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How much CPU upgrade matters when buying an iMac?

How much CPU upgrade matters when buying an iMac?

Apple offers several iMac customizations when buying one. While I see benefit for better HD or more RAM (computers always felt faster after RAM upgrade), is it worth buying a CPU upgrade, especially since GPU now takes most of the workload for graphics?

Asked by: Guest | Views: 211
Total answers/comments: 4
bert [Entry]

"Depends on the CPU upgrade. IMHO going from a 2.93ghz to a 3.06ghz is negligible. We're looking at a 4% performance difference (unless the chip is from a different family altogether and has other benefits besides clockspeed - bus speed, cache size, etc etc)

To put things into perspective. Imagine a process that takes 20 seconds. It will take 19 with the faster CPU.

Nothing to write home about"
bert [Entry]

For macs and PCs, CPU speed these days doesn't really matter. If you want to speed your computer up, get the most RAM possible or solid-state-disks (SSD) budget permitting.
bert [Entry]

"It's almost always cheaper to get your RAM upgrades from another source (I suggest dealram.com).

A hard drive upgrade will be most noticeable benefit (more RPMs or an SSD style), but you might also consider purchasing AppleCare."
"It's almost always cheaper to get your RAM upgrades from another source (I suggest dealram.com).

A hard drive upgrade will be most noticeable benefit (more RPMs or an SSD style), but you might also consider purchasing AppleCare."
bert [Entry]

The difference between 2.93GHz and 3.06GHz will be imperceptible. I'd spend the $150 on something else like iLife '09, which is a great Office equivalent on the mac.