In need of new Mac Pro config opinions

[xcharlesy]

Hey guys,

I have been stopping by on this forum to read every now and then as we get closer to the release of the new Mac Pro.

I have been in need of a more powerful machine for a while, and have been waiting 6ish months for this machine, as it's important to have the newest technology with my investment.

I will use the new Mac Pro primarily for the following:

Home / Work Workstation- (I work in graphic design)
Adobe Creative Suite (constantly shuffling programs based on need)
Some video editing
Some 3d graphics rendering
Lots of file conversion
Some Gaming

I already have a thunderbolt, so that's what I'll be using at first, of course if apple releases a nice 4k display down the line I'll check that out.

I really want this workstation to last as long as possible, and I haven't done the most research, so I'm not sure if it's best to max at the apple customization screen? I feel like ram will be upgradable? maybe some others?

I'm thinking I would like a 4-6 core, (unsure on ram), 512 storage at least, and maybe the second tier video card?

I am using a early 2011 MBP now 2.2 i7, 8gb ram, 256gb solid state, and I know I need a bit more power for what I want to be doing. I also do like to game, and I would rather not have to buy a Windows PC solely for that.

Opinions on configs?

 

[theSeb]

RAM is user upgradeable. We know this for sure.

The more RAM the better and get it aftermarket to save yourself quite a lot of money.

In my opinion the 6 core is the sweet spot. I would go for the 6 core with the 2nd GPU tier option for your uses, but personally I am tempted for the D700 GPU upgrade, depending on cost.

If I were you I would go with this

3.5GHz 6-Core Intel Xeon E5 processor
16GB 1866MHz DDR3 ECC memory (upgrade it yourself later after using it and you're sure that your workflows require more)

Dual AMD FirePro D500 with 3GB GDDR5 VRAM each
256GB PCIe-based flash storage1 - get this BTO to 512 GB
Coming in December.
$3,999.00

 

[unfragile]

If the price is right.

I think I'll choose this setup:

- 3.5GHz 6-Core Intel Xeon E5 processor (apple option upgrade)
- 12GB 1866MHz DDR3 ECC memory upgrade later from Crucial or OWC to 32 GB 1866MHz DDR3 ECC memory
- Dual AMD FirePro D300 with 2GB GDDR5 VRAM each
- 256GB PCIe-based flash storage is more than enough to my OS and Apps (the ideal was 512GB PCIe- Based Flash storage but it will be more $300)