$23,397 Mac Pro

[Losenrout]

So you ignored the rest of the things I talked about in my post huh?

No, I read it and I appreciate the advice. I'll consider investing in multiple new machines over the next few years instead of on one system immediately.

By the way, is there anyone out there who actually owns or has experience with a machine with these specs?

 

[Schtumple]

The '1000W' PSU means that it can supply a maximum of 1000W, not that it will consume 1000W constantly. Sure he's gonna load it up with everything but that 1000W is for the like a 4x video card config and full usage of every component. It's so powerful to accommodate a safety margin.

I know, thank you for re-iterating what I always knew
With all the extras the OP will add, it'll probably run at say 6-700w under a large load? or would you say that would be a bit much...

 

[Umbongo]

I know, thank you for re-iterating what I always knew
With all the extras the OP will add, it'll probably run at say 6-700w under a large load? or would you say that would be a bit much...

Peak load could hit 800W, heavy load 6-700W.

 

[Digital Skunk]

No, I read it and I appreciate the advice. I'll consider investing in multiple new machines over the next few years instead of on one system immediately.

By the way, is there anyone out there who actually owns or has experience with a machine with these specs?

Yes, which is why I say grab the cheaper one and invest in better machines in the future. My paper bought a few maxed out Mac Pro and now, a year and a half later, they still only have four cores and aren't that much faster at anything sans HD video rendering for 2 minute clips.

The guy that bought them thought the paper had this amazing budget, he was an @$$h0le and now are top of the line machines are great, but we could have gotten a few more good ones down the road.

As for SAS, those 10,000 rpm drives and $900 RAID card won't benefit you at all unless you are streaming multiple streams of uncompressed DVCPRO HD footage in real-time. Other than that, you better be putting those expensive things in a server farm to help cure cancer.

It's all just wasted time, money and space. You could take your hobby and make it into a small business for that kind of cash my friend. Not trying to tell you what you should do, but MAN, the potential is GREAT and goes far beyond buying a $20,000 Mac Pro for bootcamp.

 

[Schtumple]

I've only just picked up on the fact that the OP wants to buy a $24,000 Mac... to run windows...

The irony is too much, I think I'll leave this for tonight and check back in the morning to see the damage.

 

[Digital Skunk]

I've only just picked up on the fact that the OP wants to buy a $24,000 Mac... to run windows...

The irony is too much, I think I'll leave this for tonight and check back in the morning to see the damage.

Ouch!

 

[-Alan-]

If you don't mind the noise of running four drives...or the heat then go for it. If you're blessed with the money, buy the top of the line iMac and see if that works for you. If not, then get the dream machine.

 

[alphaod]

I'm a private individual interested in buying a custom top-of-the-line Mac Pro, mostly as a toy since I'm blessed enough to be able to afford it. The machine I'm interested in would be 3.2GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon, 32GB, four 300GB SAS drives, NVIDIAQuadro FX 5600, and a couple Cinema HD Displays. With accessories, it runs about $23,397.

I recently talked with an apple representative who actually tried to convince me to acquire a somewhat lower-end "suggested configuration" Mac Pro. He told me that the technical upkeep for such a high-end mac is more demanding than I could handle. Is this accurate? He also told me that he wasn't aware of any use a private individual could have for that amount of processing power, but I enjoy knowing the power is available, so this doesn't concern me.

The only high-end software I run is some naval architecture CAD programs (Maxsurf, ShipConstructor and Navisworks) -- I'm a ship-building hobbyist. These programs would run in Windows under bootcamp. I would also use the machine for mostly mundane tasks -- internet, email, record-keeping, and my large music library.

Any thoughts about the upkeep of this machine would be greatly appreciated. Is it possible for me to maintain this machine myself, with good computer proficiency, but no special skills?

No skills needed. Well maybe some common sense

 

[sammich]

I know, thank you for re-iterating what I always knew
With all the extras the OP will add, it'll probably run at say 6-700w under a large load? or would you say that would be a bit much...

Your reference to the 'small kettle all day long' might have given the wrong idea, just making sure the OP was clear on that.

To figure out the peak usage you can just add up all the components from the manufacturers sites, like the the 3.2ghz chips run at 150W (someone check me on that please) so 2 together would be 300W, plus the PCI slots have a max of 300W, then there are the HDD's and fans, and bits and pieces so maybe 7-800W is a ballpark range.

 

[bluedevil14]

I'm not gonna flame you for being fortunate to spend money on what you want, but I don't see any additional upkeep for the extreme-top-of-the line versus just normal top of the line. And this guy is not gonna be worried about an electrical bill if hes lucky enough to be able to drop 23 grand on a computer.

 

[Losenrout]

I've only just picked up on the fact that the OP wants to buy a $24,000 Mac... to run windows...

The irony is too much, I think I'll leave this for tonight and check back in the morning to see the damage.

I only plan to use windows for the FormSys suite (Maxsurf, ShipConstructor and NavisWorks). I'd run the programs under OSX if they existed for it. I will, of course, use OSX for mail, Safari, iTunes, Word, etc.

Thank you all for your advice, I will take it all under consideration. I might skip the SAS drives (if there really is no benefit for what I need to do) and get a few 1TB drives instead. I think my heart is set on the maximum processing power and maximum RAM, however -- power consumption doesn't seem to be as big a concern as initially indicated, and it simply can't hurt to have more under the hood. Thank you again for the kind advice on my decision.

 

[SwiftLives]

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I actually agree that you should buy a slightly less expensive configuration. However, with the money left over in your budget, I'd suggest doing what I did, and getting the Mac Pro and displays gold-plated. I think that would add a wonderful touch of class to your new machine, and I'm sure it will mach the trimmings and fixtures in your computer quarters.

By the way, I'm assuming you have I Am Rich for the iPhone as well as the rest of us MacRumors Premium members. Hasn't that been wonderful? The team of appraisers I hired have informed me that it has actually increased to $1,217.22 in value since Apple pulled it from the store. It's a true collector's item now!

But I digress.

Anyway, congratulations on your purchase! I'll be posting pictures of my setup as soon as soon as I can hire a photographer to take some shots of it. I hope you'll do the same. Just make sure that any diamonds or other reflective jewels don't detract from the photo. Most photographers know how to adjust for that, though.

 

[samwich]

correct me if I am wrong, but can any application/(os) actually access/use that much ram? I was under the impression that an application has to be 64 bit to be able to use that much ram, and most programs aren't yet/have limits on how much ram the program can use anyways.

 

[taylorwilsdon]

You shouldn't have put the price in the thread. It went from "help me out" to "look at me."

Anyways, save your money. You don't need (or want) a Quadro, you don't need Apple brand RAM, you definitely don't want a complex SAS raid system to do a job where a 5400rpm hard drive would suffice.

Getting the latest and greatest is great, but in a week it won't be... the latest and greatest, and you'll be stuck with a computer worth $2000 in a couple years, wishing you had spent $8,000 3 times instead of throwing it all at one computer that will be outmoded very quickly.

 

[KingYaba]

I'd purchase a Mac Pro at 3.2ghz and then upgrade the memory, hard drive(s) & graphic card(s) at a later date when you need them. Since this is the original poster's first post in the forum. I'm just saying it's a bit fishy.

 

[sushi]

I'm a private individual interested in buying a custom top-of-the-line Mac Pro, mostly as a toy since I'm blessed enough to be able to afford it. The machine I'm interested in would be 3.2GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon, 32GB, four 300GB SAS drives, NVIDIAQuadro FX 5600, and a couple Cinema HD Displays. With accessories, it runs about $23,397.

First post, and you are pricing a computer like this?

Why not start out with a less expensive option, then upgrade in the future. That way you stay more current.

If you are spending that much, then buy the Apple RAM since it would be covered by Apple Care.

Good point if money is not option, which appears to be the case.

I'd purchase a Mac Pro at 3.2ghz and then upgrade the memory, hard drive(s) & graphic card(s) at a later date when you need them.

Agree.

Since this is the original poster's first post in the forum. I'm just saying it's a bit fishy.

Yeah, something doesn't jive.

There are folks who have money to burn, but usually when purchasing something technical they tend to know more about the subject at hand.

To the OP, consider taking those funds and donating a computer lab of iMacs to your local HS or college. They would greatly appreciate it.

And while you are at it either get an iMac or stock Mac Pro for yourself. Learn about computers and upgrade as you see fit.

 

[Big-TDI-Guy]

If you're looking for the biggest bang for your solitare - then skip the Mac Pro.

http://store.apple.com/us_smb_78313/configure/MA882LL/A?mco=NzU0NTA0

Scoop up as many as you require, they play well together.

You can get some SERIOUS service and support - so you don't have to maintain that pesky hardware. Right now for $49,995.00.

Max out a single unit for the best XP experience ever for only $87,040.00 (only $1,985.00 per month with a Juniper Visa Card). Ships in 3-5 business days.

Just promise you install Folding @ home, and use it to heat your house during the winter months, ok?

 

[Saladinos]

I don't necessarily think it's fishy. When I went for my interview at the Regent Street store, one of the guys there told me they just had some Russian billionaire walk in, buy a couple of top-spec Mac Pros, numbers of 30" ACDs, and loads of other things. Just pointing at stuff and said "I'll have... 4 of those, 6 of those...". Total bill came to around £80,000 ($160,000). The guy had a black American Express, which wouldn't fit in the card reader. They had to fish around for a card reader that would take it.

Those machines do actually get bought. Guy was annoyed they didn't get commision. Even 1% would have been fine.

 

[GorillaPaws]

correct me if I am wrong, but can any application/(os) actually access/use that much ram? I was under the impression that an application has to be 64 bit to be able to use that much ram, and most programs aren't yet/have limits on how much ram the program can use anyways.

I'm pretty sure you're right about this. I could be wrong, but I think that all of the programs you are planning on running would only be able to use 8gigs of the 16--if that. And to reiterate what others have said, if you're into squandering money on excessively powered Macs then you're much better off buying an 8k powermac 3 times instead of getting just one machine. I don't have experience with machines in the 10K+ range, but I'd be willing to guess that a lower-specced 5-10k machine may actually outperform the 23k one on some of the tasks your asking it to do.

 

[Zieg3rman]

The apple rep probably told you to get the lesser model because apple probably has no idea how to build the monster you are looking at purchasing. Steve is going to have to call up R&D for you order. Congratulations on being able to afford such expensive toys. I am sure every penny is well earned. Do keep us informed about which configuration you eventually get and how it works for you.

 

[nanofrog]

The base Mac Pro would run the FormSys Suite quite nicely. Simulations and 3D rendering included.

You won't see a difference between 2.8 and 3.2 GHz. You'd do better to run RAID and improve drive throughput, and even this isn't an absolute necessity.

If you choose to go with the nVidia FX5600, that will have to come from Apple, as it can't be currently obtained 3rd party. Apple Care for this product is automatic, and welcome as it is difficult to come by. For those "Just-in-case" moments.

Personally, I'd advise any Memory, HDD's, or even RAID to be bought 3rd party. Apple's RAID Pro card will not work in Boot Camp, and it doesn't appear they will ever. More options, and less money, even if it doesn't matter to you. It could actually send Apple a message to lower the prices for such upgrades, though I seriously doubt it.

 

[richard.mac]

Losenrout if you really want it, have the money, have the passion for Macs and want the bragging rights (which you can choose to use of course) then go for it!

the top-of-line Mac Pro is of impeccable value. for example here is a post i made earlier explaining the difference in price between a Mac Pro and a home built "Hackintosh Pro" of similar specs purchased from Newegg. upgrading to 2x 3.2 GHz Xeons, adding in another 22GB of RAM (ASUS mobo only supports 24 GB), 4 SAS drives, 2x 23"/24" displays, Quadro FX would surely surpass ~$24 grand. but i would buy the hard drives, RAM and non Apple accessories from third party stores such as Newegg at a later date… i know i wouldnt like to wait weeks and weeks when a you can buy a stock config Mac Pro at a store or get it mailed in a few days.

also the Mac Pro will run Windows and Mac OS X (also Linux if you wish… why not its free ) so if you only want to run Windows thats cool youll get a unbelievably fast machine thats cool, quiet and will make some PC user professionals jealous. but try and give OS X a shot. with Snow Leopard coming out next year with full 64-bit support in the kernel having 32 GB of RAM you will be one of the small percentage of users that will get the most benefit out of the new OS.

good luck to you

rich

 

[nanofrog]

but try and give OS X a shot.

He said he plans to use OS X for as much as possible. Windows via Boot Camp is needed for his naval architecture suite (FormSys Suite).

 

[kjs862]

I say buy it and then donate it to medical research. I'm sure they will let you get in on the research to since your donating an awesome computer.

 

[ntrigue]

Please don't be foolish. These are for commercial businesses that can play with taxes and expense it over 5 years.

My computer will be obsolete in 6 months. I paid $1,800.
Your computer will be obsolete next winter. You paid $23,000.