Dual Core 2Ghz or 2.5DP PCI-X?

[Monyx]

Getting close to ordering Dual Core, which one would you go for of the following given they're similar price?

New Dual Core 2Ghz, 2 Gb RAM 250Gb HD, 6600 256MB 56k
OR
2.5Ghz DP 2.5Gb RAM 160 Gb HD R9600XT

The latter is refurbished or Apple stock from a dealer, I can buy 2yrs Applecare for another $250 on top of 3mth warranty.

I editing using FCP 4.1, DVDSP 3, PS CS maybe Aperture later. I see DC 2Ghz speed is more like 2.3DP so 2.5 would still be better machine. I had heard current Apps are optimised for dual proc architecture rather than dual core - which suits me since I don't see a need to upgrade Apps yet.

PCI-E vs PCI-X not relevant to me...I don't envisage ever putting a card in just editing SD DVCam for years to come and Nikon NEF for image processing.

 

[G5Unit]

Get the duel 2.5 with a 250gb hd 2gb ram and at least 256mb vram. NOT the Radeon 9650.

 

[dmw007]

Go with the 2.5GHz DP Power Mac G5.

 

[zap2]

ya teh 2.5ghz

its a dual PowerMac so you good

 

[eXan]

Getting close to ordering Dual Core, which one would you go for of the following given they're similar price?

New Dual Core 2Ghz, 2 Gb RAM 250Gb HD, 6600 256MB 56k
OR
2.5Ghz DP 2.5Gb RAM 160 Gb HD R9600XT

The latter is refurbished or Apple stock from a dealer, I can buy 2yrs Applecare for another $250 on top of 3mth warranty.

I editing using FCP 4.1, DVDSP 3, PS CS maybe Aperture later. I see DC 2Ghz speed is more like 2.3DP so 2.5 would still be better machine. I had heard current Apps are optimised for dual proc architecture rather than dual core - which suits me since I don't see a need to upgrade Apps yet.

PCI-E vs PCI-X not relevant to me...I don't envisage ever putting a card in just editing SD DVCam for years to come and Nikon NEF for image processing.

I wouuld definately go with Dual 2.5. There faster than dual-core 2 GHz, If you plan to use Aperture, I suggest you get a faster graphics card (Radeon 9800 or X800-X850 if you can afford that)

 

[Monyx]

They also have 2.5ghz w/ GF6800 256 video card for $375 more...hard for me to see value in the video cards because I'm unfamilar with them don't appreciate reliance on GPU since my old G4DP has been clunking along fine with RagePro 16MB.

 

[eXan]

They also have 2.5ghz w/ GF6800 256 video card for $375 more...hard for me to see value in the video cards because I'm unfamilar with them don't appreciate reliance on GPU since my old G4DP has been clunking along fine with RagePro 16MB.

Today's GPUs can greatly increase perfomance of your system by doing all the graphical work in OS (Mac OS X only). You need a Core Image support in the app, like Aperture or Motion from Apple. See http://www.apple.com/macosx/features/coreimage/ for more information on CoreImage.

 

[tekmoe]

IMHO, i would go with the dual-core only because it sports PCI-E. Much better video cards.

 

[MovieCutter]

I used Final Cut Pro, Motion, DVD Studio on a Dual 2.5 and a Dual 2.0 for well over a year. Seeing as the Dual Core 2.0 is no faster than the Dual Proc 2.0, I would DEFINITELY go with the Dual 2.5 with the 6800 Ultra. The PCI-Express video cards are no better right now unless you go for the 7800 or the QUadro. The stock 6600 card is at least one third as fast as the 6800 Ultra. Go for the Dual 2.5...no question.

 

[iEdd]

With the new one, you have PCIe and the ability to get 3-00 years applecare.
The refurbished you have PCIx and up to 2-03 years applecare.
Just something else to consider.

 

[kbonnel]

I am looking at the same thing. I can get a dual core 2GHZ with the updated 256mb video, or a standard 2.5 for a couple hundred more. The better deal might be a DC 2.0 with the 7800. You get faster memory, pcie, and a great video card. (not to mention new pcie arch.)

Kimo

 

[Monyx]

I am looking at the same thing. I can get a dual core 2GHZ with the updated 256mb video, or a standard 2.5 for a couple hundred more. The better deal might be a DC 2.0 with the 7800. You get faster memory, pcie, and a great video card. (not to mention new pcie arch.)

Kimo

Hmmm, with the trend towards GPU apps, especially reading the Tiger page referenced above...I'm swinging back to the new machines. I wouldn't spend on a better card in the 2.5ghz rather put the difference towards a 2.3ghz or save some $$$ & go with the BTO 2ghz dual core.

 

[andiwm2003]

i'm thinking about a dual core as well. i'm also not really interested in PCIe. the gpu's available for AGB are good enough for everything.

the only thing i'm interested in the PCIe is the hope that somebody will build mac-intel upgrade cards at some point.
that means you get a mac mini in your powermac if there are ever apps that absolutely need intel. this theoretical future proofing is the only thing that lets me lean towards new powermacs.

as for gpu's: if you go for the 2.5 then get the 9800 pro for $250. here is a test: http://www.barefeats.com/rad98pro.html