I've just gone and ordered an 8-core because of this very reason, but surely overheating will be a problem considering Apple have gone back down to 2.4 after putting in 2.8 cores into their older 8-core MPs right? I'll be using it for audio work with Logic 9 and plenty of sample and synth-based instruments...hoping I didn't ****** up with my choice (although, I'm upgrading from a first generation MacBook Pro at 2GHz, so I'm expecting to be at least a bit pleased with the increase in power).
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Why is everyone dismissing 8 core Mac Pro -is it bad value ?
- Thread starter hwill2008
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I've just gone and ordered an 8-core because of this very reason, but surely overheating will be a problem considering Apple have gone back down to 2.4 after putting in 2.8 cores into their older 8-core MPs right? I'll be using it for audio work with Logic 9 and plenty of sample and synth-based instruments...hoping I didn't ****** up with my choice (although, I'm upgrading from a first generation MacBook Pro at 2GHz, so I'm expecting to be at least a bit pleased with the increase in power).
No. You're comparing two completely different machines here. Different cooling systems, different CPU's.
The 2009 models shipped with 2.93GHz processors with a TDP of 95W, the 2.4GHz has a TDP of 80W so not really a difference. If you wanna put two 3.33GHz hex core processors in there, the system has to deal with 130W per CPU.
Not a big deal, since it has been done before. The only difference is that the CPU boost fans will run slightly faster to handle the extra heat.
Just for reference, the 2008 models had a TDP of up to 150W per CPU, but again, different CPU's with a different architecture, so not comparable.
Thanks for getting back to me. Ok, so it sounds like all should be ok with upgrading to two 3.33GHz hex core processors in the future. As sound is an issue for me recording in the same room as my machine), would it be possible to set up the Mac Pro with a water cooling system do you think? Was thinking of getting an SSD HD as my main HD as well...
Everything is possible, but I don't think worth the effort.
Keep in mind that even with a water cooling system, you still need fans for the radiator and a pump that causes vibrations (not much if you get a good one, though).
A custom system won't probably fit in there (with separate pump, reservoir and radiators), but the closed systems (like Corsair H50/70) might fit better in there and require less work on the case.
The Pro uses 120mm fans in the front and back CPU section, ideal for one radiator each. The CPU cooler itself is equipped with the pump, so no need to find extra space.
However, I'd avoid this attempt. It will definitely void your warranty if you mess around with the case (which is inevitable to fit any different cooling system in there other than the stock one).
Other than that, I'd stick with processors that fit within Apple's TDP range, which are the 2.93GHz models.
That way the boost fans won't speed up, which keeps the machine dead silent.
If you don't use 7200RPM drives, the machine is almost inaudible, no need to mess around with the cooling system.
If you're using compressor to encode video, the extra cores are always worth it. Otherwise, it's debatable. Certainly Final Cut rarely grabs more than 3 cores, if that. But I expect the next version to be able to grab all you can throw at it.
However, one thing extra cores are always useful for is running multiple apps at the same time. I've been running FCP, motion, Photoshop, and various other apps all at the same time with no slowdown.
People are down on the 8 core Mac Pros because the price crosses that important psychological boundary of $3,000. And, in all fairness, the 08 Mac Pros were an incredible value for money - where you got 8 2.8 ghz cores for just $2800.
That said, I think the quad 2.8 2010 Mac Pros are now just as fast, due to coming with better graphics cards, better memory, hyperthreading, and being faster, clock for clock.
The software isn't there yet. But it will be.
On a pure utilization basis, it makes sense to go 8-core if you're going to be encoding lots of video...or if you want to extend the lifespan of your machine.
Otherwise, it may make more sense to get fewer, higher clocked cores.
However, one thing extra cores are always useful for is running multiple apps at the same time. I've been running FCP, motion, Photoshop, and various other apps all at the same time with no slowdown.
People are down on the 8 core Mac Pros because the price crosses that important psychological boundary of $3,000. And, in all fairness, the 08 Mac Pros were an incredible value for money - where you got 8 2.8 ghz cores for just $2800.
That said, I think the quad 2.8 2010 Mac Pros are now just as fast, due to coming with better graphics cards, better memory, hyperthreading, and being faster, clock for clock.
The software isn't there yet. But it will be.
On a pure utilization basis, it makes sense to go 8-core if you're going to be encoding lots of video...or if you want to extend the lifespan of your machine.
Otherwise, it may make more sense to get fewer, higher clocked cores.