Apple has upgraded the processor on its latest iMac, but the graphics card remains the same as the last-generation iMac's. With both the 20-inch iMac we tested earlier this year and the new iMac G5 using Nvidia's budget graphics card, the GeForce FX 5200 Ultra, we weren't shocked to see nearly identical 3D performance on our Quake III test. Although the new iMac G5 trailed the 20-inch iMac by a few frames per second (fps), both machines produced frame rates in excess of 60fps, which means Quake III will run smoothly. Keep in mind, however, that Quake III is an older game. Today's games, though not generally available for Macs, will prove too taxing for the iMac. Gamers swayed by the iMac G5's sleek design should keep shopping. The iMac will suit mainstream users, but gamers and power users will require more graphical horsepower.
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Frames per second |
To measure 3D gaming performance, we use Quake III Arena for OS X. Although Quake III is an older game, it is still widely used as an industry-standard tool.
Performance analysis written by CNET Labs technician David Gussman
System configurations:
Apple 20-inch iMac
Mac OS X 10.3.2; 1.25GHz PowerPC G4; 256MB DDR SDRAM 333MHz; 64MB Nvidia GeForce FX 5200; 80GB 7,200rpm Ultra ATA/100
Apple eMac
Mac OS X 10.3.3; 1.25GHz PowerPC G4; 256MB DDR SDRAM 333MHz; 32MB ATI Radeon 9200; 80GB 7,200rpm Ultra ATA/100
Apple iMac G5
Mac OS X 10.3.5; 1.8GHz PowerPC G5; 512MB DDR SDRAM 400MHz; 64MB Nvidia GeForce FX 5200; 80GB 7,200rpm Serial ATA
Apple Power Mac G5 dual 2.5GHz
Mac OS X 10.3.5; Dual 2.5GHz PowerPC G5; 4096MB DDR SDRAM 400MHz; 256MB ATI Radeon 9800; 160GB 7,200rpm Serial ATA
Edited by Matthew Elliott
Additional editing by Nick Hide
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User reviews2
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Frank Dikötter 12 July 2006
Good: Style
Bad: Slow!
Comment: I have two, one at home, one in the office: they look very good, but I spend a lot of time staring at a spinning wheel, despite regular maintenance and updates. Very slow, very sluggish: a lot of patience is needed. The perfect computer for people with lots of time to spare.
Little Tyke 19 May 2005
Good: The design - it really is most elegant
Bad: Limited upgrade capability (especially for RAM)
Comment: I'm sorry, I'll hold my hands up now and admit it - I love Macs. In terms of innovation they far outstrip anything Microsoft comes up with. It's the same for this iMac. Ok, you'd probably be better getting a Power Mac G5 if you want to do any serious design work or video editing, but there's just something so ineffably desirable about this iMac - and it has a G5 chip. I like the way it neatly packs so much punch into such a small space. The only thing that's vaguely frustrating is the limited upgrade capability - only one free slot for more RAM. Nevertheless - it's lovely. Get one for yourself, and all your relatives too.
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