What might be a Windows desktop alternative to iMac

[levmc]

I don't mean all in one but if you don't care much about all in one and just want functionality, and you wanted 128 GB Ram capacity and a 27 inch LG monitor, how much would the monitor and tower cost?

I'm asking because I think it might have been a mistake to buy iMac, because I'm thinking the Mac OS might not even be necessary for me, and it only goes up to 64 GB Ram (2017 version).

What would be a Window tower that is similar to or better than iMac (and also 128 GM Ram capable) that I could connect to a 27 inch LG monitor?

 

[wardie]

What is the 128GB RAM needed for? Sounds like you have a specific use case and are not a general purpose user. If so, that use case ought to determine your optimal machine: iMac / Pro, Mac Pro, PC, whatever.

 

[levmc]

Just having a lot of browsers and tabs open.

 

[xraydoc]

Just having a lot of browsers and tabs open.

There's no way you need 128GB of RAM for browser tabs, no matter how many you have open.

 

[velocityg4]

If you are looking at price to performance. This build costs less than a top spec iMac and would crush it on performance. Plus it has triple 4K displays. Which would be more useful for your stated uses than one 5K display.

If you simply wanted to meet the specs of a top spec iMac. It would cost considerably less. Although you'd take big it in the display price. Those 5K screens aren't cheap.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 3950X 3.5 GHz 16-Core Processor ($749.00 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H115i PRO 55.4 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($136.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte X570 AORUS ELITE WIFI ATX AM4 Motherboard ($179.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro 128 GB (4 x 32 GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($634.99 @ Corsair)
Storage: Sabrent Rocket 4.0 2 TB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive ($369.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Sabrent Rocket 4.0 2 TB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive ($369.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Asus Radeon RX 5700 XT 8 GB TUF Gaming X3 OC Video Card ($369.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Meshify C ATX Mid Tower Case ($99.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair RMx (2018) 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($129.99 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Pro OEM 64-bit ($139.99 @ Other World Computing)
Monitor: LG 27BL65U-W 27.0" 3840x2160 60 Hz Monitor ($283.98 @ Amazon)
Monitor: LG 27BL65U-W 27.0" 3840x2160 60 Hz Monitor ($283.98 @ Amazon)
Monitor: LG 27BL65U-W 27.0" 3840x2160 60 Hz Monitor ($283.98 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 Wired Standard Keyboard ($118.77 @ Amazon)
Mouse: Logitech MX MASTER 2S (Black) Wireless Laser Mouse ($71.95 @ Amazon)
Total: $4223.56
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-01-31 11:50 EST-0500

Edit: Just note the displays aren't nearly as nice as the iMac display. They were chosen since they are great screens and a better fit for your uses.

 

[levmc]

The total price I was thinking was for less than $2000.

Would you have to learn to put those parts together? How long would the learning take?

I think for now I would prefer the sharpness of the 5k screens although I would have to take a look at the 4k to see if the sharpness is good enough. But I see that the price difference between 4k and 5k is huge, maybe not worth the price.

 

[xraydoc]

The total price I was thinking was for less than $2000.

Would you have to learn to put those parts together? How long would the learning take?

I think for now I would prefer the sharpness of the 5k screens although I would have to take a look at the 4k to see if the sharpness is good enough. But I see that the price difference between 4k and 5k is huge, maybe not worth the price.

You do realize that 128GB of RAM is around $600 all by itself, yes?

 

[velocityg4]

The total price I was thinking was for less than $2000.

Would you have to learn to put those parts together? How long would the learning take?

I think for now I would prefer the sharpness of the 5k screens although I would have to take a look at the 4k to see if the sharpness is good enough. But I see that the price difference between 4k and 5k is huge, maybe not worth the price.

I've setup a 5K iMac with two 27" LG 4K Ultrafine Thunderbolt Displays. I could hardly tell the difference. Also, as far as I can tell. The 27" LG 5K Ultrafine is Thunderbolt only. Which is difficult to find in a desktop and non-viable for discrete video. All other 5K displays I'm aware of have been discontinued.