[]

So I'm getting ready to order my intel iMac, and I'm having a hard time deciding on the video upgrade. The reason I'm getting the new iMac in the first place is to be able to play some games (well really only one - Half Life 2), so video performance is a factor for me. However, the video ram upgrade would cost over $200!

Why so much you ask? Well Apple is offering refurbed iMacs in their store right now, and the 20" is at $1449. To get the upgraded ram I'd have to buy new from the edu store, and it would put the machine at $1667. I don't need any other upgrade options, so the vram is the deciding factor here.

I do plan on having this thing for a long time, especially with the news that new processors from Intel can be simply dropped into the socket.

So please, $200 for an extra 128mb vram? Worth it?

[iREZ]

200 dollars over a course of one year amounts to around $.50 a day, if you plan on keeping it for 3 years it comes out to $.18 a day

i was really concerned about the vram, then realized that more is based on the gpu itself vs the amount of vram it has, you'll maybe see a slight increase for games but hl2 is pretty old so im sure it'll run fine with the supplied 128. if you're planning on keeping this for as long as you're saying you're gonna, then i'd have to advise the upgrade sheerly for 'future proofing' your purchase.

[]

Originally Posted by iREZ

if you're planning on keeping this for as long as you're saying you're gonna, then i'd have to advise the upgrade sheerly for 'future proofing' your purchase.

That's what I was thinking, just wasn't sure if I was crazy or not.

[mduell]

Usually I say skip it, but since you mentioned Half-Life 2, go for it. HDR eats up tons of RAM.