I'm not sure its worth the effort for so little gain ...
* Yes, the i7 CPU is faster but by only a slight margin.
* Yes, it does offer hyper-threading Vs the i5 but most basic workstation apps are still single threaded.
* Yes, if you run multiple apps concurrently each can have its own thread pool, so you could run an Excel spreadsheet crunch while you're doing something else thats CPU intensive. But how often are you doing that??
* Yes, a gamer or someone working in video or music will find the i7 hyper-threading useful! But they are likely to have a bigger display (27" or larger external).
OK, so to your point, is your CPU chip soldered? As far as I know its not in your given model as you've already discovered the base model: [http://ark.intel.com/products/76640/Intel-Core-i5-4570R-Processor-4M-Cache-up-to-3_20-GHz?q=4570R|Intel i5-4570R 2.7 GHz (Ramped 3.20 GHz)] CPU is soldered down. So yes you could swap out the CPU.
'''Now the rub:''' This is a '''VERY big job!''' Not only do you need to remove the display without damaging it, you'll need to pull the logic board completely out of the system. If you've not serviced the newer 'Thin Series' systems you may want to think long and hard here before attempting!
Here is the IFIXIT guide you'll need to follow: [guide|29012|iMac Intel 21.5" EMC 2638 Logic Board Replacement] heed the warnings! and make sure you use the correct tools and follow the instructions to the letter as it doesn't take much to kill the display (trust me I know!)
=== Update (08/03/2016) ===
As a Web designer your needs are more complex here as you more often need more CPU clocking Vs multiple threading. When you are compiling your code it's clocking that counts, when working with page layout you need threading. Review your tools on what they require! As my answer is based on what we use.
-
So what to do here?? I would take a different direction! Instead I would get a Mac Mini (no display or keyboard/mouse needed!) Here we'll set it up as a compiling server. So you move your build on to it to then you let it compile on its own leaving your iMac free to continue doing other things. As you'll use screen sharing (built in to the OS to access the system to run the apps off one the mini you'll run it headless and without the keyboard/mouse. Yes, you'll need them in the setup but not afterwards (use your iMac's).
+
So what to do here?? I would take a different direction! Instead I would get a Mac Mini (no display or keyboard/mouse needed!) Here we'll set it up as a compiling server. So you move your build on to it to then let it compile on its own leaving your iMac free to continue doing other things. You'll use screen sharing to access it over your Ethernet network (screen sharing is built in to the OS) the mini will run headless and without the keyboard/mouse. Yes, you'll need them in the setup but not afterwards (use your iMac's for that).
While that can reduce your need for a more powerful iMac there are limits here ;-{ The links I posted in your question is the different chips your iMac can support. Sorry ;-{
Our web & presentation developers use Mac Pro's to gain the power they need which is a big leap here from a 21.5" iMac.
I'm not sure its worth the effort for so little gain ...
* Yes, the i7 CPU is faster but by only a slight margin.
* Yes, it does offer hyper-threading Vs the i5 but most basic workstation apps are still single threaded.
* Yes, if you run multiple apps concurrently each can have its own thread pool, so you could run an Excel spreadsheet crunch while you're doing something else thats CPU intensive. But how often are you doing that??
* Yes, a gamer or someone working in video or music will find the i7 hyper-threading useful! But they are likely to have a bigger display (27" or larger external).
OK, so to your point, is your CPU chip soldered? As far as I know its not in your given model as you've already discovered the base model: [http://ark.intel.com/products/76640/Intel-Core-i5-4570R-Processor-4M-Cache-up-to-3_20-GHz?q=4570R|Intel i5-4570R 2.7 GHz (Ramped 3.20 GHz)] CPU is soldered down. So yes you could swap out the CPU.
'''Now the rub:''' This is a '''VERY big job!''' Not only do you need to remove the display without damaging it, you'll need to pull the logic board completely out of the system. If you've not serviced the newer 'Thin Series' systems you may want to think long and hard here before attempting!
Here is the IFIXIT guide you'll need to follow: [guide|29012|iMac Intel 21.5" EMC 2638 Logic Board Replacement] heed the warnings! and make sure you use the correct tools and follow the instructions to the letter as it doesn't take much to kill the display (trust me I know!)
=== Update (08/03/2016) ===
-
As a Web designer your needs are more complex here as you more often need more CPU clocking Vs multiple threading. When you are compiling your code it's clocking that counts, when working with page layout you need threading.
+
As a Web designer your needs are more complex here as you more often need more CPU clocking Vs multiple threading. When you are compiling your code it's clocking that counts, when working with page layout you need threading. Review your tools on what they require! As my answer is based on what we use.
So what to do here?? I would take a different direction! Instead I would get a Mac Mini (no display or keyboard/mouse needed!) Here we'll set it up as a compiling server. So you move your build on to it to then you let it compile on its own leaving your iMac free to continue doing other things. As you'll use screen sharing (built in to the OS to access the system to run the apps off one the mini you'll run it headless and without the keyboard/mouse. Yes, you'll need them in the setup but not afterwards (use your iMac's).
While that can reduce your need for a more powerful iMac there are limits here ;-{ The links I posted in your question is the different chips your iMac can support. Sorry ;-{
Our web & presentation developers use Mac Pro's to gain the power they need which is a big leap here from a 21.5" iMac.
I'm not sure its worth the effort for so little gain ...
* Yes, the i7 CPU is faster but by only a slight margin.
* Yes, it does offer hyper-threading Vs the i5 but most basic workstation apps are still single threaded.
* Yes, if you run multiple apps concurrently each can have its own thread pool, so you could run an Excel spreadsheet crunch while you're doing something else thats CPU intensive. But how often are you doing that??
* Yes, a gamer or someone working in video or music will find the i7 hyper-threading useful! But they are likely to have a bigger display (27" or larger external).
OK, so to your point, is your CPU chip soldered? As far as I know its not in your given model as you've already discovered the base model: [http://ark.intel.com/products/76640/Intel-Core-i5-4570R-Processor-4M-Cache-up-to-3_20-GHz?q=4570R|Intel i5-4570R 2.7 GHz (Ramped 3.20 GHz)] CPU is soldered down. So yes you could swap out the CPU.
'''Now the rub:''' This is a '''VERY big job!''' Not only do you need to remove the display without damaging it, you'll need to pull the logic board completely out of the system. If you've not serviced the newer 'Thin Series' systems you may want to think long and hard here before attempting!
Here is the IFIXIT guide you'll need to follow: [guide|29012|iMac Intel 21.5" EMC 2638 Logic Board Replacement] heed the warnings! and make sure you use the correct tools and follow the instructions to the letter as it doesn't take much to kill the display (trust me I know!)
=== Update (08/03/2016) ===
As a Web designer your needs are more complex here as you more often need more CPU clocking Vs multiple threading. When you are compiling your code it's clocking that counts, when working with page layout you need threading.
-
So what to do here?? I would take a different direction! Instead I would get a Mac Mini (no display or keyboard/mouse needed!) Here we'll set it up as a compiling server. So you grow your build on to it to then compile on its own leaving your iMac free to continue doing other things. As you'll use screen sharing (built in to the OS to access the system to run the apps off one the mini.
+
So what to do here?? I would take a different direction! Instead I would get a Mac Mini (no display or keyboard/mouse needed!) Here we'll set it up as a compiling server. So you move your build on to it to then you let it compile on its own leaving your iMac free to continue doing other things. As you'll use screen sharing (built in to the OS to access the system to run the apps off one the mini you'll run it headless and without the keyboard/mouse. Yes, you'll need them in the setup but not afterwards (use your iMac's).
-
While that can reduce your need for a more powerful iMac there are limits here ;-{ The links I posted in your question on the different chips your iMac can support.
+
While that can reduce your need for a more powerful iMac there are limits here ;-{ The links I posted in your question is the different chips your iMac can support. Sorry ;-{
-
Our web & presentation developers use Mac Pro's to gain the power they need which is a big leap here.
+
Our web & presentation developers use Mac Pro's to gain the power they need which is a big leap here from a 21.5" iMac.
I'm not sure its worth the effort for so little gain ...
* Yes, the i7 CPU is faster but by only a slight margin.
* Yes, it does offer hyper-threading Vs the i5 but most basic workstation apps are still single threaded.
* Yes, if you run multiple apps concurrently each can have its own thread pool, so you could run an Excel spreadsheet crunch while you're doing something else thats CPU intensive. But how often are you doing that??
* Yes, a gamer or someone working in video or music will find the i7 hyper-threading useful! But they are likely to have a bigger display (27" or larger external).
OK, so to your point, is your CPU chip soldered? As far as I know its not in your given model as you've already discovered the base model: [http://ark.intel.com/products/76640/Intel-Core-i5-4570R-Processor-4M-Cache-up-to-3_20-GHz?q=4570R|Intel i5-4570R 2.7 GHz (Ramped 3.20 GHz)] CPU is soldered down. So yes you could swap out the CPU.
-
'''Now the rub:''' This is a '''VERY big job!''' Not only do you need to remove the display without damaging it, you'll need to pull the logic board completely out of the system. If you've not serviced the newer 'Thin Series' systems you may want to think long and hard here before attempting!
+
'''Now the rub:''' This is a '''VERY big job!''' Not only do you need to remove the display without damaging it, you'll need to pull the logic board completely out of the system. If you've not serviced the newer 'Thin Series' systems you may want to think long and hard here before attempting!
Here is the IFIXIT guide you'll need to follow: [guide|29012|iMac Intel 21.5" EMC 2638 Logic Board Replacement] heed the warnings! and make sure you use the correct tools and follow the instructions to the letter as it doesn't take much to kill the display (trust me I know!)
+
+
=== Update (08/03/2016) ===
+
+
As a Web designer your needs are more complex here as you more often need more CPU clocking Vs multiple threading. When you are compiling your code it's clocking that counts, when working with page layout you need threading.
+
+
So what to do here?? I would take a different direction! Instead I would get a Mac Mini (no display or keyboard/mouse needed!) Here we'll set it up as a compiling server. So you grow your build on to it to then compile on its own leaving your iMac free to continue doing other things. As you'll use screen sharing (built in to the OS to access the system to run the apps off one the mini.
+
+
While that can reduce your need for a more powerful iMac there are limits here ;-{ The links I posted in your question on the different chips your iMac can support.
+
+
Our web & presentation developers use Mac Pro's to gain the power they need which is a big leap here.
I'm not sure its worth the effort for so little gain ...
* Yes, the i7 CPU is faster but by only a slight margin.
* Yes, it does offer hyper-threading Vs the i5 but most basic workstation apps are still single threaded.
* Yes, if you run multiple apps concurrently each can have its own thread pool, so you could run an Excel spreadsheet crunch while you're doing something else thats CPU intensive. But how often are you doing that??
* Yes, a gamer or someone working in video or music will find the i7 hyper-threading useful! But they are likely to have a bigger display (27" or larger external).
OK, so to your point, is your CPU chip soldered? As far as I know its not in your given model as you've already discovered the base model: [http://ark.intel.com/products/76640/Intel-Core-i5-4570R-Processor-4M-Cache-up-to-3_20-GHz?q=4570R|Intel i5-4570R 2.7 GHz (Ramped 3.20 GHz)] CPU is soldered down. So yes you could swap out the CPU.
-
'''Now the rub:''' This is a '''VERY big job!''' Not only do you need to remove the display without damaging it, you'll need to pull the logic board completely out of the system. If you've not serviced the newer 'Thin Series' systems you may want to think long and hard here before attempting! Here is the IFIXIT guide you'll need to follow: [guide|29012|iMac Intel 21.5" EMC 2638 Logic Board Replacement] heed the warnings! and make sure you use the correct tools and follow the instructions to the letter as it doesn't take much to kill the display (trust me I know!)
+
'''Now the rub:''' This is a '''VERY big job!''' Not only do you need to remove the display without damaging it, you'll need to pull the logic board completely out of the system. If you've not serviced the newer 'Thin Series' systems you may want to think long and hard here before attempting!
+
+
Here is the IFIXIT guide you'll need to follow: [guide|29012|iMac Intel 21.5" EMC 2638 Logic Board Replacement] heed the warnings! and make sure you use the correct tools and follow the instructions to the letter as it doesn't take much to kill the display (trust me I know!)
I'm not sure its worth the effort for so little gain ...
* Yes, the i7 CPU is faster but by only a slight margin.
* Yes, it does offer hyper-threading Vs the i5 but most basic workstation apps are still single threaded.
* Yes, if you run multiple apps concurrently each can have its own thread pool, so you could run an Excel spreadsheet crunch while you're doing something else thats CPU intensive. But how often are you doing that??
* Yes, a gamer or someone working in video or music will find the i7 hyper-threading useful! But they are likely to have a bigger display (27" or larger external).
OK, so to your point, is your CPU chip soldered? As far as I know its not in your given model as you've already discovered the base model: [http://ark.intel.com/products/76640/Intel-Core-i5-4570R-Processor-4M-Cache-up-to-3_20-GHz?q=4570R|Intel i5-4570R 2.7 GHz (Ramped 3.20 GHz)] CPU is soldered down. So yes you could swap out the CPU.
-
Now the rub: This is a VERY big job! Not only do you need to remove the display without damaging it, you'll need to pull the logic board completely out of the system. If you've not serviced the newer 'Thin Series' systems you may want to think long and hard here before attempting! Here is the IFIXIT guide you'll need to follow: [guide|29012|iMac Intel 21.5" EMC 2638 Logic Board Replacement] heed the warnings! and make sure you use the correct tools and follow the instructions to the letter as it doesn't take much to kill the display (trust me I know!)
+
'''Now the rub:''' This is a '''VERY big job!''' Not only do you need to remove the display without damaging it, you'll need to pull the logic board completely out of the system. If you've not serviced the newer 'Thin Series' systems you may want to think long and hard here before attempting! Here is the IFIXIT guide you'll need to follow: [guide|29012|iMac Intel 21.5" EMC 2638 Logic Board Replacement] heed the warnings! and make sure you use the correct tools and follow the instructions to the letter as it doesn't take much to kill the display (trust me I know!)
I'm not sure its worth the effort for so little gain ...
* Yes, the i7 CPU is faster but by only a slight margin.
* Yes, it does offer hyper-threading Vs the i5 but most basic workstation apps are still single threaded.
* Yes, if you run multiple apps concurrently each can have its own thread pool, so you could run an Excel spreadsheet crunch while you're doing something else thats CPU intensive. But how often are you doing that??
* Yes, a gamer or someone working in video or music will find the i7 hyper-threading useful! But they are likely to have a bigger display (27" or larger external).
-
OK, so to your point, is your CPU chip soldered? As far as I know its not in your given model as you've already discovered the base model: [http://ark.intel.com/products/76640/Intel-Core-i5-4570R-Processor-4M-Cache-up-to-3_20-GHz?q=4570R|Intel i5-4570R 2.7 GHz (Ramped 3.20 GHz) Processor] CPU is soldered down. So yes you could swap out the CPU.
+
OK, so to your point, is your CPU chip soldered? As far as I know its not in your given model as you've already discovered the base model: [http://ark.intel.com/products/76640/Intel-Core-i5-4570R-Processor-4M-Cache-up-to-3_20-GHz?q=4570R|Intel i5-4570R 2.7 GHz (Ramped 3.20 GHz)] CPU is soldered down. So yes you could swap out the CPU.
Now the rub: This is a VERY big job! Not only do you need to remove the display without damaging it, you'll need to pull the logic board completely out of the system. If you've not serviced the newer 'Thin Series' systems you may want to think long and hard here before attempting! Here is the IFIXIT guide you'll need to follow: [guide|29012|iMac Intel 21.5" EMC 2638 Logic Board Replacement] heed the warnings! and make sure you use the correct tools and follow the instructions to the letter as it doesn't take much to kill the display (trust me I know!)
I'm not sure its worth the effort for so little gain ...
* Yes, the i7 CPU is faster but by only a slight margin.
* Yes, it does offer hyper-threading Vs the i5 but most basic workstation apps are still single threaded.
-
* Yes, if you run multiple apps concurrently each can have its own thread pool, so you could run an Excel spreadsheet crunch. But how often are you doing that??
+
* Yes, if you run multiple apps concurrently each can have its own thread pool, so you could run an Excel spreadsheet crunch while you're doing something else thats CPU intensive. But how often are you doing that??
* Yes, a gamer or someone working in video or music will find the i7 hyper-threading useful! But they are likely to have a bigger display (27" or larger external).
OK, so to your point, is your CPU chip soldered? As far as I know its not in your given model as you've already discovered the base model: [http://ark.intel.com/products/76640/Intel-Core-i5-4570R-Processor-4M-Cache-up-to-3_20-GHz?q=4570R|Intel i5-4570R 2.7 GHz (Ramped 3.20 GHz) Processor] CPU is soldered down. So yes you could swap out the CPU.
Now the rub: This is a VERY big job! Not only do you need to remove the display without damaging it, you'll need to pull the logic board completely out of the system. If you've not serviced the newer 'Thin Series' systems you may want to think long and hard here before attempting! Here is the IFIXIT guide you'll need to follow: [guide|29012|iMac Intel 21.5" EMC 2638 Logic Board Replacement] heed the warnings! and make sure you use the correct tools and follow the instructions to the letter as it doesn't take much to kill the display (trust me I know!)
I'm not sure its worth the effort for so little gain ...
* Yes, the i7 CPU is faster but by only a slight margin.
* Yes, it does offer hyper-threading Vs the i5 but most basic workstation apps are still single threaded.
* Yes, if you run multiple apps concurrently each can have its own thread pool, so you could run an Excel spreadsheet crunch. But how often are you doing that??
* Yes, a gamer or someone working in video or music will find the i7 hyper-threading useful! But they are likely to have a bigger display (27" or larger external).
OK, so to your point, is your CPU chip soldered? As far as I know its not in your given model as you've already discovered the base model: [http://ark.intel.com/products/76640/Intel-Core-i5-4570R-Processor-4M-Cache-up-to-3_20-GHz?q=4570R|Intel i5-4570R 2.7 GHz (Ramped 3.20 GHz) Processor] CPU is soldered down. So yes you could swap out the CPU.
Now the rub: This is a VERY big job! Not only do you need to remove the display without damaging it, you'll need to pull the logic board completely out of the system. If you've not serviced the newer 'Thin Series' systems you may want to think long and hard here before attempting! Here is the IFIXIT guide you'll need to follow: [guide|29012|iMac Intel 21.5" EMC 2638 Logic Board Replacement] heed the warnings! and make sure you use the correct tools and follow the instructions to the letter as it doesn't take much to kill the display (trust me I know!)