Starting with the release of 10.9 Mavericks a few years ago Apple added a compressed memory scheme ( Link, Link) that compresses data from inactive apps when approaching RAM capacity. Was your last computer a Mac? If not, you're comparing apples to oranges. Is it even possible on the current iMac?Depends. My last computer with 20GB RAM could barely take more than one instance of it in a project! I heard the latest PLAY engine helps tremendously, but I'd like to get to the point that I could arrange a decently sized orchestra (40+ tracks) without any major hiccups in performance. I use a lot of virtual string libraries like Hollywood Strings that demand huge amounts of RAM. With that said though, I was still concerned about RAM because I use a lot of virtual string libraries like Hollywood Strings that demand huge amounts of RAM.
If they return to quad-core minis with those specs I'll get one, otherwise I'm almost definitely getting an updated 27" iMac (if only for the bigger storage/RAM options as currently available).I heard a little bit about these rumors, but ended up getting an iMac at the end of last year anyways, because: 1) I couldn't wait another entire year for a "maybe upgrade", 2) I didn't want any horrific surprises on the new model a la Macbook pro essentially being a downgrade in some performance specs and ports/dongle issues, and 3) I'm always nervous about being the first in line for new tech, when the stability problems aren't always completely ironed out.
My personal situation is that I got the (last) quad-core i7 Mac mini Apple sold, in January 2013, and have been waiting for a Thunderbolt3/USB3.1 desktop to upgrade to. If it's powerful enough and offers an acceptable higher RAM option I'd sell my iMac and get a new one. So, if I were in your situation I'd hold off on updating my iMac and see what the upcoming models offer. I run 32 and saw slight improvements in Daw handling for upgrading from 16, but nothing major, it was more belt and braces really. to the poster considering the 64GB ram upgrade, just get go for 16 or 32. I've been holding off upgrading my iMac for a few years until there's a big enough leap. Can I ask, can you share your source? I'm not questioning validity, more just super interested to follow any upcoming news. If it's powerful enough and offers an acceptable higher RAM option I'd sell my iMac and get a new one.Some interesting info there.
And with Apple's withholding of Mac Pro updates since its December 2013 debut, there are rumblings about a possible iMac Pro being released by the end of the year.
Plus, this Spring's iMac updates seem to be potentially very interesting - Kaby Lake chips, TouchID, more RAM/options, 8-core AMD Polaris 10/11 graphics, Thunderbolt 3, USB 3.1 Typce C and DisplayPort 1.2. Personally I think that $1k price is too high.