Intel iMac 128MB vs 256MB Vram benchmarks???
Has anyone seen any benchmarks comparing Intel iMacs with 128MB of vram to a similar Intel iMac with 256MB vram?
I am trying to determine if the extra vram is worth the cost difference. If I was buying strictly from the apple store I think it would definatly be worth it...but right now with a $150 Amazon mail in rebate you can get the Intel iMac and Applecare from Amazon for about $1719. But at Amazon you can only get the 128MB vram version.
However If I order from apple I can get the 256MB vram iMac (and applecare) at an educational price of $1931. Of course the Apple price goes up due to the tax they have to charge.
So that leaves a $200 plus price difference that could go to software or more memory or an external drive or whatever.
I do plan on running Final Cut Studio and Avid Express Pro(to learn them...not to freelance or anything) so I am sure the extra vram would come in handy...but will it be handy enough to warrant the $200 extra that it would cost????
I am trying to determine if the extra vram is worth the cost difference. If I was buying strictly from the apple store I think it would definatly be worth it...but right now with a $150 Amazon mail in rebate you can get the Intel iMac and Applecare from Amazon for about $1719. But at Amazon you can only get the 128MB vram version.
However If I order from apple I can get the 256MB vram iMac (and applecare) at an educational price of $1931. Of course the Apple price goes up due to the tax they have to charge.
So that leaves a $200 plus price difference that could go to software or more memory or an external drive or whatever.
I do plan on running Final Cut Studio and Avid Express Pro(to learn them...not to freelance or anything) so I am sure the extra vram would come in handy...but will it be handy enough to warrant the $200 extra that it would cost????
Comments
But for $200, I'd get the 128, sell it on eBay and buy the 256. It might just be an even swap after all is done.
I think its one of the cheapest performance upgrades ever offered by Apple, just think it will be a 256 + 2GB's ram = 911 turbo of the Macs
Originally posted by plokoonpma
Theres no benchmark regarding both 20" Intel iMacs, but for $75.00 BOT.
I think its one of the cheapest performance upgrades ever offered by Apple, just think it will be a 256 + 2GB's ram = 911 turbo of the Macs
Thats the thing...it isn't a $75.00 upgrade....its a $200.00 upgrade considering the lower price I can get a 128MB version from Amazon vs how much I would have to pay to get the 256MB version from apple.
A $75.00 upgrade is a no brainer. But $200.00 dollars more for the extra vram is a different story.
There is a price point where the extra vram would not be worth the added cost.....is $200.00 that price point?
Thats why I was wondering if anyone has seen any benchmarks comparing different vram version performances.
A mac computer doesnt works as normal PC, those u can throw at it almost any piece of hardware you want. Ati has its Mac version of the cars and the iMacs ones are laptop sized.
Ati and Apple will release on Intel iMac rev 2 or 3 a new card with dual GPU's aimed for gamers or heavy graphics users based on x1600/x1800/x1900.
Maybe its better only if you wait for that revision and buy its full memory too.
BTW, its possible that the gamer's dream iMac come in Black color!!!!
Then Mr. jsnluera the $200.00 + worth a lot, you plan to learn Final Cut Pro and Avid Express Pro, both apps run great with ram upgraded beyong 1.5 gb. If you buy software or something else than the video card and the memory you will hate yourself later, cause hungry memory apps and regular ones will perform more than great with those upgrades.
The $75 difference actually works out to around $400 dollars for him after figuring out the cheapest place to get each model of the 20" iMac. ($150noRebate + $75vram + $126Tax + shipping)
Is 256mb nicer than 128mb? Obviously. But is it worth a 25% increase in price? That's a tough call because we don't have benchmarks yet.
Depending on the tasks at hand, vram might not be a bottleneck. If that's the case, than the 128mb model makes more sense. Howevever, if the GPU ends up being vram constrained in typical usage, then it MIGHT make sense to get the 256mb model.
Benchmarks damn it! We need benchmarks!