New computer or not??$??

[Rick Thompson]

I currently have an iMac 27" mid 2011... 3.1 12GB 1TB ST31000528AS... SATA Disk, whatever that is (Fusion?). I am going to undertake a big, long term rendering project. I have several hundred plan files I want to generate new CineRender for. I have little issues with the computer now, but starting AC seems a bit slow to me, and I do spend a lot of time (relatively speaking) opening files. It probably takes about 45/60 sec loading AC19 and Migration libraries (small files... 10~15MB). I don't think it will shorten my life however.

I am aware the new SSD drives are faster (and not really aware what I have/Fusion??), but unsure how much that will impact opening/closing and rendering? It looks like I can get about $800 for it, and a new one around $2000 ($2700??? not sure all the differences in HD choices here).

Any feedback is appreciated. I have read the recent "New iMac" thread, which got me going:) If it is really noticeable, than is seems like the thing to do, but, just don't feel knowledgeable enough to the bump degreee for my specific needs.

[Karl Ottenstein]

Hey Rick,

A SATA disk is just a disk, not Fusion (which would be part SSD and part disk).

You'll see a dramatic improvement in launch times with an SSD. And, the new iMac's SSD is much faster than that in the 'new' (2013) Mac Pro:
http://barefeats.com/imac5k12.html

An overview of the updates in the new iMac 5K:
http://barefeats.com/imac5k11.html

See also:
http://barefeats.com/imac5k16.html
and other recent tests there.

(If Apple were to release an updated Mac Pro with faster memory and SSD, then another option for you would be to use your iMac as a monitor for a Mac Pro with even more cores. But, the current Mac Pro is out of date technologically.)

Karl

PS If you've not updated to El Capitan, you can use your 2011 iMac to run older versions of AC...

Also, you can use your 2011 iMac as a second monitor to your new Mac with "Target Display Mode":
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204592

[Gerald Hoffman]

Rick,

I like all of Karl's ideas but if you wanted to try upgrading your hard drive you can check out the article in the following link. http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/imac/specs/imac-core-i5-2.7-27-inch-aluminum-mid-2011-thunderb...

I recently upgraded my late 2011 MacBook Pro with a new SSD and the difference is amazing. I am hoping to get another year or two out of it and then use it as my backup.

Also I don't know how much ram you have but OWC carries RAM and SSD's for these Macs which could make a fairly big difference for less money than a new one.

Cheers,

[Rick Thompson]

Thanks both of you. The replace HD sound interesting until I watched the video:) That would be a chore, and one I could easy be sorry i got into. The 1T SSD is now a $900 option.. up from $700 mentioned in another thread. The 512 GB SSD + external HDD does sound like the more cost efficient way to go. Hum Fusion not much help huh.

[Karl Ottenstein]

Yeah, I didn't mention replacing your HD because of the whole business of removing the glass and digging into the inards. Every year, Apple makes modifying any of their hardware harder and harder (or impossible).

External HD with a modest (512) SSD is the way to go IMHO.

[Stephen Dolbee]

Rick,
I think by the time you upgrade the HD, video card, apple care, etc., you will be looking at over $3,000 for a new iMac. You might want to check with Charlotte Street Computers in Asheville to see how much they would charge to install an SSD. I have had good experience with them.

[Rick Thompson]

Stephen.. I was thinking that too. I just called and the labor is only $115, plus the SSD, which seems to be $500 or so... so.. this might be the best option (by a long shot) for my needs. thanks everyone who helped.

[Gerald Hoffman]

Rick,

I did a bit of research before I bought mine and the Samsung PRO 850 had pretty good specs. The price is pretty good on the 512 GB. This is the Samsung info link if you are interested.

http://www.samsung.com/us/computer/memory-storage/MZ-7KE512BW

Cheers,

[Rick Thompson]

Thanks Gerald.. good to know. Sounds like a good choice. I see they will be having black Friday deals too:)