More CPU or more RAM ?

[nanofrog]

They shouldn't be able to do that!
If I get my Mac Pro replaced, they should transfer the upgrades or pack the other stuff up safely in a box and give it to me. There would be hell to pay if they took my SSD (+ Data), graphics card and additional RAM.

I find that really weird, good to know though.

In the case where the systems are shipped, it makes sense (cross shipping, so the original system isn't checked, and they don't return such items). Just keep the OEM gear on hand until Apple Care is done, and remove anything you added from 3rd party sources before sending/taking it in to Apple. Don't leave it to chance.

Apple didn't place those components in the system (made any money on them), and won't put any resources into tracking such items down (costs them money). Keeps the margins up...

 

[vcuares]

Go for more Hz and cores. =) It is much more expensive to upgrade CPUs than memory.

Not an expert on Mac Pro Hardware but I do weddings and have ton of pictures on LR. 64bit LR uses all 8 cores when you are doing an export. Saves me a lot of time. I used to constantly check memory usage on my 10GB 2.8 octo (early 2008) Mac and it use maybe max 3-4gbs of mem with the rest free. I usually edit 5d mark ii images.


http://blogs.adobe.com/jnack/2008/04/photoshop_lr_64.html

I'm sure in no time you will be able to add more memory if you still need some in the future. As for me, after constantly checking free memory with almost every application opened and used. I felt that 8gb for me is good enough.

 

[tri3limited]

Without attempting to sound too brash, I think you've got it into your head that more RAM means faster.

It can do, but you have to be utilising it and for starters, very-few-to-no programs currently access that much RAM on their own. Simply combinations of programs etc.

I'm just about to by the 8-core with 8GB RAM. I'm using the machine to Grade and Online material in FCS3 and Avid MC and feel that 8GB is more than sufficient to be going on with. It won't be hugely noticeable over my MacBook Pro as Color uses the GPU rather than CPU but nonetheless it'll be a help. Give it about a year or so and when I next update the RAM and it'll be cheaper to do so. Plus more programs should be 64bit and able to access more RAM.

In the meanwhile a nice second monitor to go alongside my 23" 1080p and JVC Grading CRT is more of a priority.