2009 Mac Pro 2.93 -OR- 2010 Mac Pro 2.8

[Photios]

I'm trying to decide between two quad core machines, either the 2009 2.93ghz or the 2010 2.8ghz Mac Pro.

The machines are very close in price and specs. The 2.93 has 6gb ram, Radeon 4870 graphics card and a 1TB drive.

The 2010 2.8 has 3gb ram, Radeon 5770 graphics card and a 1TB drive.

The price between the two is $6!!!!!! $2332 (2009) vs $2338 (2010)

I will have to purchase ram for the 2010 right off, adding about $150 to the cost of that machine. From all that I have read, the video cards are pretty comparable, though, my feeling is that the 4870 may be slightly more robust (I could be mistaken). The 2010 model does give me the option to purchase a 6 core cpu down the road (which I don't foresee doing). I cannot spend any more money, otherwise I would consider the BTO option in the Apple Store and get the 2010 3.33 4 core.

Is this a toss up, or is there a "clear" winner in your opinion?

Thanks so much for your help!

 

[alphaod]

I'd get the 2009 model with the slightly faster CPU, double the RAM, and slightly better graphics card.

If you plan to use 3 monitors, the 5770 might be a better choice, but again you would be better off selling the 4870 and getting a 5870. Also seeing you didn't say how much RAM you were planning to get, I had to assume you were going to upgrade to 6GB, which prompted my choice.

 

[timbloom]

Is the 2009 an Apple refurb with a full warranty? I would urge you you pick the the 2010 if there isn't a full warranty of the 2009. Functionally the 2 machines are so close in real world performance, ram differences aside, that either way you go you'll be getting almost exactly the same mac. The warranty could bite hard if you overlook it though. Typical major repairs on those are rarely less than $800.

 

[Photios]

Is the 2009 an Apple refurb with a full warranty? I would urge you you pick the the 2010 if there isn't a full warranty of the 2009. Functionally the 2 machines are so close in real world performance, ram differences aside, that either way you go you'll be getting almost exactly the same mac. The warranty could bite hard if you overlook it though. Typical major repairs on those are rarely less than $800.

Both machines are brand new (not refurbed) with full 1 year warranty.

 

[mjsmke]

The advantage of the 2010 quad core is you can upgrade to the hexcore cpu later.

I have the 2.93 2009 and its a great machine. What will you be using it for?

 

[peskaa]

Buy the 2009. If you're not going to be able to afford more RAM for the 2010, and have no interest in a CPU upgrade down the line, then the 2010 offers you nothing. They're both Nehalem architecture, and you'll be getting a faster machine.

Of course, if the warranty status was different I'd be saying something else, but if you're getting warranty on both then it's no issue.