Quad (PowerPC) to Quad (Intel) - Intel transition of DD begins

[eyoungren]

So, the tax refund came in this morning along with the stimulus. After getting the mortgage and important bills current, and after a purchase my wife wanted, I took a look at a MacPro 4,1 (Early 2009/Nephalem). Thanks @LightBulbFun for the link.

Apple Mac Pro Quad Core MB871LL/A | 2.66Ghz Xeon 8GB GeForce GT120 no HDD nc | eBay

There is NO HDD included with this unit Nvidia GeForce GT120 graphics card. Apple Mac Pro Desktop Computer, model MB871LL/A (also known as A1289). This item is in good condition, fully functioning with normal signs of wear.

www.ebay.com

This Mac will replace my current G4 Quad, which will then replace the 2.3DC. I will figure out what I'm going to do with both of those at some point. This makes my DD an Intel now and lines me up with my 2008 MBP and my 2009 Mini. The drives from my PowerPC Quad will shift to the new Intel. Looks like a reordering of Macs/purposes is coming.

However, I'm still used to six displays.

So, there's this: https://www.ebay.com/itm/NVIDIA-GeF...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

I got two because the MP only has one. Interestingly enough the two GPUs are shipping from Phoenix. Probably see those before the MP.

Still don't see myself as done with PowerPC but the end is closer now.

MODS: THE ABOVE AUCTIONS ARE NOT MINE! I BOUGHT THESE ITEMS AND AM NOT SELLING THEM!!!!!!

 

[RogerWilco6502]

Beautiful machine! Congrats on the purchase!

 

[eyoungren]

Beautiful machine! Congrats on the purchase!

Thanks! It's starting to look like @bunnspecial's museum now though with all the towers I've got going!

 

[RogerWilco6502]

Thanks! It's starting to look like @bunnspecial's museum now though with all the towers I've got going!

I'd love to get more towers tbh, but my DA serves me well

 

[bunnspecial]

Thanks! It's starting to look like @bunnspecial's museum now though with all the towers I've got going!

The "museum" is in serious need of reorganization, and unfortunately may get paired down a bit as I get ready to move a couple of states away.

There's some stuff that I really hate to part with, like the full set of all the DA variations or several of the "hotrod" G4s that either I've built or bought pre-built from others(and I'm including my 8600 and several G3 towers in the G4 category ).

I think the days of being able to do things like drive to Cincinatti on a whim and come back with 15 G3 and G4 towers for $40, or the multiple times I walked a room or closet at someone's house or business and brought home everything in it for at most a couple hundred dollars have past. The one at the time that really really hurt me on that was when I HAD to shell out $150 for a dual 1.25 MDD, a Yikes!, and a 21" graphite Studio. I thought it was awful to pay that much, but that was the first(and still only) 21" CRT I'd seen locally so did it-and now the 1.25 MDD would probably bring close to that much. I'd still like to find a 21" B&W CRT to go with the graphite(I have the 17" as well as the 15" LCD in B&W) but at 70lbs and with a big footprint, I don't know how likely that is to happen.

 

[Amethyst1]

This Mac will replace my current G4 Quad,

Congrats on the purchase! What version of OS X will you be running on it?

 

[z970]

When I bought my Mac Pro in late 2017 (it has since gone on to someone else), it came down to Harpertown (3,1) or Nehalem (4,1).

Eventually, I ended up going for the Harpertown for it's more modular qualities (CPU and RAM do not both attach to one board), more RAM slots, higher OOB core count, and interior design aesthetic.

It was a good performer, that thing. Aside from the eventually failed 8800 GT, it never gave me an issue for the year plus I had it. However, if I had to buy another, I would probably choose the original Woodcrest model from '06.

In any case, I suppose the folks in the Mac Pro forum will start to see more of you now, right?

 

[eyoungren]

Congrats on the purchase! What version of OS X will you be running on it?

I'm going to run Mojave. The Mojave patcher says my system is supported and this MP is coming with 8GB ram already.

This is one of those 'foot in the door' models which I will upgrade over time. By the time I'm done maxing it out, it won't be the same system I started with.

Reorganization is coming though as this Mac has two more drive bays I will be filling. Just have to decide from where.
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In any case, I suppose the folks in the Mac Pro forum will start to see more of you now, right?

Ha, I doubt it. It's an 11 year old Mac. They will still tell me "Get a new Mac".

And the community is this particular part of the forum is still good. I have no intention of leaving this particular area.

 

[1042686]

Man, you should really get a new Mac. That thing is really old and SO inefficient.


Nice upgrade

 

[Amethyst1]

However, if I had to buy another, I would probably choose the original Woodcrest model from '06.

Why that one?
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By the time I'm done maxing it out, it won't be the same system I started with.

That sounds like a threat 🤣

You could also throw in your Quad's boot drive for the LOLs - Leopard should run like greased lightning on this thing.

 

[eyoungren]

That sounds like a threat 🤣

You could also throw in your Quad's boot drive for the LOLs - Leopard should run like greased lightning on this thing.

Oh, yes. Yes it is.

CPU upgrades, ram upgrades, etc, etc.

I will be using my HDs from my current Quad. Then updating the OS. I'm just going to be filling out the other two drive bays as well. I like to load up.

 

[iluvmacs99]

Congrats on your Mac Pro 4,1!

If you plan to run Mojave, then this 4,1 can natively run Mojave with a few caveats. You don't need a dosdude patch and I don't recommend it as such. In order to run Mojave, you need to upgrade the 4,1 firmware to 5,1 firmware, a Metal capable card, which means the GT120 card is out and processor upgrade from Nehalem to Westmere so you have proper audio output support. High Sierra, however, allows you to take advantage of Nvidia cards like multiple GT120s and processor upgrades as well without needing to spend a lot of money on metal capable cards. I am running High Sierra for this particular reason with my Mac Pro 5,1 as I see no substantial benefit using Mojave other than an additional year of security updates to September 2021. High Sierra will stop receiving updates in September 2020.

 

[RogerWilco6502]

You know, this might motivate me to finally get a Mac Pro

The question is what model though... Probably a 2008 model so I can offload some of the music production duties of my MacBook onto a more powerful machine, but we'll just have to see what comes forth.

 

[eyoungren]

You know, this might motivate me to finally get a Mac Pro

The question is what model though... Probably a 2008 model so I can offload some of the music production duties of my MacBook onto a more powerful machine, but we'll just have to see what comes forth.

Well, the reason I went with a 4,1 was the ability to upgrade it. My understanding is that essentially I can turn it into a 5,1 via the firmware update. Then with processor upgrades and GPU upgrades be fairly current.

I wouldn't mind the latest MP, but I'm short several thousand dollars in my bank account.
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Now I also have 32GB of ram on order. Hopefully it will arrive fairly quickly. I've not had much luck with USPS shipping moving very fast out of Texas, which is where the seller is.

 

[RogerWilco6502]

Well, the reason I went with a 4,1 was the ability to upgrade it. My understanding is that essentially I can turn it into a 5,1 via the firmware update. Then with processor upgrades and GPU upgrades be fairly current.

I wouldn't mind the latest MP, but I'm short several thousand dollars in my bank account.
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Now I also have 32GB of ram on order. Hopefully it will arrive fairly quickly. I've not had much luck with USPS shipping moving very fast out of Texas, which is where the seller is.

Congrats on the RAM! I think I initially wanted a 2008 model because it has FireWire 400, but thinking about it now I can just use a 400 to 800 cable if I do happen to get a 4,1.

 

[iluvmacs99]

You know, this might motivate me to finally get a Mac Pro

The question is what model though... Probably a 2008 model so I can offload some of the music production duties of my MacBook onto a more powerful machine, but we'll just have to see what comes forth.

I would skip the 2008 model 3,1 as it uses the older aging Core 2 Duo Xeon variants. The 2009 4,1 model uses the newer Nehalem Xeon processor which was a heck a lot better the C2D Xeons per core performance. Not to mention the 4,1 can be turned into 5,1 so you can replace the Nehalem processors to Westmere, which depending on which model you got allows you to run your DAW very effectively. Most people upgrade theirs to the X5680 Westmere Xeons (6 core/ 12 threads) for single tray. I have a dual tray version and it is an amazing BEAST in regards to video processor and digital imaging. I use it to render 4k video stuff as well as high megapixel images. Audio editing is great as well, though I tend to use the G5 with my Mac Pro if I need the muscles.

 

[RogerWilco6502]

I would skip the 2008 model 3,1 as it uses the older aging Core 2 Duo Xeon variants. The 2009 4,1 model uses the newer Nehalem Xeon processor which was a heck a lot better the C2D Xeons per core performance. Not to mention the 4,1 can be turned into 5,1 so you can replace the Nehalem processors to Westmere, which depending on which model you got allows you to run your DAW very effectively. Most people upgrade theirs to the X5680 Westmere Xeons (6 core/ 12 threads) for single tray. I have a dual tray version and it is an amazing BEAST in regards to video processor and digital imaging. I use it to render 4k video stuff as well as high megapixel images. Audio editing is great as well, though I tend to use the G5 with my Mac Pro if I need the muscles.

Thanks for the tips! I do really like the 4,1 models

 

[eyoungren]

Congrats on the RAM! I think I initially wanted a 2008 model because it has FireWire 400, but thinking about it now I can just use a 400 to 800 cable if I do happen to get a 4,1.

They also make 400/800 adapters. This is how I have my external iSight hooked up to my Mac Mini. At the time I bought two because they were cheap and you just never know.

Well, the second adapter will come in handy now to hook up my primary external iSight (currently connected to my Quad G5) to the new MP.

EDIT: I'm also glad I'm big on switches and hubs that have a lot of ports. The 24-port switch I have right now is starting to fill up.

 

[z970]

Why that one?

I'm not quite sure... there's just something about it. Maybe it feels a little closer to the G5s? Or perhaps I am just simply drawn to limited / disadvantaged machines as I enjoy challenging myself to see exactly how far they can be pushed.

Case in point, I currently happen to be in the middle of a hotrodded Pentium III project.

Realistically speaking, I wouldn't actually buy another Mac Pro now (although simply coming across one is a different story). All models are plagued with the Management Engine, and without a PowerPC processor, I am not that attracted to Macs at all; save perhaps for the earliest Intel models.

Whoops... There I go again, babbling off my personal preferences...

 

[MacFoxG4]

Congratulations on the purchase!

I love the aesthetic of the old "cheese grater" Mac Pros and PM G5s. As much as I love PPC and want to get a PM G5, I admit that I have been somewhat tempted to scrap the G5 idea and get an old Mac Pro instead.

 

[RogerWilco6502]

They also make 400/800 adapters. This is how I have my external iSight hooked up to my Mac Mini. At the time I bought two because they were cheap and you just never know.

Well, the second adapter will come in handy now to hook up my primary external iSight (currently connected to my Quad G5) to the new MP.

EDIT: I'm also glad I'm big on switches and hubs that have a lot of ports. The 24-port switch I have right now is starting to fill up.

Ok, cool! Thanks for the info on the adapters!

I have everything hooked up via wireless (not ideal, I know >.>), and wired internet would be amazing.

 

[Project Alice]

Ha, I doubt it. It's an 11 year old Mac. They will still tell me "Get a new Mac".
And the community is this particular part of the forum is still good. I have no intention of leaving this particular area.

Quite the contrary. You have a 4,1. Which is identical to the 5,1. Flash the 5,1 firmware on it, and install a 6-core CPU.
This is the system ~90% of the users (myself included) own in the Mac Pro forum. The MP forum is the only forum aside from this one that actually has a lot of good, useful knowledge provided by intelligent people.

 

[eyoungren]

Quite the contrary. You have a 4,1. Which is identical to the 5,1. Flash the 5,1 firmware on it, and install a 6-core CPU.
This is the system ~90% of the users (myself included) own in the Mac Pro forum. The MP forum is the only forum aside from this one that actually has a lot of good, useful knowledge provided by intelligent people.

Perhaps I am mistaking this for the MBP forum. I just haven't been there in years either way. Will get in there soon though when the Mac gets here.

 

[1042686]

Quite the contrary. You have a 4,1. Which is identical to the 5,1. Flash the 5,1 firmware on it, and install a 6-core CPU.
This is the system ~90% of the users (myself included) own in the Mac Pro forum. The MP forum is the only forum aside from this one that actually has a lot of good, useful knowledge provided by intelligent people.

Intelligent? Do you people even know how many trees you kill with your electricity guzzling macpros?

Oh my. I must be suffering from 4/5,1 envy.

 

[2984839]

Nice find! I was thinking about one myself, but I am more of a laptop guy.

Hope you stick around in the PPC forum as you're one of the most knowledgeable folks around here.