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Ditch my old Mac Pro?

M

Mr Ski 73

macrumors regular
Original poster
Dec 11, 2007
237
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Hi

I have a 2010 3.33Ghz Mac Pro with 48GB if RAM and more internal upgrades than I care to mention, this is connected to a Dell 4k display. I recently go a used MacBook 2015 with a 1.3 processor and 8GB of RAM to use around the house. Previously I was processing video through final cut and more importantly processing a lot of Canon RAW files through Lightroom.

Recently I have reverted to a rangefinder style camera (Fuji X100F) and as the JPEGS are so good I rarely shoot RAW as I really like the film simulations. Time spent at my MP has really reduced and I am wondering if I can get away with just the MacBook and if I need to use it as a desktop using the USB-C connector to connect at 3840 and an external Thunderbolt drive at the same time?

Any thoughts welcome, obviously if I did that I would sell the MP. Other devices are a 9.7" iPad Pro
 
Since you already own both machines, I would try to use the MB as a desktop replacement and see how you get along before selling your MP.

I will point out that your MB does not have Thunderbolt, so you will be unable to connect a Thunderbolt drive. In order to use your MB as desktop replacement, you are almost required to purchase some sort of dock since there is only one connecter and it's used for everything. Most monitors will not charge your MB while connected.

There are so many compromises involved in using the MB as a desktop replacement, you'll definitely want to try it out before making a decision. While the horsepower might be enough for your current workload, the usability quirks may be enough to convince you to keep your MP.
 
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The 2015 MacBooks don't to 4K.

The 2016 (and 2017 of course) do.

But I don't think they'll do 4K and and external storage (beyond a simple USB drive).

You'll need at least a 13" MBP. I think you can get good deals on Skylake MBs right now.
 
Imho, we seem to be at a high water mark for cMPs. I have a 4,1, awaiting the series of upgrades that are well documented. I note that Intel has recently announced processors that have dozens of cores, and these will, within a few years, make their way into next-gen systems. I get that the current 4,1 and 5,1's can be extended. But at their foundation, they are slow bus/memory, somewhat limited by SATA-III, and 8-year old processors. If your MB works for you, it might be a good time to divest yourself of the MP and then get what you need when it no longer does.
 
Assess how much money you can get for the cMP, that may influence your decision. Value may go down when Apple releases their iMac Pro next? year.

With a wireless keyboard and a decent wireless mouse, you can use your MB as a desktop replacement without too much hassle. (you may already own these items for your cMP).

External USB3 enclosures are almost as fast as Thunderbolt enclosures, and far cheaper, and you're unlikely to notice the difference, even with a SSD.

I was going to say with a cheapish USB3 hub, you can keep everything plugged in .. but of course the 2015 MB only has a single port. You will need a dock that lets you plug in monitor, power, USB3, etc. The advantage is only a single wire to plug and unplug when you sit down with your MB.

One issue is I'm not sure if the USB-C port has enough bandwidth to drive your 4K monitor AND give you full speed to an external SSD. If you plan to use an external HDD that's no problem. Even with an external SSD, it may be that any slowdown is unnoticable, as your usage is mainly lots of small image files.

Don't forget to account for how backups will work too. Test the new setup before selling the cMP.
 
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The MP is dated. I'd sell it before the new one comes out and your resale value tanks.
The MB is fine until you see what the new MP looks like.
 
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You could use the MP as a server for backing up all of your photo/video files. Other than that I would think to sell it.
 
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Probably true, I previously had a NAS, no good for photos though
[doublepost=1500583365][/doublepost]I have tried the USB-C Digital AV connector and have good resolution, only snag is its just 30hz. Might be a bit slower as well
 
I'd never give up my Mac Pro when it comes to dealing with the heavy duty stuff though I'm mostly on the road these days and I rarely use mine, but when I get home and I sit in front of my Mac Pro, everything still feels snappier.
 
MRrainer said:
The problem is the latency of the WLAN-connection (and the latency of the storage).

With 10G ethernet and an All-Flash NAS, it would be like working locally.
Click to expand...

That sounds v expensive and might be better off keeping what I have for what I will get for it. I am going full circle and thinking of selling the MB. I could use my work asus instead which is a 4K laptop. I could also sell my 9.7 and get 12" iPad to have a spread. To many devices!
 
MRrainer said:
He's probably better served (pun intended) with a decent NAS like a FreeNAS Mini or something. It will also use way less power.
Click to expand...

Excellent point, a lot less heat output as well. I guess I'm just sad seeing all the old MPs heading off to the scrap yard. :(
 
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