I Want a Desktop computer this year and don't know whether to go MAC or PC? This is for Multimedia purposes, and cost range from $3,000 to max $4,500. Options: Dell XPS 700 with New Intel 2 Duo chips or wait for ,which when ever the hell they release the intel Mac desktops (probably not till next year) which will probably end up costing a grip at around $4,500 or more!! Basically im not worried about viruses and all that crap i just need advice on wether HONESTLY will the new Intel mac desktops be that much faster and better overall than todays Dell XPS 700??? Because to be honest in GENERAL both formats do the same things, such as all the programs i use for editing!!!! THANKS!!
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Ill keep this SIMPLE!!!
- Thread starter chortytke
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Intel-based PowerMacs (probably to be called Mac Pros) are likely to be released in about ten days and are rumored to use the new server-class Xeon chips (Woodcrest). They will be awesome machines and won't be $4500 (I assume we're talking US dollars here) unless you add on a boatload of upgrades.
chortytke said:
Well my friend Next year is just 10 more days away in that case. I m 99.9999% sure macPros will be announced this WWDC. ie Aug 7,2006. And hopefully you`ll get the delivery within 15-25 days.
EDIT: Extremely slow typing....... Grrr...
If I were in your position, I'd wait the 10 days until WWDC and see what comes out. I'd expect an Intel PowerMac to come out also. If that's the case, I'd MUCH rather have the Intel PowerMac over any Dell. I'd bet that the new Intel PowerMac will be much faster than the Dell as well. Assuming that the new Intel PowerMac is going to come out soon, I'd do everything I could to wait and get that.
Have you ever thought about building your own PC? You will save money, and possibly get something much more powerful.
I would still wait a bit and see what Apple unveils.
I would still wait a bit and see what Apple unveils.
But it is a PC, running an OS that will spontaneously slow down and manage RAM poorly. If you want out and out performance on a PC, then Linux is the way to go, but it's a really difficult OS to use and it doesn't have that many popular apps available...
Killyp said:For $4500 you could get a dual woodcrest, so that's 2 quad core processors (8 cores alltogether)
The Intel Woodcrest is dual core, you are thinking of the Cloverton which isn't scheduled to be released for months.
OP the XPS is a gaming rig why would you even consider a machine like that? Why wouldn't you go for a workstation for what you want? Personally I'd be waiting to see what the Mac Pro ended up spec wize, then I'd compare it to some nice workstations like the HP XW9300 dual opteron and make up my mind, but I wouldn't be looking at gaming rigs.
Killyp said:
Well that has to be one of the funniest things I've read here. Why would you pick Windows over Linux? Because Windows has the apps Linux doesn't? As for performance Linux is okay but it is slow as hell compared to *BSD.
chortytke said:
"Multimedia purposes" is a pretty broad description for what the computer's primary function will be. If you're talking about looking at and playing pictures, music, and DVDs, then an iMac is the best machine on the market, no questions.
However, I'm assuming that by "multimedia purposes" you mean content creation and manipulation. If so, getting whichever computer (PowerMac VS. Dell XPS) is "faster" is the wrong approach to be taking towards making your purchase. True, Boing 767s can travel faster than golf carts, but that doesn't mean you need a 767 to get from the 3rd green to the 4th tee. You need to pick which platform and operating system you want to be working under, THEN decide on an actual piece of hardware to do it.
No, a similarly configured Mac or PC will not perform at the same level simply because they have the same chip inside. If you're looking to do real multimedia work, the Mac platform is far and away the better choice, unnless you hate yourself and plan on becoming a certified headache-medicine connoisseur.
If you plan on doing any 3D rendering an XPS isn't for you. You need a workstation. Quadro or FireXL graphics cards for real time rendering. Any consumer gaming card will give at best 5 FPS.
If you are doing video and photo. Then disregard what I just said.
You need to decide which one satifies your needs. They are honestly going to perform the same more than likely(if configured the same).
You say you aren't worried about viruses and spyware(all that crap), yet those things bloat the OS. That will in effect slow you down.
If you need a serious computer, then get serious. Posting here for advice on how to spend $4500 isn't being serious. Get out there and read. The fact that you don't know that the Intel PowerMacs will be released this year shows your level of commitment.
I'll keep this simple. Don't waste $4500 on a computer that is beyond what you need. I guarantee an XPS won't edit movies and photos faster than a Mac mini. As I said you are not doing serious work, as someone who is serious and spending that kind of money isn't posting in a forum for advice. Take the cash to the bank and buy a cheap Dell.
If you are doing video and photo. Then disregard what I just said.
You need to decide which one satifies your needs. They are honestly going to perform the same more than likely(if configured the same).
You say you aren't worried about viruses and spyware(all that crap), yet those things bloat the OS. That will in effect slow you down.
If you need a serious computer, then get serious. Posting here for advice on how to spend $4500 isn't being serious. Get out there and read. The fact that you don't know that the Intel PowerMacs will be released this year shows your level of commitment.
I'll keep this simple. Don't waste $4500 on a computer that is beyond what you need. I guarantee an XPS won't edit movies and photos faster than a Mac mini. As I said you are not doing serious work, as someone who is serious and spending that kind of money isn't posting in a forum for advice. Take the cash to the bank and buy a cheap Dell.
risc said:
He's talking about dual-CPUs. Two dual-core CPUs. In other words, dual-dual-core CPUs.
Raven VII said:
No he was talking about Two quad core cpus. In other words dual-quad-core CPU's.
And he said that was Woodcrest. You might want to reread that.
If you want to do "multimedia" and don't already know which platform you want and why...
I'd save most of that $4500. Or, at least go play with some nicely configured machines and pick the one that feels best.
I find my enjoyment of most purchases over $100 is directly related to how well thought out said purchase was.
Don't impulse buy a graphics workstation.
I'd save most of that $4500. Or, at least go play with some nicely configured machines and pick the one that feels best.
I find my enjoyment of most purchases over $100 is directly related to how well thought out said purchase was.
Don't impulse buy a graphics workstation.
ph0rk said:
An XPS is no graphics workstation. The fact that he is considering it for "multimedia purposes" shows his lack of sensibility and practicality.
Thanks For The Advice!!
In response to all the comments yeah im going to wait for the release of the Intel desktops MAC, and multmedia purposes is like for Graphics with After Effects, Final Cut, and so on for many years!... but to say that XPS is slower than a MAc Mini is stupid and to say that top-aline XPS (with Intel Duo2 core) and new Mac processing powers don't match up they do but i would still give it to the macs to be a little faster, and platforms really only matters on how easy apps work together such as the ones Macs offer and which most designers dont use, but when your not stupid and been working with the same programs for years you can essentially create any images (video or Images) on any computer its just that Macs are prefered for designers, we are. So what really only matters (with minor exeptions) is the processing powers, because RAM is RAM (we are comparitively talking here) graphics card, hard, monitor. So who ever thinks just because Dell names it a "gaming sytem" does not mean the the new Intel Duo 2 Core processors,are almost comparitively or just as fast as the Intel MACS! with student discount a 2GB RAM, 3.6GH Intel 2 coe Duo, a 512MB Graphics card 24" monitor at $3200, cant do and keep up the NEW Intel Mac desktop, which with these upgrades will be about $4,500 or more is STUPID!! dont get me wrong i LOVE MAcs but is the extra $1000+ worth the money maybe so will soon find out???????????????
In response to all the comments yeah im going to wait for the release of the Intel desktops MAC, and multmedia purposes is like for Graphics with After Effects, Final Cut, and so on for many years!... but to say that XPS is slower than a MAc Mini is stupid and to say that top-aline XPS (with Intel Duo2 core) and new Mac processing powers don't match up they do but i would still give it to the macs to be a little faster, and platforms really only matters on how easy apps work together such as the ones Macs offer and which most designers dont use, but when your not stupid and been working with the same programs for years you can essentially create any images (video or Images) on any computer its just that Macs are prefered for designers, we are. So what really only matters (with minor exeptions) is the processing powers, because RAM is RAM (we are comparitively talking here) graphics card, hard, monitor. So who ever thinks just because Dell names it a "gaming sytem" does not mean the the new Intel Duo 2 Core processors,are almost comparitively or just as fast as the Intel MACS! with student discount a 2GB RAM, 3.6GH Intel 2 coe Duo, a 512MB Graphics card 24" monitor at $3200, cant do and keep up the NEW Intel Mac desktop, which with these upgrades will be about $4,500 or more is STUPID!! dont get me wrong i LOVE MAcs but is the extra $1000+ worth the money maybe so will soon find out???????????????
chortytke said:
The only thing you have done in this post is set the record for the most question marks at the end of a question.
Seriously. Have you ever heard of the return key, also known as the enter key. How about punctuation other than a question mark?
You sound like the weekend photoshop warrior. Not a professional. Especially since you are considering buying an XPS instead of a Dell workstation.
I did not say the XPS is slower than Mac Mini. Let me rephrase. Someone who dabbles in "multimedia purposes" will not care if their image comes up 2 seconds slower on the Mac Mini, why because they paid less and for their purposes the Mini is just fine.
The Mac Pro will not cost $4500 starting, and surely your proposed upgrades will not total $4500 alone. That is wild speculation, considering the cost of them now they won't be shooting up to $4500 on August 7th.
You are clearly wasting your money. Again, the fact that you are asking how to spend $4500 shows that. Someone who is serious about their work isn't posting here on how to spend their money. They are reading and not trying to buy an XPS for longevitity.
Now. To your dell. Unless you are gaming, a 512MB card means squat for your proposed video editing. Again this shows your mindset, and your infatuation with numbers instead of longevitity and practicality of this computer.
The XPS is a gaming machine, as I said if you were serious you'd be looking here: http://www.dell.com/content/product...04&~ck=anav&a=7264~0~53909&navla=7264~0~53909
And not at an overpriced gaming computer.
Not the Mac Pro
I wasnt talking about laptops and although they are good but not for processng power!, but the NEW INTEL desktops that aren't out yet and yes they will be that expensive Guaranteed!!! and those are mainly for SERVERS for multiple computers!!!!!!!!!
I wasnt talking about laptops and although they are good but not for processng power!, but the NEW INTEL desktops that aren't out yet and yes they will be that expensive Guaranteed!!! and those are mainly for SERVERS for multiple computers!!!!!!!!!
chortytke said:
I work with server and workstation hardware and the XPS is not workstation class it is definitely a gaming PC. The Mac pro desktop will be heaps faster than it for graphics work (like any real workstation). You've made the fatal mistake of thinking a Conroe will compare with the Woodcrest. One is the Pentium IV replacement the other is the Xeon replacement, the Woodcrest is SMP enabled the Conroe in the XPS is not. Right there you have 2 more cores to play with. There is a lot more that makes a workstation a workstation and not a PC, but I can't be bothered getting in to it. As mentioned above numbers don't mean squat if you have no idea what they mean.
IMHO people have been very helpful but you're coming back attacking everything we say. You have no interest in buying a Mac so don't do it, get yourself a PC. Just don't compare the XPS to the yet to be released Mac Pro, or any other workstation class machine because they aren't in the same class. If you want suggestions for good graphics workstations you've got 2 here already I mentioned the HP XW9300 above, and kevin.rivers mentioned the Dell Precision both will work heaps better than the XPS.
edit: too many typos
chortytke said:
I just couldn't hold that in for this post. Give your money to a homeless guy, even if he bought drugs, alcohol and a hooker he would have used his money more wisely than you.
I am not even going to argue about the price. It isn't out yet, you don't know and I don't know. However, I doubt sincerely that the top end shoots up $1200.
Besides even if it was $4500. What would you be getting? Dual Woodcrests. Does the XPS offer that? No. How about the build quality and stability of an enterprise class workstation? No.
Here where I think you are making your mistake in price. I am assuming this because you mentioned the 512MB Graphics card. Apple is currently offering the BTO option of a Quadro 4500 in their PowerMacs. The cost for this upgrade: $1650. The 512MB upgrade on an XPS 7900GT: $50. Now, if you think these card are equivilent in any shape or fashion, you are sorely mistaking. If you don't know what a Quadro does, then you don't deserve to be looking at a computer for "multimedia purposes". And again, a 512MB card will give you zero to zilch improvement in video editing. Be realistic here. Seriously.
And we weren't talking about laptops. That would be the Macbook Pro, Mac Pro is the assumed new name of the PowerMacs. Again, the fact that you don't know this proves you are wasting your time and money.
Also, Powermacs are not those mainly used for SERVERS for multiple computers. They are used as graphic workstations or "multimedia purposes" as you call it. The Xserve is what you are speaking of.
I say this in hopes that you will use your brain and make pratical decisions before wasting $4500 when it could be used for better purposes.
kevin.rivers said:
Oops, you're right. I was tired last night and didn't read it right.
Sorry, carry along.
Raven VII said:
Hope I didn't sound mean!
Yeah I will give up. I have tons of friends who buy computers they simply don't need. Dual opterons to rip some DVD's, I mean really. Some people think spending thousands of dollars will ensure that they have the best, well in this case he is spending thousands and inflating the Mac Pro price in his own head to justify buying the cheaper Dell.
Part of being an educated consumer or professional is knowing what you need and buying according to that. I would love a $4500 computer. My current needs, which do include Photoshop, Aperture, and Final cut don't warrant spending that kind of cash though. If I start making money on it or feel like my work flow is slowing down I will reasess my needs.
I am tired of people buying computers with the idea that they may get into something like video editing, etc. Because in my experience 75% don't ever do it, and they just spent thousands of dollars.
For example, the current iMac can handle tons of things including video editing. Start with that. If you find the iMac limits you, move up. If you you don't really feel like you need more or the things you thought you would do, you aren't. Then stick with the iMac as it is a great computer.
I will stop now.
This thread is useless for one reason:
We don't have specs and pricing detail on the new Mac Pro's so any comparisons made are crap
When they are announced (less than 9 days) then we'll be able to give you sound advice
I tell everyone to build their own machines, that's my advice
Dell, just like Apple, you pay more for the name, in this case XPS. You have almost no clue how much cash you can save if you get a regular Dell, and just upgrade the RAM and videocard yourself.
We don't have specs and pricing detail on the new Mac Pro's so any comparisons made are crap
When they are announced (less than 9 days) then we'll be able to give you sound advice
I tell everyone to build their own machines, that's my advice
Dell, just like Apple, you pay more for the name, in this case XPS. You have almost no clue how much cash you can save if you get a regular Dell, and just upgrade the RAM and videocard yourself.