architectural workstation cost analysis

[04/05/2022 > updated with reference to PC comparison]

As Apple has discontinued the 27-inch iMac, the base cost of a capable BIM workstation has increased significantly.

Surprisingly, Apple’s new hardware compares rather favourably to comparable PC hardware.

OPTIONDESCRIPTIONPRICE [AUD]ALTERNATIVE PRICE [AUD]NOTES
A27-inch iMac with Retina 5K display

• 3.8GHz 8-core 10th-generation Intel Core i7 processor with Turbo Boost up to 5.0GHz
• 8GB of 2666MHz DDR4 memory
• 512GB of SSD storage
• Radeon Pro 5500 XT with 8GB of GDDR6 memory
• Gigabit Ethernet
• Standard glass
• Magic Mouse 2
• Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad — US English • Accessory Kit
3458.40Discontinued
3rd party RAM (2 x 16GB)170.00
Subtotal3628.40
BMacBook Pro 14" 

• Apple M1 Pro with 8-core CPU
• 14-core GPU and 16-core Neural Engine
• 32GB unified memory
• 512GB SSD storage
• 67W USB-C Power Adapter 14-inch Liquid Retina XDR display

Three Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI port, SDXC card slot and MagSafe 3 port Backlit Magic Keyboard with Touch ID — US English Accessory Kit
3599.00Flexibility
Monitor LG UL550-W 27" 4K w. Tilt & height adjust470.00
Monitor LG 27MD5KL-B 5K w. Tilt & height adjust1880.00
A-logic Display port cable40.00
OWC Thunderbolt Dock279.00
Laptop stand75.00
Magic keyboard w. Numeric keypad179.00
Logitech MX Master 3 / Magic Mouse130.00
Subtotal4772.005863.00
CMac Studio

• Apple M1 Max with 10-core CPU
• 24-core GPU and 16-core Neural Engine
• 32GB unified memory
• 512GB SSD storage

Front: Two USB-C ports, one SDXC card slot Back: Four Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB-A ports, one HDMI port, one 10Gb Ethernet port, one 3.5-mm headphone jack
3099.00Desktop
Monitor LG UL550-W 27" 4K w. Tilt & height adjust470.00
Monitor LG 27MD5KL-B 5K w. Tilt & height adjust Built-in Camera Full HD (1080p) No 12MP No centre stage Built-in mic1880.00
A-logic Display port cable40.00
Logitech StreamCam Full HD (1080p) No 12MP No centre stage Built-in mic Monitor/Tripod mount170.00
Magic keyboard w. Numeric keypad179.00
Logitech MX Master 3 / Magic Mouse130.00
Subtotal4088.005288.00
DMac Studio 

• Apple M1 Max with 10-core CPU
• 24-core GPU and 16-core Neural Engine
• 32GB unified memory
• 512GB SSD storage

Front: Two USB-C ports, one SDXC card slot Back: Four Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB-A ports, one HDMI port, one 10Gb Ethernet port, one 3.5-mm headphone jack
3099.00Desktop
Monitor Apple Studio Display w. Tilt & height adjust3099.00
Magic keyboard w. Numeric keypad179.00
Logitech MX Master 3 / Magic Mouse130.00
Subtotal6507.00

Next Post

Previous Post