For Mac desktop buyers seeking power, performance and visual appeal, Apple‘s all-in-one iMac line has long been a popular option. Within this lineup, the iMac and iMac Pro models share premium retina displays but differ greatly under the surface.
Comparing these two machines today can help you decide which Apple AIO works best for your needs and budget. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how the 27-inch iMac and iMac Pro stack up across a range of metrics.
Here‘s what we‘ll cover:
- Brief history behind the iMac and iMac Pro
- Key hardware specs compared
- Real-world performance benchmarks
- Display quality and design
- Ports, connectivity and audio
- Software and platform support outlook
- Cost comparison
- Which one you should buy in 2023
Let‘s get into the details!
A Brief History of Apple’s All-In-One Desktops
The original iMac changed the computer landscape when it launched in 1998. Its distinct all-in-one form with translucent styling brought Apple back into the mainstream. Through various redesigns, the iMac evolved into a top-selling home/office machine thanks to its minimalist aesthetic and reputation for simplicity.
Meanwhile, power users sought out Apple’s Mac Pro tower desktop line for raw performance. But in 2017, Apple unveiled the iMac Pro as a “love child” blending iMac design sensibilities with Mac Pro-class firepower:
Image source: Lifewire
This fusion aimed to give creative professionals and technical users the muscle they need for intensive workloads. Now discontinued, the iMac Pro still holds promise for buyers who value design but can’t compromise on power.
But does the iMac Pro live up to that goal? And how does it compare spec-for-spec with today’s standard 27-inch iMac models? Let’s break it down.
Hardware Specifications Compared
On the surface, both 2017 iMac Pros and Late 2020 27′′ iMac models sport near-identical styling with a 27′′ 5K retina P3 display in a streamlined aluminum chassis.Peer underneath though, and we uncover some key hardware differences:
| Component | 27" iMac (Late 2020) | 27" iMac Pro (2017) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Up to 10-core Intel Core i9-10910 (10th-gen) |
Up to 18-core Intel Xeon W-3275M (2nd-gen) |
| Graphics | AMD Radeon Pro 5300 – 5700 XT |
AMD Radeon Pro Vega 56 – Vega 64X |
| Memory | Up to 128GB DDR4 at 2666MHz | Up to 256GB DDR4 ECC at 2666MHz |
| Storage | Up to 8TB SSD | Up to 4TB SSD |
| Networking | Gigabit ethernet Wi-Fi 6 and BT 5.0 |
10 Gigabit ethernet Wi-Fi 5 and BT 4.2 |
| Ports | 2-4 Thunderbolt 3, 4 USB 3, SD card reader | 4 Thunderbolt 3, 4 USB 3, SD card reader |
| Dimensions | 25.6 x 8 x 20.3 inches | 25.6 x 8 x 20.3 inches |
| Starting Price | $1799 | $4999 |
The iMac Pro’s Xeon W CPUs offer more cores, memory bandwidth and PCIe lanes over consumer chips in the standard iMac. This suits heavy workstation loads. The iMac Pro also doubles the Thunderbolt 3 ports and takes networking up a notch.
But the latest 27" iMacs counter with larger storage capacities up to 8TB and modern connectivity standards like Wi-Fi 6. Let‘s see how these hardware specs translate into real-world workflow performance.
Benchmark Performance Compared
Thanks to reviews from Tom’s Hardware, Barefeats and others, we can get a sense of how these desktops compare for both productivity tasks and demanding creative work:
Everyday Work: For lighter workflows like web access, word processing and basic spreadsheets, even the entry-level iMac with 6-core Core i5 handles these smoothly. The iMac Pro offers far faster export speeds, but its extra horsepower exceeds typical office needs.
Design Apps: With a 10-core Core i9 chip, the 2020 iMac provides snappy Photoshop filtering and respectable Premiere Pro video export speeds. But CPU-based tests show the 18-core iMac Pro rendering complex 3D/video projects 30-50% quicker in pro apps like Cinema 4D, Maya and DaVinci Resolve.
Programming and Builds: Compilers and code editors run swiftly on both desktops. But for massively parallel compiles, the additional cores and ECC memory reliability give the Xeon W chips an advantage. In regulated environments, Error Correction Coding compliance also comes as a requirement.
Scientific Computing: Packed into a compact chassis, the Xeon-powered iMac Pro has serious number crunching capabilities. With hyperthreading enabled across those 18 physical cores, parallel performance nears 150 Geekbench single-core and 2000 Geekbench multi-core scores at its peaks.
AAA Gaming: Don’t expect blazing framerates from either model, since Apple prioritizes workstation rather than gaming graphics. Between the two, the Radeon Pro Vega 64X GPU and faster memory present in the iMac Pro provide marginally higher gaming capability for titles like Fortnite, DOTA 2 or GTA V.
Rendering and Encoding: Tests show the iMac Pro crunching through GPU-based renders in Blender and Handbrake video encodes around 30% quicker than Vega 56/64 graphics in the standard 5K iMac. Performance gaps shrink in apps better optimized for consumer GPUs.
Clearly the Xeon scalability, blazing fast SSD storage and ECC memory drive the iMac Pro‘s advantages in sustained, heavy workloads. Lighter tasks run swiftly on both. Now let‘s examine the visual experience.
Display Quality and Design
Equally Immersive Display: Good news if you hoped for an improved screen here — both models utilize the same exceptional 27′′ 5120 x 2880 IPS panel with DCI-P3 wide color. So expect stunning image quality from edge to edge, now with nano-texture matte options to subdue glare.
Peak 500 nit brightness and 14.7M color depth ensure vibrant, accurate visuals whether designing creative content or watching high-def movies. That makes the 5Kdisplay shining assets for video editors, 3D animators and photographers on either machine.
Identical Slimline Design: From an aesthetic standpoint, the two appear nearly identical with narrow bezels surrounding the 5K screen and a slim aluminum enclosure flowing into the solid triangular stand. All ports and speakers hide away in the chin area along the bottom.
So visually, buyers choose between space gray or silver for identical modern iMac silhouettes. But component access differs greatly…
Serviceability Comparison: While Apple tightly integrated both models, upgrading memory or storage after purchase remains possible on 27” iMacs by removing the RAM access door and fans.
Via Apple Support
In contrast, storage swaps require fully dismantling the display, and even RAM upgrades prove extremely cumbersome on the iMac Pro. Plan on relying on external expansion rather than cracking this nut open.
In summary:
- Display quality shines equally on both iMac models
- Physical design appeals identical either way
- But the standard 27” iMac offers easier post-purchase upgrades
Now we‘ll examine how these two compare across software support, connectivity and peripherals.
Platform Support Outlook
As Apple transitions Macs over to their own Apple silicon, questions loom around ongoing OS support for past Intel models like these iMacs.
Currently, both machines run macOS Ventura (macOS 13) smoothly. But since the iMac Pro utilizes workstation rather than consumer processors, Apple may extend software compatibility further into the future.
The overall processing headroom could also give the Xeon chips a longevity edge as applications grow more demanding over time. Still, both macOS and third-party software clearly lean optimization efforts toward mainstream consumer CPUs like the Core i5 through Core i9.
My projection is the 27′′ iMac ending support 1-2 years earlier, but still viable for 4+ years given its specs. Plan to supplement either machine with external storage, graphics and networking down the road.
Audio, Ports and Connectivity
Thanks to a 3.5mm audio jack and quality stereo speakers, both iMacs handle video calls, music and movies with solid sound. Four mics even enable “Hey Siri” voice assistance.
What gives the Pro model an edge is 4 rather than 2 Thunderbolt 3 ports. This allows connecting multiple fast external drives and accessories simultaneously. 10 gigabit ethernet also blows away standard gigabit speeds for those working off networked storage.
Connectivity Comparison
| Area | 27" iMac | 27“ iMac Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Thunderbolt 3 Ports | 2-4 | 4 |
| USB 3 Ports | 4 | 4 |
| Ethernet | 1Gb | 10Gb |
| Wi-Fi/Bluetooth | 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 BT 5.0 |
802.11ac Wi-Fi 5 BT 4.2 |
| Audio Jacks | 3.5mm Headphone | 3.5mm Headphone |
| Speakers | Stereo | Stereo |
While both desktops came out in 2017+ and include USB-A ports, the iMac Pro offers faster potential networking and supports more Thunderbolt devices simultaneously.
Cost Comparison
Let‘s tackle the elephant in the room — pricing. As a higher-end niche product, the iMac Pro unsurprisingly demanded around a 3X premium over standard 27′′ iMacs when new:
- 27" iMac – Originated at $1799 (8GB RAM/1TB HDD) up to $3499 (64GB RAM/2TB SSD)
- 27" iMac Pro – Debuted at $4999 (32GB RAM/1TB SSD) up to $15,799 fully loaded
Now with the 27′′ iMac discontinued and only refurb/used models available, you might find a Late 2020 unit with 6 cores and Radeon Pro 5300 graphics for around $1500. High-end configs with 10 core Xeon chips and Radeon Pro Vega 64X graphics fetch closer to $2000.
In contrast, baseline refurbished iMac Pros start at $2500+ for 8 core models, with most 18 core variants still commanding $4000 and up.
There’s no denying the 27′′ iMac Pro demands a premium for its elite performance. But much of its original MSRP stemmed from being first to market serving creative pros. With 10+ core consumer chips and capable AMD graphics now available much cheaper, the standard 27′′ iMac closes the gap considerably.
Which Should You Buy Today?
Hopefully it’s clear by this point — raw grunt favors the discontinued iMac Pro, but current pricing and availability make the 27′′ 5K iMac a superior value pick for many Apple fans.
That noted, the ideal buyer differs for each model based on workflow needs:
Good for 27" iMac shoppers:
- More bang for buck with 9th/10th gen Intel Core chips
- Easy memory and storage upgrades down the road
- Lightning fast 8TB SSD option for storage-heavy workflows
- Plentiful Supply of Late 2020 Refurbs under $2000
Good for iMac Pro shoppers:
- Video editors, 3D animators and scientists needing 20+ CPU cores
- Memory bandwidth up to 256GB for massive batch jobs
- Advanced networking and connectivity requirements
- Seeking workstation-grade reliability and Xeon platform support
For many general productivity and creative tasks (and especially considering likely end-of-life timing), I suggest focusing your search on a Late 2020 27" iMac refurb listing instead, paired with external storage as needed.
Alternatively for similar money, a Mac Studio M1 Max or Mac Pro tower build opens newer performance and OS support horizons.
Have any other questions around choosing between these Apple desktop options? Let me know in the comments!
