I'm currently using a Windows PC, but am going to move to Mac.
I am considering either the new Mac Mini announced today or a 2017 iMac, ie between the following models:
- iMac 21.5" 3.6GHz quad-core 7th-generation Intel Core i7 processor (Turbo Boost up to 4.2GHz); 16GB RAM; 512GB SSD
- Mac Mini 3.2GHz 6?core 8th?generation Intel Core i7 (Turbo Boost up to 4.6GHz); 16GB RAM; 512GB SSD
I understand that you need both good single and core performance for using Ableton.
Typically, I run 20-30 tracks in Ableton, using a large number of VST plug-ins.
The price difference between both models is minimal, with the iMac only costing around $200 more (once you take mouse and keyboard purchase into account). I already have a monitor, so if I get the iMac, then I would likely use it in dual monitor mode.
So my question is whether Ableton would run considerably faster with the Mac Mini, or whether the performance improvement would be minimal?
Also, would I be better 'future-proofed' with the Mac Mini?