iMac no longer cutting it(?)

[Skia_D]

I have a 2019 iMac (see specs below) which has handled my projects well—through VW 2022. My files are of fully modeled/rendered residences, with site model files referenced. File sizes usually range between 220 and 360 MB. VW 2023 now seems laggy after awhile working on a file, and I notice on my Activity Monitor swaps being used much more quickly. I have to do restarts to get back to good function. Do I really have to upgrade now, and would the current iMacs not cut it? I have preferred the iMac both for economy (even with the upgraded RAM; I can't afford a $5,000 setup; and I used to get 6 years out of iMacs). I know the graphics card is now not on recommended list, and I wonder whether—having just learned about them—I can keep going with my iMac successfully with VW 2023 adding on an eGPU? Does an eGPU interact with the RAM such that I won't see the same drag on RAM? Any thoughts, input? BTW, while I can use some of the terminology, please keep replies in plain speak. I'm not that tech savvy!

Edited January 26, 2023 by Skia_D

[E|FA]

I'm in the exact position you are.  I don't think an eGPU is the way to go long term, so switching to an Apple silicon Mac is a better way to go.

 

There's another thread that you might want to look at, and this post seems to be the clearest answer to your question:

 

[Skia_D]

Thanks for that tip. Looks like I'll have to go that direction. At least the resale value on my iMac is still pretty decent.

[Skia_D]

So, I'm pretty close to pulling the trigger, and will either be a hopped up Mac Mini M2 Pro, or the Studio M1 Max, but have a question about displays: There was this thread last year which mentioned "LG Ultrafines" as being good option, and I've seen comments elsewhere saying same thing, but which specific model(s)? There seem to be a few different 27" ones available, with slightly different specs, and I have also seen comments which suggest a better-than-60hz refresh rate would be good, which none of the LGs I saw had. Is that important?

 

Maybe I should just ask: what specs should I consider as essential? I do render and am moving more to using TwinMotion than RW. Would like good color accuracy.

[Jeff Prince]

LG 32UN880-B has been very good.

 

 

I tested one prior to spacing one for our office PC.

I think they make a version with a non ergo stand.

 

 

[Skia_D]

Thanks, Jeff. Definitely couldn't use an ergo stand, and couldn't find a non-ergo option. Also, I'm good with sticking to 27". After more hand-wringing and reading Amazon reviews and Q&As I decided to go with the 27UP850N-W. They really don't make it easy to compare products. You have to weed through a lot of stuff. For instance:

 

In answer to a Q on Amazon, a MFR rep says: 

"The only difference between Model # 27UP850-W and Model # 27UP850N-W is that the USB-C port for Model # 27UP850-W has a PD (Power Delivery) of up to 96W and that for Model # 27UP850N-W has a PD of up to 90W. The "AUS" at the end of the model numbers for both monitors is a factory suffix that is used for internal purposes...^Ivan "

 

Here's another:

 

Question:

LG 27 UP850 - is it ultrafine monitor or not?

Answer:

Even though it is not advertised as an 'UltraFine' monitor on our site or on Amazon, the LG 27” IPS 4K UHD VESA HDR400 USB-C Monitor, Model # 27UP850-W is a 4K monitor (i.e. 3840 x 2160 or UHD) and all LG 4K and 5K monitors are LG UltraFine™ Monitors...^Ivan

 

And another:

 

Question:

What is the difference between this model and the 27up80b-w 

Answer:

The 27UP850-W UHD monitor has Anti-Glare surface treatment, slightly stronger USB-C charging ability, Wide Color Gamut, Auto Input Switch, and has the stand has the ability to adjust the height and pivot of the screen. ^Jennifer

 

Even though the the 27up80b-w is very similar to the 27up850-w you can't find the 27up80b-w on Amazon. That model/model number appears reserved for BestBuy.

 

Now I have to wring my hands over the decision between the Mac Mini M2 Pro (512 SSD, 32 RAM, 12/19/16 (cpu/gpu/engine cores)) and the Studio M1 Max (512 SSD, 32 RAM, at 10/24/16). Same price for both, and I've seen arguments for either. If you or anyone else has an opinion, I'm all ears. Would you go for the hopped up Mini because it has the newer chip, 2 more cpu cores but 5 less gpu cores, but also less ports than the Studio? Or should I put that as a new post/thread?