iMac Upgrade Help

I'm currently operating a late 2014 iMac. Now that Apple no longer supports OS updates for it, I am finding the current versions of Lightroom and Photoshop are incompatible, and I have recently started having issues with iCloud as well. I think it's time for an upgrade.

Specs of my current machine are as follows:

macOS Big Sur version 11.7.10
iMac (Retina 5K, 5120 x 2280, 27-inch, Late 2014)
Processor 4 GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i7
Memory 32 GB 1600 MHz DDR3
Startup Disk Macintoh HD 251 GB Flash Storage (256GB SSD)
Graphics AMD Radeon R9 M295X 4 GB

I primarily use my computer for basic tasks (web browsing, email, Google Drive, online shopping) and photo editing. I routinely edit 45MP raw files using Lightroom and Photoshop. I do a very limited amount of video editing, although I'd like to do more (although I don't see myself dabbling in 4K video anytime soon). I don't do any gaming. I believe I'd like to stick with an iMac for a variety of reasons (I greatly prefer the Apple ecosystem to anything Windows, I feel a bit cramped working on a laptop and I like having an all-in-one machine with fewer cords than a traditional desktop, an iMac is considerably less expensive than a Mac Mini + display). I primarily work off Samsung external hard drives (they connect to my current computer via USB not Thunderbolt) so that is a factor.

The new iMacs look a lot different than my 10 year old machine. I'm not sure if the basic $1299 model would still be a significant upgrade. It has an 8 core chip compared to my quad-core, but comes standard with 16GB memory and is only configurable up to 24GB vs the 32GB I have now, also limited to 2 Thunderbolt ports whereas I currently have 4 USB ports plus SD card slot and a few other ports. Both have a 256 GB SSD.

All other models have a 10 core CPU and GPU and 4 ports. The only model configurable up to 32 GB memory is the 512 GB SSD model. Would I need to have the same amount of memory to continue my current workflow? Or is newer memory just more advanced and faster than old memory so I can get away with less GB and still have the same editing power? Forgive me, I literally only look at computer specs when I upgrade my computer and obviously its been a while.

Any suggestions? What other factors do I need to consider? I do realize the new iMac models are only 24 inch (womp womp), but I think I can live with that.

Thanks in advance and happy New Year!

Hi Kari,

I think these days a Mac Mini with a third party monitor is a better value but any iMac sold today would run circles around your current machine. I still have an iMac that is the same vintage as yours and it works fine as a web browsing and email machine but definitely not as a photo or video platform. If you do go the Mac ini route, just upgrade to at least 32GB of RAM.

I just got a Mac Mini with 32 GB of RAM and it's been great. Steve

E.J. Peiker wrote: Hi Kari,

I think these days a Mac Mini with a third party monitor is a better value but any iMac sold today would run circles around your current machine.  I still have an iMac that is the same vintage as yours and it works fine as a web browsing and email machine but definitely not as a photo or video platform.  If you do go the Mac ini route, just upgrade to at least 32GB of RAM.

Thanks E.J.

I was considering a Mac Mini and external monitor but don't even know where to start looking when it comes to displays. If you have any suggestions, either specific models or specs to look for I will investigate, as it would be easier and less expensive to upgrade a Mini more often than a whole iMac. I'm also hoping to minimize cords since my current workspace is relegated to small corner of our living room, but suppose I could still go wireless for keyboard and mouse even if the display is connected. Thanks for the suggestion!

Lerkes wrote: I just got a Mac Mini with 32 GB of RAM and it's been great.  Steve

Thanks for the insight Steve!

Hi Kari
I can understand your dilemma
I got a Mac mini (after my 27inch iMac stated developing display issues). It's M2 Pro, 32 GB RAM and 1 tb HDD. I use two monitors (BenQ 27inch as my main monitor and 24 inch Dell as secondary monitor to display all the tools. This gives a lot of real estate in the main monitor when editing photos). Sure it was not cheap at all but this satisfies my requirements and more. Some 3rd party monitors are really excellent so go for it. I think I am set for at least the next 5 years. I can recommend this set up without reservations.
Cheers
Chidu
PS all the data I keep on two external drives. Internal drive is only for OS and apps. Data are never kept in the internal drive. Get a 1 or 2 tb NVMe as a device to keep the files you are working on. This will speed up your workflow.

Kari, I plan to use this monitor or something similar with a Mac mini:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/ ... html/specs

Hi Kari..  I've left this a bit.  Just taken the plunge on a Mac Mini M4 Pro.  64gb Ram.  2 TB Drive.  Light years ahead of the old iMac.  Am a sucker for Apple, so used the 27" monitor even though there are better options.  Whatever you do, you won't go wrong.


Re the external drives, mine are usb types but I have attached them to the mini via a hub.  I've not seen the slightest drawback as its stupidly fast.