Help Me Configure New 2010 Mac Pro

[bmorris]

I've been waiting a few months for a Mac Pro update and it finally happened.
But, I need help deciding a few things.

I do a lot of video editing and motion graphics, nothing too intense but nothing small and simple. I only dabble with Cinema 4D, not a heavy user.
FCP, Compressor, Ae, Ps, and Ai are my main apps.

I know I will at least get 6 GB for memory to start, and I already have 2 2TB hard drives to install.

1. Would the 6-core upgrade be worth the money, or would it be better spent on more memory?
2. Is the ATI Radeon HD 5870 worth the upgrade, or would it be better spent on more memory?

I tried to compare the 5870 and 5770, but couldn't find much online in layman's terms. I'm sure Macworld and others will be doing comparisons of the cores. I will def. be waiting for some of that, but wanted to get some other input.

I'm planning on getting this before the free iPod touch offer ends, so I can either sell it or use it for something. Obviously, I'd love to just upgrade everything as much as possible. However, I'm trying to only spend on what's worth it.

 

[bmorris]

I'm happy enough they finally decided to include a wi-fi card.
There's $45 I shouldn't have to spend.

 

[Hellhammer]

Get the CPU upgrade. GPUs are poorly utilized by software so 5770 should be fine and you can always upgrade to 5870 later on plus you may be able to flash a PC card which is a lot cheaper.

 

[johnnymg]

How do you answer this question until the pricing for the 6 core is released?

cheers
JohnG

 

[nanofrog]

How do you answer this question until the pricing for the 6 core is released?

Given the cost of the W3680 is the same as the current W3580 in quantity, the MSRP should remain the same @ $3699USD.

To the OP:
If you go this route, get a base system, and perform upgrades via 3rd party sources (I presume you're an independent without a limitless budget, and will be responsible for all of the support).

The 5770 is approximately the same performance as the 4870, so it's not exactly a slouch. As mentioned, if it's still not fast enough, be patient and wait for either a ROM extraction (Flash a PC version of the 5870), or use the Injector method (look for posts reffering to/or posted by netkas).

 

[Ravich]

There's not much point in getting a mac pro if you're not getting the hexacore. Try to upgrade to the octad if you'll be able to use the cores. 4 memory slots is kind of bogus for a $3000+ machine.

 

[VirtualRain]

If you don't buy the 6-core, you should just get a 2009 Refurb. The only compelling reason to get the 2010 is if you buy the hexacore.

Incidentally, you can buy a 2009 refurb quad for $2150 and upgrade the CPU for $600 to 3.3GHz and be flying for $2750, so the question is, is the added two cores in a 2010 Hexacore worth what will likely be $800+

Until we know what they are charging for the 5870, I don't think anyone can give you decent advice on the merits of that upgrade.

 

[bmorris]

How do you answer this question until the pricing for the 6 core is released...

I saw the core upgrade costs somewhere.
It doesn't have the video card upgrade costs, I would imagine $100-$200.

 

[billtech66]

upgrading the CPU on my 2009 quad core mac pro?

If you don't buy the 6-core, you should just get a 2009 Refurb. The only compelling reason to get the 2010 is if you buy the hexacore.

Incidentally, you can buy a 2009 refurb quad for $2150 and upgrade the CPU for $600 to 3.3GHz and be flying for $2750,...

I bought a mac pro quad core, 2.66g 6/19/09 and wonder exactly how would I upgrade it to a 3.3ghz?

and would it still be quad core?

 

[alphaod]

I bought a mac pro quad core, 2.66g 6/19/09 and wonder exactly how would I upgrade it to a 3.3ghz?

and would it still be quad core?

It would still be quad. Refer to these threads:
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/780300/
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/781908/

 

[brentsg]

I think the quad would suffice for this, and really 6GB RAM and the 5770.

 

[bmorris]

If you don't buy the 6-core...

Really?
Cus if you do the math, the extra money you spend on a new mac pro, you get WiFi card, larger OS drive, and better video card.
The WiFi card and video card alone is worth $350.

So for a 4-core, I get WiFi, 1TB HD, and ATI Radeon 5770 for $380.
A 8-core, same as above plus newer & faster processor (2.26 to 2.4) for $700 more. I dunno if that's worth it, but the 4-core is def. better as the new model.