The very first thing that divides these two systems is the component parts. The Mac Pro is only the processing unit. While the iMac is a complete system, with monitor, key board and general accessories. With the more expensive machine, you will need to purchase (or already have), the other components, further adding to the overall cost. Also, it is important to note that most Mac Pro users have not traditionally used the Pro for general work needs and it has served as more of a specialty component with specific attributes necessary to the facilitation of certain design employments.
Mac Pro Facts
The Mac Pro is more expensive, but with it’s capabilities and the fact that they generally hold their value for much longer than the iMac, the price is far more than fair. While both have fantastic features, the iMac seems to have the most applicable uses. The Mac Pro would be a better fit for professional 3D operation or advanced editing applications. The iMac is less out of pocket and yields phenomenal performance for the money.
The iMac uses a newer, upgraded core and is as much as 25 percent faster in single-threaded applications. As a matter of worthy note, it has, arguably one of the best processors on the market. The Mac Pro has the advantage of being more expandable than the iMac. It allows for more monitors, with six Thunderbolt ports. It also supports twice the RAM the iMac does with . That aside, the main ability and function in this category shows negligible divergence. The 5K display is far superior to the 4K having only 8.3 megapixels and the 5K display being comprised of 14.7 megapixels. The iMac’s fan is louder under heavy load than the Mac Pro, which cools almost silently. According to user comments, the iMac heats up faster than the Mac Pro.
The iMac Comparison
The Mac Pro is a more professional, workstation class tool. The consumer grade apparatus of the iMac has less strict tolerances than its counterpart. The cheaper may seem like it operates a little wonky in comparison. Unless you are using it strictly for vocational pursuits and your job is in high end graphic design and 3D modeling, the iMac will suit even the most stringent of business tasks and every day uses. Gaming seems wonderful on the iMac, the Mac Pro not being able to compete in that department.
If you use Open CL apps very frequently or are a professional video editor, then Mac Pro may be what you are looking for. Or if you use a vast amount of Thunderbolt devices, or several monitors, simultaneously, you may want to consider it. Otherwise, the iMac is a strong competitor, winning over users on a regular basis, for its price and compatibility. However, the Pro Mac will function better than the iMac in the recording arena, specifically when absolute quiet is needed.
The Pro is available in 4 and 6 core processors, while the iMac is standard with a 4 core Intel processor. The iMac is heavier but it does not feel or look clunky in any way.