Is the Mac pro For me [Archive]

View Full Version : Is the Mac pro For me

Carguy172

Nov 1, 2006, 03:29 PM

Ok here's what i do on the computer, I have a website so I do web design I have lots of music and movies I like to edit and design things im not a huge gamer but I will play the odd game. Is the mac pro good for me

I like the Mac Pro because its future proof, It has lots of power,
a good design and it looks good.

Right now my computer is not good enough I have a 40 gig drive 512 ram and 2.8 ghz

jamesi

Nov 1, 2006, 03:31 PM

if you are not a huge gamer then get one of the latest imacs.

zoran

Nov 1, 2006, 03:32 PM

Maybe its too mutch for you :)

MacRumorUser

Nov 1, 2006, 03:51 PM

I like the Mac Pro because its future proof

No computer is future proof thats just an idiom.
Technology constanty changes & evolves.

orangezorki

Nov 1, 2006, 04:03 PM

I was in exactly the same position a couple of months ago. After a couple of buzzing 24" iMacs, I ended up with a Mac Pro, and so far everything is pretty smooth. If anything, my needs are less demanding than yours, but I'm really happy. The ability to have a seperate drive for Windows, a powerful graphics card, loads of expansion, and a truly superbly designed and built enclose make it a luxury item, but one that can be rationalised.

Basically, it isn't future proof, but it is future resistant! :p

David

Dont Hurt Me

Nov 1, 2006, 04:05 PM

Carguy172

Nov 1, 2006, 04:12 PM

When I said future proof I meant it would be good for quite a while, Not forever.

vendettabass

Nov 1, 2006, 05:05 PM

I'm in the same position bro' about what machine to get next year.. I already have two lovely Sony VGA monitors, but would love to swap the PC and iBook for a MBP, so I get the best of both worlds, but I don't wanna sell my monitors :(

Carguy172

Nov 1, 2006, 06:06 PM

I keep changing my mind but I think I might be sticking with this one, It has all the features I want.

THX1139

Nov 1, 2006, 08:14 PM

If you have to ask, then it's not for you. Seriously, for what you are doing, you would be better off with a laptop. Maybe even a refurb or a used G4 and save a bundle of money? If you need a desktop, get an iMac or Mini, and leave the rest of your money in the bank. You don't need multiple processors to type out HTML or work at screen resolution in Photoshop! Trust me... I do web design for a living.

Carguy172

Nov 1, 2006, 08:16 PM

I'm not doing web design I'm designing graphics and I do some web design. Beside if I got a g4 i'd be down grading. Oh and I only buy new.

Willis

Nov 1, 2006, 08:32 PM

I'm not doing web design I'm designing graphics and I do some web design. Beside if I got a g4 i'd be down grading. Oh and I only buy new.

To be honest, the MacPro is way Overkill for what you plan on doing. a 20/24" iMac would do that job just as good. However, on the flip side, you can keep the Mac Pro for a couple extra years than you would on the iMacs.

End of the day, you buy what you want. All you have to ask yourself is 'is this amount of money worth it?'

Carguy172

Nov 1, 2006, 08:42 PM

fivetoadsloth

Nov 1, 2006, 08:46 PM

id say go with the pro, if you can afford it. It is fast and i generally dont get "good enough of a computer". I got a mac mini and than started doing graphics so than i had to upgrade again, and now i need a more powerful app but can upgrade so im kinda stuck. Go with the best you can afford, fr all you know your next hobby might me 3d animation;)

ironjaw

Nov 1, 2006, 08:50 PM

A question of need or want I would say.

This question has been asked a 100 times at Apple Discussions.

Some people have the money to spend without worries and others have a job and need to think economically - Money does not grow on trees you know!:D If only:p

It all depends on how much your willing to spend. If you have the extra monitors (you don't need ACD - normal LCD's are cheaper and great - the ACD is drooling - like a farrari) and keyboard, mouse then you only need to spend on the Mac Pro itself.

If not then decide by comparing the prices of the Mac Pro vs. iMac of the machine that you would want.

The iMac 24" is IMHO a very good machine - an all round package.

Pro user need expandability and power to simulate a protein strand or a complex mathematical equation simulation in the 6000th dimension. Think, Logic Pro, Xgrid services, Server, Fiberchannel cards, ACD 30", multi Operating System Testing. FCP needs additional drives as scratch disk, high end transfers on FW800 (iMac has this also), Pro users are using programs that already utilise multicore processors. For what your going to do - desigining graphics is rarely going to use the other core.

If your going to use your machine to do some serious work then buy it, but if your going to spend alot of money on a Mac Pro because it is the best currently only to show off to friends to get kudos then forget it. Your better off saving the money and take your girlfriend/wife out on a trip abroad and get busy :D Now that's investment:p

As someone said earlier if your asking then you dont need it.

Fredou51

Nov 1, 2006, 09:14 PM

I disagree with people saying you don't need it. I bought a mac pro because I wanted to start video editing in FCP and some work with Shake. I don't regret it at all. Even though these are pretty processor intensive, people still said "You should buy an imac, it is good enough for FCP". I feel now, that I could never go back to a less powerful computer. Everything is so much faster (yes, everything, even smally tiny consumer application). It makes a difference in every aspect (just make sure you get enough ram). The experience is much, much better. I think some people tend to underestimate the power needed from a computer.

Frederic

Chone

Nov 1, 2006, 09:25 PM

Yeah I don't get the whole "don't need" and "mac pros are for pros" talk, iMacs have some serious disadvantages and Mac Pro might be overkill but in any case it will last longer, you can NEVER have too much power.

THX1139

Nov 2, 2006, 01:14 AM

I disagree with people saying you don't need it. I bought a mac pro because I wanted to start video editing in FCP and some work with Shake.

Frederic

The OP said nothing about doing video. If he had, I might have recommended the MacPro. You are the one who's bringing video into the equation and that changes everything. Your post was to a question that wasn't asked so I don't get the point of it.

THX1139

Nov 2, 2006, 01:23 AM

I'm not doing web design I'm designing graphics and I do some web design. Beside if I got a g4 i'd be down grading. Oh and I only buy new.

Get your story straight. In your orginal post you said "I have a website so I do web design." Well, there is a huge difference between doing design for the web or design for print. Actually, looking back at your original post, you are pretty vague about what you actually use your computer for... if anything, you look to be someone who does things for a hobby. For that, you don't need a professional 4 core machine. But hey, go ahead... throw your money away, makes no difference to me. If you only buy new and need power, then the C2D macbook pro or iMac should be sufficent. Anything beyond that is overkill for a hobbyist unless you can afford the best and need to feed your ego.

THX1139

Nov 2, 2006, 01:27 AM

... you can NEVER have too much power.

Does that hold true for someone who just uses their computer for surfing the web or doing email? My sister for example, all she does is use the web to read about her knitting hobby and to send email. Do you think she should get a MacPro too?

zoran

Nov 2, 2006, 01:28 AM

Get your story straight. In your orginal post you said "I have a website so I do web design." Well, there is a huge difference between doing design for the web or design for print. Actually, looking back at your original post, you are pretty vague about what you actually use your computer for... if anything, you look to be someone who does things for a hobby. For that, you don't need a professional 4 core machine. But hey, go ahead... throw your money away, makes no difference to me. If you only buy new and need power, then the C2D macbook pro or iMac should be sufficent. Anything beyond that is overkill for a hobbyist unless you can afford the best and need to feed your ego.

Apparently he is a hobbyst and can afford it and im jealous and im drooling! :D
Damn you poverty! :D :D :D

Chone

Nov 2, 2006, 08:48 AM

Does that hold true for someone who just uses their computer for surfing the web or doing email? My sister for example, all she does is use the web to read about her knitting hobby and to send email. Do you think she should get a MacPro too?

No but people on MacRumors are obviously not this kind of people... this kind of people don't even need an iMac, a mac mini woudl be overkill for these

Whats the matter huh? Doesn't mean nobody should get a Mac Pro if you don't, it may be more expensive but some people may find the price justifiable, you are not an idiot for shelling 2500$ for a Mac Pro over a 1500$ 20" iMac, the Mac Pro is considerably faster and will last longer.

Something similar happened to me when I was deciding whether to buy a PowerMac G4 or an iMac, turns out the PM G4 lasted me 6 years (well its still in use so more than that) with some upgrades and its still fast... I know the iMac would be pathetically slow by now so there I know buying a fast desktop is always a good decision, especially for people who use their computer a lot and do demanding tasks with it and getting work done in less time is ALWAYS a good thing or no?

Besides its not like the Mac Pro costs $10000, its only 2500$, 2000$ if you downgrade it, thats a $500-0$ price difference between a 20" iMac and 24" iMac respectively...

I'm not saying don't buy iMacs either, I'm just saying Mac Pro should be considered when making the purchase and not be automatically discarded as "too much for my needs" "overkill" or "for pros only".

iJaz

Nov 2, 2006, 09:25 AM

I vote Mac Pro!
It's nice to be able to upgrade, it's nice not to have any fans in your face, it looks nicer (if you get the ACD). More power means less time waiting, and waiting time is money, i.e. you'll not lose so much money in the long run! ;)
I bought a 20" iMac, got dissapointed, returned it and got a PowerMac + ACD instead, I don't regret it a bit!

slughead

Nov 2, 2006, 01:01 PM

The Mac pro is more economical over time.

• It can be upgrade to 8 cores
• 16GB RAM
• 16 Lane PCI card
• 4 hard drives (or 5, if you're crazy like me (http://www.tenthousandpercent.com/index.php?article=65&section=other)
• If you want to replace it, you can KEEP your monitor.

Fredou51

Nov 2, 2006, 02:31 PM

The OP said nothing about doing video. If he had, I might have recommended the MacPro. You are the one who's bringing video into the equation and that changes everything. Your post was to a question that wasn't asked so I don't get the point of it.

I talked about video for my personal experience and what I meant was that people still recomended the iMac for me.

Now for the OP, without video, I still think a mac pro should be considered because every task, apart from web browsing and typing in Microsoft Word, is quicker on a Mac Pro. I noticed a HUGE difference in application like iPhoto and basic iLife stuff. I think one of the biggest answer to the fact that the mac pro is so much quicker is the bus speed at 2x1.33Ghz(1.33Ghz per processor) compared to the iMac 667 Mhz bus. That is, in theory, four times more bus speed and that is also combined with the quad channel ram if you get at least 2GB (which you should anyway).

Frederic

daveIT

Nov 2, 2006, 03:04 PM

Your better off saving the money and take your girlfriend/wife out on a trip abroad and get busy :D Now that's investment:p

Sorry to break it to you, but that will cost you in the long run $$$$.
:D

I'mAMac

Nov 2, 2006, 03:33 PM

I think the 20/24" iMac would be good for your needs. (comp in my sig) and that is plenty fast. Since they have new processors now theyre even faster. Get the 256mb card (X1600 for 20" 7600 for 24") and 2gb's of RAM that will be great for gfx and web design.

Carguy172

Nov 2, 2006, 04:30 PM

I do graphics and no this is not a hobby Im really get serious and thanks for your help im getting a pro and for all you who think im throwing my money away. I'm not because this computer will last years and years and its expandable the imac is not.Even though I dont need a whole lot of raw power right now i will later so thats one reason why im getting it.

Also someone said dont get it to impress your friends and honstly that is just STUPID I would never throw away $3500 to impress my friends im getting this computer so I can take advantage of all 4 cores this thing has, I might even get in to some 3d animation so I would also take advantage of that ati graphics card too.

So thanks for you input

videoten

Nov 3, 2006, 05:34 PM

car guy- seems to me you know the mac pro is what you want, considering the ability to expand down the line, and your clear statement that you want a power house. so if you can do it, go for it :)

thx1139- i think you could have easily said everything you did, but in a much less aggressive tone. this is not a forum for venting whatever your frustrations may be to those who are seeking advice and/or help, and especially those attempting to help, such as frederic. i appreciated his input as another reader of this thread, so please don't go speaking for everyone, particulalry given that you're using a harsher tone than needed.

frederic- i work with FCP and am will likely be moving into HD video from SD sometime next year...so the move to MP is inevitable. just wondering if you're working with HD or not, and how you configured your MP system given that you are so pleased with the results. perhaps car guy could also benefit given he is leaning toward the MP. thanks in advance.

Sun Baked

Nov 3, 2006, 05:42 PM

I do graphics and no this is not a hobby Im really get serious and thanks for your help im getting a pro and for all you who think im throwing my money away. I'm not because this computer will last years and years and its expandable the imac is not.Even though I dont need a whole lot of raw power right now i will later so thats one reason why im getting it.You don't always need a Mac Pro for POWER ...

Having large collections that take up loads of HD space, and playing around with design and editing are enough.

The Mac Pros RAM capacity and built in HD/Optical capacity are more than enough to swing the vote its way.

These days 3GB RAM is a computer that will be replace soon, while a machine that can handle 32GB RAM and 4HDs inside and also eSATA drives is quite a bit of future proofing for most people.

A Mac Pro you don't need for its computing power will likely be on your desk longer than an iMac anyhow.

Edit: Enjoy your Mac Pro ...

Fredou51

Nov 4, 2006, 12:00 AM

frederic- i work with FCP and am will likely be moving into HD video from SD sometime next year...so the move to MP is inevitable. just wondering if you're working with HD or not, and how you configured your MP system given that you are so pleased with the results. perhaps car guy could also benefit given he is leaning toward the MP. thanks in advance.

I bought the MP to work with FCS and Shake but I just started using Aperture and I must say it is awesome. I just started working with FCS about a month ago so I don't know everything about the kind of power needed for every task. I edit only SD video for the moment because I don't have a HD camera yet. In basic editing, an iMac or a slower machine is fine but it is so much better on the mac pro.

FCS: I started a couple of weeks ago learning filters and effects, more specifically color correction and it is very important to have enough power in this case. The manual that comes with final cut specifically states that if you don't have a computer powerful enough you might not be able to use the three-way color correction (you're then stuck with the basic color correction). Rendering and using Compressor pushes the processor between 320%-360% and that probably means that it is running roughly twice as fast as on a two core computer.

Shake: If you plan on doing any Shake, you need a Mac Pro. When using the flipbook to preview (before rendering), you can see in activity monitor that Shake is using 365% of the processors (Probably the max it can use while leaving some for the OS). Even then, it cannot run the preview in real time but it is running fast enough to get of good idea of what you're doing. 2.66Ghz * 365% means that Shake is using the equivalent of 9.71GHz (There is no other mac computer than the Mac Pro (or the powermac quad) that can deliver that kind of power).

Aperture: I just started using Aperture this week so I don't know much yet but here it is. When I imported my iPhoto library, it generated the thumbnails afterwards creating a 175% demand on the processor (You couldn't get that on an imac either because 175% * 2.66Ghz equals about 200% at 2.33Ghz and you can never achieve the 200%, the operating systems and everything else needs a tiny little bit also.) Aperture, as is Motion (I don't know if you plan to use Motion) is very GPU demanding and the Mac Pro is very well GPU equipped with the x1900XT (I never saw these programs running on a 24" iMac with the 7600GT so I cannot really compare).

The specs: I chose the 2.66Ghz because I think the difference with 2.0Ghz is considerable and the price difference was okay. I think the 3Ghz is a bit too expensive right now (at least to expensive for my budget). I went with 2GB of ram because it really is a minimum for what I am doing, I couldn't get the 4GB upgrade (couldn't afford) and it is easily upgradable in the future. I also went with the x1900XT (and no, I am not a gamer) to improve the performance in Motion and Shake and I am quite happy that I did now that I use Aperture. The last thing is the hard drive, I took the 250 GB because it was enough for now and I will probably buy one soon (within the next year) at a cheaper price then Apple.

I think that is about it. Don't hesitate if you still have questions. It is truly a great computer.

Frederic

Zwhaler

Nov 4, 2006, 12:50 AM

Well its the end of the day and i've decided the pro's are for me I want a computer that will last me about 3 years I want a POWER HOUSE!! I want big hard drive space I want 4 cores
I am a power hungry man! lol

A Mac Pro will last you much more than 3 years. 4 or 5 at the least. But that all depends on how much of a power user you are...

zoran

Nov 4, 2006, 05:59 AM

A Mac Pro will last you much more than 3 years. 4 or 5 at the least. But that all depends on how much of a power user you are...
And also dont forget , a computer lasts longer if u dont make often software updates, cause they can make your machine run slower due to their hardware expanding requirements. So a rule for keeping your machine to be as fast as possible is to stick to the same app version that u use, and make upgrades only but only if u really need them!

Carguy172

Nov 4, 2006, 08:27 AM

Thanks for the advice guys, the only app I could see upgrading is photoshop but thats to cs3 so it will only be faster on the mac.

ironjaw

Nov 4, 2006, 05:38 PM

Sorry to break it to you, but that will cost you in the long run $$$$.
:D

Know you tell me :D It seems like whenever we go downtown she's eyeing my credit card to buy HER some clothes - Everytime I tell LOL.

Shhhs what is it I spend 20min in the Apple Store or other electronic store and she complains compared to her hour and half in Mango:p

ironjaw

Nov 4, 2006, 05:41 PM

Also someone said dont get it to impress your friends and honstly that is just STUPID I would never throw away $3500 to impress my friends im getting this computer so I can take advantage of all 4 cores this thing has, I might even get in to some 3d animation so I would also take advantage of that ati graphics card too.

So thanks for you input

I think I did, no I meant that - and i'm serious! A user from Apple Discussions sometime ago was going to spend obscene amounts of money on a Mac Pro - and guess what - the kid was like under 18 and had the money just to show off to his friends.:eek:

ironjaw

Nov 4, 2006, 05:46 PM

A Mac Pro you don't need for its computing power will likely be on your desk longer than an iMac anyhow.

I completely agreee - the only reason I would get one (and I'm planning to get one after MWSF '07) would be for the additional HD space and RAM.

For me the iMac is a great consumer model but I like that extra bit... It's comfortable to be able to think that you can upgrade your mac in the years to come than just being stuck with an enclosure that's limited such as the iMac.

For me the iMac was always a can of coke that you throw away after consumption :D

zoran

Nov 4, 2006, 05:49 PM

The only upgrade a MPro can get is the grafx card, all other upgrades can be done in MBpros and iMacs... i believe!

TroutSnouts

Nov 4, 2006, 05:49 PM

hey, Im way new to this thing, I got the first gen imac right before I went to college, bummed around with various other computers for a while, but now Im getting into recording my own music, and in the near future I wana learn how to do video editing and all that garbage. I also play video games. is garage band pretty much all I need for a one man recording studio or do I need to get something ellse? also can the new MBP's handle games well?

ironjaw

Nov 4, 2006, 05:49 PM

Chone

Nov 4, 2006, 06:27 PM

The only upgrade a MPro can get is the grafx card, all other upgrades can be done in MBpros and iMacs... i believe!

No, a Mac Pro has 4 HDD bays, iMac (MBP will not be considered its a laptop) has one and its not user replaceable, Mac Pro has 2 optical drive bays, iMac has one and its not user replaceable, Mac Pro has 4 PCI-E slots, iMac has none (this implies upgrades like graphic card, fiber channel cards, sound cards, tv tuners, etc), Mac Pro has easily accesible socketed processor slots and is drop in compatible with Clovertown, I wouldn't doubt if iMac has a soldered processor and even if its not, its still very hard to get inside, Mac Pro has 8 memory slots for up to 16GB, iMac has 2 for up to 3GB I think.

Now if Apple released a full tower Core 2 Duo (conroe) based system then that would be awesome, imagine a white/black polycarbonate macpro-like styled case with Conroe, 2GB DDR2 and a decent graphic cards, all that with the flexibility of Mac Pro. If such machine existed, I would have picked it up in a second over the Mac Pro I ended up with. But I think its unlikely Apple will ever release a computer like that... maybe it can be called... hmm iMac Pro? Heh the toughest challenge would be naming it...

THX1139

Nov 5, 2006, 06:18 AM

And also dont forget , a computer lasts longer if u dont make often software updates, cause they can make your machine run slower due to their hardware expanding requirements. So a rule for keeping your machine to be as fast as possible is to stick to the same app version that u use, and make upgrades only but only if u really need them!

Yeah, right on! That's why I'm still using sytem 7.5 and Photoshop 3.0 (I forced myself to upgrade because I wanted layers). My PPC 7300AV 50MHZ system rocks! I paid more for it than most of you paid for a current system, but I've gotten the most bang for my buck. Now all I need to learn are the shortcuts to speed things up more. I'd like to get another 10 years... do you think more ram would help?

zoran

Nov 5, 2006, 04:44 PM

No, a Mac Pro has 4 HDD bays, iMac (MBP will not be considered its a laptop) has one and its not user replaceable, Mac Pro has 2 optical drive bays, iMac has one and its not user replaceable, Mac Pro has 4 PCI-E slots, iMac has none (this implies upgrades like graphic card, fiber channel cards, sound cards, tv tuners, etc), Mac Pro has easily accesible socketed processor slots and is drop in compatible with Clovertown, I wouldn't doubt if iMac has a soldered processor and even if its not, its still very hard to get inside, Mac Pro has 8 memory slots for up to 16GB, iMac has 2 for up to 3GB I think.

well u can put extra external HDs in the iMac
also external optical drives
u cant put extra PCIcards no, so i guess that u cant do
concering the grafx card i think u can upgrade
memory goes up to 3GB

as for the MacPro u cant upgrade over clovertown, so u only have one option there as far as CPUs are concerned,
but guys hold on a sec who... realy who, is really making upgrades to keep his mac for another 2-3 years after he seems he cant hold on mutch longer? i believe most users just go and buy a new computer, thats what i do! :D

Carguy172

Nov 5, 2006, 06:06 PM

I think I did, no I meant that - and i'm serious! A user from Apple Discussions sometime ago was going to spend obscene amounts of money on a Mac Pro - and guess what - the kid was like under 18 and had the money just to show off to his friends.:eek:

Wow thats stupid I can't belive how people just throw away there money it's ridicules.

Oh and the mac pro's processor can't be upgraded as far as I know but pretty well everything else can be. thats why it's great for people who want computer that won't give up on them in a year or two.

Jiddick ExRex

Nov 6, 2006, 01:34 AM

Oh and the mac pro's processor can't be upgraded as far as I know but pretty well everything else can be. thats why it's great for people who want computer that won't give up on them in a year or two.

What do you mean? That if you buy a 2.0 GHZ processor then you cannot switch it with a 3.0 GHZ later? Because you can.

If you're talking about the lack of upgrading possibilities ATM, that's another matter.

THX1139

Nov 6, 2006, 03:35 AM

englishman

Nov 6, 2006, 05:49 PM

Mac Pro v others

I do use professionally but don't really ¨need¨ that power.

But iMacs are problematic - a few annoying dead pixels and the whole thing wasted.

Minis are just a little too inflexible eg RAID, extra RAM etc

If you want a desktop Mac Pros are the only option - I'm juust trying to save up for one.:cool:

My view is that for most people Minis are ok - but if you can afford it, need pro power or just are an enthusiast then get the pro - the base version isn't too bad cost wise.

ironjaw

Nov 6, 2006, 06:00 PM

I'm actually getting tired of the Mac Pro debate especially its also being discussed in '8-Core Mac Pro with Clovertown...In November?' Thread

My opinion if you can afford it buy it - its a hell of machine (I'm personally waitning til they release Leopard so I can buy one)

You will not be dissapointed and as everything is coming over to do with film and music ie. the ipod I would suspect that its only about time that users will want to convert their legally owned dvd's over to .mp4. So you need the power.

And also think about the 30" Apple Cinema Display (if you opt for one):

How beautiful would P**N look like espcially in HD :D

Jiddick ExRex

Nov 7, 2006, 01:35 AM

How beautiful would P**N look like espcially in HD :D

Who watches HD pRoN anyway??

englishman

Nov 7, 2006, 05:00 AM

I find it more convenient to watch it on a portable laptop in a more comnfortable setting.

Sitting at a desk is just too awkward and potentially messy - Mac Pros aren't good enough on their own. ;)

I supose streaming might be an idea but that's mixing metaphors... or something... or at least a different genre.

Zikes - only just started posting and might get banned

ironjaw

Nov 7, 2006, 03:34 PM

Who watches HD pRoN anyway??

No one!:D

ironjaw

Nov 7, 2006, 03:36 PM