2 Used Mac Pros - Which is better?

[massive3215]

I have the choice of two Mac Pro’s in my office and was wondering if anyone had any insight into which would better for video work (Final Cut, After Effects, etc.) and Photoshop?

Mac Pro #1
Quad Core Xeon
2.8 ghz
2 Processors
8 Cores
4gb RAM
ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT

Mac Pro #2
Dual Core Xeon
3 ghz
2 Processors
4 Cores
4gb RAM
ATI Radeon X1900 XT

From what I can gather from doing some research, it appears the processor is better on option #1, but the video card is better on option #2. So you think the processor over rules the better video card? Would it be worth taking machine #1 (with 8 cores) and purchasing this improved video card (http://store.apple.com/us/product/M...ode=MTY1NDA5OQ&mco=MTA4MzU2NTc&s=topSellers)?

 

[Hellhammer]

Definitely the #1. GPU can easily be upgraded and both of those GPUs aren't that good anyway.

 

[sboerup]

Def #1 for sure. Unless you're doing heavy 3D work, the X1900 XT isn't so great, the 2600xt will be better for most everything else. But, get a 4870 or something else anyway.

 

[massive3215]

So that ATI Radeon HD 4870 is a worth the price of the upgrade? Or is there another card you would recommend? I didn't see any others that would fit the 2008 Mac Pro listed on the Apple site. Thanks!

 

[Hellhammer]

So that ATI Radeon HD 4870 is a worth the price of the upgrade? Or is there another card you would recommend? I didn't see any others that would fit the 2008 Mac Pro listed on the Apple site. Thanks!

5770 and 5870 should both work, just wait a week or two for confirmation.

 

[massive3215]

I'm not sure I follow. What do you mean by "wait a week or two for confirmation"?

 

[Hellhammer]

I'm not sure I follow. What do you mean by "wait a week or two for confirmation"?

People will soon get their new Mac Pros and they can then try the GPUs in older Mac Pros and confirm that they work. The 4870 is bad value unless you buy used or flash a PC card