MP All Models Is this 2013 Mac pro a good deal?

[Sossity]

I found this online and was offered $2,500.00 here are the specs;

This is a high performance Apple Mac Pro. 12-Core 2.5Ghz Intel Xeon Processors. 64GB RAM. 512GB Internal Solid State Drive (SSD). AMD FirePro D700 Graphics.

It's in great used condition with minimal scratches on the case, and has been maintained by a professional media company in Los Angeles. Includes original power cord.

 

[barbu]

That’s the higher end model right? Does it fit your budget? I had a mid level model and loved it, but I wasn’t paying. I’d love to get one for myself, but 2500 for a basically obsolete machine is a big decision. If you can afford to toss the money, go for it.

 

[velocityg4]

I couldn't picture spending that much.

For about $3,000 you get
- iMac 2019
- Radeon 575x
- 64GB RAM (DIY Upgrade)
- 512 GB SSD (much faster too)
- 27" 5K display
- i9-9900K
- Thunderbolt 3
- USB 3.1 Gen 2
- New with warranty

All in all a considerably faster machine with updated connections and a really nice display. Not only faster but the CPU and GPU support newer standards in instruction sets, video codecs, &c for hardware acceleration. Plus it will receive macOS updates longer.

I just don't see the cylinder Mac Pro holding the same value as the last cMP. Since you can't replace the GPU or add any other cards. Allowing it to adapt to new GPU standards and run unsupported OS versions.

 

[Sossity]

OK, thanks all. I would prefer to stay with a desk top with a separate replaceable monitor. I have a mid 2010 cMP now, but the browsers are getting old, I am running Mavericks, and it no longer supports my browser and cannot us my colleges online portal. I would also like to be able to use dark mode, but cannot do that with it now.

I have looked at the newer mac minis, they look more current, but wondered about their horsepower, and if they over heat. I had a 2011 mac mini, and it got loud, and overheated.

 

[th0masp]

The machine config itself sounds fine really even if you could get something faster with a 2018/19 model, but the blurb about it being used by a media company would worry me. I read that as it has likely seen quite a bit of usage (e.g. for rendering) over the years - and they might have been abusing it the last 6 years or so.

For a machine with a reputation for heat related issues I'd prefer a reasonably fresh piece of hardware, not an old warhorse.

Perhaps you could ask them how old the computer is? Can be found out by pasting the serial number into some webpages.

 

[velocityg4]

OK, thanks all. I would prefer to stay with a desk top with a separate replaceable monitor. I have a mid 2010 cMP now, but the browsers are getting old, I am running Mavericks, and it no longer supports my browser and cannot us my colleges online portal. I would also like to be able to use dark mode, but cannot do that with it now.

I have looked at the newer mac minis, they look more current, but wondered about their horsepower, and if they over heat. I had a 2011 mac mini, and it got loud, and overheated.

I'd take the Mini over the Trashcan. In most CPU uses it'll be faster with the i7 option. Except slightly slower in heavily multi-threaded tasks. Then pair it with an eGPU for graphics workloads and upgrade the RAM yourself. Overall a better computer for less money. A new one at that. Along with a longer future in macOS upgrades.
- $2,100
- Mac Mini 2018
- i7-8700b
- 64GB RAM
- eGPU enclosure
- Radeon 5700XT
- 512GB SSD

Otherwise I'd say just upgrade the bejeezus out of your cMP. It'll cost less than the trashcan and give you a modern GPU. Then you can install Mojave. If you don't mind using Opencore or Dosdude1 you can install Catalina (possibly Big Sur). Those PCIe slots are far more useful than Thunderbolt 2. Which didn't take off like Thunderbolt 3 has.

$2500 is just a lot of money to spend for such outdated hardware. When Apple offers brand new products which compete very well on price and performance. Loaded with newer technologies and better upgrade options. It's not like I'm comparing it to Windows PC's. It's being compared to new more advanced hardware from Apple with third party upgrades.

There's also no reason why you can't just install High Sierra on your cMP without any upgrades. Then you can get back to doing schoolwork. Perhaps tiding you over until the ARM Macs come out. Who knows the next Mac Mini may be much faster with USB 4 and a 128GB RAM limit. Although I wouldn't count on the RAM being user upgradeable.

 

[r6mile]

Can I ask, why are you still running Mavericks? You can natively go to High Sierra with a bog standard GPU, and Mojave with a Metal one. You haven't expressed any issues with your current performance, just software support, which just requires a OS upgrade.

 

[weckart]

OK, thanks all. I would prefer to stay with a desk top with a separate replaceable monitor. I have a mid 2010 cMP now, but the browsers are getting old, I am running Mavericks, and it no longer supports my browser and cannot us my colleges online portal. I would also like to be able to use dark mode, but cannot do that with it now.

All you need is a Metal GPU card to run up to Mojave. That will give you up to date software. If you want to run Catalina, there's a thread about running it on unsupported hardware. It's fairly trivial on cMP. Also, Big Sur runs on it too.

I don't understand why you would even drop $2500 on a barely newer and less upgradable Mac without first checking what your upgrade possibilities were.

 

[macguru9999]

I think any 2013 mac pro is a bad idea , it has reliability and upgradability issues, and the second hand prices are ridiculous. nothing uses thunderbolt2. If you already have a working one the performance is good , but i would not drop the money on something that will be almost worthless in a year. get a 5,1

 

[Sossity]

would it be more economical for me to upgrade my cMP to Mojave than getting a mac mini?

I would like to just do hardware upgrades first, without having to mess with any software or flashing or such to get a newer os.

I really like dark mode, and would I be able to just add some hardware to get this on my cMP?

Yes that was expensive, and it gave me pause and I know there are knowledgeable people here, that is why I asked, I am now leaning on upgrading my cMP.

 

[velocityg4]

would it be more economical for me to upgrade my cMP to Mojave than getting a mac mini?

I would like to just do hardware upgrades first, without having to mess with any software or flashing or such to get a newer os.

I really like dark mode, and would I be able to just add some hardware to get this on my cMP?

Yea, just get a used Radeon Rx 580 for about $140. I think you'll also need a cheap PCIe power cable adapter. Keep your old GPU in case you need to access the boot screen. As the RX 580 will stay black until the OS starts loading.

You can get used RAM pretty cheap on eBay if you need some more. You'll also want an SSD. I'd go NVMe as it is possible. I suppose you can also get a USB 3.1 Gen 2 card if you want.

The pricey upgrade would be switching to dual CPU if you are currently using a single CPU.

You can also get flashed RX 580's for the Mac Pro for boot screen support. They run about $275 on eBay. If you don't want to DIY. Heck you can get a 5700 XT if you want.

At any rate all these upgrades are certainly cheaper than the 2013. CPU speed may be a little less but the GPU will be way better. For about $1,600 you could be loaded up with a 12 core CPU (dual 6 core 3.33Ghz), 64GB RAM, Flashed Radeon 5700 XT and 2TB NVMe.

The Catalina patch using DosDude1 is easy as pie.

 

[Sossity]

It looks like I will be upgrading my current mac pro, with a little surgery. I read about this before, but it all sounded a little complicated, and I don't want to break my machine. I have upgraded the ram before, and I have installed a SSD, but nothing else. Other than that, it is original parts, and I will have to double check, but I think it is a quad core.

That is partly why I am still on mavericks, but if I could do a fist upgrade of the OS without swapping out any hardware, I would like to do that, and I think I would have to anyway, before going to Mojave.

How would I go natively to high sierra? do I look for it in software update in my preferences?

are there any good youtube videos on upgrading this model of machine?

 

[velocityg4]

It looks like I will be upgrading my current mac pro, with a little surgery. I read about this before, but it all sounded a little complicated, and I don't want to break my machine. I have upgraded the ram before, and I have installed a SSD, but nothing else. Other than that, it is original parts, and I will have to double check, but I think it is a quad core.

That is partly why I am still on mavericks, but if I could do a fist upgrade of the OS without swapping out any hardware, I would like to do that, and I think I would have to anyway, before going to Mojave.

How would I go natively to high sierra? do I look for it in software update in my preferences?

are there any good youtube videos on upgrading this model of machine?

Install High Sierra
Step 4 has the download link

How to download and install macOS - Apple Support

Download and install current or previous versions of the Mac operating system on compatible Mac computers.

support.apple.com

 

[Sossity]

Install High Sierra
Step 4 has the download link

How to download and install macOS - Apple Support

Download and install current or previous versions of the Mac operating system on compatible Mac computers.

support.apple.com

Thank you.

 

[Sossity]

Another reason I stayed on mavericks was because I use a Wacom intuos 3, and CS creative suite 6, and read about problematic Wacom drivers in newer os versions.

 

[macguru9999]

The problem with the current mac mini is graphics... if you need them you end up buying an egpu and its bigger than the mac mini. until the arm version comes out, and it might be really good, i would upgrade a 5,1 with say, a radeon rx580.

 

[OkiRun]

iMac or iMac Pro current models would be my choice in your situation that was described.

 

[profcutter]

Personally, I think if the current machine is running, keep it and upgrade it. RAM, NVME, and Graphics card all sound like they'd do the trick, and be more useful than a mini.

 

[weckart]

Another reason I stayed on mavericks was because I use a Wacom intuos 3, and CS creative suite 6, and read about problematic Wacom drivers in newer os versions.

And you also have a ton of room for adding hard drives. Either get a large SSD and partition it or get another cheap smaller capacity SSD and dual boot between Mavericks and Mojave/Catalina. That covers you both for compatibility with older peripherals and having the latest software.

Even thinking of buying a new computer because you haven't worked out the basics of upgrading to a newer version of macOS reminds me of those Saudi princes who throw out their Bentleys when the ashtray is full.

 

[Sossity]

And you also have a ton of room for adding hard drives. Either get a large SSD and partition it or get another cheap smaller capacity SSD and dual boot between Mavericks and Mojave/Catalina. That covers you both for compatibility with older peripherals and having the latest software.

Even thinking of buying a new computer because you haven't worked out the basics of upgrading to a newer version of macOS reminds me of those Saudi princes who throw out their Bentleys when the ashtray is full.

Well, I am no Saudi prince, thanks for the suggestion of a dual hard drive, could have just said that instead of ridiculing or making assumptions about me.

 

[Sossity]

Thanks to those who offered help without judgement or assumptions about me. For the others; go a little easy on me, I am not some ignorant rich kid like some are suggesting here, I am looking into upgrading what I have, if I just wanted to be the rich kid and just buy another, I would not have even bothered to ask here.

Since this is an open forum with knowledgeable people, I thought this would be an OK place to ask, for help on this, not to be chided, lectured or shamed for exploring options, I am trying to balance what I know with the amount of time or money I am willing to spend, and I feel this is OK to do.

Be aware that not all have as much knowledge of machines, and do not mess with them in the depth that some do here. There are other perspectives; some people value their time more, and would rather spend a little more to get things done than than spend all their time fixing or replacing things, while others prefer to mess with hardware more.

For some people, it is a better option to buy another item, it saves them time fiddling with things, does not mean they are rich spoiled people. I am just trying to gage what I want to do that is all.

Perhaps this was not the best place to ask about this, I have had some trouble on this forum before, maybe it is me, or maybe some have strong feelings about some things, I will now go and look more online about this, peace out.

 

[Sossity]

Can I ask, why are you still running Mavericks? You can natively go to High Sierra with a bog standard GPU, and Mojave with a Metal one. You haven't expressed any issues with your current performance, just software support, which just requires a OS upgrade.

Because I have older hardware and software that might not be compatible with the latest OS.

 

[KeesMacPro]

Perhaps this was not the best place to ask about this.

I disagree with you.
I think this is the best place to ask for advice about upgrading or replacing your Mac.
Personally i consider it a shame to get upset by 1 unkind remark, while lots of people gave you valuable opinions which may help you to evaluate the options and get to a conclusion.

I'd upgrade the cMP 4,1/5,1 because with a relatively small budget for CPU,NVMe and 1333mHZ RAM, you could get a considerable overall improvement.
Note that with a (METAL compatible) AMD GPU , you can't boot OS previous to HighSierra.
Installing an AMD and a Nvidia card together won't work either...
The only option would be (afaik) to install a (EFI flashed or not) Nvidia KEPLER card.
The most powerful is the GTX 780 TI and is more or less igual to the RX580.
The KEPLER cards are natively supported from 10.8 - Mojave and newer.
Up to (including) High Sierra there are Nvidia and CUDA web drivers available....

 

[OkiRun]

I'd take the Mini over the Trashcan. In most CPU uses it'll be faster with the i7 option. Except slightly slower in heavily multi-threaded tasks. Then pair it with an eGPU for graphics workloads and upgrade the RAM yourself. Overall a better computer for less money. A new one at that. Along with a longer future in macOS upgrades.
- $2,100
- Mac Mini 2018
- i7-8700b
- 64GB RAM
- eGPU enclosure
- Radeon 5700XT
- 512GB SSD

Otherwise I'd say just upgrade the bejeezus out of your cMP. It'll cost less than the trashcan and give you a modern GPU. Then you can install Mojave. If you don't mind using Opencore or Dosdude1 you can install Catalina (possibly Big Sur). Those PCIe slots are far more useful than Thunderbolt 2. Which didn't take off like Thunderbolt 3 has.

$2500 is just a lot of money to spend for such outdated hardware. When Apple offers brand new products which compete very well on price and performance. Loaded with newer technologies and better upgrade options. It's not like I'm comparing it to Windows PC's. It's being compared to new more advanced hardware from Apple with third party upgrades.

There's also no reason why you can't just install High Sierra on your cMP without any upgrades. Then you can get back to doing schoolwork. Perhaps tiding you over until the ARM Macs come out. Who knows the next Mac Mini may be much faster with USB 4 and a 128GB RAM limit. Although I wouldn't count on the RAM being user upgradeable.

I think you are right about the new mac mini changes for the better with AS.

 

[flygbuss]

Because I have older hardware and software that might not be compatible with the latest OS.

How would a new Mac help you with that?
Even though you could technically run 10.9 on a nMP 6,1, you’d be in pretty much the same spot as you’re now.

I’d suggest you create an additional partition with High Sierra.
You’d be able to use your old hardware / software and surf / browse with a newer macOS.

If you feel comfortable after testing just buy a GTX680 and you’ll be able to upgrade the High Sierra partition to Mojave and still use your older partition for work.