I am trying to decide whether to buy the 8-core or 10-core GPU with my new Mac that will have an M3 chip.
I use Photoshop.
I do little or no video.
iMac 27″, macOS 12.7
There are things that may matter more than the number of GPU cores:
RAM
Adobe recommends at least 16 GB of RAM. Stock models of the iMac include only 8 GB of RAM. Since you can't expand RAM after purchase, I would recommend custom-ordering 16 GB of RAM (24 GB if you do lots of complex work in Photoshop), or finding an Apple Authorized reseller who carries iMacs with more than 8 GB of RAM.
Ports
The entry-level version of the iMac that comes with 8 GPU cores lacks the two extra USB-C (USB) ports, and the Ethernet port, found on the higher-end versions. With just two USB4 / Thunderbolt ports, and a headphone jack, you might find yourself running out of ports – and needing a USB-C or Thunderbolt hub/dock – very quickly.
Keyboard
If you buy the entry-level iMac, you don't get the keyboard with the Touch ID feature. That's not as important as other things, but I thought I'd mention it.
If you aren’t satisfied with the 24” display size then consider a Mac Mini or a Mac Studio. No real downside on either and you can add the display you want.
Hey there!
I would suggest upgrading to the higher-tier model! The extra GPU cores may be helpful when working with graphical content, and the extra upgrades with that model will certainly be useful. As mentioned by others, you'll get 2 extra Thunderbolt 3 ports, a gigabit ethernet port, and a keyboard with Touch ID.
And it's a good idea to get at least 16GB of memory. I see from this thread your current Mac already has 16GB of memory. While Apple silicon unified memory is far more efficient than traditional RAM, if you can, I'd suggest looking at the 24GB option. You can never have too much memory; the extra memory will allow you to go even further in your creative work without your Mac breaking a sweat. But either way, the memory amount will be an upgrade over your current Mac.
I hope this helps!
-Jack
Jack-19 wrote:
Hey there!
I would suggest upgrading to the higher-tier model! The extra GPU cores may be helpful when working with graphical content, and the extra upgrades with that model will certainly be useful. As mentioned by others, you'll get 2 extra Thunderbolt 3 ports, a gigabit ethernet port, and a keyboard with Touch ID.
Sorry, but that's not right. The higher-end models have two extra USB-C ports – but these are single-purpose USB-C ports that only support USB 3.x ("up to 10 Gbps"). They're not Thunderbolt 3 ports.
Thanks. I’m replacing a 27” Mac with the same amount of Ram (16) and storage (1T). I just didn’t know whether I should spring for the bigger 10 GPU. (Unfortunately Apple only has the 24” with the new M3 chip, so I’ve come to terms with with the “downsize”. It’s only the GPU I’m stuck on. Wondering if 10 is overkill? Or if I should spend the extra $200 for that. ?
I ordered the 24” Mac today with the extra GPU (10). I’m looking forward to having the AI capabilities Photoshop now has. (their AI needed a newer computer to work.) I was wondering if I could connect my old 27” computer to it for an extra display if needed. ? Or would I have to invest in just a monitor? (Which I’m not going to do.)
And re: the Touch ID ~ it has NEVER worked on my iPad.
I never have trouble with facial recognition, but “touch”? - never. So I wouldn’t miss that.
I appreciate your thoughts, though! 😊
That extra $200 also gets you 2 more USB ports, a Gigabit Ethernet port ($30 value)and a TouchID keyboard (-$200 value since it’s overkill and also a hassle). Enjoy…
Congratulations on the new Mac!
And regrettably, you cannot use your old iMac as a display.
-Jack
Thank you!
advantage of a 10-core GPU over an 8-core GPU in a new 24 Mac (M3 chip). I use Photoshop. No video.
