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Reader Question: SSD vs Fusion Drive in iMac 5K
Related: 2017 iMac 5K, 4K and 5K display, Apple, Apple macOS, computer display, hard drive, iMac, iMac 5K, James A, Other World Computing, reader comment, SSD
View iMac 5K at B&H Photo and see also MPG’s computer gear wishlist. Not sure which Mac to get or how to configure it? Consult with MPG.
James A writes:
Looking at the new iMac. Would you ever consider the 3T Fusion Drive over 2T SSD (as a cost saving move), or would that be foolish looking at performance and future proofing?
MPG: for casual use the Fusion drive is a nice improvement over a hard drive. But for any serious or professional use, MPG sees it as a non-starter—performance won’t be consistent.
Note that having a hard drive in the iMac 5K means that noisy 'spinner' is in your ears all the time. Also, if it spins down, there can be a lag before the system responds. If the hard drive fails out of warranty, it’s an expensive repair best done by a professional. None of this is attractive.
It would be far better to get a 1TB SSD plus an external large hard drive. Then one realizes full performance for applications that need it, plus far more storage on a faster hard drive can be had externally.
