How Does The 2009 Mac Pro CPU Perform in Editing?

[SIRmisterD]

Hello,

I am thinking about finding and purchasing a 2009 Mac Pro model. However, I have a question, will the CPU, 1 x 2.66GHz Quad Core Xeon, perform well when editing HD video and pictures in Final Cut Pro and Photoshop? Also, the machine would have at least 8GB of memory. I am asking this question because I cannot find any real-life experience benchmarks on this model, only benchmarks from benchmarking programs. If anyone can answer this question, that would be great.

Any questions, please ask and I'll reply ASAP.
Thanks for any advice!

 

[Mac Pro 2009]

I bought one for that very purpose. I'll be upgrading RAM and Graphics though.

 

[saifulmazloum]

I use my 2009 for editing hd video and adobe suite. I would go with an 8 core model and update the processors yourself. For about 1500 you can have a machine that geekbenches ~20,000.

I have dual 3.33 Quad cores and haven't run into any issues/lag editing 1080 footage.

 

[Mac Gus]

I've been editing HD video on my 8 core 2009 MP for almost 5 years now. It's a great machine. I'm spending about 1500-2000 on it now to upgrade it (CPU, GPU, SSD, RAM, USB3). Should be good for several more years until I get a latter generation nMP.

 

[Mac Pro 2009]

He's asking about the Quad Core though. Personally I think you will be fine. With more RAM and a new GPU the specs already exceed a top of the line Mac Mini and I know lots of retouched who work with that so... (My Mac mini only has dual cores I think, 2011).

 

[Supermacguy]

What version of FCP? 6/7, or X? I have a 2009 dual 2.93ghz and FCP6/7 perform the same on some footage that is not real HD, and that is to say, it's abysmal- edits are OK but it always needs to render stuff that is not 100% the same frame size or a weird codec. But I got FCPX and the same footage FLIES. No lag on any edit and it replays anything without rendering. Software matters. Photoshop should be fine, it's not quite as performance dependent IMO.
Even with a 1-core I bet it will be pretty smooth, on FCPX and PS.