How to Select and Configure an iMac

2012-12-14 • SEND FEEDBACK •
Related: backup, hard drive, How-To, iMac, memory

See How To Choose a Mac for overall tips and ideas on selecting and buying a Mac.

Prior to late 2012, the iMac was a good choice for professionals or more intensive work, but the late 2012 27-inch iMac changes that because it includes USB3 and Thunderbolt ports which allow much superior expansion possibilities over the prior model.

The iMac still retains some serviceability issues compared to a Mac Pro:

• Difficulty to replace an internal hard drive (upgrade or failure);
• 32GB memory limit.
• Built-in screen is not ideal for photographic print matching.
• No PCIe slots, but can use external OWC Helios PCIe enclosure.

One issue for professionals is serviceability: failure of an internal drive (turnaround time to fix). This can be worked around by keeping good backups, and keeping most data on external drives.

What to get and what to skip

In general, Apple charges a premium for memory and drives.

For those with performance needs, get the fastest CPU, because it is not upgradeable.

As of late 2012, going straight to 32GB memory makes sense, due to the low cost in relation to the system cost.

Because the hard drive is difficult to uprade, getting the largest internal hard drive makes sense. Alternately, an internal SSD or Fusion drive is a good “base” to be supplemented with external overflow storage and backup drives.

Don’t forget backup.