Again, there's a Core i7 option for online orders, this time running at 3.1GHz (up to 3.9GHz Turbo Boost). 8GB of DDR3 memory is included as standard, and can be either upgraded through Apple's own store to up to 32GB, or – by popping off the small hatch on the rear of the iMac – fitting your own choice of third-party memory.Īs for the 21.5-inch iMac, that kicks off with a 2.7GHz quadcore Core i5 (up to 3.2GHz Turbo Boost) with a 2.9GHz quadcore Core i5 (up to 3.6GHz Turbo Boost) in the higher performance model. Our review unit has been upgraded to the 3.5GHz quadcore Core i7 (up to 3.9GHz Turbo Boost), which is an order-only option. The Current Problem With Pro Tools HDX Cards and Thunderbolt 3įollowing the release of Apple Thunderbolt 3 computers like the Mac Mini 2018 and the iMac Pro, we have seen some confusion about which thunderbolt expansion chassis you can use with a Thunderbolt equipped Apple computer and so we thought it would be helpful to put together a guide especially as the transition to Thunderbolt 3 has muddied the waters in this area.The entry level 27-inch iMac has a 3.2GHz quadcore Core i5 (with up to 3.6GHz Turbo Boost) while the higher-performance preconfiguration has a 3.4GHz quadcore Core i5 (up to 3.8GHz Turbo Boost).

Let’s get straight to the nub of the problem. “Thunderbolt 3 multi-slot chassis are not supported at this time unless using Sonnet's Echo Express III-D or III-R with a Sonnet Thunderbolt 2 Upgrade Card.” As a general rule deviate from them at your peril.Īvid state in their Mac Pro Tools System Requirements compatibility document that… Essentially make sure you check the Avid compatibility documents before you buy any hardware or look at upgrading software. We reached out to Sonnet to try and understand the back story behind this statement and they told us the specific issue is that Avid HDX cards are NOT currently compatible with Thunderbolt 3 in multi-slot Thunderbolt 3 to PCIe card expansion chassis and for Pro Tools users this applies to the Sonnet Echo Express III-R and III-D as well as the Magma EBT3 chassis.

Late 2013 imac 27 pci3