2016 iMac buying decision: Why would I get a 2tb vs. 1tb fusion drive? What type of use requires a 2tb version with 128gb flash vs 1tb 24gb?

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2016 iMac buying decision: Why would I get a 2tb vs. 1tb fusion drive? What type of use requires a 2tb version with 128gb flash vs 1tb 24gb?

At first we thought they were solid state drives but learned they are only partial. We don't really need the extra storage and our uses are primarily business applications and other things like google earth, photos, light use of google sketchup etc. Namely we aren't gamers or graphic designers. We do however tend to keep our computers for a long time. We still have our 11 year old iMac. Are there any hidden advantages to springing for the 2tb drive that we will be sorry about or should we stick with the 1tb version? If we were to get a 2tb would we even notice the difference given our uses?

Posted on Feb 21, 2016 8:04 AM

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FoxFifth

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Feb 21, 2016 10:13 AM in response to Rowan Brown

It depends in part on how much total storage you need. One way to help determine that would be to analyze how much space you are using on your current iMac. I currently have a MacBook Air which only has 128GB total storage (all flash) and that is large enough for me (although I am not typical) and I really appreciate its performance. If I was in the market for an iMac I would be buying the 256GB flash storage option -- but I don't need much total storage. The information below from the "How much storage is right for you" link in the http://www.apple.com/shop/buy-mac/imac?product=MK442LL/A&step=config

may help

Flash Storage

Flash storage delivers significantly improved performance compared to a traditional hard drive — speed you’ll notice when you start up your iMac, launch an app, or browse your photo library. Flash storage also uses no moving parts, so it operates silently. For maximum performance, you can configure up to 512GB of flash storage on the 21.5-inch iMac or up to 1TB on the 27-inch iMac.

Fusion Drive

Fusion Drive combines speedy flash storage with a high-capacity hard drive. OS X intelligently manages what goes where, using the flash storage for files you access frequently and keeping the rest of your digital life on the roomier hard drive. Over time, the system learns how you work, so it tailors management of Fusion Drive to work best for you. You can choose a Fusion Drive of up to 2TB on the 21.5-inch iMac and up to 3TB on the 27-inch iMac.

The 1TB Fusion Drive pairs a 1TB hard drive with 24GB of fast flash — enough to store important OS X files and applications to ensure fast startup, near instant wake from sleep and quick application launching, with room left over for your most frequently used files and apps. The 2TB and 3TB Fusion Drives pair a larger hard drive with 128GB of fast flash storage, providing even more space for your most frequently used files. For the best performance, iMac systems with 32GB of memory should be configured with a 2TB or larger Fusion Drive or all flash storage.

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Answer 2

Nov 18, 2016 7:51 AM in response to FoxFifth

Let me start by saying this is very very helpful for me at this particular moment. Thanks FoxFifth... With that said if you wouldn't mind replying to this I would greatly appreciate it.

I currently own a mid 2014 rMBP with a 128GB SSD. It is perfect for my usage and powerful enough to load the programs I tinker with.

I am now in the market for a new machine. I was actually considering a PC for about 5 mins (Dell Precision 15 7000 series [laptop]); then I regained my composure and remembered the DOS system is like a Rubik's Cube for me (and not in a good way).. unlike a UNIX-Like operating system like macOS/OS X. I think I was a bit annoyed with the anti reflective coating issues I had with the Pro, having to get it replaced, etc, and that jaded me for a little while. Maybe I was just rebelling like a teenager and wanted something else due to those problems when in reality the craftsmanship of Apple's computing products are far and away better then anything else on the market.

With all of that I believe I am going to get the 27" 5K iMac with an i7, 16GB of RAM, but the storage is where I am struggling. I read quite a bit on the web before I read this thread about the "Fusion" drive. You made it the most simplistic. Basically the OS and the most used programs are placed on the flash storage; so you still get the fast startup like I do with my Pro, yet you will have an internal physical drive which is reading and writing to a platter or "disc". All in all you are still getting great start up speed but the drive is just bigger meaning the physical size.

I am going to purchase either the 2TB Fusion drive OR 512GB Flash drive and if I go with the 512GB Flash Drive I may also drop back down to just 8GB of RAM as well considering the way macOS utilizes virtual memory (I may be incorrect on that). Maybe you can tell me if using a pure Flash Drive helps with the strain on RAM. It seems like it does with my MacBook Pro.

My last question... Do you know if the 27" 5K iMac chassis is different meaning is it smaller or maybe more slender if you order a Flash Drive OR is the design exactly the same no matter which drive you choose?

Thank you in advance,

GreenMamba #5

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