Funny you mention X58, because that's the chipset the beloved single-socket Mac Pro 5,1 uses!
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Mac Pro 2013 (6,1) worth it for software development?
- Thread starter vddobrev
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Great choice, I think you’ll be very pleased and there’s headroom for upgrades if you need them.
That will be very wise, less stress - less overheating.
I hope you already have a good UPS to protect your investment.
I would cancel/return it if I was you unless you’re okay with the old GPU because the newest 10.13.4 beta disabled eGPUs for TB1 & TB2 Macs. That makes the 6,1 more of a trash can. I think you’d be better off with a 5,1 or new TB3 Mac.
Thanks, but I will not cancel/return it. I mentioned above that I DO NOT work with video editing. 5,1 - I've had enough of the ATX-like form factor, thank you. TB3 Mac - like which one?
iMac, iMac Pro, MacBook Pro 2016 or newer.
If you can, do get AppleCare+ for your new Mac Pro.
Loks like you have not read the thread
but thanks for the suggestions - those are not an option for me, as I want a desktop. AppleCare+ is not available where I live unfortunately, although I may add 3-year AppleCare.
I did read the thread, just pointing out all of the TB3 system optionsLoks like you have not read the thread
There is no TB3 Mac Pro yet. Until Apple provides details there never may be.
Personally, to get a multi core system with the capability to run up to 128GB of RAM is likely the best for development as long as it’s not for VR. You can run plenty of VMs as needed.
If the price is right I strongly advise AppleCare unless you plan to tinker with the system (e.g. upgrade the CPU). The D700 boards are expensive.
Agree on the UPS, disagree on the rest. I can't imagine buying a several $k machine and babying it in that fashion. YMMV.
I think you may miss the point; he is stating that the work he performs does not stress the GPUs.
I'm in a similar situation. For my work lots of GPU memory is cool but GPU performance isn't that important. What is important is being able to run 12 cores at 100% for 12+ hours.
On my 8-core nMP, the longest run was using 8 cores (Fortran + OpenMPI) maxed out for 6 days. It was brilliant.
I'm in a similar situation. For my work lots of GPU memory is cool but GPU performance isn't that important. What is important is being able to run 12 cores at 100% for 12+ hours.
On my 8-core nMP, the longest run was using 8 cores (Fortran + OpenMPI) maxed out for 6 days. It was brilliant.
The OP stated he doesn't need GPU power for video editing, yet they selected the highest end GPU available for that machine. Due to that fact, it seemed to me GPU power is still a consideration for them, and the D700 is pretty far behind the newest Vega and top-end Polaris GPUs. One of those new GPUs gives quite a noticeable systemwide boost in performance. Instead of a 6,1, I would suggest holding out with a 5,1 with a new GPU in it tucked out of sight under the desk or an iMac Pro until the new modular MP is released.
Actually, my guess is that that was the machine that was available. You'll notice that the OP lists his location as Bulgaria, which I suspect is not a hot-bed of available nMP's.
Very intelligent guess, and a correct one - this is what was available, else the wait time is 6 weeks.
Preferably one with Pure Sine Wave (some explanation here: When do I need a pure sine wave UPS?).
For example this one: APC Smart-UPS C 1000VA LCD 230V
My experiences with APC UPS in general have been positive (except for the most low-end models).
Of course it is not acceptable to have such a limitation or care. But as the number one issue of these nMPs is their GPUs (most of the times because of stressing them and overheating, video editing involved etc) it is wise, as long as vddobrev has other priorities for his work to just know about what is possible to cause him problems.
This is not that we do like to care for not stressing the GPUs, but we have to be careful (given the many reports of failures) to do our work for as long as possible, and overcome Apple's design problems.
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Do you have a limitation to what amount of money you can afford?
Also are there any other devices to connect to UPS? (to calculate the load capacity)
Of course a pure sine wave UPS is preferable as Kris Kelvin and MarkJames68 already stated...
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No other devices, only the Mac Pro and a monitor (Dell P2715Q). I am guessing 1000VA should be enough...
Edit: Dell P2715Q consumption is 95W maximum, 50W typical. What is the Mac Pro consumption, like 350-400W maximum?
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I run my cMP off an APC Back-UPS (RS900) and it runs fine on battery. The pure sine wave units are nice but IMO not essential. APC has traditionally had excellent customer service and (at least in the US) a warranty deal that covers your equipment as well as the UPS itself. But really, I don't think you can go wrong with any of the big name units: APC, Cyberpower, Tripplite, Emerson, and I'm sure there are others that are good quality.
You can probably go a bit lower than 1000 VA and be OK. I have the cMP, a 2009 iMac, a Macbook Pro, and a BenQ 32 inch monitor all on the RS 900, and apcaccess says it's running at a bit over 50% load. I think you would probably be fine at 750 VA unless you want extended runtime. (and for that, it's often best to get a unit that will take an additional battery, rather than up the load rating, to maximize efficiency.)
You can probably go a bit lower than 1000 VA and be OK. I have the cMP, a 2009 iMac, a Macbook Pro, and a BenQ 32 inch monitor all on the RS 900, and apcaccess says it's running at a bit over 50% load. I think you would probably be fine at 750 VA unless you want extended runtime. (and for that, it's often best to get a unit that will take an additional battery, rather than up the load rating, to maximize efficiency.)
In my case, if you want 8 or 12 cores the fastest delivery is the D700 machines. I should have the 12-core nMP by Monday.
I wouldn't prefer nor recommend any UPS under 1000VA. Do not forget that if you convert the stated VA in Watts they have less capacity.
Also better to have some headroom for several reasons.
If you are noise sensitive, have in mind that most of the on-line ones are noisy because their fan is running constantly.
A line interactive one is a nice compromise.
Availability is always a factor, have you found anything available in your country from the good brands like APS Eaton etc?
Thanks for the advice. I purchased APC Back-UPS Pro 900VA 540W (BR900G-GR).
Have you thought about getting a cheese grater tower, then upgrading it to the latest everything? I've read some specs showing a maxed-out CGT about on par with the "new" MP's performance. Plus you get PCI, 2x memory slots, internal storage, optical bays, etc.
Yes, I have considered it, but the form factor and the effort to upgrade did not appeal to me.