DP 2.0 with extra memory or DP 2.5 with less memory

[macharrington]

If I've got a limited amount to spend am I better off getting a 2.0 and spending the money on loading up with memory from someone like crucial, or spending the money on the 2.5 vs 2.0 with less memory? I plan on using (learning) final cut pro, does memory make more difference to my performance or the 2.5? thanks for taking the time to answer? dan

[Applespider]

I'd buy the 2.5 if I were you.

It's going to be a lot easier/cheaper to buy more RAM for it in a year or so when you have upgrade cash than to upgrade the processor!

[musicpyrite]

Well the difference between the 2.0 and the 2.5 is $500, so I'm going to assume that if you buy the 2.0 you'll spend the extra $500 on RAM.

I'd say go with the 2.0 and get 2 gigs of RAM from Crucial (http://www.crucial.com/store/listparts.asp?Mfr%2BProductline=Apple%2BPower+Mac&mfr=Apple&cat=RAM&model=Power+Mac+G5+%28Dual+2.0GHz+DDR%29&submit=Go).

A 2.0 with 2.5 GB of RAM will be better in Final Cut than a 2.5 with 512 MB.

[jackieonasses]

get the 2.5 you got liquid cooling to impress your friends! and as one of the guys said above. you can upgrade lateer!

okay let me add some stuff. both comps will preform extremely well for what he does (or knows how to do) as his skills get better he will have mooney to get more ram. but i have a single 1.8 (what my parents bought me) with 512 and i do some pretty hardcore stuff.

[Duff-Man]

Duff-Man says....I would buy the 2.5 myself, then add more ram later when I had the money. I think you'd definitely notice the 20% speed boost that the 2.5's seem to be benchmarking at. The other factor in your decision is timing - if you order a 2.5 now you will probably be waiting 4-6 weeks...a dual 2.0 can be had fairly quickly.....oh yeah!

[wdlove]

I would also recommend getting the 2.5 now. Then when you have the money saved up purchase more RAM.

[TheGimp]

Get the 2.0 with extra ram, and then in a couple years pick up a used dual-CORE 3+Ghz G5 (recently announced) that are supposed to blow away the current dual 2.5's. I wish I had done that, but heck you gotta take the plunge at some point. The 2.5 is only about 25% faster than a 2.0 (duh) which is only incremental in comparison with what we'll be seeing in the next 12 months. Also, buy opting not to may the three grand for the the top-end model, you spare yourself some of the disappointment when they lower the price in several months. Besides, you can invest some of your savings in a better graphics card if that's your schtick.

[TheGimp]

One more thing - I just noticed that you're planning to use FCP. Well that's a no-brainer: extra Ram makes a much bigger difference than processor speed (assuming of course you're already in the Dual G5 market, but even a dual 1.4 G4 w/ loads of ram will outdo a Dual 2.5 with 512mb). Even on Photoshop, there was a Macaddict review of a G4 upgrade module which revealed that even doubling the processor speed made less of a difference than adding more ram in the slower computer.

As far as waiting for the Ram prices to come down, the 512mb chips from Crucial are already pretty affordable, and you 8 ram slots with any dual G5
to fill with the 1 giggers when they come down.

[jsw]

...and you [get] 8 ram slots with any dual G5 to fill with the 1 giggers when they come down.

Except the dual-1.8, of course!

I'd go with the 2.5 if, as others have said, you have the time and you'll be able to afford RAM in the near future. I'd say 1GB total is a minumum for you, 1.5GB total is usable, and 2GB would be quite nice. Could you afford something like that soon?

[macharrington]

In reading the posts it appears that the memory is more important than processor speed. Consequently, i'm probably leaning towards spending the 500 i save on memory, and getting a nicer monitor, either 23, or maybe even 30. any idea how long one of these LCD monitors should last. I think the bigger screen would add to the enjoyment more than the processor speed. Guess it always comes down to trade-offs on where you want to spend your money. thanks for your feedback.

[Bhennies]

if you want to wait for it, get the dual 2.5. It's gonna be a WHILE.

[crazzyeddie]

If you want to do FinalCut Pro, then get the Dual 2.0ghz with extra RAM and a 23" display. I say this because the Dual 2.5ghz won't even ship to you for months (seriously). Also, as many have said, FCP loves RAM more than CPU (2GB is the sweet spot). Also, the 30" display would require you to buy the 6800 Ultra, which is an extra $500 :eek: You will find the 23" large enough for any video projects, its quite a huge monitor when you actually use it... and it will last for a very long time :D

[ddtlm]

Duff-Man:

I think you'd definitely notice the 20% speed boost that the 2.5's seem to be benchmarking at.
I'd like to know about these 2.0 vs 2.5 benchmarks, got a link?

[pighuddle]

Get the 2.0 with extra ram, and then in a couple years pick up a used dual-CORE 3+Ghz G5 (recently announced) that are supposed to blow away the current dual 2.5's. I wish I had done that, but heck you gotta take the plunge at some point. The 2.5 is only about 25% faster than a 2.0 (duh) which is only incremental in comparison with what we'll be seeing in the next 12 months. Also, buy opting not to pay the three grand for the the top-end model, you spare yourself some of the disappointment when they lower the price in several months. Besides, you can invest some of your savings in a better graphics card if that's your schtick.

hmm. This makes some sense but I can't figure out if the MP chips will show up anytime soon. The WWDC keynote suggested to me that it would be some time before we saw 3gHz so I thought it would be safe(r) to go ahead and get a 2.5 and have the top-o-the-line for a good while before the inevitable price-drop. This new config changes things though. If I thought the MP chipped PowerMacs were going to be available January-ish, say, I might change my 2.5 order to a 2.0 and spend the dif on RAM.

When people start taking delivery on the 2.5s (early this week) we should get some clarity on how good/fast/stable the new LC Macs are. If there's any sign that they're not 'all-that' I might change my order.

...decisions, decisions.

[pighuddle]

Duff-Man:


I'd like to know about these 2.0 vs 2.5 benchmarks, got a link?

benchmarks (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2004/07/20040702194153.shtml)

[ddtlm]

pighuddle:

Hmm, can't say that Cinebench is something I run too much. ;) But thanks.

[edesignuk]

Memory is easy and cheap to upgrade later on, processors are not. 2.5, no question.

Of course, the 2.5 does depend how long you can wait :rolleyes:

[BornAgainMac]

Get the 2 Ghz with extra ram and not the 2.5. People are telling you that you can upgrade later with the 2.5. Well, you can upgrade later with the 2.0 because $500 bucks isn't going to buy you 8 GB of ram. You have lots of growing space but you will have a nice starting point with $500 bucks of RAM.

And the argument that you can't upgrade the processors isn't that valid. In 2 years we probably will see major CPU increases from IBM and that 2.5 and 2.0 seem closely the same speed in comparsion.

Get the RAM and you will be happy.

[pighuddle]

pighuddle:

Hmm, can't say that Cinebench is something I run too much. ;) But thanks.

Yea, what is Cinebench? There's more benchmarks on the Apple site too.

more benchmarks (http://images.apple.com/pro/design/calculator/pdf/pfeifferreport.pdf)

What do you suppose the odds are that the RAM for the 970fx and the 970MP will be compatible? ...I know, very low. But if they were the RAM invested in the 2.0 could be brought along.

[slughead]

If I've got a limited amount to spend am I better off getting a 2.0 and spending the money on loading up with memory from someone like crucial, or spending the money on the 2.5 vs 2.0 with less memory? I plan on using (learning) final cut pro, does memory make more difference to my performance or the 2.5? thanks for taking the time to answer? dan

25% more PROCESSOR speed for $450..

Three words:

NOT WORTH IT.

You WILL NOT notice 25% faster speeds nor will you notice where your money's going.

The 2.5 model is JUST for people who are totally fixated on getting a TOTL computer.

[ddtlm]

pighuddle:

What do you suppose the odds are that the RAM for the 970fx and the 970MP will be compatible? ...I know, very low. But if they were the RAM invested in the 2.0 could be brought along.
Hmmm, well is the 970mp anything other than a rumor at this point? I wouldn't recommend trying to justify purchases based on something that is as likely as not made up by someone who was looking for page hits.

[pighuddle]

pighuddle:


Hmmm, well is the 970mp anything other than a rumor at this point? I wouldn't recommend trying to justify purchases based on something that is as likely as not made up by someone who was looking for page hits.

Slightly more than a rumor anyway: 970mp info (http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1759,1627893,00.asp)

[pighuddle]

25% more PROCESSOR speed for $450..

Three words:

NOT WORTH IT.

You WILL NOT notice 25% faster speeds nor will you notice where your money's going.

The 2.5 model is JUST for people who are totally fixated on getting a TOTL computer.

Then why don't you switch you're order to a 2.0?

Even though I ordered the 2.5 I continue to have my doubts.

[jackieonasses]

25% is worth it! it is like a 1 ghz powerbook and a 1.25 of the same breed. it is worth it!

[ddtlm]

pighuddle:

Interesting. I consider that article much more important for the credibility aspect than for any information divulged.

jackieonasses:

You are making the assumption that both platforms scale equally in performance with the clock speed increase. I have my doubts about the performance scaling of the 970fx but lack enough information to draw solid conclusions. (That is the reason I am very interested in new 2.0ghz vs 2.5ghz benchmarks.)

[FuzzyBallz]

RAM's easy to upgrade, CPU's not. Get the 2.5G and 1GB of RAM. Upgrade to more RAM when you have more money or needed.

[slughead]

Then why don't you switch you're order to a 2.0?

Even though I ordered the 2.5 I continue to have my doubts.

I get a free computer from work up to $4k for a contract I'm doing.. Buying a TOTL mac is the fastest way to eat up 4 grand!

By the way, I do need a new computer for the work I'm doing.. this date setback (mentioned in my sig) WILL MEAN more work for me to get my project done in time. We're talking 80 hour weeks here. So it's not like I can just sit on my old computer--giving up this G5 means giving up the contract (the breakpoint is the 14th, and one of the clauses IS technical setbacks). I HAVE to cancel if they don't get it to me before the week of the 8th, because I simply won't have the time to meet the deadline if it's any later.

[pighuddle]

I get a free computer from work up to $4k for a contract I'm doing.. Buying a TOTL mac is the fastest way to eat up 4 grand!


LOL! That would be the opposite of my, and most peoples situation.

Re the value of the 2.5: I'm paying 20% more money for 25% more power aren't I? That seems worth it. ....no?

[slughead]

Re the value of the 2.5: I'm paying 20% more money for 25% more power aren't I? That seems worth it. ....no?

But it's not 25% more power, and 20% more money is $450.

When used for every day tasks, ALL parts of the computer come into play, I wouldn't be surprised if it's only a 10% boost in photoshop and 5% boost in 3D Games.

Cinebench ONLY focuses on the processor, so naturally a 25% clock speed upgrade would bring the processor speed up *gasp* 25%.

However, for ALL OTHER TASKS, it would not be that much faster.

You'd be much better off spending the $450 on the GeForce FX 6800, because in tiger, that will make MUCH it faster. We're talking ~40% here.

[bcorgan20]

I’ve been reading threads and I know this question gets asked all the time. I am in the market for a second home computer. This will be my first Mac. I use Sun workstations at work. I am definitely looking for something I can build on. If this Mac works out for me, I’ll be saving for the 30” (plus graphics card) and adding more ram next year.


Here is what I'm currently looking at:

1) The “morning madness” refurb blowout special

$1999--Refurb 2.0 (rev-a I think)
$150---Tax
$450---2gb ram (crutial)
---------------
$2600


2) The “military” appreciation program

$2299--New 2.0
$175---Tax
$450---2gb ram (crutial)
---------------
$2900


3) The “education” big bang sha-bang!

$2699 2.5
$205 Tax
$450 2gb ram (crutial)
---------------
$3350


Primary Uses

Photoshop CS
Flash
Dreamweaver
No Games


So, what should I get?

[Jovian9]

If you can get the 2.5, get it. In a few months you'll probably want to add more RAM.....and you can.......and you can continue to do this up to 8GB's. But in a few months or a year you will not be able to increase processor speed....probably not for a long while. But you'll have to wait for this one.

[cmvsm]

I had the same dilemma and went with the "sweet spot", which is of course the dual 2.0. I had a lot of questions about the jet sounding fans which signals overheating in the dual 2.5's. This also means that the processors' life spans are going to be shortened if they are indeed overclocked 2.0Ghz chips. The watercooling sounds great as well, however, if the cooling unit fails for some reason its certainly not as simple as changing out a fan.

Bottom line is, both are extremely fast and will serve you well far into the future. All the hype about new lower powered chips is great, but in reality, it will be a while before that power is perfected or even realized. When it finally does happen, you'll be ready to update anyhow.

Save the cash, get at least 1GB Ram in the dual 2.0, and use the rest to upgrade into a great cinema display!!

Just my 2 cents.. :D

[jaromski]

i would get the dp 2.0. i know the 2.5 would technically be faster but not worth the extra $500. plus the complexity of the system is up a notch from the 2.0 since it is liquid-cooled. this tells me the chips are running _extremely hot_ and liquid cooling is a stop gap to tweak some more peformance out of the system. heat kills processors/electronics faster than bush kills iraqis. so the long-term reliability would be my main concern. a fan is much simpler mechanically than a water-cooling system so it is a win in my book for the 2.0.

i would ugrade the ram first, then the display and video subsystem before i got the extra .5ghz per proc. much better use of your money. seriously why bother getting a high-end mac if you can't couple it with at least a 23" cinema display? (yeah i know the 20" are respectable too)

but put at least 2gb of ram in that dp 2.0 and watch the performance ratchet up. it really depends though on the "sample" of applications you will be running. you know at any given moment what will you be using your computer for? games, video stuff, cad, checking e-mail, posting to macrumors? that is the most important question to ask first, what do i need this for and how much horsepower will i really need at any given moment. otherwise i think you are burning money for no reason.

but i personally am waiting for the dual-core 3ghz G5 machines. i know they aren't coming out until january but hey i can wait...


jaromski

[timsq]

The 1.25 bus.
Ram is cheap.
Drop the SuperDrive to save.
Do what you can, but get the 2.5 man.

[Rod Rod]

So, what should I get?

I think you can't go wrong between the $1999 rev A dual 2 and the dual 2.5... but I think you can do better money-wise than Crucial. Barefeats.com did a comparison test of different brands of RAM in a dual 2GHz G5. The conclusion was that RAM brand makes no difference, and CL2.5 wasn't any better than CL3 RAM. I can't find the link but the article was from late 2003. Go to www.ramseeker.com and get yourself more RAM for the same money.