2019 iMac 27-inch 8-core i9 versus
2017 iMac Pro 8-core Xeon
April 17th, 2019 by rob-ART morgan, mad scientist
Here is how the 'fastest' 2019 iMac 27-inch performs compared to the 'slowest' 2017 iMac Pro.
GRAPH LEGEND
iMac 8-core i9 = 2019 iMac 27-inch, 3.6GHz 8-core Intel Core i9 processor, 32GB 2666MHz DDR4 memory, AMD Radeon Pro Vega 48 (8G) GPU, 1TB flash storage
iMac Pro 8-core Xeon = 2017 iMac Pro, 3.2GHz 8-core Intel Xeon W-2140B processor, 32GB 2666MHz DDR4 ECC memory, AMD Radeon Pro Vega 64 (16G) GPU, 1TB flash storage
GFXBENCH METAL
The 1440p Aztec Ruins (High Tier) was run in Offscreen mode. (HIGHER frames per second means FASTER.)
DAVINCI RESOLVE 15
One Node of Noise Reduction was applied to the Candle Project "Parrot" clip. The effect is rendered on the fly during looping playback. (HIGHER frames per second means FASTER.)
LOGIC PRO X
Using the Evan sample project, we kept adding tracks and looping playback until Logic Pro cried "uncle." (HIGHER number of tracks is BETTER.)
LIGHTROOM CLASSIC CC
We exported 100 Sony camera images (7952x5304) as full sized JPEG. (SHORTER time in seconds means FASTER.)
TOTAL WAR: WARHAMMER II
The built-in "Skaven" benchmark was used. (HIGHER frames per second means FASTER.)
MOTION
Using the Atmospheric 600 frame HD template, we rendered a RAM preview while doing playback. (HIGHER frames per second means FASTER.)
COMPRESSOR
From Final Cut Pro, we sent the BruceX 5K project to Compressor and transcoded it to 4K HEVC 10-bit. (LOWER time in seconds means FASTER.)
WHAT WE LEARNED
We purposely featured tests in this initial article which exhibited a clear difference in performance. The 2019 iMac completed some tasks faster. The iMac Pro completed some tasks faster. For some other tests not featured here, the results were essentially a tie. Yes, there is more to come.
As we documented in a previous article, similarly configured, the 'low-end' iMac Pro prices out 18% more than the 'high-end' 2019 iMac. And for that 18% premium, you get significant added features such as Xeon processor, ECC memory, four TB3 ports Ñ each pair on separate controllers (versus two TB3 ports on one controller), 10Gb Ethernet (versus 1Gb Ethernet), support for 4 external 4K displays (versus 2), 1080p FaceTime (versus 720p), and four microphones (versus one).
Readers wanted me to mention that the memory is user serviceable on the iMac. Upgrading memory in the iMac Pro requires an appointment with an Apple Authorized Service Provider.
For more tests results, see our PART TWO.
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