In late July, Apple updated their infamous line of iMac computers. At first glance, these updates are not very noticeable. Aesthetically, the revised iMacs appear identical to their last generation counterparts. However, taking a look under the hood, one will notice the considerable changes that have been made.
Apple’s iMac lineup now includes four models, sporting two different screen sizes. There are two 21.5 inch models and two 27 inch models. All of the models have received new Intel processors. Previous models had used Intel’s Core 2 Duo processor. These are replaced with newer Core i3 and Core i5 processors, both of which take advantage of advancements in processor design and resource management technology.
The Core i3 processor is found in the three lower end models, both 21.5 inch models included. It has 4 MB of Level 3 cache and employs hyper-threading technology. With hyper-threading, the Core i3 processor may use virtual cores to handle heavier processing tasks. This allows for the 3.06 Ghz Core i3 to outperform the 3.06 Ghz Core 2 Duo by up to 14%, a observable difference in desktop performance.
With the Core i3 occupying the aforementioned models, The Core i5 is used only in the highest end iMac. The difference between it and the model it replaces are not so pronounced. The i5 process does not utilize hyper threading as it has 4 physical cores. However, it does use turbo boost technology to deliver additional power to its hardest working core. The new top of the line iMac, starting at $1999, compares favorably in both processor and graphics to its already blazing fast predecessor. It can be custom configured with the Core i7 processor to deliver even greater performance, supporting both hyper threading and turbo boost.
In addition to processor upgrades, all iMac models now feature dedicated ATI video cards. The entry level iMac benefits the most here, as previous models used an integrated video card, sharing both resources and memory with the main processor.
Apple’s new iMac starts at $1199 and all models feature LED backlit displays with a glossy finish. Though the iMac has several build to order options, a matte screen is not one of them.
Do you have a question about the new iMac? Need you Mac fixed fast? Call The Foundation at (612) 465-0700 or send us a tweet @theFNDTN.
