New to Mac Pro. Ordering today. Any advice ?

[darkus]

Hey all. So I'm a long time pc user who switched in the last few years to MacBook pros.

At a point where I need a powerful desktop that will not fail on me. I need power but I'm actually most interested in something that will last for years to come. (which my macbook pros have surprisingly done

I was going to just spec the Mac pro out with 3.5ghz 6 core, 32 ram, 1tb storage and AMD (ugh) D700 with 6gb.

Question is there a better configuration that is known to be more reliable in some way ? Don't want to get into a known bunk setup that will overheat or fail in some way.

Thank you !!

 

[VAGDesign]

If I were you, I would wait a couple of months for this kind of investment. Maybe (call it a hunch), Apple will update the nMP line late '15 or early '16. Or I would search for a maxed out 5,1 cMP. (Expandability, maybe cooler, self upgrade-able and probably faster with the right hardware).
On the downside, no Thunderbolt (if you need it).

But I am not you, so think wise and decide

 

[ixxx69]

Hey all. So I'm a long time pc user who switched in the last few years to MacBook pros.

At a point where I need a powerful desktop that will not fail on me. I need power but I'm actually most interested in something that will last for years to come. (which my macbook pros have surprisingly done

I was going to just spec the Mac pro out with 3.5ghz 6 core, 32 ram, 1tb storage and AMD (ugh) D700 with 6gb.

Question is there a better configuration that is known to be more reliable in some way ? Don't want to get into a known bunk setup that will overheat or fail in some way.

Thank you !!

It's kinda hard to offer advice about the specs without knowing what kind of usage, apps, etc.

If literally your only question is about reliability, then the answer is that they are all the same as far as anyone here knows.

 

[briloronmacrumo]

I was going to just spec the Mac pro out with 3.5ghz 6 core, 32 ram, 1tb storage and AMD (ugh) D700 with 6gb.

The current MacPro was released almost two years ago, so a new revision in the next few months wouldn't be surprising. Newer Intel Xeon chips are available for a revised MacPro and maybe it will receive Thunderbolt 3 too. Obviously, only Apple knows what's coming and when.

The current MacPro is a solid machine but some folks can't handle the prospect of a possible revision by Apple after their purchase.

 

[MMcCraryNJ]

.

 

[AppleDroid]

What are you going to use it for? If you are like me and use it for mainly Raw image editing even what you proposed is overkill. Apps like Lightroom barely utilize 4 cores let alone 6 and the D700 are also overkill.

If you are going to be cutting 4k footage it's a good setup but the GPU's are now 3 years old and you'd probably be better off waiting for the mythical update that will have a newer generation cpu and newer GPU options.

 

[darkus]

What are you going to use it for? If you are like me and use it for mainly Raw image editing even what you proposed is overkill. Apps like Lightroom barely utilize 4 cores let alone 6 and the D700 are also overkill.

If you are going to be cutting 4k footage it's a good setup but the GPU's are now 3 years old and you'd probably be better off waiting for the mythical update that will have a newer generation cpu and newer GPU options.

Thanks for all the advice so far everyone. Its true, for my work (mostly camera photos, and photoshop) the power is overkill, what I really need is reliability more then anything. I need a desktop as the laptop is simply to much clutter on my desk so I wanted a reliable machine with lots of ram and somewhat futureproof (meaning very powerful now). Mac MINI is a no go, already have owned 2 of them which have died on me at some point. The only option is the somwhat overkill Mac Pro, but I dont mind since the extra power does let it last longer into the future.

Im most worried about reliability, the thought of a crash and the headaches that go along with that are way to scary, espcially since my MBP is still humming along perfectly since 2012.

So as I take it, no matter what setup I have with the current nMP they are basicly all the same with reliability. The only ? is would I wait for a new one? But as I've learned, waiting on an updated/new Apple product is a fools errand. Thanks so much everyone!

 

[ixxx69]

Thanks for all the advice so far everyone. Its true, for my work (mostly camera photos, and photoshop) the power is overkill, what I really need is reliability more then anything. I need a desktop as the laptop is simply to much clutter on my desk so I wanted a reliable machine with lots of ram and somewhat futureproof (meaning very powerful now). Mac MINI is a no go, already have owned 2 of them which have died on me at some point. The only option is the somwhat overkill Mac Pro, but I dont mind since the extra power does let it last longer into the future.

Im most worried about reliability, the thought of a crash and the headaches that go along with that are way to scary, espcially since my MBP is still humming along perfectly since 2012.

So as I take it, no matter what setup I have with the current nMP they are basicly all the same with reliability. The only ? is would I wait for a new one? But as I've learned, waiting on an updated/new Apple product is a fools errand. Thanks so much everyone!

For that suggested usage, the specs are WAY OVERKILL. If you've got the money, sure, go for it, but you could easily get the Quad D300 12GB RAM and whatever size SSD best suits you. Hold on to all that extra cash, and then when a new MP comes out, you can sell this one and buy the next one if you feel the need at that point. Again, unless the money isn't any big deal, it seems kind of crazy to spend all that money on something you don't need, especially this far into the 2013's life cycle.

Regarding reliability, of course there are simply no guarantees with ANY computer, but as far as it crapping out on you, the nMP is probably one of the safest bets in the entire Apple lineup, aside from the Mac Mini.

 

[Melodist]

Wait for the update, it is just around the corner, unless you wanna pay for overpriced hardware. And if they cancel the Pro line, it'll come even cheaper.

 

[996085]

My recommendation is to investigate alternative platforms unless you rely on Macintosh specific software. There are plenty of very good, reliable systems available and you can probably pick one up for less than the Mac Pro. For example the HP Z440 is a solid system which can be configured to meet your requirements.

With Apple having appeared to have lost interest in the professional market now might be a good time to move away.

 

[pat500000]

If I were you, I would wait a couple of months for this kind of investment. Maybe (call it a hunch), Apple will update the nMP line late '15 or early '16. Or I would search for a maxed out 5,1 cMP. (Expandability, maybe cooler, self upgrade-able and probably faster with the right hardware).
On the downside, no Thunderbolt (if you need it).

But I am not you, so think wise and decide

Actually, it wouldn't be bad idea, however, you don't have any information when it will come out. Who knows...2017.

 

[pat500000]

Hey all. So I'm a long time pc user who switched in the last few years to MacBook pros.

At a point where I need a powerful desktop that will not fail on me. I need power but I'm actually most interested in something that will last for years to come. (which my macbook pros have surprisingly done

I was going to just spec the Mac pro out with 3.5ghz 6 core, 32 ram, 1tb storage and AMD (ugh) D700 with 6gb.

Question is there a better configuration that is known to be more reliable in some way ? Don't want to get into a known bunk setup that will overheat or fail in some way.

Thank you !!

get it through education price...discount is good.

 

[AppleDroid]

My recommendation is to investigate alternative platforms unless you rely on Macintosh specific software. There are plenty of very good, reliable systems available and you can probably pick one up for less than the Mac Pro. For example the HP Z440 is a solid system which can be configured to meet your requirements.

With Apple having appeared to have lost interest in the professional market now might be a good time to move away.

Only thing is don't shop on price alone because the HP is just as expensive and you only get a single GPU. I just spec'ed out a Z440 with PCIe 256GB SSD, 6c Xeon and a single W5100 Firepro 4GB GPU and it was $3,995.

 

[wallysb01]

Only thing is don't shop on price alone because the HP is just as expensive and you only get a single GPU. I just spec'ed out a Z440 with PCIe 256GB SSD, 6c Xeon and a single W5100 Firepro 4GB GPU and it was $3,995.

Which is all newer tech (Haswell CPU, newer GPU, DDR4 capable) and you must have added more RAM or didn’t take out the baseline storage when adding the PCIe SSD. I’m getting $3440 before the 28% off coupon which would take it to $2475. That’s price is A LOT better than the Mac Pro.

 

[AidenShaw]

Which is all newer tech (Haswell CPU, newer GPU, DDR4 capable) and you must have added more RAM or didn’t take out the baseline storage when adding the PCIe SSD. I’m getting $3440 before the 28% off coupon which would take it to $2475. That’s price is A LOT better than the Mac Pro.

LOL about how often these price "comparisons" don't realize that except for Apple there are good discounts and sales.

 

[996085]

Only thing is don't shop on price alone because the HP is just as expensive and you only get a single GPU. I just spec'ed out a Z440 with PCIe 256GB SSD, 6c Xeon and a single W5100 Firepro 4GB GPU and it was $3,995.

I'm not shopping on price. If I were I wouldn't have recommended the Z440. As for it being a single CPU can one order a nMP with more than on CPU?

 

[wallysb01]

LOL about how often these price "comparisons" don't realize that except for Apple there are good discounts and sales.

I’ve never seen new Apple products having anything like a 28% discount. HP ALWAYS has a discount of about this amount, so the list price is just never the actual price. Just curious, but what’s the lowest price you’ve seen the nMP for? I’ve only seen a couple hundred off list.

 

[linuxcooldude]

I always go on the premise, if I need it now, I get it now. Going on the premise of "Your paying for outdated tech" is largely irreverent if your going to stay on a Mac platform anyway. Its more "Is the new Mac I'm buying now, faster then what Mac I have now"

Paying for outdated tech is mostly in the PC world where they don't hold their value very well after a few years. While Macs have a much higher value and Apple keeps nearly the same prices and rarely deviates for that.

 

[richmlow]

Hi darkus,


I'm in exactly the same situation as you! I need a rock-solid desktop platform to last me 7+ years from now.

I've been going back and forth, between waiting for the "mythical" Mac Pro update coming soon vs. just getting the current Mac Pro.

Now, I'm leaning towards just getting the current Mac Pro and move on...waiting forever serves no point.

Good luck in your decision. =)


richmlow

Hey all. So I'm a long time pc user who switched in the last few years to MacBook pros.

At a point where I need a powerful desktop that will not fail on me. I need power but I'm actually most interested in something that will last for years to come. (which my macbook pros have surprisingly done

I was going to just spec the Mac pro out with 3.5ghz 6 core, 32 ram, 1tb storage and AMD (ugh) D700 with 6gb.

Question is there a better configuration that is known to be more reliable in some way ? Don't want to get into a known bunk setup that will overheat or fail in some way.

Thank you !!

 

[Sko]

As long as you opt for the biggest graphics, all is good as every other component is user changeable.

 

[AppleDroid]

Which is all newer tech (Haswell CPU, newer GPU, DDR4 capable) and you must have added more RAM or didn’t take out the baseline storage when adding the PCIe SSD. I’m getting $3440 before the 28% off coupon which would take it to $2475. That’s price is A LOT better than the Mac Pro.

I keep forgetting that I shouldn't engage Windows people who, for some unknown reason, post on a Mac Rumors site. But despite the random sale that many people may not even find or know about as an added bonus Windows 10 users get to enjoy this beautiful example of user interface:

 

[Floris]

I would certainly not buy the current mac pro.

 

[ixxx69]

Another Mac Pro thread that immediately goes off the rails due to the same folks who only seem to be here to tell people not to buy the new Mac Pro.

You can buy a five year old Mac Pro, you can buy a Windows machine, you can buy any computer in the known universe... but god help you if you want to buy the new Mac Pro.

 

[Floris]

Another Mac Pro thread that immediately goes off the rails due to the same folks who only seem to be here to tell people not to buy the new Mac Pro.

You can buy a five year old Mac Pro, you can buy a Windows machine, you can buy any computer in the known universe... but god help you if you want to buy the new Mac Pro.

It is an amazing machine, by all means - if you need it: buy it. I have a mac pro standing here from 2006 that is still powerful enough to do most of the things I want from it. I am quite pleased. I'd love to replace it, but .. we are talking about specs from 2013, not 2015. And the OP seems to want a reliable machine that will last him as long as my mac pro has lasted me. Why not wait a bit for Apple to refresh - and get most bang for your buck, upgrade a little memory and graphics, and have a bit less regret buying something from 2013?

It's a question, that's my answer. If the OP is saying " i dont agree, i want to buy it now ", then he or she now has an answer .. Don't want an answer? Don't ask the question.

 

[996085]

Another Mac Pro thread that immediately goes off the rails due to the same folks who only seem to be here to tell people not to buy the new Mac Pro.

You can buy a five year old Mac Pro, you can buy a Windows machine, you can buy any computer in the known universe... but god help you if you want to buy the new Mac Pro.

He asked a question and alternatives are a possibility. If he doesn't like alternatives then why ask the question?