I'm buying a 27" iMac and having trouble understanding why I may need a higher-end GPU over the next 4-5 years (intended usage). I do lots of picture editing (Photoshop, Lightroom), movie playing (1080p on an external monitor), and some small time video editing with iMovie. Is it superfluous to upgrade to the higher end gpu for my purposes?
IMac – If I’m not a gamer, what are the reasons I might need a higher-end GPU
gpuimac
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Best Answer
I do think that the graphics upgrade would be superfluous.
You don't say whether or not you plan to get an SSD for the 27" iMac. That will provide much more of a visible speed boost than a graphic subsystem upgrade.
Given your described usage, I don't think that there's a very compelling reason for you to spend the money to upgrade to the Radeon HD 6970M over the standard Radeon HD 6770M. And even less reason to spend the extra money for the graphics RAM upgrade for the 6970M.
All current Apple desktops and notebooks ship with more than enough graphics power to handle programs like Final Cut Pro X.
Some Adobe products, including Photoshop, have been using the GPU processor in the graphics card, via OpenGL, to speed operations since the CS4 release. See this Adobe Knowledge Base article for a description of what features use the GPU.