Mac Pro 3,1 (2x Quad 2.8) vs Mac Pro 5,1 (1x Hex 3.33) vs Macbook Pro 2015 (R9 m370x)

[lewis_cooper]

Hi all,

I currently have the 2008 3,1 Mac Pro with 2 x 2.8 GHz Quad-Core processors.

- I have the option to replace it with a 2010 5,1 1x Six-Core processor. Is this much of an upgrade?

- I've been considering not having a Mac Pro at all and just getting the 2015 Macbook Pro with discrete Radeon R9 m370x gpu. Will still need to drive 27" external monitor.

My software requirements are:

- Photoshop High-end Retouching (no issues currently with 2008 Mac Pro)
- Lightroom Photo Editing (browsing photos and simple adjustments laggy, exposure, contrast etc. delayed)
- Final Cut Pro Video Editing (generally quite laggy)

In the 2010 Mac Pro I'll use the GTX 960 4GB unflashed card from my existing setup.

I'm most interested in the responsiveness of the software, the lack of noticeable delays while using the interfaces. I use a 27" 3,4ghz i5 iMac 4gb gpu (this one) at work that handles the above tasks to my expectations. Can they be reached by the 2010 Mac Pro or is the system architecture just too old now?

Thanks in advance!

 

[justinkr]

I use MCP 2,1 for Premiere pro and sometime Final Cut Pro. Running with Gtx 750 ti unflash card still run smoothly.Instead of going for extra stuff and spend more money try a new graphic card. Like a flashed card. And also if it's in option upgrade your Ram too

 

[lewis_cooper]

Thanks for the reply justinkr but I'll just refer you to this line from my post: "In the 2010 Mac Pro I'll use the GTX 960 4GB unflashed card from my existing setup."

Let's assume my camera(s) create more demanding still and video files.

I use MCP 2,1 for Premiere pro and sometime Final Cut Pro. Running with Gtx 750 ti unflash card still run smoothly.Instead of going for extra stuff and spend more money try a new graphic card. Like a flashed card. And also if it's in option upgrade your Ram too