Suggested HD and RAM Size/Speed for 1.6 G5

[maclamb]

I plan on buying a G5 1.6 this week (assuming no big announcements) and wonder:
1. What manufacturer of SATA HD is recomomeded - I ant to add a second 80 G SATA drive for backup?

2. What speed RAM PC2700 or PC3200 - and will it make a diff in this machine?

I was planning to add another 256 to a total of 512. But would taking it to 768 make a noticable diff for "normal" office- like tasks (no PS or Final Cut, etc)


Also, where is the mac shipped from/assembled?

[Mr. Anderson]

Wait for the announcements - they're imminent - and if there is a price reduction, you'll be hating yourself.

D

[bburchill]

I'd also like to know if there is a speed/performace bump between the 2700 & 3200.

I plan to get my new machine, probably a 1.8 Single G5, thru a place like MacMall or PowerMac, so that I can pick-up another 512 MB's of Ram on their free offer...something to consider maclamb. Also, you are going to wait 'till after the superbowl...Right? (you can't hide in another thread ~snicker)

[maclamb]

Originally posted by bburchill
I'd also like to know if there is a speed/performace bump between the 2700 & 3200.

I plan to get my new machine, probably a 1.8 Single G5, thru a place like MacMall or PowerMac, so that I can pick-up another 512 MB's of Ram on their free offer...something to consider maclamb. Also, you are going to wait 'till after the superbowl...Right? (you can't hide in another thread ~snicker)

Good Eyes!
Yes I'm going to wait - I was priced at the 1.6 range - but then remebered this becomes a tax write-off for my wife's business - so I'm back in the DP camp - I kinda feel bad getting something that is so much more than I need ...

[bburchill]

Well DP is dif the way to go if you can afford it. I get to writeoff my next purchase also, but just can't afford the price jump. Now, if the rumors pan out, and there is a price decrease, who knows...maybe a DP for me too.

One way you can justify the extra power/cost, is to do something with it that will make it pay for itself - these dp's rock for music/movie/gaming design.

[maclamb]

I know what you mean about the cost- I'm using my ADC discount to get the $ down to $1890 for a DP 1.8, Combo, BT,9600

I keep thinking about jsut gettingthe 1.6 (or whateve rmay repalce it in a week...) and save ther ADC for a big purchase nxt year- but I don't seeit happening ...

[bburchill]

Yeah...I know. The urge for more power is hard to resist...arh arh arh!

But, if you don't need it and can't see needing it in a year or so, then I gotta say that you'll probably be very happy with the 1.6 or even the single 1.8, using your student discount, for a long, long time. Use the ADC next year for a killer printer/scanner/digital camera...or somethings like that. Just a thought.

[bburchill]

Just thought of something else...Next year it's a kick ass apple cinema display. yoohoo!

[maclamb]

Originally posted by bburchill
Yeah...I know. The urge for more power is hard to resist...arh arh arh!

But, if you don't need it and can't see needing it in a year or so, then I gotta say that you'll probably be very happy with the 1.6 or even the single 1.8, using your student discount, for a long, long time. Use the ADC next year for a killer printer/scanner/digital camera...or somethings like that. Just a thought.
EXACTLY - The ADC discount is once in a lifetime - about 20% off system, monitor, etc.
I go back and forth - this next week may tip the scles - but if not - i'll probably go with an educ. disc for the 1.6 and put the extra $ into savings for the next big purchase...

[maclamb]

Originally posted by bburchill
I'd also like to know if there is a speed/performace bump between the 2700 & 3200.

I plan to get my new machine, probably a 1.8 Single G5, thru a place like MacMall or PowerMac, so that I can pick-up another 512 MB's of Ram on their free offer...something to consider maclamb. Also, you are going to wait 'till after the superbowl...Right? (you can't hide in another thread ~snicker)

I did consider it and turned it down b/c they are the pre-built systmes with 5200, no BT, modem, Superdrive (and the ram deal is not so great - they hit y9o for $40 installation cost). Small dog has a systme now for 1675.
I want a BTO: 9600, BT, no modem, Combo - I can get the pioneer Superdirve if I want it later for about $137.

[bburchill]

Makes sense...I'm going over to smalldog to check it out.

[bburchill]

Back...and disappointed...smalldog says you have to be an existing customer to buy over the internet per their agreement with apple. I'm not.

[maclamb]

BBurchill,
I saw your posts on Think Secret - about DP1.42 vs 1.6/1.8
barefeat has these tests for speed -
http://www.barefeats.com/g5.html

and clearly suggest staying with your DP G4 rahter than get a SP g5 -
and if yo are only going ot have the machine a year I would agree -
BUT
If soneone in your office is affiliated witha ollege or school - get them to get a DP G5 on a educ. discount.
Or wait a bit ;-) and see if they go to refurb.
And. while a SP 1.8 G5 willoutperfom a single G4 1.4 CPU , the DP 1.4 may have th eege.

I keep thinking about a DP 1.25 - but they are louder than the G5, have cooling issues (small case, hot CPUs fans don't blow wellon rear drives) and the 1.42 are appratly over-clocked and known to be somewhat unstable

my 2 cents

[bburchill]

U have a good eye too.

Thanks for the great info - that helps a lot!