I recently (last week) got a machine similar to what you're talking about (2015 27' iMac). You'd get much better performance from a Solid State drive though.

Regarding the storage drive, the 7200RPM drive will work. I don't think it'll equal a true 8 core processor but it is a substantial improvement over a straight 4 core (the i5 for example), especially if you find youself using a lot of plugins (can happen easier than you'd think LOL!!). Hyperthreading-aware apps (like Logic Pro) will 'see' 8 CPU cores instead of 4 and distribute the load among them. iMacs are pricey, we want 'em to work for us for as many years as possible, right?Īlso, the i7 is capable of a feature called Hyperthreading which essentially means each core can virtually perform two functions at the same time. If for no other reason this will better future-proof your purchase.

If, on the other hand, you do move to Logic Pro & decide to get more serious with your recording (this happened just this way with me quite a few years ago - started with a limited set of needs, quickly grew because I found I dig it so much) then, IMHO, you'd be better served by upgrading to an i7 processor. For what you're talking about this machine would do pretty well.

Late 2013 imac 27 inch i5 8gb ram chips