Which iMac dilemma – Is 21-inch good enough

[billD]

My projects contain up to 5-7 audio tracks and up to 20 midi tracks.

 

I use the Logic's synths and plugins, plus Kontakt, EZ Drummer, EzyKeys, Sylenth, Trilion, Melodyne, UJAM VirtualGuitarist, MusicLab RealGuitar and around 10 Waves plugins (CLA’s, JJP's, Vocal Rider, EQ's, Comps...).

 

The CPU usage goes up to 100% and I get the error "out of memory" all the time. I want to buy an iMac.

 

I know that 27-inch, 32GB of RAM and 1TB SSD HD are ideal combination, but it is way too expensive.

 

I can afford a 21.5-inch model (16GB of RAM & 1TB HD) but I'm worried it is not powerful enough and, I'll have the same problem.

 

Anyone with a similar setup and requirements?

 

Do I need retina display?

 

Thanks

Bill

[MikeRobinson]

An external video display is very helpful. Obviously, Apple's own are nicest, but you can buy an adapter for other devices. Be sure of the type of video adapter that your model supports.

 

They tell me that Retina displays are nice, but mostly for photographs and HD video.

 

Mostly ... "you need more screen space, and a second screen is best. Natcherly, your Mac displays each additional screen as a seamless extension of the other, without further ado.

[YosserTenThousand]

Anyone with a similar setup and requirements?

l

 

These are my specs for my late 2013 iMac and it still feels blazing fast. Never had an issue and run plenty of large Logic Pro X projects as well as a bunch of other stuff. The biggest compromise on it is the storage (256gb SSD) but i use an external as well.

 

[Glenn L.]

I'd mostly be aware that the 1TB Fusion drive has only 24gb integrated SSD. So, if you go the 21" route, you should upgrade to 2TB if possible, and make sure Apple can upgrade the RAM to 16 gb. On the new 21" models, you can't upgrade the RAM yourself.

[billD]

Thanks guys. I really appreciate your help.