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ADvice on 3 potential mpro buys

cpnotebook80

cpnotebook80

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Feb 4, 2007
1,240
560
Toronto
Upgrading from imac to macpro
Need advice
I have found few ppl in my area selling mac pros and wanted some advice and which is the best one to get.
They are all xeons mostly and i read somewhere something about adobe needing rosetta to run on the mac pros at one point. hopefully someone can clear that up for me.
I do heavy editing on final cut n adobe and work with Hd videos
Here are the models

1) Apple Mac Pro Intel Quad Core 2.66GHz, 4Gb ram, 2 x 250Gb hard drive, GeForce 7300 video card, superdrive and pre-loaded with Snow Leopard O/S. The model number of this system is MA356LL/A $1500

2)Apple Mac Pro 2 x 2.66 GHz Dual Core Intel Xeon
2G, 250GB HD/Superdrive/GeForce 7300 Graphics Card
2 Processors with 4 Cores. $1600

3)Model Name: Mac Pro
Processor Name: Dual-Core Intel Xeon
Processor Speed: 2.66 GHz
Number Of Processors: 2
Total Number Of Cores: 4
L2 Cache (per processor): 4 MB
Memory: 1 GB
Bus Speed: 1.33 GHz
Boot ROM Version: MP11.005C.B01
SMC Version: 1.7f8
no video card $1000

thanks again. Also maybe someone can advice on any better models than these in the recent years that may be better than the above.
 
those are all exactly the same model (2006 model also known as 1.1). the only thing differing is the hard drives /ram and gpu
 
Cindori said:
those are all exactly the same model (2006 model also known as 1.1). the only thing differing is the hard drives /ram and gpu
Click to expand...

Thanks
So since they are all from 2006, should I just get something newer maybe or will the processor power be enough for editing hd video etc
 
These will work. You can upgrade the processors to 4 cores clovertown. Draw back on these systems is 32 bit EFI so no 64 bit software. I edited AVCHD on mine when I had it. No bad system if your tight on cash. Otherwise go find a 2008 mac pro. These have the 64 bit EFI.
 
THanks for your thoughts
I;ve used imac for like almost 4 years and always want more power and mac pro were out of reach. I even had a macbook pro the new one 13" and it was still slow than the apple mac pro but it managed to play my hd videos right off the camcorder and my imac couldnt
So i can imagine the power If i do decided to get a macpro
I dont want to buy something that has too much power where its underutilized
also, dont want to be left behind in the new mac pro processors either.
Want something that can stand test of time or atleast few years.

I also came across this
one someeone selling for $2000

processor name: Quad-Core Intel Xeon (intel extended memory 64 technology, 64 bit data paths)
processor speed: 2.8 GHz (x2)
number of processor: 2
Total numbers of core: 8
cache per processor: 12mb
memory: 2GB (expendable up to 32GB)
cache memory : 24mb L2 cache
bus speed: 1.6 GHz
hd: 320gb (expendable up to 4 hd, and each takes maximum 1TB, cable free)
firewire 800: 2
firewire 400: 2
usb: 5
usb on keyboard :2
ati radeon hd 2600xt 256mb
optical digital audio input and output
analog stereo line-level input and output
16x super drive with double layer support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
bluetooth 2.0
two ethernet input
 
cpnotebook80 said:
I also came across this
one someeone selling for $2000

processor name: Quad-Core Intel Xeon (intel extended memory 64 technology, 64 bit data paths)
processor speed: 2.8 GHz (x2)
number of processor: 2
Total numbers of core: 8
Click to expand...

That is the 2008 octad, often considered one of the best value machines Apple has ever produced. I am typing from one now, it's a great performer. That machine will last you for a few years to come.
 
Techhie said:
That is the 2008 octad, often considered one of the best value machines Apple has ever produced. I am typing from one now, it's a great performer. That machine will last you for a few years to come.
Click to expand...

also can i use my current imac as a monitor for the mac pro or do i need a new monitor to go with the macpro

does the heavy programs run pretty smooth and quick for you?
 
Cindori said:
so not worth it



wrong. 32bit OSX can run 64 bit apps.
Click to expand...

If your lucky and get a good deal on the clovertowns, it would be worth it to someone on a budget. As for the 64 bit software, yeah, OS X runs it but not as efficient as it would in 64 bit mode. And if I am right, will not access above 4gb ram for the program.

If you can get that 2008 mac pro for 2000, grab it. Its a great machine. Have had mine for around a year. Awesome machine. Suggest you get a dedicated monitor.
 
Cindori said:
wrong. 32bit OSX can run 64 bit apps.
Click to expand...
For now, yes. But Apple is going to drop K32 support, and graphics cards are already a problem in the EFI32 based systems ('06 - '07; for the OP).

These issues would haunt anyone for the described use (i.e. have to turn around and get a newer machine to retain the ability to upgrade the OS and hardware). So it's best to get an EFI64 based system, which begins with the '08's. ;)
 
cpnotebook80 said:
also can i use my current imac as a monitor for the mac pro or do i need a new monitor to go with the macpro

does the heavy programs run pretty smooth and quick for you?
Click to expand...

You can't use the iMac as monitor, as that model was introduced before they enabled that capability. I don't think you will have any problem with "smoothness" :rolleyes:
 
Yes was told about that in the apple store and was almost forced to buy a brand new macpro way over my budget.
So i will have to buy the 2k one above and see how that goes. Too bad one cant add the ssd drives
Also, since we are expecting new pros coming out soon, should i be worried about buying a 2008 version?
 
The monitor coming with is the Samsung 226bw
is this good? reviews of it seem good but would like to see what else comparable to the apple led lcd type is out there
 
Techhie said:
That is the 2008 octad, often considered one of the best value machines Apple has ever produced. I am typing from one now, it's a great performer. That machine will last you for a few years to come.
Click to expand...

do you know where i can get upgrade ram for the above model
i cant find it on newegg and maybe read somewhere that the ram for the above is hard to come by
i found something on it here
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/431246/
 
The machine is extremely capable. I don't edit HD, but I run Vienna Symphonic, which is a 270 GB sample library in Logic, so if over 300 concurrent software instruments with multiple individual effects doesn't give me jitter, I can't see it falling short on your tasks :)
 
Techhie said:
That is the 2008 octad, often considered one of the best value machines Apple has ever produced. I am typing from one now, it's a great performer. That machine will last you for a few years to come.
Click to expand...

YEH! my first mac pro.
Im so happy with it. Yes its fast but have yet to do some editing still on it on my videos.

Things i noticed since ive been using the imac

The macpro didnt have wifi so had to share internet from imac using ethernet for now. (any other option? i heard the wifi for macpro is not very good, maybe usb wifi?)

the keyboard n mouse i use is bluetooth on imac and the macpro is on the floor. So have to get a BT mouse i guess since cable is short

Also, regarding ram, came with 2gb. I have someone selling another 2gb from the same machine as mine. Should I get that or buy an actual 4gb ram dimm.
The guys is selling the 2gb for 100$.

monitor i have is a samsung and is not the greatest since it looks faded a bit and angle is not great. Maybe will get a dell in near future.

Also my geekbench score is 9850 when i got the macpro and tested it out.Is that good?

Regarding harddrive, Should i add a high rpm harddrive and will it help on this machine for movie editing etc.

Can I upgrade the cpu since its 2x2.8 processor and maybe bump it up to 2x3.0ghz or will that not make a difference and stick to just ram.

thanks
 
ram

I have found few places for 8gb ram.
Currently i have the default 2gb ram
my early mac pro 2008
I found one place selling the 8gb for 260$US. is that good price?
2x4
Now can i keep my current 2gb to make it 10gb.
there is 1gb in riser a and 1gb in riser b
 
dont bother with the processors, expensive for not too much of gain in performance.

Upgrade memory, if your doing heavy intensive HD video, or final cut pro etc I would recommend about 8-12GB, check at crucial, or macupgrades.com. Both are pretty cheap, and sell aftermarket memory on the cheap. The memory is a important one.

What I have found is you want a really quick, eg. a raptor Hard drive, or a SSD drive for optimum performance, I have a original mac drive 500GB and 2 1TB drives, to be honest they are a bit slow, and if you look for something you occasionally get a bit of lag as they search / scan for the info on the disk. But this is me being really picky and searching for problems.

Also your graphics card, I unfortunately still have a 2600HD which is pretty rubbish. Either go for a ATI 4890 or GT285, both of which can be brought as PC cards then flashed with help from topics on the mac pro thread. I am waiting for a update to hopefully get a ATI 5xxx series, if not I will be doing the above in a couple of months!

Enjoy your machine
 
Pedro86 said:
dont bother with the processors, expensive for not too much of gain in performance.

Upgrade memory, if your doing heavy intensive HD video, or final cut pro etc I would recommend about 8-12GB, check at crucial, or macupgrades.com. Both are pretty cheap, and sell aftermarket memory on the cheap. The memory is a important one.

What I have found is you want a really quick, eg. a raptor Hard drive, or a SSD drive for optimum performance, I have a original mac drive 500GB and 2 1TB drives, to be honest they are a bit slow, and if you look for something you occasionally get a bit of lag as they search / scan for the info on the disk. But this is me being really picky and searching for problems.

Also your graphics card, I unfortunately still have a 2600HD which is pretty rubbish. Either go for a ATI 4890 or GT285, both of which can be brought as PC cards then flashed with help from topics on the mac pro thread. I am waiting for a update to hopefully get a ATI 5xxx series, if not I will be doing the above in a couple of months!

Enjoy your machine
Click to expand...

So I will update the hddrive and gpu and ram.in due time
regarding the gpu, i have someone selling one the ati 4890 for 275$ so not sure if thats good.
I will check for some fast drives as im not sure about ssd and installation just yet.
 
cpnotebook80 said:
YEH! my first mac pro.
Im so happy with it. Yes its fast but have yet to do some editing still on it on my videos.

Things i noticed since ive been using the imac

The macpro didnt have wifi so had to share internet from imac using ethernet for now. (any other option? i heard the wifi for macpro is not very good, maybe usb wifi?)

the keyboard n mouse i use is bluetooth on imac and the macpro is on the floor. So have to get a BT mouse i guess since cable is short

Also, regarding ram, came with 2gb. I have someone selling another 2gb from the same machine as mine. Should I get that or buy an actual 4gb ram dimm.
The guys is selling the 2gb for 100$.

monitor i have is a samsung and is not the greatest since it looks faded a bit and angle is not great. Maybe will get a dell in near future.

Also my geekbench score is 9850 when i got the macpro and tested it out.Is that good?

Regarding harddrive, Should i add a high rpm harddrive and will it help on this machine for movie editing etc.

Can I upgrade the cpu since its 2x2.8 processor and maybe bump it up to 2x3.0ghz or will that not make a difference and stick to just ram.

thanks
Click to expand...

HD video editing is what I do. Would have gotten this machine if the new MP wasn't just around the corner, should serve you just fine.

Especially since budget was an initial concern, a usb extension cable would work just fine for your mouse (female on one end male on the other), I'd invest in another 4 Gbs of ram, a monitor for a dual setup, (use your samson for your bins & effects) and also put my $ into HD's for backup & storage. You could set them up in RAID if you find you have the need for more speed. Then work with it for a bit. If you don't use motion heavily, the GPU might be fine.

By the time you settle into your machine & find out what you really need, more options should be available, & the cost of things like SSD's should come down a bit.
 
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