So I'm thinking about buying a Mac Pro

[bblovestech]

Hi so I have a very small budget for a new media center computer (yes I know that the mac mini is problem the way to go) and I was wondering if I should buy a Mac Pro 1,1 with top of the line specs or buy a base line bare bones 3,1 Mac Pro and upgrade the RAM, SSD/HDD, and video card.

 

[MentalVizion]

I'd suggest you a 4,1 single CPU model. It is perfectly upgradeable and quite cheap to get nowadays.

Do the 4,1-->5,1 firmware hack allowing you to install Westmere CPU's and faster RAM. Make sure to install atleast Mountain Lion so you can pop in a nice graphics card. RAM upgrade should be self explanatory.

I don't see a point in buying a 1,1 model nowadays. The 4,1 models sell for not much more and give you quite a few more hassle-less options in terms of upgrading.

 

[bblovestech]

I'd suggest you a 4,1 single CPU model. It is perfectly upgradeable and quite cheap to get nowadays.

Do the 4,1-->5,1 firmware hack allowing you to install Westmere CPU's and faster RAM. Make sure to install atleast Mountain Lion so you can pop in a nice graphics card. RAM upgrade should be self explanatory.

I don't see a point in buying a 1,1 model nowadays. The 4,1 models sell for not much more and give you quite a few more hassle-less options in terms of upgrading.

Thanks for the advice and I found a cheap (for a Mac Pro) 4,1 and I think its the one http://www.ebay.com/itm/APPLE-A1289...ON-8GB-OSX-10-10-640GB-Warranty-/191545611740

 

[MentalVizion]

Thanks for the advice and I found a cheap (for a Mac Pro) 4,1 and I think its the one http://www.ebay.com/itm/APPLE-A1289...ON-8GB-OSX-10-10-640GB-Warranty-/191545611740

Yea, that's the model I was refering to. I don't know about the prices in the US, but here in Austria I see most single CPU 4,1 go away for around 500€.
So I guess this is a good price