Ask a Question

Is the iMac Pro a good investment in 2024?

0 votes
by (120 points)
Given its age, is buying an iMac Pro in the year of 2024 a good decision?

1 Answer

0 votes
by (540 points)
For some users, the iMac Pro can be a good investment in 2024, particularly when the cost is reasonable and a sense of obsolescence is planned for a few years down the line. Rarely does its performance for video editing tasks fall below expectations, and its 5K resolution monitor is superb. Nevertheless, it is also very critical to note that it will eventually grow further obsolete than it is now and most likely will not receive any updates so… it might be considered a bad option for those who are looking for some long-term solution.
by (100 points)
Great content. I picked a 10-Core, 32GB Ram, 1TB SSD with Vega 64 in late '22 for $1700. At the time, I was hoping they would come out with a redesigned 27" iMac. After they released the Mac Studio and display, I figured it probably wouldn't happen. With the Studio Display being $1600 - I figured at $1700, I am basically getting the same display, and only paying $100 for a Xeon workstation. I'll probably keep it as long as it supports the latest MacOS.
by (100 points)
I scored a iMac Pro 10 core, 64gb ram, 4tb for $500 bucks. This is a beast of a computer. People slept on these.
by (100 points)
I got a vega 64 1tb storage 64gb ram version for £1000. Can’t be beat for that price especially with how well it runs windows.
by (100 points)
I have one of these (8 core model) and happily run a Linux distro on it with Mac OS having a smaller partition. It has given it longer life. Excellent machine as a generic 'computer device' imo. Cool content!! :)
by (100 points)
Love this. Still running a similar machine since 2020 and have to say it's the best Mac I've had to date. Was about to check running it on Sonoma as not on it yet, and think it seems ok.... great
by (100 points)
The best Windows computer ever  Using both Mac OS and Windows, this thing is a killer. Love it to bits.
by (100 points)
These computers are great. I have been using my 10 core 24/7 since I bought it new in 2018. It still runs great and I use it for high-end photoshop work. It's also great because I have a case for it and can ship it on an airplane and bring it on photoshoots, use it for work remotely without having to hook up separate monitors, etc. I am thinking of buying another one.
by (100 points)
I just joined the club and came across your content. I recently bought an iMac Pro with 64 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD, an 8-core Xeon W, and Vega 64 for 1,400 Euros—an absolute steal. I’m upgrading from a 2017 iMac base model that felt a bit sluggish with its dated CPU. Some people think I'm crazy for buying a 7-year-old machine in 2024 instead of going for something more future-proof like Apple Silicon. But let me tell you why this makes sense: these specs are still impressive even in 2024, and this machine will easily last me for years before apps start demanding 8-core CPUs or 64 GB of RAM. Plus, I was lucky to get the Vega 64 instead of the 56, and I opted for the 8-core version because it's more than enough for the long haul.

As for why I didn’t go with Apple Silicon, the math is simple:

A Mac Studio would cost me between 2,000-5,000 Euros.
A 5K display (LG or Apple Studio Display) would add another 1,200-2,600 Euros.
I’d need a GPU chassis for 300 Euros.
And an external GPU would easily run me another 1,000-1,500 Euros.
So yeah, when you add it all up, this iMac Pro is definitely worth it.
by (100 points)
just got one last month. total great machine. will try to upgrade memory, CPU and storage.
by (100 points)
Hi from Michigan: I have the 2017 iMac Ventura • •  13.6.9 - - Purchased new in 2017 - -I may upgrade with what is coming for the iMac Nov. 5th., 2024
by (100 points)
Ive got a 2013 27 inch IMAC. Changed the hard drive to ssd and added some more memory. It’s still running . Im gonna have to upgrade at some point as no more macOS updates
by (100 points)
bought a 10 core 128gb ram 1tb vega 56 for 1000$ 8 months ago and i'm still so happy about it
by (100 points)
I still run the iMac 5k for audio production, last intel before M1
It’s loaded 2 tb ssd, 128 gb RAM, highest core for the time, fastest i9, fastest processor
But they are 1/10 of the price refurbished with mid specs
Mine was $5700! Ouch
So it has to last a few more years
But it does work very well for protools, studio one, Ableton
Two displays using Thunder bolt, all Apollo audio interfaces
External ssds for each DAW
Great setup, it was just expensive for what it is today
by (100 points)
Ok here's my situation: My 2016 27" iMac just died. I have a 2023 Macbook Air M2 15" laptop with 24 GB of memory and a 1TB HD as my "backup" and for travel, etc. I do graphic design work and minimal editing professionally and teach college classes remotely. So I really do need the screen space for when I'm working and teaching, which makes me want to NOT replace this desktop computer with the only current iMac option which has a smaller screen ... I'm very strongly considering buying one of these older iMac Pros, and hoping it will at least bridge the gap between now and the next model iMac which I hope will have more options to suit my needs. Thoughts? Am I crazy for buying an older model computer in 2024??
by (100 points)
Thank you, for this excellent post about your "space gray" 27-inch iMac Pro.  Back in 2022, I was at this same place when looking at buying a used 2014, "space gray" trash can size Mac Pro 8-core/D-700/64GB/1TB SSD model for about $1,000.  During this time the M-1 "Mac Studio" desktop models were on a 4-month back-order and, the "27-inch "Studio Display" was having various issues.  Since, I planned on one day to add a trash can size Mac Pro to my collection.  Perhaps, I should buy it now and just use it for three years until Apple's M-1, M-2, and M-3 desktops become more developed.  So, I have been using my desktop system for two-years now.  Currently, I have in my collection a glossy white 20-inch G5 iMac and a glossy white 24-inch Intel iMac and, I might add a "space gray" 27-inch iMac Pro model to my collection later this year if, their prices continue to drop (smile...smile).
by (100 points)
Hi, Hope you are good. Do you think this imac Pro would be still a good choice to buy in 2024 or 25? I am concerned that I won't be able to update the latest software. I want to have the 27 inch screen than 24 inch for software development and some editing. Thanks.
by (100 points)
Yo great content brother!! I found an iMac Pro locally for $850 box and everything and I'm honestly debating because I'm tired of buying older apple products and go through the awkward hassle of selling off stuff and waiting with no computer until my next product gets shipped in and an M1 iMac with 16GB & 512GBSSD or even 1TB used could be found anywhere from 1,050-1,350$ I HATE the M1 design its a disgrace and the iMac Pro overall looks more amazing and can arguably keep up with the M1 iMac I guess the argument here is how will it age over time especially when software support runs out for the pro :(
by (100 points)
The thing is... once this computer doesn't hold up anymore you can just convert this into an external monitor. A few content showing how to do that.
by (100 points)
I think Apple Plc does not support its older machines with updates for long enough. Seven years is not great imo. For casual use this machine could last for twenty years. Maybe. Also these big companies make a big deal about caring for the environment, bah no they don’t care. Even if I had to pay for updates I’d be happy to.
by (100 points)
I live and work in a mixed environment, so got an 18 core, 256gb ram, Radeon 64x and 4tb SSD for $2300 bucks to run some huge VMs. The ram upgrade alone on a new MAC Pro would be about the total cost of this box.  I wanted it for work where I have to run 4-5 VMs simultaneously...The ram and the 18 cores makes them run smoothly...and leaves enough ram to do a lot of other stuff. The monitor is gorgeous, as is the camera, The computer is also very quiet...amazingly so.  I also have MacPro 5,1 and 6,1s, and I like the form of the 5,1 but the performance on the iMAC Pro is significantly faster across the board.  Unless you need the latest and greatest, it's a great computer to get (as long as you get it specced the way you want upfront). Upgrading after you get it is problematic.
by (100 points)
I would not buy it, It maybe a good buy for editing but it is definitely not good for music production in 2024
Welcome to Akaguide Q&A, where you can ask questions and receive answers from other members of the community.
...