A little help in deciding for MP

[sharvil]

So here is my situation...

My primary computer was a 2007 Santa Rosa full speced (2.6 C2D, 6GB RAM, 500GB 7200 HDD) MBP 15"
That (particular) computer gave me a lot of trouble, went in for repairs six times (screen, fans, power, keyboard, logic board, nvidia graphics card) within the warranty period itself.

I replaced it with 11" full speced macbook air. I love it for its portability and for its day to day computer usability.

I also have a custom built server/workstation. It is equipped with Intel Q6600 Core 2 Quad 2.4 Ghz, 8GB RAM. It was used as a hackintosh when I built it, but quickly got tired of keeping track of updates and installed ubuntu on it. It is having motherboard issues and I am thinking about replacing the computer. Its primary uses were scientific computing (MATLAB), programming, VMs, itunes/music/movies/storage/vpn and file/print server.

I was thinking about getting the new mac minis, primarily to save money. Since I already have good set of monitors, speakers and stuff it seemed like a good deal. But I cannot really upgrade it, and don't think it would last me that long.

So I am leaning towards a used/refurb mac pro. It's fast, I can use my displays, upgrade RAM easily, also use my hdds from the server. I think it should last me for 3 or so years given my uses (scientific computing (MATLAB), programming, VMs, itunes/music/movies/storage/vpn and file/print server).

I am not too inclined for iMacs - hate the glossy screen (and hard to upgrade). But they are a little cheaper.

What do you guys think?

Also lost out on eBay by $15 for a super sweet 2009 Nehalem MP. Damn snipers!

 

[CaptainChunk]

First of all, what's your budget?

B&H Photo Video has the base 2009 quad-core model (2.66/3GB/640GB/GT120) for $1799 with no tax and (if you live outside of NY) and free shipping. Brand new with the 1-year warranty, too. It should qualify for the 3-year AppleCare as well.

 

[sharvil]

First of all, what's your budget?

B&H Photo Video has the base 2009 quad-core model (2.66/3GB/640GB/GT120) for $1799 with no tax and (if you live outside of NY) and free shipping. Brand new with the 1-year warranty, too. It should qualify for the 3-year AppleCare as well.

Thanks for the link. My budget is $1500. I would obviously like to get the cheapest way I can. But will see if I can stretch it a little to get it from B&H.

Do you think it will last around 3+ years (I will eventually upgrade the RAM)?
What about the 2007/2008 models?

 

[zodqyv]

In 2009 I bought a 3.33GHz SP quad-core Mac Pro with the Radeon 4870 option. I installed 12GB of RAM, two Intel SSDs, two HDDs, and a Blu-ray drive myself. Great computer.

In 2010 I bought a 3.33GHz SP six-core Mac Pro with the Radeon 5870 option. I installed 12GB of RAM, four Intel SSDs, and a Blu-ray drive myself. I have never been happier with a computer in my life.

I mention this because the 2010 Mac Pros will soon become a bit cheaper as the 2011 models hit the market, and the 2009 machines will drop in price as well. The 2010 machine is definitely faster even when the extra cores are not in use, but the 2009 machine is definitely no slow-poke by comparison. Quad-core or six-core, the 2009-2010 machines are both excellent computers.

I am only mildly excited about Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge based Xeons so I don't know if I will be buying another new Mac Pro over the next two years or not, but if I play with one and I am extremely impressed than I may consider it. The next microarchitectures I am looking forward to are Haswell/Rockwell in the 2013-2015 timeframe.

 

[kellen]

Thanks for the link. My budget is $1500. I would obviously like to get the cheapest way I can. But will see if I can stretch it a little to get it from B&H.

Do you think it will last around 3+ years (I will eventually upgrade the RAM)?
What about the 2007/2008 models?

I would go 2008 or newer just for the 64 bit capabilities. You may be able to find a 2008 2.8 x8 for $1500, but it may take awhile.

If the 2009 quad will work for you, I would jump on it. Great price for a new, warrantied machine.