Mac pro 4,1 or 5,1

[it9997]

Hi there to all,
What would you choose, an older, 2009 Mac Pro, 2.26ghz at eight-core, or a newer 2010 model with 2,8 quad?

Eight-core model, according to few benchmarks, gives a score of 11000+, well over 9800+ score of quad-core 2.8ghz one. Are there any performance and compatibility issues with the older model to be considered?
The machine is needed for video (final cut) and a bit photographic editing with photoshop (not professional level). Also for gaming, occasionally. I' m thinking buying a gtx 570 also with the Mac pro.

Thank you for your time!

 

[spoonie1972]

if you dont need all the threads, get the new one and throw a 6-core chip in it.

of course, for me, it would assume that both machines are near the same price or, preferably that the newer single-chip computer costs less.

if you need the threads, you can upgrade the 2009 - but it's not a straight-forward process, its kind of tricky.

 

[it9997]

if you dont need all the threads, get the new one and throw a 6-core chip in it.

of course, for me, it would assume that both machines are near the same price or, preferably that the newer single-chip computer costs less.

if you need the threads, you can upgrade the 2009 - but it's not a straight-forward process, its kind of tricky.

Yes its cheaper (250€) and the new one has 16gb ram also. The 2009 has 12gb!

 

[The-Pro]

I have both the 8 core 2.26 and quad 2.8.
I notice the speed difference in my 3D rendering but im thinking about upgrading my 2.8 to a 3.33GHz 6 core (W5590). That chip is quicker then my 8 core machine.

I'd suggest the same for you. Its very easy to upgrade the quad core model, while more difficult and dangerous on the 8 core.
Get the quad core, use it as is, if it does not have enough power upgrade it with a xeon W5590. That thing should fly.
Of course you could upgrade the 8 core model to 2 x W5590 (12 cores) but few people need that

 

[it9997]

I have both the 8 core 2.26 and quad 2.8.
I notice the speed difference in my 3D rendering but im thinking about upgrading my 2.8 to a 3.33GHz 6 core (W5590). That chip is quicker then my 8 core machine.

I'd suggest the same for you. Its very easy to upgrade the quad core model, while more difficult and dangerous on the 8 core.
Get the quad core, use it as is, if it does not have enough power upgrade it with a xeon W5590. That thing should fly.
Of course you could upgrade the 8 core model to 2 x W5590 (12 cores) but few people need that

Thank you both for your answers, they are very helpfull. I 'll do as you suggest. I think its the best option!

 

[DPUser]

I have both the 8 core 2.26 and quad 2.8.
I notice the speed difference in my 3D rendering but im thinking about upgrading my 2.8 to a 3.33GHz 6 core (W5590)

You don't need the 5-series for a single CPU Mac. Use 3-series ($600 for hex 3.33).

 

[it9997]

You don't need the 5-series for a single CPU Mac. Use 3-series ($600 for hex 3.33).

Is it compatible with the 3,1 without any problems? The ram will work at 1333Mhz? The power supply is it enough for the Hex core? The 3,1 has better price point so its an interest thought!

 

[The-Pro]

You don't need the 5-series for a single CPU Mac. Use 3-series ($600 for hex 3.33).

YES!! Your correct, my bad. 5 series is for dual CPU. A W3680 is the one to get for the single CPU Mac Pro.

Is it compatible with the 3,1 without any problems? The ram will work at 1333Mhz? The power supply is it enough for the Hex core? The 3,1 has better price point so its an interest thought!

Nope, Mac Pro 3,1 uses a different architecture of CPU's, the RAM is also DDR2 800MHz. The 3,1 is not compatible with any newer CPU's. Stay away from the 3,1, the RAM is very expensive and the performance no where near as good as the 4,1 and 5,1.

No need to worry about the power supply on the 4,1 and 5,1, its rated at 980W, thats a lot. The 3.33 hex core CPU is 130W I think.

 

[tellis006]

Can I use a i7 990X

Would I be able to put a spare i7-990X in a early 2009 mac pro with the 5.1 firmware update?

 

[bax2003]

Would I be able to put a spare i7-990X in a early 2009 mac pro with the 5.1 firmware update?

Very good thread about that:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1524450/