New imac (2024) 10-Core CPU 10-Core GPU vs iMac "Core i7" 3.8 27" (5K, 2020)

  • New imac (2024) 10-Core CPU 10-Core GPU vs iMac "Core i7" 3.8 27" (5K, 2020)

    CgerholdC
    CgerholdC

    Hello,

    I am debating between buying the...

    iMac 2024 10-Core CPU 10-Core GPU M4 chip

    32 gb unified Ram/ 2TB SSD storage.

    -VERSUS-

    iMac "Core i7" 3.8 27" (5K, 2020).

    3.8 GHz Intel "Core i7" processor (I7-10700K) with eight independent processor "cores" on a single chip, a 16 MB shared level 3 cache.

    128 gb Ram/ 2TB SSD storage.

    My concerns are

    1) although the M4 unified chip is suppose to make the ram use far more efficient, does it actually make up versus having 128 gb of ram in an older model iMac?

    I usually run a full VSL orchestra library with MIR and or altiverb in sibelius ultimate.

    2) What compatibility issues with Mac OS Sequoia?

    3) Any other thoughts about this comparison?

    Current computer is

    iMac 2017 3.4 Quad-core intel Core i5

    64 GB 2400 MHz-DDR4 Ram/2TB storage

    Thank you!
  • rACR
    rACR

    What is your memory pressure/usage like on your current computer?

    A 2020 iMac won’t be as supported as long as a 2024 M4 will so how long do you intend keeping it?

    Have you thought about a Mac mini or Studio instead of an all in one - if you need/want extra RAM they offer more.

    I went from a 2017 iMac Pro to a M1 Studio Ultra and have had only one problem with VSL during the updates of macOS - that was the iLok doesn’t work update (14.4?). I’m currently on 15.1 with no issues from VSL software.

    Just a beginner
  • M
    M

    I just switched to Sequoia and VSL libraries and VE Pro all work without issues. As does Cubase, Dorico and obviously Logic. I have an MBP M1Max with 64 GB.

    If your present 2017 iMac is limited by the 64 GB CPU. i.e. it works at its limit with the full orchestra playing and MIR active, going to 32 GB unified memory might pose a problem. If you are not able to test your most extreme configuration on such an M4 using VE Pro with your old iMac as server with VE Pro might be a good alternative. You should check the compatibility beforehand however as you will probably have a different MacOS on both machines.

    As mentioned above a 2020 iMac will at least officially not be able to run the latest Mac OS and related latest versions of programs. Overall it is also a lot slower than the fastest intel based Mac according to many third party testers on YouTube. Unfortunately they are in general testing intel and native Macs with CPU = unified memory size. So it does not help you.