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I'm currently running DP on a Mac Pro 5,1 3.2 GHz 4-core with 24 gigs ram. I may have an opportunity to get an late 2013 iMac with a 3.5GHz i7 and 32 gig ram for very little or no cost.

According to Geekbench the iMac should be close to 2x the performance. But it's HD is a Fusion 1 gig. I've heard there are issues with this drive and audio.

So my question is, does anyone have any opinions on which Mac would be better suited for recording?

I have an SSD in the Mac Pro which I could put in a external box and use with the iMac. I wonder if it would make sense to use the external SSD drive as the boot drive.

Any opinions? Thanks

iMac will probably be faster, but you could also upgrade the CPU in your Mac Pro to a W3680 or 90 or X5680 or 90 (Hex Xeon) for $100-150 and gain some additional performance with DP there.

If you get the iMac, consider using the fusion drive as boot drive and the external SSD for audio. And back up with Time Machine to an external spinner. VIs might work OK on the fusion drive. Try it and see!

Why wouldn't you get the iMac anyway if it free or close to free, and still do the update on the Pro? You have the option of using both Macs with one acting as a slave. I have friends who got the earlier fusion drives and had no issues, at least no more than others have had with hard drives.

The fusion drive is easily replaced with an SSD. It's a little tricky and requires a hair drier but not difficult. Besides an SSD, you'll need a new heat sensor and an adapter bracket. 1T will run around $310 for everything; 2T about $650 including all parts.

Local places charge around $100 for the labor. I know how to do these but, because of my handicap, I draw the line at 2012 when it comes to opening one up.