Why is my Mac Pro slow[er than I expected]?

[pixelbaker]

Do you have Entourage open most of the time? Just curious.

I don't use Entourage.

 

[akadmon]

You can run XP with 512MB or RAM dedicated to the VM. That doesn't sound right at all.. something is definitely wrong with your machine. I have the same set up as you except with 3GB of RAM and the thing flies. May be it's your hard drive? Try installing a fresh copy on the raptor, boot off that, and then run the same applications to see if you still have the same problems.

I concur. I have the same exact setup as OP and have absolutely no complaints about performance. I get by just fine with a W2K Parallels VM set to 668 mb. Unless you wan to be running "pro" apps alongside Parallels, 2 gb total RAM is sufficient.

I suggest the OP have it looked at by an Apple tech. I would take advantage of Apple's in-house service for desktops -- lugging that sucker through a mall is not something anybody should be forced to do

 

[QCassidy352]

regarding the last item on your list - I've never seen a mac that office 2004 doesn't randomly crash on.

 

[Eidorian]

regarding the last item on your list - I've never seen a mac that office 2004 doesn't randomly crash on.

It doesn't crash for me or any of my users...

Now it IS quirky but not crash prone. Trying doing equation editor and OLE libraries via a NFS mounted home directory...

Additionally: Parallels EATS RAM. You'll see a large chunk of Wired, Active, and Inactive RAM. Nearly ALL of that is being used by Parallels. This is true even at very low RAM settings. Once you fire up Parallels get ready to see next to no free RAM unless you have > 2 GB.

This VM is being run with only 256 MB of RAM.

 

[tosehee]

Ok.

Seems like I am having the exact same issue here.

I have 5 gigs of ram, and I barely run more than several apps that would use more than 2+ gigs. The system is so slow that it takes 5-10 seconds to switch between the windows. I have tried re-installl, and same issue.

I have no clue at the moment what the cause is..

On top of this, I have a pixelation issues on the screen. I have ordered a new video card, so hopefully, this resolves that..

the performance is something else entirely though.. :-(

 

[rikoshay]

Something that has been suggested to you at least 3 times without your response is "Turn on your Activity Monitor". You'll be able to see what your RAM is doing. IMHO 2 gigs RAM is nowhere enough.

 

[djjclark]

Also look in your console (in utility folder) and see what messages are in your logs.