2019 iMac 5K: Photoshop Filters

MPG tested the 2019 iMac 5K 3.6 GHz Intel Core i9 8-core / 128GB / 2TB / Radeon Vega 48. Purchase with 8GB memory, then add 64GB or 128GB OWC memory. See recommended Macs for photographers and videographers.

These tests made possible by loaner gear from B&H Photo and OWC, so please buy your gear at B&H Photo and OWC/MacSales.com using any link from this site or MacPerformanceGuide.com, ditto for OWC/MacSales.com. See also 2019 iMac 5K: Recommended Models and Accessories.

Unsure which Mac to get or how to configure it? Consult with Lloyd.

About

2019 iMac 5K

This set of tests with these Photoshop filters offers a general look at what kind of performance can be expected with commonly filters.

Results: Photoshop Filters

The results are a mixed bag, but summarized show the following:

The 2019 iMac 5K (orange bars) is a little faster on four of the tests, but a little slower on three others—not enough to endorse the 2019 iMac 5K over the 2017 iMac 5K. Even the 18 core iMac Pro doesn’t impress here, so this is not something new.

Most surprising is that the Sharpen test is slower on the 2019 iMac 5K, and Sharpen is one of the things that use the GPU. However, it is quite a bit faster on Various (Oil Paint, Emboss, Liquify) which is most GPU intensive.

2018 Mac mini: Photoshop CC filters vs 2017 iMac 5K and 2015 MacBookPro
"Vega64" should read "Vega48"

CLICK TO VIEW: Recommended for iMac 5K

CLICK TO VIEW: Recommended 2019 iMac 5K (buy OWC memory separately)

2019 iMac 5K