Late 2012 2.9ghz vs late 2013 2.7ghz imac

[Juzz80]

I'm wanting an iMac for logic pro. I can't afford a new one. Now the late 2012 model is selling at $900 and the late 2013 is $1000. I know the intel is different but the difference of .2ghz is that going to make much difference to what I'm doing on logic, maybe some movie editing too. Overall what is the better option?. Cheers.

 

[Cory Cooper]

Hello and welcome.

If you can give us additional specs for each model, we can definitely recommend the better purchase.

C

 

[honestone]

Cory is correct, as there could be differences in 1) the size and speed of the internal hard drive, 2) type (and speed) of internal memory used, 3) type of Intel processor used, and and 4) other factors. Also, please specify whether they are 21.5" iMacs or 27" iMacs.

Two other things, of course, are 1) the late 2013 model is "newer" and 2) the late 2013 model might be useful longer with future OS X versions.

 

[Juzz80]

21.5" mid 2012 iMac for sale. i5 2.9GHz processor, 8GB ram, 1TB HDD. Still covered by AppleCare until Feb. It has the super thin display, different from the mid 2011. Both are entry level without additional add ons excerpt the 2.9 GHz in the 2012. I know the intel is different haswell vs ivy bridge and wireless connectivity is quicker. I'm thinking pay an extra 100 to get the newer model. Im just wondering about that extra .2ghz is going to make much difference. I understand if you can't make a more informed decision. Im guessing the specs are the same as the late 2012 to a mid 2012. I left an attachment of full specs for the late 2013 model below. Cheers.

 

[Cory Cooper]

Thanks for the additional information. For 95% of everyday use, you wouldn't see any difference in performance. For the other 5%, like Logic and/or movie editing, the difference would still probably be unnoticeable. The .2GHz is not noticeable at all. The biggest difference between the two would be the graphics processing:

2012
NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M
512MB GDDR5

2013
Intel Iris Pro 5200
Up to 1.5GB shared from main memory

The NVIDIA is a discrete graphics chip - the Intel Iris Pro is built-in to the processor. For gaming, the NVIDIA would be better. For all non-gaming/3D applications, they would perform about the same. However, the Intel Iris Pro in the 2013 does reduce the amount of the 8GB RAM available for applications.

If it were me, I would probably go wth the newer 2013 model, as I am not a gamer. The graphics processing has no effect for audio apps like Logic Pro X, and minimal effect on iMovie and amateur use of Final Cut Pro X.

Of course, it's really up to you and your budget.

Hope that helps,

C

 

[Juzz80]

Cheers thanks for that, I will be looking at the 2013 model tomorrow, to make a decision.