D300 vs m290x?

[MartinAppleGuy]

Hi there, looking into either a Mac Pro entry level with the Dual D300 GPUs or a 5k iMac. Wanted to here your opinions on what machine is better with a large workflow (both graphic work, maybe some photo editing, but also gaming). In bootcamp, can games take advantage of both GPUs in the Mac Pro? And how does the dual and/or single D300 setup compare to the m290x GPU?

 

[pat500000]

you should try pc.

 

[santaliqueur]

you should try pc.

You should try being more helpful.

 

[santaliqueur]

Hi there, looking into either a Mac Pro entry level with the Dual D300 GPUs or a 5k iMac. Wanted to here your opinions on what machine is better with a large workflow (both graphic work, maybe some photo editing, but also gaming). In bootcamp, can games take advantage of both GPUs in the Mac Pro? And how does the dual and/or single D300 setup compare to the m290x GPU?

What's your primary use for the machine? Using Boot Camp, you can use Crossfire to utilize both GPUs.

 

[MartinAppleGuy]

What's your primary use for the machine? Using Boot Camp, you can use Crossfire to utilize both GPUs.

Primary uses will be within OS X with photo work and art based projects. I'm looking for something killer that fits in too, so the amazing look of the 5k iMac and the Mac Pro really fit into that as well.

Secondary use would be gaming in bootcamp of course, I know from ip my current iMax with a 750m GPU that macs can run game just fine, and that the D300s and the m290x are faster.

One difference is that gaming on the D300s would be done at 1080p, but I would be playing at 1440p in the retina iMac. So what would you recommend? What would be the better setup? I've came to the conclusion that both will meet the requirements for my uses in OS X, but what do you think it better for the secondary windows uses; Dual D300s or a single m290x?

 

[koyoot]

D300 and M290X are the same Pitcairn chips, both have exactly same clocks.

So Mac Pro having two GPUs will be much faster than iMac.

 

[MartinAppleGuy]

D300 and M290X are the same Pitcairn chips, both have exactly same clocks.

So Mac Pro having two GPUs will be much faster than iMac.

Right, so next question would be, is it worth the extra money, also considering that the iMac comes with a 5k display vs having the Mac Pro cost 800 pounds more and not come with a display, keyboard or mouse?

I'd like too see others views on this

 

[bladerunner2000]

Hi there, looking into either a Mac Pro entry level with the Dual D300 GPUs or a 5k iMac. Wanted to here your opinions on what machine is better with a large workflow (both graphic work, maybe some photo editing, but also gaming). In bootcamp, can games take advantage of both GPUs in the Mac Pro? And how does the dual and/or single D300 setup compare to the m290x GPU?

Neither for gaming. The D300s aren't that good and the m290x is a joke; a mobile GPU. To make matters worse, the m290x will perform like CRAP when trying to pull 5k resolution.

You're honestly better off just building a hackintosh and picking whatever GPU you like (I'd recommend the GTX 970). Not only that, the cost of the system will be significantly lower than either the iMac or the Mac Pro. It's exactly what I did and couldn't be happier.

If you're doing graphic work (photoshop/illustrator/indesign), you're not going to utilize much of the GPU's power anyway. For After Effects, those D300s are useless; no CUDA cores (you should have an Nvidia GPU for that).

 

[MartinAppleGuy]

Neither for gaming. The D300s aren't that good and the m290x is a joke; a mobile GPU. To make matters worse, the m290x will perform like CRAP when trying to pull 5k resolution.

You're honestly better off just building a hackintosh and picking whatever GPU you like (I'd recommend the GTX 970). Not only that, the cost of the system will be significantly lower than either the iMac or the Mac Pro. It's exactly what I did and couldn't be happier.

If you're doing graphic work (photoshop/illustrator/indesign), you're not going to utilize much of the GPU's power anyway. For After Effects, those D300s are useless; no CUDA cores (you should have an Nvidia GPU for that).

I'm not wanting a PC or hackintosh though Part of the beauty in buying a Mac comes from its unprecedented looks, and I need something that fits in well with everything else And I completely disagree with your comment on mobile GPUS being a joke, seeing as I already game on much op much less powerful 750m iMac with games such as GTA V at 60fps, 1080p, normal to high settings.

To get back on topic, I'm looking for people's views on dual D300s vs a single m290x and what they think it the better value of the two. Don't care for a cheap DIY exepereice. It's like a tuned Honda Civic Type R, it can be tuned it to run as fast as a Ferrari, but that's not the point in buying the Ferrari. It's all about the exepereice, the unprecedented level of detail, fit and finish, and beauty that make the two completely different cars. Im not asking about the Civic, Im basically wanting to know; do I go for the Laferrari or the 458

 

[bladerunner2000]

I'm not wanting a PC or hackintosh though Part of the beauty in buying a Mac comes from its unprecedented looks, and I need something that fits in well with everything else And I completely disagree with your comment on mobile GPUS being a joke, seeing as I already game on much op much less powerful 750m iMac with games such as GTA V at 60fps, 1080p, normal to high settings.

Computers are tools though, not vanity objects. You'll never spend much time looking at the case anyway so I see no reason why its aesthetic even needs to be mentioned when asking about HARDWARE specs.

Also, you're not going to hit 60fps on a 5k monitor with a mobile GPU.

 

[MartinAppleGuy]

Computers are tools though, not vanity objects. You'll never spend much time looking at the case anyway so I see no reason why its aesthetic even needs to be mentioned when asking about HARDWARE specs.

Also, you're not going to hit 60fps on a 5k monitor with a mobile GPU.

I stated above in this thread that games would be played at 1440p on the 5k iMac (quarter 5k) And I do believe I shall be looking at the product very much, seeing as that is how I use it, epically hard not to in the case of the iMac. I clearly value and take joy in the products I buy more than you do (which is perfectly fine) So lets just leave it there haha


And I'm asking about hardware specs, correct. Hardware specs between a m290x and D300 GPUS. I've already decided and made clear that it's between a Mac Pro or iMac, my comment was just to elaborate on your recommendation of a hackintosh and to why that is not what I'm looking at, the title of the thread reads clearly that it's a question regarding two Apple desktop computers, not looking for alternatives options (I'm trying to narrow down, not up lol).


Can we bet back on topic; what is better value, a mid tier 5k iMac or entry level iMac factoring in that it comes with a display.

 

[pat500000]

You should try being more helpful.

i was...and you should know better than to ask if you knew the answer.

 

[Stacc]

You may want to think about the retina iMac with the m295x. Its a pretty good chip and is roughly equivalent to a d700 in the mac pro.

 

[bladerunner2000]

I stated above in this thread that games would be played at 1440p on the 5k iMac (quarter 5k) And I do believe I shall be looking at the product very much, seeing as that is how I use it, epically hard not to in the case of the iMac. I clearly value and take joy in the products I buy more than you do (which is perfectly fine) So lets just leave it there haha


And I'm asking about hardware specs, correct. Hardware specs between a m290x and D300 GPUS. I've already decided and made clear that it's between a Mac Pro or iMac, my comment was just to elaborate on your recommendation of a hackintosh and to why that is not what I'm looking at, the title of the thread reads clearly that it's a question regarding two Apple desktop computers, not looking for alternatives options (I'm trying to narrow down, not up lol).


Can we bet back on topic; what is better value, a mid tier 5k iMac or entry level iMac factoring in that it comes with a display.

Yeah, and I'm telling you very clearly you're going to be disappointed with both products. You don't buy a Mac for gaming.... any mac even if you have copious amounts of cash. Christ, if you have that much money to waste, you're better off getting a pimped out 2012 Mac Pro and slapping in a GTX 770 or better for gaming and it wouldn't cost you anywhere near as much as that unupgradeable trash can OR the iMac with its lousy soldered GPU and CPU.

Just look at the performance of DUAL D700s when they go up against a single GTX 780 Ti;

Those D300s are going to get completely wrecked. So again, no, neither system is suitable for your needs.

To make matters worse, not all games play well with SLI/Crossfire;
http://www.anandtech.com/show/7603/mac-pro-review-late-2013/10

So in some cases, you're going to see no benefit at all from a second FirePro GPU.

So, logically and rationally speaking, you're wasting your money if your buying a Mac out of vanity. If you really need to have that 'pretty case' then get a 2012 Mac Pro and put some proper GPUs in there and you'll also have the benefit of changing them later or putting in additional ones in the future.

 

[jerwin]

If you like the screen, buy an iMac. If you want a nearly silent computer, buy a Mac Pro. If neither of those things interest you as much as playing games, go with a windows machine.

Also, the D300 is a m290x
the D700 is a m295x with fewer heat related problems.
the D500 is basically an m290x with better Double Precision throughput.

 

[Fl0r!an]

If you really need to have that 'pretty case' then get a 2012 Mac Pro and put some proper GPUs in there and you'll also have the benefit of changing them later or putting in additional ones in the future.

+1!!!

The classic MacPro is definitely the best "gaming" machine with an Apple on it you can get. Everything Apple sells today is inferior!

And I completely disagree with your comment on mobile GPUS being a joke, seeing as I already game on much op much less powerful 750m iMac with games such as GTA V at 60fps, 1080p, normal to high settings.

Compared to "real" GPUs, they are a joke.
Also consider that neither the iMacs nor the nMPs GPU can be upgraded, so you need a GPU which does not only run the games today, but also the games coming up in the next years (depends on how long you want to keep the machine).

 

[SoyCapitanSoyCapitan]

There are no GPUs ready for 4K gaming let alone 5K. Even the Titan X is barely managing 50-60fps at 4K with games from last year. True 4K gaming power is more than a year away. Am afraid right now you should just think about high detail and frame rates at 1080-1440p.

 

[Inutopia]

I'll third or fourth or whatever the advice to buy a 2009-2012 Mac Pro and upgrade it.

The machine in my sig is an absolute monster for gaming at 1440p and will destroy either of the options you have mentioned. Also it's a real Mac, and also it was a lot cheaper.

 

[MartinAppleGuy]

You may want to think about the retina iMac with the m295x. Its a pretty good chip and is roughly equivalent to a d700 in the mac pro.

Wow, that's amazing! Will definitely think about that them! Thanks

 

[MartinAppleGuy]

If you like the screen, buy an iMac. If you want a nearly silent computer, buy a Mac Pro. If neither of those things interest you as much as playing games, go with a windows machine.

Also, the D300 is a m290x
the D700 is a m295x with fewer heat related problems.
the D500 is basically an m290x with better Double Precision throughput.

Nice comparison, that should help me

 

[MartinAppleGuy]

Thanks for all the replies, will have to look more into everything I think haha

 

[koyoot]

Yeah, and I'm telling you very clearly you're going to be disappointed with both products. You don't buy a Mac for gaming.... any mac even if you have copious amounts of cash. Christ, if you have that much money to waste, you're better off getting a pimped out 2012 Mac Pro and slapping in a GTX 770 or better for gaming and it wouldn't cost you anywhere near as much as that unupgradeable trash can OR the iMac with its lousy soldered GPU and CPU.

Just look at the performance of DUAL D700s when they go up against a single GTX 780 Ti;

Those D300s are going to get completely wrecked. So again, no, neither system is suitable for your needs.

To make matters worse, not all games play well with SLI/Crossfire;
http://www.anandtech.com/show/7603/mac-pro-review-late-2013/10

So in some cases, you're going to see no benefit at all from a second FirePro GPU.

So, logically and rationally speaking, you're wasting your money if your buying a Mac out of vanity. If you really need to have that 'pretty case' then get a 2012 Mac Pro and put some proper GPUs in there and you'll also have the benefit of changing them later or putting in additional ones in the future.

The stats are outdated. Right now, GF 780 Ti is slower in games than R9 290X. That is how fast are Nvidia GPU maturing. Or maybe simply new drivers make AMD GPUs faster. As of right now Dual D300 should be on par with GTX 780 Ti, with newest drivers. D700's would be much faster. They should be in the range of Asus Strix Fury single GPU.

P.S. Looking by the comments in this and other threads, I don't think this forum is the right choice for getting knowledge how well GPUs are performing...

P.S.2. Mobile GPUs use the same cores as the desktop ones. M290X and D300 is the same Pitcairn chip. GM107 in GT750M is the same chip that was in GTX650 in desktop.

 

[MartinAppleGuy]

The stats are outdated. Right now, GF 780 Ti is slower in games than R9 290X. That is how fast are Nvidia GPU maturing. Or maybe simply new drivers make AMD GPUs faster. As of right now Dual D300 should be on par with GTX 780 Ti, with newest drivers. D700's would be much faster. They should be in the range of Asus Strix Fury single GPU.

P.S. Looking by the comments in this and other threads, I don't think this forum is the right choice for getting knowledge how well GPUs are performing...

P.S.2. Mobile GPUs use the same cores as the desktop ones. M290X and D300 is the same Pitcairn chip. GM107 in GT750M is the same chip that was in GTX650 in desktop.

Wow, some great info there, thanks! No your comparison between the GTX 780 Ti and the D300, is what a single D300 or both of them running in CrossFire?

 

[koyoot]

Of course both. Even if you would OC that GPU you would not get to performance levels of GTX 780 Ti on single D300, that would not be possible. However, two D300 should have similar performance of GTX 780 Ti, and possibly, faster in 4K.

 

[Rezar]

Better off getting an Mac Pro 4.1/5.1 and put a GTX 980Ti in it, and while it's expensive it would still be cheaper than getting a new Mac Pro.

That being said a crossfire setup with two D700 will get decent performance but won't be able drive games in more than 1440p .