Advice needed on the Purchase of a used 8 Core

[CajunBob]

Hi, Newbie here.

Still trying to buy a used 8 core and want to make sure I get the newest, best model for speed and compatibility.

I need a 64 bit machine (All Mac Pro CPU's are 64-bit, but models 1.1 and 2.1 (2006, 2007) are 32 bit EFI, and can only run 32-bit OSX kernel)

So, with the above info from another thread, how can I tell which model is which. Seldom do I ever see 1.1 or 2.1 on an ebay listing.

Also, I do see 5400 series and other series listings but have no idea which is what and what is better.

Are there places better than ebay to buy a good machine?

Any help, suggestions, guidance is appreciated to get the best possible Mac for use in Pro Tools, Midi with samples and FCP.

Thanks,
Bob

 

[philipma1957]

Hi, Newbie here.

Still trying to buy a used 8 core and want to make sure I get the newest, best model for speed and compatibility.

I need a 64 bit machine (All Mac Pro CPU's are 64-bit, but models 1.1 and 2.1 (2006, 2007) are 32 bit EFI, and can only run 32-bit OSX kernel)

So, with the above info from another thread, how can I tell which model is which. Seldom do I ever see 1.1 or 2.1 on an ebay listing.

Also, I do see 5400 series and other series listings but have no idea which is what and what is better.

Are there places better than ebay to buy a good machine?

Any help, suggestions, guidance is appreciated to get the best possible Mac for use in Pro Tools, Midi with samples and FCP.

Thanks,
Bob

well what is your price range. more info in a moment.


this link is the mac pro refurbished link from apple online.

http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/specialdeals/mac/mac_pro?mco=MjEwNzM3NTk



this is the only apple online store refurb on sale today:

http://store.apple.com/us/product/G0G11LL/A?mco=MTA4MjcxMzc


this link is wiki


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macpro


2009 types:

One 2.66 GHz (W3520) Quad-Core Intel Xeon "Bloomfield" or two 2.26 GHz (E5520) Quad-core Intel Xeon "Gainstown" with 8 MB of L3 cache
Optional 2.93 GHz (W3540) or 3.33 GHz (W3580) Intel Xeon Quad-core Intel Xeon "Bloomfield" processors or two 2.66 GHz (X5550) or 2.93 GHz (X5570) Quad-core Intel Xeon "Gainstown" processors



2010 types:

One 2.8 GHz Quad-Core "Bloomfield" Intel Xeon (W3530) processor with 8 MB of L3 cache or two 2.4 GHz Quad-Core "Gulftown" Intel Xeon (E5620) processors with 12 MB of L3 cache or two 2.66 GHz 6-core "Gulftown" Intel Xeon (X5650) processors with 12 MB of L3 cache
Optional 3.2 GHz Quad-Core "Bloomfield" (W3565) or 3.33 GHz 6-core "Gulftown" (W3680) Intel Xeon processors or two 2.93 GHz 6-core (X5670) Intel Xeon "Gulftown" processors



here is a link for a 2009 dual quad cpu 2.26 mb535

http://www.retrevo.com/s/Apple-MB535-Desktops-review-manual/id/23533dj298/t/1-2/




one last link


http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/mac_pro/index-macpro.html

 

[jenzjen]

Check the guide here, click the different links will get you up to speed quickly - http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/mac_pro/index-macpro.html

As for eBay, just ask the sellers for the type of machine (1,1 etc) and the serial number. You can use the serial on Apple's site to confirm the generation.