iMac 3.06GHz Intel Core i3 performance

[joed200]

I have decided to purchase the new iMac 3.06GHz Intel Core i3 to replace my existing Quadcore Q6600 PC. I do not intend to use the new computer for hardcore rendering but would be interested to know if you think rendering speed will increase or decrease when compared to my old pc for relatively non complex scenes? I intend to use Windows 7 64bit on bootcamp and increase ram to 8GB.

 

New imac spec:

 

3.06GHz Intel Core i3

4BG Ram

 

Old PC spec:

 

Q6600 Quad core @ 2.4GHZ

4GB Ram

 

i have also thought about using my old PC as a render slave with the new iMac. Does anyone have experience in doping this?

 

Anyone would be great if someone could shed some light on this.

 

Thanks.

 

Joe

[AJLynn]

Hmmm. I bet the Mac runs a bit (not much) slower than the Q6600 at rendering, because it's a dual core. At normal tasks (things that don't multithread or don't do it well) the Mac is going to be substantially faster.

[joed200]

thanks for your help. I am happy with the speed of my old pc for the type of work i need it for so as long as its not way off im not too concerned. However, do you think increasing the ram on the mac from 4gb to 8gb will make much difference in rendering time?

[AJLynn]

It just depends how complicated your stuff is.