Mac Pro Good Enough for What I Do?

[theapplefreak]

I'm looking into buying the Nehalem Mac Pro and wanted to know if it lives up to what I need it to do.
First off, I'll be using it for full HD video editing in Final Cut. I'm also going to be doing heavy photoshopping.
I'm sure the 2.66 Quad Core model and handle that. right?

How long do you guys think this machine will last me? I'm probably going to be using this for maybe 6 years or even more. Will this machine last me for all the tasks that I do?

Thanks

[nanofrog]

I'm looking into buying the Nehalem Mac Pro and wanted to know if it lives up to what I need it to do.
First off, I'll be using it for full HD video editing in Final Cut. I'm also going to be doing heavy photoshopping.
I'm sure the 2.66 Quad Core model and handle that. right?

How long do you guys think this machine will last me? I'm probably going to be using this for maybe 6 years or even more. Will this machine last me for all the tasks that I do?

Thanks
Given your usage, and expectations of longish life, you'd want to go with an Octad model. HyperThreading doesn't work well right now, and even if it gets sorted, you'd still want as many real cores as possible IMO.

[theapplefreak]

Given your usage, and expectations of longish life, you'd want to go with an Octad model. HyperThreading doesn't work well right now, and even if it gets sorted, you'd still want as many real cores as possible IMO.

Are you sure? I mean there are always room to upgrade.

[nanofrog]

Are you sure? I mean there are always room to upgrade.
Peripheral devices, yes. CPU's, not so much, as the parts needed are expensive, and will remain so (different daughter boards and coolers).

I wouldn't put much trust in being able to find a viable parts machine at the right price in the future.

[theapplefreak]

Peripheral devices, yes. CPU's, not so much, as the parts needed are expensive, and will remain so (different daughter boards and coolers).

I wouldn't put much trust in being able to find a viable parts machine at the right price in the future.

I don't have that kind of money, so I was thinking of getting the 2.66 Nehalem QUad Core Model. Should I just wait then? Though I need one right now.

[Cynicalone]

I'm probably going to be using this for maybe 6 years or even more

6 years? Then you need an Octo Core the 2.93Ghz if you can afford it.

[theapplefreak]

How many years do you guys think it'll take for the Mac Pro to be worn out? By using the things I do?

[nanofrog]

How many years do you guys think it'll take for the Mac Pro to be worn out? By using the things I do?
I'd think 5 years or so, but it's hard for me to say, as I don't know the software you're using, nor how well future versions will be written.

Code bloat is the biggest problem right now, IMO. New versions keep getting larger, and take longer to perform tasks, as it's not optimized. :(

[theapplefreak]

I'd think 5 years or so, but it's hard for me to say, as I don't know the software you're using, nor how well future versions will be written.

Code bloat is the biggest problem right now, IMO. New versions keep getting larger, and take longer to perform tasks, as it's not optimized. :(

I think I'll still consider buying the 2.66 Quad Core 2009 Model. I'll just upgrade the RAM and hope for the best. Also adding more graphics cards along the way.

[theapplefreak]

So do you guys think it'll be okay to purchase the 2.66 Quad Core? I don't know how long this machine will last though.

[VirtualRain]

6 years? Then you need an Octo Core the 2.93Ghz if you can afford it.

Honestly, he'd be better off buying a 2.66 Quad now and then replacing the computer again in 3 years with an entry level model of the day rather than blowing that kind of cash now.

Buying middle of the line more often is better value than buying top of the line less often.

OP... given that a 2.66 Quad can easily handle HD video today, and given there's no real new video format on the horizon, it's safe to say your investment in a 2.66 Quad for HD video editing will be safe for several years.

In my opinion, the Octo should ONLY be considered if you make enough money to get a reasonably ROI or if someone is buying it for you (company, grant, etc.). If it's coming out of your pocket, there's much better ways to spend money than on another processor.

If you get more money down the road, upgrade the HD's to SSD's and add some more RAM and possibly a new GPU (to take better advantage of OpenCL etc.) and you will feel like you just got a completely new machine... perhaps buying another year or two out of what otherwise might feel like a dated computer ;)

[theapplefreak]

Honestly, he'd be better off buying a 2.66 Quad now and then replacing the computer again in 3 years with an entry level model of the day rather than blowing that kind of cash now.

Buying middle of the line more often is better value than buying top of the line less often.

OP... given that a 2.66 Quad can easily handle HD video today, and given there's no real new video format on the horizon, it's safe to say your investment in a 2.66 Quad for HD video editing will be safe for several years.

In my opinion, the Octo should ONLY be considered if you make enough money to get a reasonably ROI or if someone is buying it for you (company, grant, etc.). If it's coming out of your pocket, there's much better ways to spend money than on another processor.

If you get more money down the road, upgrade the HD's to SSD's and add some more RAM and possibly a new GPU (to take better advantage of OpenCL etc.) and you will feel like you just got a completely new machine... perhaps buying another year or two out of what otherwise might feel like a dated computer ;)


Thanks a lot! Then I'll consider the Quad model. :)
What I'll probably do is eventually upgrade everything anyways.

[nanofrog]

I think I'll still consider buying the 2.66 Quad Core 2009 Model. I'll just upgrade the RAM and hope for the best. Also adding more graphics cards along the way.
:cool:

I just wanted to give you something to think about before leaping. ;) And if for some reason you need a small server in the future, the Quad core Nehalem chip was designed specifically for that purpose (the real benefactor of the Integrated Memory Controller). :p

[VirtualRain]

Code bloat is the biggest problem right now, IMO. New versions keep getting larger, and take longer to perform tasks, as it's not optimized. :(

QFT. The software gods should legislate against bloat! :p :D

I nearly fell off my chair the last time I downloaded a logitech mouse driver... 60MB!!!... for a mouse driver! :eek: :rolleyes:

[nanofrog]

QFT. The software gods should legislate against bloat! :p :D

I nearly fell off my chair the last time I downloaded a logitech mouse driver... 60MB!!!... for a mouse driver! :eek: :rolleyes:
Exactly. ;)

Seriously, it's gotten way out of hand. :(

[surflordca]

I don't have that kind of money, so I was thinking of getting the 2.66 Nehalem QUad Core Model. Should I just wait then? Though I need one right now.

Look for a used early 2008 to get you by until you save to get a new one...

[surflordca]

So do you guys think it'll be okay to purchase the 2.66 Quad Core? I don't know how long this machine will last though.

Everyone is telling you go octo. Why do you keep asking if quad would be ok. Sure it's ok but don't expect the same performance and be prepared to buy a new system long before 6 years...

[HHarm]

6 years? Then you need an Octo Core the 2.93Ghz if you can afford it.

If there's no real need atm for the top MP, getting one for future proofing for 6 years would be silly. Better to get a considerably cheaper model now (a quad or the cheapest octo) and another at the same price range sometime during the 6 years.

[nanofrog]

Better to get a considerably cheaper model now (a quad or the cheapest octo) and another at the same price range sometime during the 6 years.
Given the current state of HyperThreading and limited DIMM slots on the '09 Quads (it can be gotten around via 4GB DIMMs, but are rather expensive), the '08 would make more sense for the OP's usage.

[slpdLoad]

I'm sure the 2.66 Quad Core model and handle that. right?


I was thinking of getting the 2.66 Nehalem QUad Core Model.

I think I'll still consider buying the 2.66 Quad Core 2009 Model.

So do you guys think it'll be okay to purchase the 2.66 Quad Core?

Then I'll consider the Quad model. :)


lol

You don't really want anything but someone to validate what you've already made up your mind about, so get on with it and purchase the damn thing! :rolleyes:

Is this for school or something? Because if you're doing the kind of editing in FC and Photoshop that you say you are, you should be expecting to spend money on upgrades and new machines much sooner than every 6 years.

Also, a really solid and fast storage setup along with plenty of RAM is going to benefit your editing more than a few extra CPU cores.

[Obsidian6]

I'm still using my 2.66 Quad from 2006. It's still far superior to any of the current laptops or iMacs from Apple (albeit the RAM speed is almost half) But it's still meeting my needs. (plus as I can afford to do so I add upgrades.)

You'll be fine with the new Quad 2.66, but I doubt you'll keep it 6 years.

[Cynicalone]

Honestly, he'd be better off buying a 2.66 Quad now and then replacing the computer again in 3 years with an entry level model of the day rather than blowing that kind of cash now.

Buying middle of the line more often is better value than buying top of the line less often.

OP... given that a 2.66 Quad can easily handle HD video today, and given there's no real new video format on the horizon, it's safe to say your investment in a 2.66 Quad for HD video editing will be safe for several years.

In my opinion, the Octo should ONLY be considered if you make enough money to get a reasonably ROI or if someone is buying it for you (company, grant, etc.). If it's coming out of your pocket, there's much better ways to spend money than on another processor.

If you get more money down the road, upgrade the HD's to SSD's and add some more RAM and possibly a new GPU (to take better advantage of OpenCL etc.) and you will feel like you just got a completely new machine... perhaps buying another year or two out of what otherwise might feel like a dated computer ;)

If there's no real need atm for the top MP, getting one for future proofing for 6 years would be silly. Better to get a considerably cheaper model now (a quad or the cheapest octo) and another at the same price range sometime during the 6 years.

I was looking at that 6 year part of the post.

But yes a Quad now and then another Mac Pro in about 3 to 4 years would be a better plan for the OP's needs.

[UltraNEO*]

I'm looking into buying the Nehalem Mac Pro and wanted to know if it lives up to what I need it to do.
First off, I'll be using it for full HD video editing in Final Cut. I'm also going to be doing heavy photoshopping.
I'm sure the 2.66 Quad Core model and handle that. right?

How long do you guys think this machine will last me? I'm probably going to be using this for maybe 6 years or even more. Will this machine last me for all the tasks that I do?

Thanks


Dude, it really depends on the workload. Currently I'm using an Octo-Core 3.2Ghz Harpertown for everything you've describe there and it's fine!!! FCP by itself will run happily with a lowend machine, it's only when you start tinkering with the likes of Motion and Shake you'll start chewing up serious megahertz. Just be sure to have lots and lots of readily available storage space.

Not sure will it last 6 years though. I tend to plan for an upgrade after 3~4years... no wait, more 2~3years. if that's commercial work you're doing, you really don't need to worry about upgrading!

[mBox]

I'm still using my 2.66 Quad from 2006. It's still far superior to any of the current laptops or iMacs from Apple (albeit the RAM speed is almost half) But it's still meeting my needs. (plus as I can afford to do so I add upgrades.)

You'll be fine with the new Quad 2.66, but I doubt you'll keep it 6 years.A few designers I work with (freelance and corp) are still running systems as far back as PowerPC using the same software (FCP, AE and PS suite).
Unless you have a huge FC ProRes project coming down the pipe, then your fine with your first option. We have both here and honestly there are times when a lowly iMac will do the job. This is coming from a day to day work experience :)

[PeterQVenkman]

Honestly, it all depends on the software you run.

If you are doing 3d rendering, where your work machine is used for test renders while you work and then rendering while you are away, then the Octo is the best choice. It will save you massive amounts of time. And time = money.

From what I can tell, FCP is not nearly as multithreaded as something like the Cinema 4d renderer. A Quad is just fine.

Hell, the fastest iMac may be just fine for editing video. I havn't noticed a big difference in speed between our office iMacs and my dual quad 2.8 Mac Pro in FCP. I'm not editing in 1080p, though.

In Cinema 4d? There is a HUGE difference.


I would say get the quad, and make sure you've got the RAM and a fast hard drive to squeeze out the best performance in video.

[UltraNEO*]

How many years do you guys think it'll take for the Mac Pro to be worn out? By using the things I do?

Worn out? Care to elaborate??
It's not a rubber washer on a tap, mate.

[mBox]

Honestly, it all depends on the software you run...tru dat! also a decent video card helps. Ive been testing Maya on an old MacPro 2,1 3GHz Quad along with Quadro FX4500. Makes a big diff with video cards. As far as FC Studio 2, that would be fine with any card really.

[electrolux76]

Here's my opinion:
Go for the Quad with an upgraded graphics card. As more and more app developers support Open CL, a good graphics card will be your most cost effective performance boost. The things that Open CL will really excell with are going to be exactly what you're going to be doing (video editing/transcoding and bitmap pixel pushing. As Photoshop and Final Cut Studio are updated to off load to the GPU you may not notice the lack of 4 extra cores that much.

Also, the poster that suggested buying a new computer in 3 years is really on to something. Macs really hold their value pretty well compared to other computers. Try looking on ebay at 1st gen Mac Pros (3 years old) to see what I mean. If you take good care of your machine and sell it before it become ancient can really offset the price of a new one. If you really think about it, this may be more cost effective then running the same machine until its worthless(6years) and than buying a new one.

Also, you're obviously concerned with cost but whatever you do, do not skimp on Apple Care. I don't know if you've see what a logic board or replacement Xeon costs but its well worth the gamble to get apple care.

Sorry if these things have already been mentioned, I didn't have time to read every post. Hope this helps

[Plutonius]

I don't have that kind of money, so I was thinking of getting the 2.66 Nehalem QUad Core Model. Should I just wait then? Though I need one right now.

If you need one now, I would buy now. The 2.66 Quad should be fast enough for the task you listed.

Otherwise if you can wait a month, wait on the benchmarks when Snow Leopard is released to see if the Octo is considerably faster then the Quad.

[theapplefreak]

I think it's confirmed that the model will be the 2.66 GHz. I went to the Apple Store today and tried it out. It was perfect and the speed was incredible for me. I have a 3 year old Macbook (The First Generation from 2006), so it's a huge leap.

Thanks

[AZREOSpecialist]

If all you can afford is the Quad then I think you should get a Quad :)

An 8-core will cost you so much more right now that you'd be better off financially and performance-wise to buy a Quad today and upgrade in 3-4 years to whatever is the cheapest or middle of the road at that time. I will guarantee that what you find in 3-4 years will be much, much faster than an 8-core you buy today -- and for less cost overall.

[Bubba Satori]

HyperThreading doesn't work well right now, and even if it gets sorted, you'd still want as many real cores as possible IMO.

Source ?

Hyperthreading works fine.

[nanofrog]

Source ?

Hyperthreading works fine.
The issues I've been having, and I stumbled across some posts here in the forum. (My system kept going into short "freeze ups", really choppy behavior. When I disabled HT, it ceased completely).

It's a guess, but the HT code was written for a P4, and the new architecture is a little different, and seems to have an interaction issue. At least for some, so I'd think that's either the board (firmware), or perhaps the software was just poorly written. Not like either situation is unheard of. ;) :p

[Keebler]

there's plenty of debate on new vs refurbs, but look at the refurb site for prices on the octo-quad - maybe it's within your budget.

best of luck,
keebler