M1 iMac Base Model VS Upgrade | Should You Pay More?

[@JerrySchulze]

Yes, the base iMac has the 7-core GPU but....see the Final Cut result.

[@rollercoastercentral0808]

Wait !! The prices may be different for students 😂 I know they cut like 100$ off a price of a new iMac or MacBook if you show proof your a college or teacher or something

[@JerrySchulze]

Correct. I get the military discount and there are others to be had as well.

[@MurchyMurch]

@@JerrySchulze Thanks for your service Soldier.

[@msingh5371]

I can use 28% gst invoice return

[@MrShalvayez]

I will be buying the fully upgraded Imac with full specs in about a week or so. Purple. Then, later this year, will be replacing my MBP with a MBA.

[@Tiffs-bookshelf]

I bought the highest model and added the 16 ram. I’m super happy with my choice because I’ll keep this for at least 7 years. This is my first Mac and I’m excited

[@JerrySchulze]

very cool!

[@_blagh3621]

Which color did you get

[@thaisse0696]

Can someone tell me if they actually last that long? Im considering buying one:)

[@JerrySchulze]

@@thaisse0696 no one knows but how long does a processor in an iPhone or iPad last? 6+ years? Longer because it has a fan?

[@SpiritOfTheSeasons]

@@JerrySchulze Probably not, Gen 1 products usually last shorter than later generation products (ie. apple watch series 0)

[@IPULCOLUMBIA]

Not only different fans but also different heat pipes!! The higher end has a much bigger one!!!

[@KidAlmighty30]

I'm upgrading from a 2010 Mid iMac 8gb ram - I'm planning on holding on to my new iMac for the next 8 years or more so I went with tier 3 with 16gb ram, 1TB storage in yellow/gold. Thanks for the review, it was great.

[@JerrySchulze]

That sounds great!

[@lefthanded0440]

I’d say go with the mid tier one with 16gb ram. So 1699 I would assume, which is a similar cost to getting the base plus additional ram and an expensive cal digit instead of a couple apple dongles and a 4 port

[@thegreypenguin5097]

in purple*

[@capmidnite]

Apple's pricing for their products is purposely tiered to make you spend more, whether it's an iPhone or an iMac. After the initial hefty outlay for the base model, it seems like just an incremental add-on for the next step up. And then just a little more for the next step.

[@georgiarose575]

The base model are designed for people who just use it for simple work and entertainment. I don’t need a high powered computer if I’m just gonna use it for word documents, researching, calls/chats, and entertainment. It’s customizable to your needs and wants. People demand so much for something they can’t even make themselves 😂

[@thegreypenguin5097]

@@georgiarose575 well, u shouldn't have to pay more for more ports, and if u r already paying $1299 for a computer u just want to use word on, that's a problem lol. IMO, u might as well upgrade for the better GPU, u might have this computer for 5+ years before an upgrade, more RAM and graphics power will definitely come in handy in the future, and u can't upgrade later.

[@AcidTechnoMan5000]

CAUSE THEY AREN'T RICH ENOUGH - FUCKING GREED WILL BITE THEM IN THE ASS

[@williamosmith8162]

the diff 2me is the hans and unmentioned heat pipe.

[@ShazWag]

I got the mid-range one and upgraded to 16GB of RAM. Wish I'd gotten more storage though, as it wasn't able to transfer everything from my MBP, which has more than double the amount of storage. May need to buy an SSD drive just for my pics and videos. What I don't like about these new iMacs is that Apple still haven't made the monitor height adjustable.

[@cubeincubes]

i had a 2014 base level iMac and it JUST died from too much GarageBand. I really wanna go all out with extras but i should've just bought a new iMac ages ago. there's no way to predict the future 5 years from now so get the base model and have fun, imo. indecisive procrastination is an artists worst enemy! thank you for the video

[@JerrySchulze]

lol thanks for watching!

[@TheBalloonGuys]

You mentioned there was about an 8 degree Celsius difference between the base and upgraded model during the Cinebench tests. I’m definitely no tech expert, but I do feel like that 8 degrees would make a difference in the life of the product over the course of its lifespan. Right now I’m still running my 21.5” mid-2010 iMac, so I anticipate keeping my next one (maybe this new M1) for just as long. A cooler run system over the course of about 10 years might make for a better, longer running machine. Your thoughts? Am I over-thinking it?

[@JerrySchulze]

I don’t think I would be concerned about 80°C but if it were 90s and often maybe I would be. How often are you going to stress the computer like this. If it’s not multiple hours non stop every day I wouldn’t be concerned.

[@TheBalloonGuys]

@@JerrySchulze I’m a fellow KZbinr, so probably doing video editing and photo editing 1-2x a week in addition to all normal computer stuff. I’m guessing that’s not stressing the machine that much relative to the stuff you’re talking about. Thanks for the reply!

[@GodblessAmerica856]

Thinking about the base model with 16 bg ram in green

[@JerrySchulze]

Unless you get refurb and save money you may want to wait till fall to see if there is an update.

[@stephancunningham2024]

I bought the mid range one, but I really hate how these computers are expensive but isn’t a touchscreen, I actually like touchscreen computers/laptops

[@kingtrance307]

There’s plenty of touchscreen models available from other manufacturers.

[@eis9040]

I like your honesty and how you show their isn't a real significant difference in performance between the two. nice review!

[@JerrySchulze]

I appreciate that!

[@Ilkello99]

Great video as always. I think you are the first or among the first to notice the difference between the base one and the upgraded one due to the different fans. Thx!

[@JerrySchulze]

Wow, really?

[@Ilkello99]

@@JerrySchulze well KZbin takes up a lot of my free time, I think I saw pretty much all videos from major You-tubers and some of the smaller ones on this new device. Good videos but this aspect didn’t come up, you are the first one to notice, at least for me

[@kalpitveerwalyt]

Kindly make a video comparing MBP M1 with external monitor vs iMac M1. I have the MBP, should I get the iMac?

[@Tigerex966]

You basically have an imac, once you add the screen, and an adapter for Ethernet, and a few ports, plus you have a better keyboard, and trackpad, and the ability to be portable, when not using your 4K monitor. It does have you beat on speakers though, so an external speaker with line in will give you the best quality, or even stereo ones, and you can also use bluetooth, when the best quality and latency free is not needed, and use them anywhere. Comparable 4K screens of equal quality from Samsung and LG are but a few hundred dollars, you can even go ultra wide, or 5 k for not much more.

[@TheBigart1974]

I have the m-1 MBP, I just ordered the 24 inch Imac. I will let you know what i think after a bit of use.

[@sundaynightdrunk]

@@Tigerex966 I have to disagree about the monitor. 4K monitors of the quality in the iMac are not that cheap, when you can even find them. The LG UltraFine is closest in performance, and is ~$600 when you can find it in stock. Trackpad is a $50 addition to the base iMac if you don't get the mouse.

[@Tigerex966]

@@sundaynightdrunk I will disageree with you on this, there are plenty of superior 4 k monitors 27", if you check sales of course, between $400 and $700 dollars, and they have usbc, hdmi, display port, color accurate, many more adjustments, tilt and swivel, gaming and hdr modes, bright, and you can hook up your mini m1, plus a ps5/xbox, plus a roku or tv tuner, picture in picture, some even add a usb hub for even more ports, and have way more functionality, more ports, taking up the same amount of space, you only lose the great speaker, that any good quality $100 speaker can beat in quality and volume, and you can take those speakers elsewhere when not computing. Sadly none have sd card slots like imacs have had forever almost, or anyway to expand the memory. I wish you could just hook up an iphone or ipad or another m1 through thunderbolt, and be able to access than memory, cpu, and gpu power And you have a black much thinner bezel,

[@sundaynightdrunk]

@@Tigerex966 Not a "few hundred dollars," but yeah, I agree with the rest. Then you have the cable situation as well, though. Not anywhere near as neat of a solution as an all-in-one, but if that doesn't matter to you, you can do well with a good monitor...color accuracy and brightness might not *quite* be there, but yes on the other advantages.

[@GarryBurgess]

The thing that is holding me back is trying to decide between the Yellow or Orange color. I want the brightest color. Well, I'd like a color so bright that my brain will explode. I'm tired of years and years of silver.

[@JerrySchulze]

lol. I think Yellow wins.

[@Tigerex966]

all white snowflake color, uh oh, they do not make that one yet.

[@libertygrovepaperarts-aker3482]

I bought the yellow and have had it for 2 weeks. Marvelous, bright color!

[@lancer1993]

Got the yellow, the stand is the only bit of full yellow you see from the front and its more of a gold/yellow, but nice. The chin is yellow plastic, still nice and really when using you don't even notice the colours. I do wish they had a space grey option with a black edge around the screen, maybe the bigger iMac will have this option? But I'm pleased with my choice, it was either this on the silver, or a Mac Mini!

[@chaitanyavasudev8972]

can we edit 2 and half hour movie with all Colour Graded and vfx in this M1 series iMac ?

[@JerrySchulze]

Probably but if you are editing a feature length film I would spring for a bit more horsepower.

[@born_again_torinos]

I think it is odd that your sponsor has you showing products that says "currently unavailable" when you click on your link.

[@JerrySchulze]

I would place money on unexpected supply chain issues affecting just about everything now. Hope you enjoyed the video!

[@born_again_torinos]

@@JerrySchulze I've been using macs since 1984 and sold them for 20 years. My wife is looking at getting a new imac and I told her to wait and not buy a 1st gen. I won't be a test bed for apple.

[@justStardust940]

The only thing that concerns me is that there’s only one fan on the base model so if you really stress test this thing the one with two fans pay dividends

[@JerrySchulze]

Honestly, I wouldn’t worry about it. Like charging a MacBook. Just use it and it will be fine. Unless you are rendering 4k video 22 hours per day.

[@rajivningthouja2941]

For music production the usb type A audio interface and midi controller doesn't get power with usb hub , kindly make a video on this

[@georgezolla4580]

Good recommendation of the Thunderbolt doc and 16GB of RAM for the base model. I know the CalDigit doc has an Ethernet connection, but I would add the Ethernet connector to the base model power supply for convenience. I would always recommend an Ethernet connection over Wi-FI for speed and reliability.

[@JerrySchulze]

Thanks for checking it out.

[@Tigerex966]

Now test the mini with more ports and a 4K monitor to the imac. please?

[@JerrySchulze]

Sorry, I dont have a mini.

[@dadbod4life]

Thank you! I want to buy one for my wife. She sells makeup and skincare products, and does a lot of her own graphics for advertisement, and makes reels for her Instagram account. She uses her iPhone 12 for most of it, and when needed pairs it to our old Toshiba laptop. The Toshiba is bad, and she NEEDS a new computer. This is her full time job, and she's killing it!! She deserves something nice, and I think this is what she needs to simplify her daily tasks. For the things i described, what do you think of the base model for us? We would get an external drive and the port adapters you talked about as well when needed. Thank you!!

[@JerrySchulze]

Either one will probably be a huge upgrade. I will always recommend you get 16gb if you can afford it. Other than that its up to you on the ports and keyboard.

[@Tigerex966]

I wish apple included HDMI in on the imacs, and macbooks, mac mini, and mac pro, for ps4 and ps5, xbox, one, and series S and X, a UHD/bluray/dvd player or tv tuner, that would have been awesome, they missed the boat on that. As for many this is their only large screen in the dorm, or a teenager may not want to take up the family tv to play their console all the time, or to watch UHD movies in their full glory. Question? can this be done with USBC? or thunderbolt. Can UHD and bluray disks be played and or created on the m1 macs? I have not heard anyone mention these questions before? As I can see, Apple macbook users, and ipad users, wanting to use their excellent imac screens for many reasons.

[@JerrySchulze]

hmmm.....Interesting idea......

[@Tigerex966]

@@JerrySchulze Yea, but I guess companies want the continual revenue subscription streaming model, over physical media one time purchase model., as that is why, the media drives have all but been eliminated from electronics, besides gaming consoles, and those that want anything lag free, and at the best consistent quality without an internet collection. And with physical media, the customer can sell it later, so they lose control of you, and consider that used sell, money out of their pocket, toward a new game, or movie, and they cannot say you cannot trade it, or use it without their permission. which again means money out of their pocket. Apple, and others operates in this way, anything added to their computer needs to go through them for additional profit, that is why their is an app store, and soldered ram, and ssds, and proprietary chips, lightning, and a system that makes sure you can only by parts through them through hardware software fingerprinting, to the point if you take two new iPhones, and switch any screen battery or major part between the two new identical phones, it will give you a warning, not genuine apple product, if it works at all, even on the mac installing non apple store apps send you through numerous loops, sure it may help with security, but its mainly their to push you to only use the app store so apple can get 30% of what other developers make. Even some luxury car makes are moving toward the subscription model, as it is basically, renting forever, the benefit is you always have larger selection and the latest greatest, but cannot sell trade, and can only use by permission, and they can take it away at anytime by cancellation, or update. I think it can be done probably over wifi to an extent, but if someone can make a dock, box, or software, that actually let you use thunderbolt/usbc ports on a laptop, or all in one desktop, or even a mac mini, as video in ports to that display or back out through that device or the dock. I can see numerous consumer, and professional uses for it, and since thunderbolt is input and output, it should not be that hard to do. I would love to hook my ipad to my imac wired without latency, or to my macbook pro, bypassing the limits of streaming, and no need for internet, for gaming uhd movies, and what not. I prefer to be an owner not a renter.

[@JerrySchulze]

Got a video for you in about 14.5 hours.

[@emmamariamakes]

How much difference will the 16gb of ram make on the base model? I'm getting the base in green but also like the silver :)

[@JerrySchulze]

It will make a difference for longevity of the device.

[@carlospalma_]

@@JerrySchulze What does RAM does? What’s it’s job?

[@emahadzistojanova2244]

did you get it? :)

[@undefeatedgaul3201]

I don’t know why everybody keeps saying this “if you want to have it for a few years you need the upgraded ram” that’s just lunacy. I have a 6yr old MacBook that works perfectly, an iMac from the same year, an iPad that’s 5 yrs old works great and an old Mac mini works awesome too. The ram on macs isn’t nearly as big a deal as on PC. Not even close. The base with 8gb just like the MBP will be awesome for years to come

[@GreeniusGenius]

I would like to politely disagree. My friend’s dad had a Retina MacBook Pro 13” with 4gb RAM, but it was soldered, so even thought it supported recent versions of macOS it ran terribly [has since been replaced with base M1 Pro MBP 14”]. And my unibody MacBook Pro 13” had to be upgraded to 8gb RAM, otherwise it ran horrendously, and my iPad 6th gen with 2gb RAM was struggling with some multitasking, and that has been replaced with a 9th gen.

[@rtcurtis5858]

I was looking at a model with 4 ports. Will use my wired Apple NUM keyboard and a wired mouse. Only use the computer for browsing, video watching, etc. Currently use the base M1 Air and a 1st gen slim 2012 Imac from 2012 with a modded internal ssd, and it seems fine for browsing, etc.

[@JerrySchulze]

If you are happy with the air the base model is probably fine. If you don’t want more expensive keyboard start with base model and add storage or ram as needed. Why do you prefer a wired keyboard?

[@charitygoldart]

Seems a really silly decision to spend extra for a model just to use a old wired keyboard & mouse when a nice new wireless set come with the iMac! And you’re a basic user who doesn’t even need the higher end specs?? Get the base model and sell or recycle your old wired peripherals.

[@arthurstrout5394]

The base model only has one fan the upgraded model has two fans and also has a heat pipe that the base model does not have.

[@TheBigart1974]

I just ordered the mid level 24 inch Imac (orange) with 16gb ram and 512gb ssd. I think that the resale market will be flooded with base model versions, I also think that it will extend the usability. Computers become outdated quickly, this a lot of cash to drop especially since the base model is limited to only 8gb.

[@JerrySchulze]

Yep, I recommend 16 if you can get it.

[@cliftontibbits6644]

Awesome review, thank you…..it does help to make the right decision when budgeting is a factor….may your days be blessed….

[@JerrySchulze]

Thank you!

[@baqeralmohammedali1521]

thank you for amazing review, just quick question: do you recommend me to get the base one, if I will use it just for Photoshop.

[@JerrySchulze]

I think the base model will perform well, but if you plan on using for many years I would think about upgrading.

[@vaggfoud]

Dont know what to choose! I love the big screen of the 2020 model but also i need the M1 new processor….

[@KingGlinton]

I have the base model in sky blue and I'm very happy with it!

[@JerrySchulze]

Nice!

[@coolti44]

I preordered the mid-tier "green machine" and upgraded to 16GB ram. I considered a storage upgrade but I have a 4GB external. Can't wait! I think it's a great value considering all things. I have a lower end 2020 27" iMac I'm trading.

[@briancalifornia1]

So you had that i Mac for a year or less and already getting a new one which is not upgradable and can’t extend the ram up to 64 which you can on the 27 inch which the new one can only go to 16 which you can only do at purchase since everything is soldered onto the motherboard

[@JerrySchulze]

Nice! I will probably be seeing my i7 2020 for now.

[@JerrySchulze]

The graphics performance of the base 2020 27" is still better than the M1 but overall speed is better on the M1 than the base i5. Im not sure if I can downgrade is display size, though.

[@rollercoastercentral0808]

@@JerrySchulze I think your right plus the Intel iMacs are still powerfully upgradeable . Like for the M1 you only have 16GB of ram upgrade but the Intel you have I think even more plus a back part on the 27inch for more ram if you want to save money and so on to upgrade yourself

[@coolti44]

@@JerrySchulze my conundrum is that it's too big. I would have purchased a 24" option had it been available. 21" way to small and that machine sucked anyway. The 27" was the only real option last year for a desktop. For what I need this will definitely work better and I plan on keeping this one similar to my '11 MacBook. Thanks for your videos! Very helpful!

[@GasGuzzlerz]

Jerry, where did you get that wooden desk?

[@JerrySchulze]

Upliftdesk.com

[@GasGuzzlerz]

@@JerrySchulze Thanks man, really appreciate your quick response!

[@Sikiru]

If you are an iPadOS 15 beta user, please make a video on if the M1 Ipads are still limited to the 5GB RAM!!! Thank you!!

[@jackilynpyzocha662]

Where is the power button, please, thanks.

[@SadullahMBag]

This video met my needs much more clearly than other comparison videos. Thanks Jerry!

[@GCsVidz]

The extra fan and heat sync or the extra GPU core was not mentioned in your closing recommendation. The value lies in the upgraded model. Good thing for you is Apple's lenient return policy.

[@JerrySchulze]

I covered the fans in the video but I did forget about the 1 GPU core and in regular use it really didn't matter.

[@gkntr06]

Thanks for this amazing review video it helped me a lot. Now my fav combination is; Base Imac, 16gb ram, 256gb, Magic Trackpad, Numeric t. id keyboard, 1tb External Ssd, hub and Logitech mx master3 for mac. This combinations price is approximately 20.000 try :) You are so lucky for using dollars :) Greetings from Turkey.

[@JerrySchulze]

Hey, thanks for watching. I spent a few months at Incirlik Air base.

[@emahadzistojanova2244]

Base Imac, 16gb ram, 256gb is what I want to go for too! Did you purchase it? :) Also I'm a graphic designer and I use Illustrator and Photoshop a lot, with many tabs open on chrome almost always, so would you recommend those specs?

[@Tigerex966]

Do the two thunderbolts/USB4 ports on the base model 2-4 lanes of independent bandwidth? Do the four thunderbolts/USB4 ports on the base model 4-4 lanes independent bandwidth? Or is it more like a hub with 2 - 4 lanes independent bandwidth. + 2 usbc ports that also uses the bandwidth from those lanes?

[@JerrySchulze]

This are some great questions. Linus Tech Tips did a good breakdown test with the port speeds on the Mini. I would check that out.

[@DM-sc4zy]

Seems SSD on the MBPs are much faster - I get over 5000MBytes on both read/write.

[@UrdaMan3rd]

I would prefer a Thunderbolt Hub rather than much larger Thunderbolt Dock! Much smaller and the branching out of 3 independent Thunderbolt (@40 Gb) and 1 or more USB 3 1 or 2 (@10Gb) from a single port from the rear essentially doubles my Thunderbolts and complement the 2 USB-C ports. A cleaner looks for the vast majority of the uses. In fact most users of the mid range iMac would be served nicely with only a USB-A dingle hanging off the rear!

[@jitennayak8268]

Nice explanation with really a good recommendation which will help me to get one. I would go for iMac 24" base model green with additional dock support as suggested.

[@JerrySchulze]

Good choice!

[@JerryMacHomes]

Great video. Your best opinion. I love the orange. So that’s really why I’m going with higher end version. So… money is obviously an issue. So if I had to upgrade should I do 16BG? Or 512 SSD? Thanks for your time.

[@JerrySchulze]

Thanks! 16gb! Add external storage if you need later.

[@JerryMacHomes]

@@JerrySchulze awesome. Awesome. Much appreciated. Keep up the excellent work.

[@WayneKeen]

How stable is the system on its stand. My wife is disabled and would like to use one on a rolling table that goes over her bed. I am worried that it might tip over while moving the table. I know this is something of a corner case...

[@JerrySchulze]

If the table movement is smooth it should be OK. If lots of jerking motion it possibly could tip.

[@camielkotte]

I suppose you show the backs as the fronts are less pretty?

[@JerrySchulze]

They work well in thumbnails.

[@helikas-y2l]

I’m not a tech person.. is the base model okey if i only use it for medical school (5,5 years left), which is basically using safari, notion, mail, pages, reading pdfs, youtube, other video lectures, zoom? :)

[@JerrySchulze]

I think so. I would suggest the 16gb if you can afford it.

[@UrdaMan3rd]

Nice review especially about the fan differences and performance!

[@giljusino]

Question, I've ben using a late 2014 iMac, 27 inch, 3.5 GHz Intel Core i5, 24 GB ram & SSD drive. I tend to open a lot of programs: Keytote, GarageBand, WORD, Excel & Safari. Not to mention MAIL (which seems to have a lot of its own issues). All at the same time. My computer slows down, I get the spinning ball. How will an M1 machine deal with so many open programs? THANKS!

[@JerrySchulze]

The single core performance of the M1 is so many times faster than your old i5 and will handle it really well. Not to mention the much much faster ssd.

[@karthikeyan11121983]

Is there difference in Speakers / Audio output between Base Model and Mid tier....?

[@JerrySchulze]

Nope, they sound the same.

[@karthikeyan11121983]

@@JerrySchulze Thanks for the Response… Jerry … Appreciate it… I have ordered the basic Model …

[@houseoftone8939]

why on earth do you have to be forced to buy the higher model or have to buy extra gadgets for the base model? I have a 2009 iMac and it comes with 2 USB ports, USB vs thunderbolt should not be an issue here, most of the music equipment I use via iMac have USB connections, not thunderbolt, for sure, models change over the years but come on Apple, everyone uses USB connectors, I think it's stingy not to have those ports on the base model as well as the higher model. Maybe they should have gone with: 1 (stingy) USB port and 1 thunderbolt port? At least that would have been a better compromise.

[@HamRadioLiveShow]

Jerry, thank you for the video. You put a lot into this. I have a question, I’m a podcaster that does live podcasting through ECamm. I also do a lot of video and audio segments in my shows as well as some A/V editing. I’m thinking of the top level iMac with 16 GB and 1 TB of storage. Am I off here or should I get something else in your opinion? I’d sure appreciate it if you could reply to this. I know you have a lot of comments here. All the best, Larry

[@JerrySchulze]

I wish I knew more about podcasting but I imagine that running a few audio streams will be no problem at all. I mean they can edit multiple streams of 4k video without issue most of the time.

[@TylerHelton13]

I’m in a hard spot. My MacBook Pro 128gb is full. I need a computer like today! I found a 7 core, 16gb ram 1TB ssd in stock. I can’t find a 16gb ram with the 8 core anywhere on the planet lol.. everyone is 4-6 weeks out. So do I get the 7 core or get another MacBook?.... btw, I’m a high volume photographer.

[@JerrySchulze]

You found a custom config in stock? Can you buy it and return when you get the one you want?

[@paulcoleman222]

Thank you for video. I have a late 2012 21.5 inch iMac. Memory 16 GB, 1.12 TB internal and two 4TB external drives. Graphics NVIDIA GeForce GT 640M 412 MB graphics. I do photography work. I was told by adobe my computer's graphics card will no longer support the latest photoshop versions. I am now looking at the new M1 or a refurbished iMac. I would like to future proof my computer. 16GB enough? Suggestions?

[@JerrySchulze]

I think it would be enough compared to what you are using now.

[@lancer1993]

I just got my maxed out M1 iMac 2 days ago and I'll say yes go for the upgrades you needs if you plan keeping it more than a couple of years. Its good to know I have loads of internal storage, which is already half full but that least 1Tb of space. Also got 16Gb of RAM and the extended KB and trackpad, who the hell uses a mouse anymore?

[@JerrySchulze]

Very nice!!!

[@thepotter890]

I have been looking at the iMac for the past couple of days to see what will suit me for school work, music production and KZbin (not made any videos yet) and I gotta say, the mid tier model with 16gb RAM, 1TB SSD, both Mouse and Touchpad and Magic keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad along preinstalled Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro is what I am looking for! Also the YELLOW! Edit: I just found out the only difference between the highest tier and the mid tier is that the mid tier has 256gb SSD Storage while the highest tier does not and since i am anyways looking at getting 1TB SSD, there is no difference in price for me.

[@JerrySchulze]

Thats correct. And for a desktop you could save some money and get an external drive.

[@thepotter890]

@@JerrySchulze Ya, I am already getting a drive and a powered USB hub since I can then also do my Music Production on the go on my iPad (getting the Scarlett 2i2 Studio Bundle and M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini 32 key Midi Keyboard) so I really don't need to worry about that. Also, I most probably will get this after my Finals at the end of the term so I really don't need to worry about it right now :) But Seriously, thank you for making this video. :)

[@JerrySchulze]

I appreciate that!

[@emahadzistojanova2244]

@@JerrySchulze Is an external drive as good as an internal? Why are so many people recommending to never get the 256 ssd model if you use the mac professionally?

[@maxtwax]

I went with the mid tier iMac in blue with 16GBs RAM, Magic Mouse + TrackPad, and the Magic Keyboard with numeric pad. I decided to go for the 256GBs because paying almost 1€ per GB was too expensive for me. So i decided to get the Samsung X5 with 1TB for „just“ 270€ on Amazon. But I don‘t know whether you can install apps from the App Store for example on the SSD as well?

[@JerrySchulze]

You know I have never tried. You are probably better off moving large files and libraries instead like you music or photo library.

[@yellit1975]

I has the TS3 plus and it’s a game changer.

[@JerrySchulze]

Mine is used all the time.

[@xsalonga]

Hi Jerry! Do they all come with a Magic Trackpad? When I look at the “What’s In The Box” section on their website, it doesn’t show that the trackpad is included nor is it on the list.

[@JerrySchulze]

No, when you order you can choose one or the other or both.

[@whowillwintoday2827]

I bought a base model with touch id... Will I be able to use it for another 4 years or so? I am just a basic user with light video editing...

[@JerrySchulze]

I think so.

[@jackilynpyzocha662]

What OS is in these models?

[@bigrod359]

Where do you get the 16gb everywhere I look it's not available or it takes a month to receive. How do you plug in a 5.1 Logitech speaker system?

[@JerrySchulze]

Either on the side or you need a USB adapter or dock.

[@joelbechtolt]

Before you do plug in your speakers give the internal ones a listen. You'll be pleasantly surprised at how loud and clear they are and with Apple's spacial audio can do true Dolby Atmos surround. It's incredible. The computer is in the iMacs chin and the rest of the body is speaker ballasts for deep bass.

[@Mark-rd1it]

I like the blue and purple.

[@SavioShetty]

Jerry, Iwant to eventually run parllels on it and use windows for some mid-level work. Think 8 will suffice?

[@JerrySchulze]

8 is not a lot of virtualization. If you can afford 16 I would go for it.

[@bradleyhenady2032]

I use parallels everyday for work with my 16gb M1 iMac. I would strongly suggest going to 16.

[@easymoney8600]

Hey Jerry, on that CalDigit TS3, the thunderbolt host port is designed to charge a laptop. What prevents the hub from sending that actual 87 watts back in to the host when using an imac. Does that not damage the host if it's not a laptop that actually requires power? Or is it smart enough to not send power when not needed?

[@JerrySchulze]

Hey! The computer needs to request the power and if there is already power there is no request. I use it with iMacs all the time.

[@chuckbh]

I will be running 4 monitors should I go with mid level or basic level ?

[@JerrySchulze]

If using display link for the extra displays I believe that uses CPU so shouldn't really matter.

[@titustanlc]

Great video! I like the way you compare the base and mid tier model. I ordered my Orange iMac with 16GB. Is yours also Orange?

[@JerrySchulze]

Thanks yep it is orange.

[@genes6703]

If I'm running Parallels because I have a flight sim that only runs on Windows, Should I get 16 or 8 gb of RAM?

[@JerrySchulze]

There is no full support for windows on arm using parallels. If you need to run windows I still recommend the 2020 27” iMac. I just made another video about it. It’s the perfect Mac.

[@genes6703]

@@JerrySchulze Are you saying that Windows can not run on the new Imac yet using parallels?

[@JerrySchulze]

@@genes6703 it’s running in beta but Microsoft also said they don’t plan any support for virtualization on M1 so it’s really up in the air long term.

[@dsambernardo]

Thanks for that useful information. Best comparison on KZbin

[@JerrySchulze]

Thanks so much!

[@RoniCohen1000]

I wonder how would the base model perform when using adobe graphic design pack of software compare to the upgraded model? Would it be a proper replacement to the 27 inch?

[@JerrySchulze]

In my Premiere tests the 27 was much faster but I havnt tried with the beta.

[@SeleneAldrena]

I want to ask something, i already buy 16/256 8cpu and 8gpu, should i shut down everytime when i finished the work?

[@JerrySchulze]

Nope, the sleep mode does what you need.

[@spiritwolfsmallwood2024]

I was watching your video just now and you gave some real good information on the iMac in which I’m looking for. My heart ❤️ is set on getting an iMac upgraded to the fullest because of a lot photos I take which is why I want to learn how to Edit Videos and more. I think my Choice is going to be Awesome ..I will be either getting a Blue iMac or Silver. Thank you so much for Sharing this great Video. 😃👍🏽

[@JerrySchulze]

You are so welcome!

[@robertdufour2456]

Your presentation is just in time!

[@uidsid17]

Newbie question: If I can only upgrade ONE item on my next M1 iMac: should I get a 16GB Ram, or get a 8-core GPU? I'm not a hardcore gamer but I do play LoL, DOTA2, Heros of the Storm occasionally. And of course I do streaming and I usually have more than 10 open tabs on my browsers all the times. So what should I spend my extra $200 on? RAM or 8-core GPU?

[@JerrySchulze]

I would say 16GB BUT if gaming is important I would look for benchmarks on those games with the M1.

[@uidsid17]

@@JerrySchulze Yes I don't do video editing and I don't play those games like hardcord gamers. I'm more concerned when I open a lot of applications and have 10+ tabs on chrome browsers. In terms of streaming or FaceTime ppl, there shouldn't be much noticeable difference between 7-core and 8-core, correct?

[@JerrySchulze]

@@uidsid17 not in my use have I seen a noticeable difference between the 7 and 8 core.

[@joelbechtolt]

Does anybody know if you can get the touch ID keyboard for the M1 Mac mini?

[@JerrySchulze]

Not available to order separate yet.

[@matheew2012]

I do not care not having an extra fan and higher performance mainly because i use it for web browsing and reading pdf like a good average apple consumer. Regarding the touch id, i honestly use it daily on my macbook pro but is not a life changer. I’m considering to buy a new keyboard in a near future but i don’t know if it worth it. For now i’m good with my new base model imac. For those wondering which model should you buy and do not mind having to type the password when unlocking the imac go with the base model (if you use your mac for basic tasks). I hope this will be useful for someone. Edit: i forgot to say that in my case i’ve already have a usb-c doc which carries a ethernet/hdmi/card reader/ and 3more usb-c and 1 usb 3.0 inputs.

[@JerrySchulze]

Nice, thanks for sharing!

[@MegsCarpentry-lovedogs]

I certainly appreciate knowing about thunderbolt docs/hubs. Looks like go with the basic M1 and get Caldigit TX3 plus. More research to do and your vid was very helpful. Cheers from Canada.👍

[@JerrySchulze]

Awesome!

[@dleon3406]

Loved your review. I was thinking of getting the tier 2 iMac but the entry level one seems good now. Thanks.

[@JerrySchulze]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jefferyjones8399]

I am tempted to just get the base model with 16 gigs of RAM.

[@flaviopanday6514]

compatible with egpu?

[@JerrySchulze]

Not at this time.

[@thescepterofjudah12]

I’ll be getting one, but mine will cost far more than $1,600. I’m going for a fully loaded iMac for around $2,900 in either Blue or Green. Thanks for the insight on these iMacs. I agree that IF you can afford it, future proof your computer, so that it has more value should need to trade it in for a better model in the future!

[@JerrySchulze]

Yikes! Maybe look at an external Thunderbolt drive for more space kzbin.info/www/bejne/in_cnneJn9CZoLs

[@thescepterofjudah12]

@@JerrySchulze This setup is necessary because I have a huge music collection and digital movie collection in HD. With iMacs not coming with a disc drive, I must buy an external disc drive in order to continue to upload my music collection. So I understand your viewpoint and appreciate your recommendations, certain recommendations don’t apply to every consumer. I’m an above average consumer, when I do pull the trigger on ANY investment, I’m going for the best I can get, and am aware of my financial limitations. Thank you again for responding, and your video was very helpful in the decision I came to. I will go to the site to purchase some items for the iMac when I make the purchase in the next month or so, as I saw things in this video I could use to simplify my iMac experience.

[@JerrySchulze]

Only you know your requirements. Enjoy!

[@thescepterofjudah12]

@@JerrySchulze Thank you again, and please know that your video was quite helpful. The website has lots wonderful things for an iMac, thank you for recommending that site!

[@WhittyPics]

2 more ports and touch ID is worth the upgrade to me

[@TheM5guy]

Along with 2 more ports and Touch ID ----- 1) one more fan with better cooling thanks to dedicated heat sink, 2) additional gpu core, and 3) ethernet port. So well worth the upgrade

[@VijayChauhan-lm2gs]

Hey do i need to buy 16 gb 8core cpu/gpu for adobe suite like after effect and premiere pro or 8 gb ram enough for rendering and and exporting 4k video

[@JerrySchulze]

I would get 16gb if you can. You will be happier in long run.

[@MurchyMurch]

I’d go with 16GB of RAM and Thunderbolt Dock. Gigabit Ethernet is kind of laughable considering even base level new hardware has 2.5GGb. Yea I realize this an entry level iMac but let’s be real a basic $600 Intel NUC has multiple Thunderbolt ports, HDMI and 2.5Gbe.

[@JerrySchulze]

What are you connecting to that has more than 1gb? A NAS or do you have multi gig internet? Do you have cat6 cable everywhere?

[@MurchyMurch]

@@JerrySchulze I realize I’m not the typical consumer. I’ve got 6 drops of Cat5e that I’m mulling over rewiring with Cat 6 or 6a. My goal is to run a 5Gbe Network on most stationary Mac/PC I’ll probably use the Netgear MS510X series where you can choose models that have multiple 5Gbe ports. The eventual goal is PoE WAP and Camera and a QNAP ZFS NAS. Most of my large Media storage will be pushed there. My thoughts are faster ethernet come down to bandwidth. 1G = Max 125MBps. Most NAS can easily exceed this 2.5Gb = 312MBps now we’re talking about a speed that won’t limit network storage. 5Gb - 625MBps ….suitable for SSD on a network or your faster arrays. I might be able to edit Final Cut Projects over the network.

[@JerrySchulze]

I have about half 5e and half 6 but I decided that it was better to just edit local and backup to my NAS.

[@MurchyMurch]

@@JerrySchulze Probably what I’ll end up needing to do. Network storage always feels like it’s almost fast enough to rival direct attached but in reality the latency and other issues just put it a bit out of reach

[@Сурен-к3х]

I hope Apple will release 32’’ iMac with more RAM. First gen M1 looks good not as good. I have mini with 16 ram and it is not enough to do development

[@lefthanded0440]

Maybe an M1X with 32 or 64 will do it.

[@jacksharples5415]

Can you please tell me what app/software you used to do your testing of speed and temperatures/ fan speed?

[@JerrySchulze]

istat menu and Sensei App

[@jacksharples5415]

Thanks but that didn’t help.

[@jacksharples5415]

My mbp wouldn’t run the newer version of the app because it’s a mid 2010.

[@JerrySchulze]

Ah, sorry.

[@Darmossful]

Can i run windows 10 on it?

[@JerrySchulze]

With parallels and arm Windows.

[@Darmossful]

@@JerrySchulze so I can’t use boot camp? Booo

[@JerrySchulze]

@@Darmossful no sir, not on any Apple silicon Mac.

[@dbtech4562]

My theory is with the Microsoft June event that the Windows 11 event will announce ARM version retail availability. At least since Windows 11 will be announced, it makes sense they ship the ARM version of it.

[@toddjordan2341]

Tier 3, blue, 16g and 1TB

[@JerrySchulze]

Nice!

[@onwingsofmidnight]

I think Caldigit should do color-coordinated adaptors of at least one of their models it would definitely sell to mac fans you know how we like coordination. I6sd all about the look

[@JerrySchulze]

I like it.

[@Сурен-к3х]

Base model also has single fan and no thermal pipe. So upgrade is good

[@JerrySchulze]

I cover the fans in this video thanks for checking it out.

[@Сурен-к3х]

@@JerrySchulze somehow i have missed that part

[@Tigerex966]

They really need a 32 and 64MB version on this imacs, especially since you can easily reach over $2000, and still be limited to 16GB, and we must remember, the ram is shared between cpu and gpu, so you never have all that ram for the cpu, and you can never expand it.

[@joelbechtolt]

I can attest to one fact and you can do with it as you please. My 16GB/2TB M1 Mac mini out performs my 8-core Intel i9 MacBook Pro with it's 64GB RAM and 8GB discrete GPU. I'm talking about daily use as well as power intensive tasks like exporting an 8K timeline from Final Cut Pro or working with large 6720 × 4480 RAW stills in Photoshop. The M1's unified pool of memory is a feature, not a limitation. They just work with RAM differently and in a way where a little goes a long way. I am not the man to give the scientific reasons as to how that happens, like I said I'm just giving you a report from the field and commenting from the perspective of a photo/video professional that needs performance in a big way.

[@lancer1993]

No they don't, I had 32Gb in my 27" iMac and with the M1 being so more efficient its not needed in these consumer iMac's. Undoubtedly the bigger iMac will have more RAM options but even the experts are saying 32Gb is all most professionals will need in the new Apple silicone Macs.

[@JohnstasBACK]

i bought the base and only paid extra for 512GB, but tbh i probably should have just left it alone and bought a separate terabyte 😅😅

[@Isaiahisnotonfire]

Unfortunately yes you should have, storage can always be replaceable, I got the $1,499 +lus the 16GB ram with the Magic Touch Mouse & just 250 GB, I will definitely but a TB for it. But it’s also not hard to delete things.

[@player1o1]

Yeah I ordered mine with the extra ram 16gb because you can’t replace the ram but you can always add an external storage

[@Mouryashashikala]

U are so underrated nice video

[@JerrySchulze]

I really appreciate that!

[@MurchyMurch]

Feedback. This is one of my new favorite channels. Good tech info without the annoying KZbiny stuff. Hell …I might even turn on notifications. #BackBlastAreaClear

[@JerrySchulze]

Whoop!!

[@lawrencew713]

Cheers man! Thanks for the review

[@JerrySchulze]

You bet!

[@StreetsOfVancouverChannel]

Love my CalDigit dock... works fantastic!

[@JerrySchulze]

Great to hear!

[@madwoof3932]

Thanks for an honest appraisal so many shills out there. I like the idea of a product from your sponsor.

[@JerrySchulze]

Even if they didn't sponsor, I still recommend them as you can probably see from past videos.

[@namratachauhan7652]

This was a very useful and informative review to make an informed choice

[@MadeWithKevin]

Awesome insight. Thank you!

[@JerrySchulze]

Glad it was helpful!