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Mac Pro Setup Advice. 2009 vs 2010

S

sammyman

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Mar 21, 2005
998
65
I just scored a cheap 2010 Mac Pro on Craigslist. Bought it on a whim because it was so cheap.

It is a 2.4Ghz with 8 - cores, 16gb RAM, and 5770 video card.

My old Mac Pro is a 3.2Ghz with 6 cores and 24gb RAM with the same card.

I'm guessing this new Mac Pro won't give me any real advantages? I do remember having to install some program to fake out the 2009 to run both SSD and the newer chip, which may not be the case for the '10.

Which one should I keep? Mostly these are used for Photoshop and Lightroom. Some very very light FCP.

Can you pimp out the 2010 with 2 x Super Fast chips? Maybe I could get another 3.2GHz and install them both in the 2010?

Ideas?
 
that 6 core piece is the w3670 which cannot be paired on the dual processor board...but if you need raw cpu power and want to own a machine that will depreciate less over time , stick with the 8 core. Put a pair of x5690's and you got yourself a real workhorse.
 
RoastingPig said:
that 6 core piece is the w3670 which cannot be paired on the dual processor board...but if you need raw cpu power and want to own a machine that will depreciate less over time , stick with the 8 core. Put a pair of x5690's and you got yourself a real workhorse.
Click to expand...

Yes, it is the w3670. So, would I see some benefits if I'm only using Photoshop and Lightroom? If so, I'll be getting some x5690's ASAP.
 
x5690 in dual configuration yes, one x5690 compared to your one w3670 not much.
think about getting a newer video card to take advantage of gpu acceleration.
 
The real advantage of the 12-core is to be able to render in FCPX while playing Starcraft II on max settings on a 2440 * 1600 screen :)
 
Well, you guys convinced me. I just picked up some cheap x5690's on eBay.

So now I need your help. How much is my 2009 with 3.2Ghz worth?
 
I got 2 chips for $340 shipped but they just cancelled my order and said no stock. Still on the hunt.

Do you think $1000 is fair for a 2009 cMP 3.2ghz 6-core, 5770, 16gb RAM, 1 TB drive?
 
sammyman said:
I got 2 chips for $340 shipped but they just cancelled my order and said no stock. Still on the hunt.

Do you think $1000 is fair for a 2009 cMP 3.2ghz 6-core, 5770, 16gb RAM, 1 TB drive?
Click to expand...

It's going to be on the higher end of prices for that model but if someone wants it at that price, more money and power to you :)
 
Ok thanks for the feedback. I'm looking for a fair price. Hard to guestimate with what I'm seeing on Craigslist right now.

$800 sound more in line?
 
RoastingPig said:
x5690 in dual configuration yes, one x5690 compared to your one w3670 not much.
think about getting a newer video card to take advantage of gpu acceleration.
Click to expand...

Oh god - Dark Charmeleon. Probs. To. You! :D

Ok thanks for the feedback. I'm looking for a fair price. Hard to guestimate with what I'm seeing on Craigslist right now.

$800 sound more in line?
Click to expand...

800$ seems to be a reasonable price I'd say. Vanilla 4,1 models seem to sell for 500-600$. Since you got a better CPU, 1TB HDD and a 5770 I'd say it's ok.
 
sammyman said:
I got 2 chips for $340 shipped but they just cancelled my order and said no stock. Still on the hunt.

Do you think $1000 is fair for a 2009 cMP 3.2ghz 6-core, 5770, 16gb RAM, 1 TB drive?
Click to expand...

You may also consider keeping your 2009 classic Mac Pro as back up and diagnostic purposes instead of selling it. I use my second Mac Pro for video rendering while I am editing graphics on the other Mac Pro. One time my Viewsonic monitor screen went black. After switching of components between 2 Mac Pros to isolate the problem, found out it was the monitor that expired. And they're still reliable machines.
 
I have no complaints about my 2009 MP. But I also scored a 1,1 MP with a 5770 and 27" monitor a few weeks ago ($90!) that I am keeping for a second business in my garage. So, yes 2 is good, 3 is too many for me.
 
Last edited:
Congrats Sammyman on your 1,1 cMac Pro. Enjoy your machines. Some of the design agencies I transact with are still using 2006 Mac Pros and humming along fine.
 
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