Looking for a new computer. Help me build or should I go with iMac?

[vader_1990]

Hi,

I looked at the sticky and will address the questions.

1. I need the compute to run large scale simulations--C/C++ and MATLAB code--as well as viewing HD videos and images (720p and 1080p resolutions). I'm a light gamer--nothing too much, just a racing game here and there or the occasional call of duty.

2. My budget is the price of the latest 27'' iMac which is ~$1700 (with tax and my higher education discount)

3. All parts will be bought from the United States

4. No real brand preferance, but I expect the quality of it to be decent--i.e. last me for another 7+ years.

5. I'm not using ANY current parts.

6. First time posting this, haven't looked around too much. All my friends and colleagues have the 27'' iMac, haha

7. No overclocking, all stock speeds.

8. I like the 2560 x 1600 resolution of the iMac and would like a 27'' display that is able to support this

9. I'm in the market NOW to get this.

I NEED a 27'' monitor (I know the iMac comes with one, but I don't care if its Apple, I'll take any, I just want the 2560x1600 res)

I NEED a wireless keyboard and mouse

27'' iMac Specs (low end 27'' retails for $1699):
http://www.apple.com/imac/specs.html

If you guys can build me a better deal than this, I will appreciate it. Keep in mind, I ALSO NEED a 27'' monitor, wireless keyboard and mouse all for ~$1699.

Please don't make a Windows vs. OS X argument here. I have both, I use both, I like both. The games I play run on OS X, and the main reason I need this build (MATLAB, 1080p videos, etc) all work on both OS's.

Thanks,
-V

 

[DesiPower]

Hello and welcome. IMHO A build will cost almost the same with the monitor and OS and everything. Besides, a build is for enthusiasts, or to own something that's not yet available at big retailers of at least a $1000 more or If you want to use some existing parts..
If you think there is comp out there that meets your need and is in your budget then go for it. Besides, a build will lack the awesome Apple support...

 

[BD231]

Hello and welcome. IMHO A build will cost almost the same with the monitor and OS and everything. Besides, a build is for enthusiasts, or to own something that's not yet available to big retailers of the at least a $1000 more or If you want to use some existing parts..
If you think there is comp out there that meets your need and is in your budget then go for it. Besides, a build will lack the awesome Apple support...

He could save plenty building on his own and get a lot more power at the same time.

 

[mvbighead]

Given the price of a monitor with the same resolution, I'd say it looks like you must be locked into apple...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824176177

 

[Dr.Bubbles]

I have to disagree with the others. It's not as clear cut as they are saying

First the monitor and it's a pricey one

http://www.amazon.com/Dell-UltraShar...8336869&sr=8-1

That is the same LG panel used by Apple. That leaves us about $900 for the main tower. I quickly threw this together on newegg. It should be similar in power to the iMac.

Obviously there advantages to the mac (AIO) and the PC (most of the parts have better warranties than Apple, the PSU alone has a 5 year warranty). In the end it's much of a muchness.

 

[mvbighead]

With that monitor, it certainly would seem that the OP could do a better job than I pointed out. Personally, I'd build my own like you said. Just seems the OP might be slightly more inclined to go Mac.

 

[Gooberlx2]

2. My budget is the price of the latest 27'' iMac which is ~$1700 (with tax and my higher education discount)

Did you factor in the Applecare warranty? (~$120 on student discount I think). I don't think I'd consider an AIO without it.

 

[Patrick Wolf]

Eh, you do play games. But how important is that and what games are playing? How well is that HD 6770M going to hold up at 2560 x 1600, or even 1680x1050?

I think for a similar price a custom build will provide a more robust machine.

 

[Gooberlx2]

Eh, you do play games. But how important is that? And how well is that HD 6770M going to hold up at 2560 x 1600, or even 1680x1050?

It's not. Even the 6970M in the upgraded 27" won't hold up for long, as pointed out in Anandtech's review. If gaming future titles at native resolution, with reasonable quality levels, is very important, then I probably wouldn't put an iMac on the consideration list.

 

[bntran02]

Guys the IMAC is 2560-by-1440 and not 2560-by-1600 so even the apple isn't up to spec. This also changes the monitors available

 

[mfenn]

Guys the IMAC is 2560-by-1440 and not 2560-by-1600 so even the apple isn't up to spec. This also changes the monitors available

Yeah, I was just about to point that out.

OP, I agree with the other posters you're not going to be able to play any demanding games at full resolution and details with the iMac. The PC is going to be faster and more upgradable (Dr. Bubbles build is pretty good), but the iMac has OS X.

 

[betasub]

Guys the IMAC is 2560-by-1440 and not 2560-by-1600 so even the apple isn't up to spec. This also changes the monitors available

Good spot. What 27" panels with 2560x1600 are available? Or is 2560x1600 really for 30" panels?

 

[TheStu]

Good spot. What 27" panels with 2560x1600 are available? Or is 2560x1600 really for 30" panels?

Last I knew for really high res panels you have your choice between 27" 2560*1440 16:9 or 30" 2560*1600 16:10. And those sizes/resolutions are pretty locked together, meaning that I don't think there are any 27" higher than 25*14, and 30" monitors are basically all 25*16. There might be the occasional 27 & 30" 19*10/19*12, but you don't want those anyway.

In my opinion there are pros and cons on both sides. The iMac is self contained, has a gorgeous screen built in with the ability to run at least 2 more. Everything is contained under 1 warranty, and if you have an Apple Store near where you live it makes life much easier. The drawbacks are that from the perspective of gaming, you can get more for the same or less by home building, and upgradeability is right out the window. Also, the iMac will hold its value.

The homebuilt system gives you more control over the parts going into it, and will certainly outperform the iMac in gaming. It is also more upgradeable, and potentially cheaper. However, every part will have its own warranty with the manufacturer, not the seller, so if the Mobo goes and takes the RAM with it, you need to contact 2 different people, and they will not be local. Getting a replacement up and running will be faster though if you have a Microcenter or similar in your area.

If you have an iPod/iPad/iPhone or want apps from the Mac App Store, the current education promotion is a $100 ITMS gift card with purchase.

 

[vader_1990]

Thanks for all the opinions so far guys, they have been helpful! Two quick points of clarification.

1. Gaming is NOT the primary reason for purchasing this machine. In fact, its towards the bottom. I need it for graduate school (engineering); running large scale simulations, code, etc. I'm also really big on watching HD TV shows, movies, etc (1080p)

2. I meant to say 2560 x 1400, not 2560 x 1600. Honestly its just a 16:9 or 16:10 difference, I don't care too much for that. Anything 1080p+ is excellent!

From the opinions so far, I'm leaning towards the iMac. It might just be easier to get the whole thing in just one package without worrying about all the various parts. I also live close to an Apple Store, so that might be a plus. If someone can convince me that I can get a significantly better deal by custom building one..?

Thanks all, you've been great,
-V

 

[betasub]

^ As it seems you don't need a huge amount of graphics power (despite the large 2560x1440 res), the Apple build should be fine. If gaming was a focus, then a custom-build with proper high-end desktop card(s) would be warranted.