Upgrading Late 2014 iMac Retina 5k for Lightroom and Photoshop: Mac Mini M2 Pro vs Mac Studio M2 Max vs 2025 iMac (32-inch)

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Level 1

8 points

Upgrading Late 2014 iMac Retina 5k for Lightroom and Photoshop: Mac Mini M2 Pro vs Mac Studio M2 Max vs 2025 iMac (32-inch)

It's time to upgrade my late 2014 iMac Retina 5k, 27", 24GB RAM, 6TB Fusion Drive. I don't need to do this right away but thinking 2025 sometime. I primarily use Lightroom and Photoshop for image processing (not video). All my work is done on a desktop and not mobile. I'm happy with the 27" display and really don't want to down grade to something smaller as on the iMac 24"

I’m considering 3 options

Configuration MM M2 Pro Mac Studio M2 Max iMac 24”

Base $1299 $1999 $1499

32 GB RAM $ 400 included $200 (for 16GB RAM)

Storage 8TB $2400 $2400 $600 (for 2TB SSD)

Note: storage could be less expensive by going with 3rd party

Monitor (LG 5K) $1299 $1299 Included

Total $5398 $5698 $2200

I hear rumors of a larger screen iMac in the works for later 2025. Should I wait if I don’t need the system upgrade ASAP?

I tend to hold onto my systems for many years so having enough headroom and future proofing is important. My thoughts are:

iMac 24” very appealing due to lower cost, meets low end needs, but really hate going to 24"
MM appealing due to capabilities and ability to grow but expensive
Mac Studio also appealing but slight more expensive.

I lean toward the Mac Mini at the moment.

Thanks for your thoughts.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iMac 27″, macOS 11.7

Posted on Jan 14, 2025 9:01 PM

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Answer 1

rkaufmann87

Level 10

148,470 points

Jan 14, 2025 10:05 PM in response to gmarcos

Forget the rumors, they are just that.....rumors. Go with Mac mini 4 Pro however don't get the 8TB model, simply buy a 1TB model which is more than enough storage and then store your large libraries on external SSD which is considerably less expensive. The one I would recommend is the OWC Express 1M2 NVMe SSD - 8.0TB . You will then have 9TB and save about $1000.

In short it is smart to spend the money on RAM because it is not upgradeable but silly to overpay for Apple's SSD storage when there are less expensive high quality storage solutions available!

Also, you may want to consider the SAMSUNG 27" ViewFinity S9 Series 5K Computer Monitor, Thunderbolt 4, DisplayPort, Matte Display, 4K Slimfit-Camera, Slim Metal Design, AirPlay

which is considerably less money than the LG at only $679.

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Answer 2

Old Toad

Level 10

215,370 points

Jan 15, 2025 11:35 AM in response to gmarcos

I have a Mac Mini M4, 16 GB RAM and 1TB SSD storage. I got a 4K 32" LG monitor with speakers ($350) and the total was under $1500 where as the comparatively configured 24" iMac would be $300+ more. The Mini with a 27" 4K monitor w/o speakers would be even less than the 24" iMac (the Mini has a single speaker). A Mini M4 Pro with 24 GB RAM and 1TB storage would only be $200 more than my Mini.

You do realize that the software you're now running won't be compatible with the new System and you'll have to purchase upgrades or alternatives. The software you're now using is only available as subscription software. I went with Photoshop Elements 2025 for Mac at $39/year for 3 years. PS is $23/month. A good alternative can be PSE or Affinity Photos (which is a one time purchase).

Just some food for thought.

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Answer 3

gmarcos Author

Level 1

8 points

Feb 21, 2025 7:44 PM in response to Old Toad

Thanks for the helpful info. Yes, I'm aware that the system I'm running now is not compatible with new versions of lots of software, but most important PS/LR. That's my motivation for the upgrade. I didn't think about it much but my 12 year old system has done well over the years. Only upgrade was a 8TB internal drive.

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