Desktops forum: Extra Ram vs. Better Processor

IMO, its far better to have the best cpu present when "buying" a new system. Then, add the ram later as usually that's what is done for many users.

The system is ready to go with the best cpu present. Ram upgrades are fairly easy affair to do, but the cpu is a notch harder and may involve some head scratching to get the right one but once done is itself a major upgrade. Alot can go wrong, but often it doesn't. However, if you already have the system, then adding would be the better option to upgrade at a later date.

Thus a new system to be brought get the cpu you want first, then add ram later.

tada -----Willy

The easiest upgrade for most PCs is usually a video card.

Better to get the CPU you want AND the RAM to go with it up right up front. Adding RAM later is always a little iffy as trying to find matching RAM is not as easy 6 to 12 months down the road.

VAPCMD

Based on what you are using I suspect either machine would be a nice bump up.

If the wallet can handle it I'd go with the I5.

For most things 4GB will be ample.

Does the I5 get you a bigger screen?......that would be a plus.

The first option costs $1699 and the second is $1999. Each come with the larger 27" screen. I can upgrade the second to 8G of ram if I buy direct from Apple.com with an added cost of $200 so that would bring me up to $2199 before tax or any extras. This is what I would like to get, but I don't really want to spend that much. I am already pushing the limits of what I want to spend with these macs considering I can get much more power in a pc for about $1000 cheaper. Everytime I go to the Apple store I want a mac, but these prices seem a little rediculous.

you can add RAM as needed. The extra 4GBs shouldn't cost $200. Adding RAM to most PCs is fairly easy .... not sure about iMacs. Maybe that's something worth checking out beforehand if you can download the manual.

Here's a link for Newegg DR3 1333MHz...if it matches the iMac spec....you can get 2 DIMMs @ 4GBs ea for a total of 8GB for less than $100

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007611%20600006050%20600006131%20600006069&IsNodeId=1&name=8GB%20%282%20x%204GB%29

Let us know how it works out.

VAPCMD

I see what you are saying, but I was trying to see which would be better if you could only choose one, a better processor or more ram. After thinking about it and from the responses you are right it would be much easier later on to add more ram if need be. I was pretty much settled on the i5 option until I researched a little more and found out that the iMacs might soon have the new Intel Sandy Bridge processors. For now I think I might wait for them to come out. Even if I don't go with the new one I might be able to save some money on the ones they have now. Supposedly they are due for an update, but not sure when it will happen, sounds like by March. Either way I am pretty set on the i5. Thank you everyone for the help.

I've read that Apple might be updating their iMac line with a model that might be cheaper than the models you are looking at. Might want to wait and see if they get refreshed. Can see the link to this story here.

http://www.macrumors.com/2010/12/15/imac-and-macbook-pro-upgrades-in-first-half-of-2011/

I might just jump on a refurbished iMac i5 or i7. Even the refurbished i7 is still cheaper than the new i5 and that will be way more than I need for a long time.

Thanks everyone for helping me with this. I ended up going with the refurbished i5 and saved $300 and got the extended warranty. Can't wait to get it to play with!

congrats! I'm sure you'll love it.

Pay for a faster CPU from Apple then go somewhere like <macsales.com> who I highly recommend,for more RAM if you think you need it.

Personally I think 4GB of RAM is plenty.I upgraded my MacBook Pro from 2GB(80MHz) of RAM to 6GB (800MHz) and the only change I saw was a longer start-up time.

I do everything from Photoshop to Call of Duty 4,using Safari and Mail as well as Final Cut Express and iTunes(Sometimes all at the same time) and I never seem to come close to using more than 3GB of RAM(According to "MenuMeters" and "iStat Pro").

I say pay Apple for the faster CPU which effects everything and stick with 4GB of RAM if money is at all an issue(and probably even if it isn't).

Especially for the useage you've described. Ram and CPU will not manifest itself as "speed" like bypassing the slow internal spinning HD and using a fast static RAM drive - some people install a boot version of OS on these SSD's and experience amazing speeds. Best of luck!