How does Imac 21" 2.7ghz with fusion drive perform?

I agree fully with you that for your intended uses the i5 CPU is just fine. The 8GB of RAM will work well, and can always be increased later. Since i own the fully Upgraded system you describe I would add that I find the single greatest increase in speed in these new iMacs resulted from my choosing to get the Fusion Drive. The conventional older hard drives have always been the slowest component in a computer since it is mechanical in build, and the solid state portion of the Fusion Drive keeps your most often accessed software files in there. In other words, the Fusion Drive actively self manages your files to give you the greatest access speed. I highly recommend it.

You can't increase the RAM in the new 21 inch screen model iMacs.

They are all sealed up now with NO user upgradeability.

Obviously, you have very thoroughly thought this out based on your needs.

Here's the thing

I have been pushing potential buyers here who want to buy the new 21 inch screen models to really think to the future.

You may not be able to afford get a newer Mac in 2-3 years down the road.

So, with regard to the 21 in h screen iMacs only, I think it would be better for future proofing your iMac purchase if you go for both the full amount of RAM and forget about the low end 2.7 Ghz CPU and get that faster 2.9 Ghz i5 CPU and even consider the 3.1 i7 CPU. The i7 CPU in the 21 inch models is the low end i7.

(The 27 inch screen models have the higher speed 3.4 Ghz i7 CPU.)

Why?

These 21 inch models are sealed up, glued up, closed nearly throw away appliance-like computing devices , now.

If you do not like the speed of the low end 2.7 Ghz CPU, you will only return it in14 days back to Apple for a full refund and have to order another iMac with better specs, yet again!

No one ever regrets buying the slower conputer.

By purchasing a new iMac with a faster CPU, you will be addressing some issues toward the future.

Your iMac will run newer versions of OS X perhaps longer with a faster CPU now, then struggling with it with the lower base model CPU.

Plus, I seriously advise budgeting for extended 3-year AppleCare. You will need it.

You can purchase the extended warranty care any time within the first year of AppleCare. Do this!

Prior reliability history indicates that something major will fail in these iMacs within the first five years of their operational life.

Good Luck!

Technically you CAN add memory to the 2012 21.5" iMac. It isn't easy and OWC recommends professional installation but they DO sell kits. http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/memory/iMac/2012_21.5/DDR3L

Yeah,

I just watched that video. WTH!!???

Not only is unglueing the screen in major pain, but now you practically have to tear down the whole innards of the 21 inch screen model to get at the RAM?!!!

Finnicky cabling that looks if it could break just looking at the cables.

Not user friendly AT ALL!!!!

I am not sure about this so nobody hold me to this but I believe updates and upgrades are developed for OS X independent of the CPU type.

I could be wrong about this, though.

MichelPM, I completely missed his mentioning the 21.5" version. Good catch 🙂 (I have the 27".)

Both the Intel i5 and i7 CPUs are both Quad Core CPUs.

The Intel i7 CPUs are not only faster CPU speed, but using a technology called Hyper Threading.

Hyper Threading pushes more data through the 4 Core pipeline and speeds up processing of a heavy data flow.

There is no Hyper Threading technologies in the Intel i5 CPU lineup.

This is different from the Turbo Boost in which the CPU speed is variable and can increase its speed if the data processing requires it. It's like a temporary speed burst rate.

At any rate, if you feel you won't be doing any moderate to heavy video editing work or any heavy Photoshop or heavy photo editing in the future, you can definitely get by on the faster 2.9 Ghz i5 CPU. Forget about the 2.7 i5 CPU.

Go for the faster Intel 2.9 i5 CPU.

Good Luck!

Just a thought Aperture is a heavy user of the GPU. If there is an upgrade option for the GPU on the 21 then you should consider it. I'd go for GPU over CPU for graphic editing.

And definitely get the max ram, again Aperture will use all it can especially if you are shooting RAW images with any of the newer cameras.

Frank,

There are no optional upgrades for the GPU in the new 21.5 inch screen models.

The GPU is fixed at 512 MBs of VRAM.

Hi, Again,

Well, in the Apple world and especially with iMac's the CPU types are, basically incremental increases.

2.7, 2.9, 3.1, 3.2 and 3.4 Ghz.

It's, basically $200 per incremental increase.

I was pushing you toward the i7, but you seemed as though you didn't feel you needed it.

So, I advised going the middle of the road with the 2.9 Ghz i5 CPU.

Marginally faster is still faster. $200 is cheaper than adding the additonal costs to get the i7.

Since the 21 inch models are sealed up, I really advise loading up the iMac with all of the higher options.

You won't ever be able to do that in the near future without selling the iMac and buying a new one.

So , I am going to stick to the advice I have been giving to potential customers interested in only purchasing the new 21 inch screen models.

Get the fastest CPU available, get the Fusion drive and get the full compliment of RAM.

The i7 CPU with Hyper Threading will be very fast.

The 3.2 Ghz i5 CPU in the 27 inch screen iMac models is only an Intel i5 CPU. No Hyper Threading.

The faster i7 CPU means you'll have pretty fast Mac for longer time period.

Do what you will.

Good Luck!