One of the most common questions we get asked is ‘which 27-inch iMac should I go for?’. The 3.0GHz, the 3.1GHz, or the 3.7GHz?
Whether you’re looking to purchase your device or lease it, it’s not an easy decision to reach. To make it simpler, we explore each of these options in detail here.
The lower range iMac model
The 3.0GHz model has 8th Generation Intel processors with six cores and 2666MHz DDR4 memory. Plus, with its Radeon Pro 570X graphics chip and 4GB of dedicated GDDR5 memory, it has Apple’s signature super-fast speed.
On top of this, you’ll get a 4.1GHz Turbo Boost and there’s a 1TB Fusion Drive for your storage.
The middle-range iMac model
The 3.1GHz iMac is, in some ways, very similar to the 3.0GHz machine. It too has 8th Generation Intel processors with six cores and 2666MHz DDR4 memory, and a 1TB Fusion Drive. There are differences, though – namely a 4.3GHz Turbo Boost instead of 4.1GHz, and a better Radeon Pro 575X graphics processor. This also has 4GB of dedicated GDDR5 memory.
That’s not all, either. There’s the option for custom configuration too, through a 3.6GHz eight-core i9 processor (i9-9900K). You can additionally add 5.0GHz of power via the Turbo Boost. Or, if you’re more interested in performance, you can give the device an AMD Radeon Pro Vega 48 graphics processor with 8GB of dedicated HBM2 video memory.
The top range iMac model
Unsurprisingly, the 3.7GHz model is much more advanced – it has newer 9th Generation Intel processors with six or eight cores. It matches the 3.0GHz and 3.1GHz machines with its 2666MHz DDR4 memory, but it’s made even quicker through its Radeon Pro 580X graphics processor. Plus, performance is heightened by 8GB of dedicated GDDR5 memory. 2TB Fusion Drive comes as standard for storage as well.
Yet you can also tailor your 3.7GHz iMac. For those using GPU-intensive apps, such as creative agencies, you can add the AMD Radeon Pro Vega 48 for further speed. When combined with the option for an extra 5.0GHz Turbo Boost and 3.6GHz eight-core i9 processor, the potential is there to max out performance. It’s important to remember, however, that customisation will incur an additional cost.
How to decide on your iMac
So, which device should you go for?
We’ve helped many of our customers lease the 27-inch iMac. What we’ve found is that the one priced in the middle range rarely ever even comes up in conversation. In actual fact, we’ve only leased a handful so far.
This is because it’s really only the internal components that differ between the three – external features like the display and ports are identical. The off-the-shelf 3.1GHz iMac is only slightly faster than the lower-range device (by approximately 4-5%), but it will cost you 11% more. Whereas if you went for the 3.7GHz iMac, you’d have a considerably faster graphics processor – not to mention almost twice the video memory and storage.
If you don’t have much budget to work with, we’d definitely recommend the 3.0GHz device. But if you are willing to invest and get more bang for your buck, we’d suggest unleashing all the powers of the 3.7GHz iMac.
For those working on really high-end work, such as 4K video editing, then there’s always the iMac Pro. It’s the most powerful iMac ever and so comes at a more premium price than the others.
Whichever Mac you choose, leasing enables you to reap the rewards of your high-performing device whilst still maintaining a positive cash flow. To find the perfect leasing solution for your business’ needs, simply get in touch with our friendly team today.
