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Hard decision: The "old"12 core MP or the New 6 core MP ??

mariogt

mariogt

macrumors member
Original poster
Jun 28, 2012
48
44
Santiago, Chile
hi to all, Im in a big dilema, I just found a Apple reseller in my country (Chile) that sell the latest "classic" Mac Pro (2012), the 12 core version, for nearly $4000 USD. Will be wise buy this Mac Pro, or its better option buy the new one in december ?, for 4 grand i can only aspire to the 6 core Mac Pro, Buuuut with way better graphics card combo and newer technology. For me the advantages and disadvantages of each one are:

2012 12 Core Mac Pro

Pros:

- 12 cores !!!
- Internally Expandable
- Easy upgrade

Cons:

- Outdated Graphics card
- No Thunderbolt
- No USB 3

2013 NEW Mac Pro

Pro:

- Newer technology
- Thunderbolt 2
- USB 3
- 2 Graphics cards (6 Gigs in total)


Cons:

- Only 6 cores (I dont know if this Processor is faster than the "old" 12 core)
- Ram upgradable ??
- Only 256 GB of HD !!!!
- No internal expansion

What Mac Pro will be wise to buy ??

Thanks for your help in advance
 
Last edited:
mariogt said:
Thanks for the link, and indeed he is using 1 TB SSD option, but at what extra cost will be this option available, more cash to spend on an already very expensive machine
Click to expand...

The 1TB SSD estimated cost is around $900 USD to $1000 USD. Your decision may also depend on what specific tasks will you be using the Mac Pro for. Keep in mind with the new cylinder Mac Pro you may be spending more and the new design is still untested and how well it handles the heat for long hours of usage. My preference is to buy the classic tower 12 core Mac Pro. Probably there is a mixture of opinions and other users will recommend you go for the new Mac Pro in December.
 
What are you actually going to be using the machine for will depend upon whether the new machine is going to be suitable or not.

If the software you use requires CPU and RAM rather then GPU then the 2012 model will be better. If on the other hand you make a living doing Video Editing with FCPX then the 2013 model with the extra GPU grunt will be more useful.

The 2013 currently tops out at 64Gb whereas you can upgrade the 2012 to 128Gb, if you need more then 64Gb ( and I have no idea what you use this machine for ) then will become a no brainer decision for the 2012 machine.

No matter which one you go with then going to be adding too it so will have upgrades to do. However we won't know the price for the upgrades till probably December when the unit launches.

I wouldn't get hung up on paper spec's you need to identify what the machine will be used for and then determine which machine meets your requirements.
 
It depends on which 12 core we're talking about? If its the 12 core 2.4 then the new 6-core 3.5 will be faster and have much, much better GPU performance. So that would make it a pretty easy decision, go with the 6-core

If its the 12 core 2.93 or 3.06 then that could be a different story.
 
based on the $4k price tag and both system are base. I would go with the new one. The motherboard in the older mac pro is extremely outdated, granted it's still very capable, but just not up to today's standard.
 
mariogt said:
Thanks for the link, and indeed he is using 1 TB SSD option, but at what extra cost will be this option available, more cash to spend on an already very expensive machine
Click to expand...

Macsonic said:
The 1TB SSD estimated cost is around $900 USD to $1000 USD.
Click to expand...

It will be $300 for 512GB and $800 for 1TB. That is the price on iMacs and Macbooks. The only exception being that it costs $300 to move to the 2.4GHz/256GB 13" Macbook Pro to the 2.6GHz($100)/512GB($300) 13" Macbook Pro.
 
Thanks for your very useful answers !!, Its very difficult time to choose before the new Mac Pro will be available (and to know the real price of the upgrades), for me the "upgrade factor" is fundamental, because this machine have to be operative at least for 5 years. I will be using this machine for all my computer needs, mainly for programming (my work), photo, video editing and music production (my hobbies), some gaming and all the rest stuff (email, web surfing, etc).
 
if i had the old 12 core mac pro at 3.46 i wouldn't upgrade. But i think for me I would love to get an 8 core / d700 / 1tb ssd but no way i will be able to afford that so I will most likely get a 6 core / d500 / 1tb ssd
 
I will be using this machine for all my computer needs, mainly for programming (my work), photo, video editing and music production (my hobbies), some gaming and all the rest stuff (email, web surfing, etc).
Click to expand...

The New MP may not have what you need for your music hobby. My 2008 MP has Optical in analogue in, optical out and 2 analogue outs.

Think about the equipment you use for Video Editing.

If you have a large investment in peripherals make sure you know what it will take to get them interfaced with the new MP.

Both these machines are so well built it will be a while before you ever turn down your gaming settings with either one.

I do 3d Architectural designing and drafting. I need Video cards and a lot of Hard drive space. My 2008 was a workhorse without upgrades for 4 years. This new MP will be ahead of the curve. I will get the New MP as soon as I can!
 
The new 6 core MP appears to be the recommended path based in your comments, I almost pull the trigger on the 12 core !! :) , one more month or so of waiting dont hurt to anyone, and give me time to explore the external storage options for the new MP.
 
...give me time to explore the external storage options for the new MP.
Click to expand...

Sorry, Im impatient!!!:D

Crucial m500 + USB 3 enclosure= near Sata 600 speed for 960gb under $600 USD. Don't forget the 256GB minimum of way faster PCIe ssd already in the MP

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BQ8RM1A/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AW8XBG0/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i03?ie=UTF8&psc=1

or this if you want to go HD crazy:
http://www.amazon.com/Vantec-3-5-Inch-External-Enclosure-NST-640SU3-BK/dp/B007XJIYI6/ref=sr_1_19?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1383333854&sr=1-19&keywords=vantec+nexstar+usb+3.0
 
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
 
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