Desktop for me, which one?

[Standard]

Last week I was dead certain on purchasing a MacBook Pro, but things have now changed. I am currently looking at purchasing a Mac Pro. I would love to reduce my costs, so let me show you my options.

$2099

Specifications

* Refurbished Mac Pro Quad 2.66GHz Intel Xeon
* Two 2.66GHz Dual-Core Intel Xeon processors
* 1GB (2 x 512MB) memory (667MHz DDR2 fully-buffered DIMM ECC)
* 250GB Serial ATA 3Gb/s 7200 rpm hard drive
* 16x SuperDrive (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
* NVIDIA GeForce 7300 GT graphics with 256MB memory

^ With this machine I would need to upgrade the memory and video card.

$2399

Specifications

* Refurbished Mac Pro Quad 3.0GHz Intel Xeon
* Two 3.0GHz Dual-Core Intel Xeon processors
* 2GB (4 x 512MB) memory (667MHz DDR2 fully-buffered DIMM ECC)
* 250GB Serial ATA 3Gb/s 7200-rpm hard drive
* Two 16x SuperDrives (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
* ATI Radeon X1900 XT graphics with 512MB memory

^ Everything looks okay to me, could possibly upgrade the video card down the line.

Lastly, this would be a new machine but I would be taking out 1 Quad-Core because I can't afford 2 right now.

$2368

Specifications

* One 2.8GHZ Quad-Core Intel Xeon
* 2GB (2x1GB)
* 320GB 7200-rpm Serial ATA 3Gb/s
* NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT 512MB
* One 16x SuperDrive
* Apple Mighty Mouse
* Apple Keyboard (English) + User's Guide

Which machine do you guys recommend for my use? I will be using pro-apps that include all of Adobe Creative Suit 3, Luxology Modo, 3ds Max 2008, Maya, and some gaming.

Would the first model be acceptable for me with some upgrades?

Thanks,

Standard

 

[noodle654]

Buy your second option, the Refurb Quad 3.0GHz. Thats your best option.

 

[cherry su]

get the 2.8 option; if you need the extra processing power, you can buy a 2nd mac pro heatsink an an intel xeon 2.8 quad to get 8 core power

do you really need the second dvd burner in the second option?

 

[eXan]

The third option.

Just not with GeForce 8800, but with Radeon 3870 - it is faster in Core Image than GeForce and about the same in games.

EDIT: benchmarks

 

[Umbongo]

get the 2.8 option; if you need the extra processing power, you can buy a 2nd mac pro heatsink an an intel xeon 2.8 quad to get 8 core power

do you really need the second dvd burner in the second option?

Worth noting that the 2.8GHz E5462 costs over $800 and the Mac Pro heatsink sells for $100 and installing it voids the warranty.

 

[jroller]

I think, for how you are using the machine, that I would recommend the second option.

 

[Insulin Junkie]

Option nr. 2 in my opinion.

 

[Standard]

I just purchased a brand new MP, thanks guys!

 

[lap88]

Buy your 3rd option, Thats is best option.

 

[Standard]

Buy your 3rd option, Thats is best option.

See above