2008 3.2 Octo or 2009 2.6 Quad

[wileguy1]

Hey everyone, sorry if this has been covered somewhere on here but I couldnt find any threads really dealing with the specifics I'm curious about.

I was set to buy an 09 2.66 Quad Core machine with the 4870. Originally I wanted the 2.26 Octo but decided the price per performance wasnt worth it. Just today I noticed the Apple Refurb Store lowered the 2008 Harpertown 3.2 price to 3,299 the same as the 2.26 Nehalem starting price. The 3.2 has the GT8800, and 500GB HD. Now I'm wondering if I should grab one quick before they are gone instead of the 09 2.6 Quad. Is the additional $600 worth it or is it best to go with all newer technology. Which one will likely retain its value better and offer best performace per price??

I plan to run Final Cut Studio 2, Adobe Creative Suite 3 and misc. other less taxing programs. I am a videographer and editor for my day job and use the early 08 2.8 MAc Pro daily and love it. This purchase will be used for my own personal fun and education, with hopes of gaining more side work for extra income.

Thanks for any tips or advice

 

[MacMini2009]

If the programs you run require/need multi-cores, then get the refurb. I would personally get the 2.66 quad.

 

[Hellhammer]

Refurb is tempting because it can take 32Gb RAM. It's up to you. Do you need 8 cores? Can your apps use them? Remember that 10.6 can take advantage of more cores

 

[nick9191]

The 2008 is faster. The 09 Quad 2.66 beats the 2008 2.8 octo, but not the 3.2. So go for the 2008. You can upgrade it with the better graphics if you wish.

 

[Hellhammer]

Here's Mac Pro benchmarks