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Need new mac at work... is G5 a good idea?

Chrispy

Chrispy

macrumors 68020
Original poster
Dec 27, 2004
2,270
524
Indiana
Hey all. We have an older G4 Dual machine at work (don't know exact specs but it is showing its age in CS2) and we are looking to replace it. Would it be stupid to buy a Dual Core G5 2.0 system now? The iMac is not an option as we already have two ACD monitors that we will be using (DVI models). Also, I know if we go Intel then we have to wait for Adobe to support OSX since Rosetta is not an option. This machine will be doing heavy graphics design and Video Rendering work at times. Is the G5 Dual 2.0 CPU still fast compared to the Intel machines or should we wait for full Intel support to upgrade? Looking for opinions from people who have used both the new iMacs and dual core G5 powermacs. Thanks!
 
Get a refurbished Dual Core 2.0 GHz Power Mac and reuse your displays. If the Dual G4 is showing its age then Rosetta driven CS2 isn't going to be fun.
 
Chrispy said:
Hey all. We have an older G4 Dual machine at work (don't know exact specs but it is showing its age in CS2) and we are looking to replace it. Would it be stupid to buy a Dual Core G5 2.0 system now? The iMac is not an option as we already have two ACD monitors that we will be using (DVI models). Also, I know if we go Intel then we have to wait for Adobe to support OSX since Rosetta is not an option. This machine will be doing heavy graphics design and Video Rendering work at times. Is the G5 Dual 2.0 CPU still fast compared to the Intel machines or should we wait for full Intel support to upgrade? Looking for opinions from people who have used both the new iMacs and dual core G5 powermacs. Thanks!
Click to expand...

Several good reviews on the intel iMacs (Macworld, Macaddict), seem to draw the same conclusion: For non-native apps that require Rosetta (esp. CS2) the current G5s will kick the iMac's butt. For native apps (and CS2 will be someday), the iMac is faster.

Based on your needs, it sounds like going for a refurb G5 is the way to go. The "should I wait" question is always a tricky one though, because you should always wait as long as you can. But if you want the best for right now (and clearly a huge upgrade compared to what you've had), it's the G5 for you.
 
Chrispy said:
Hey all. We have an older G4 Dual machine at work (don't know exact specs but it is showing its age in CS2) and we are looking to replace it. Would it be stupid to buy a Dual Core G5 2.0 system now? The iMac is not an option as we already have two ACD monitors that we will be using (DVI models). Also, I know if we go Intel then we have to wait for Adobe to support OSX since Rosetta is not an option. This machine will be doing heavy graphics design and Video Rendering work at times. Is the G5 Dual 2.0 CPU still fast compared to the Intel machines or should we wait for full Intel support to upgrade? Looking for opinions from people who have used both the new iMacs and dual core G5 powermacs. Thanks!
Click to expand...

If you want the maximum lifetime of the box, look at the quad. The duals are OK, faster on non-native stuff, but you don't get much for your money if theres a universal version.
 
G5...it will do you good, if not, I would think that when the PowerMac (Mac Pro) comes with Intel CPU's I think it will do CS2 at the same speed as the G5' even in Rosetta ;)
 
Chrispy said:
So on universal apps is the Dual Core 2.0 PM G5 faster than the iMac Intel?
Click to expand...

Probably a close one between these 2 machines. I saw a benchmark with a 2.16 MacBook Pro beating a Dual 2 G5 (not dual core). I think the dual core is just as fast or faster than the intels.
 
One of my best friends is a print shop production professional running CS2 and a whole bunch of other stuff on her dual 2.0 G5 like mine with 2 GB of RAM and she's able to work with the entire CS2 suite open.

Adobe won't have CS3 out til some time in 2007, so for what you are doing
the G5's are still the best machine.
 
Benchmarks

Thanks for the link above :) I did some research and thought I would compile the benchmark results here. All around, with the exception of the UT2004 benchmark, the G5 was faster. The Mac Mini had a pretty good showing in native applications with the exception of UT2004 thanks to integrated graphics (the old mini was actually faster in UT2004). It looks like the G5 is the best bet for what we need :)

iMovie 6.0.1
PMG5 Dual 2.0 - 0:40
17" Intel iMac - 1:06
Intel Mini Dual - 1:15

iTunes 6.0.3
PMG5 Dual 2.0 - 0:57
17" Intel iMac - 1:22
Intel Mini Dual - 1:40

Photoshop CS2
PMG5 Dual 2.0 - 1:03
17" Intel iMac - 2:44 (rosetta)
Intel Mini Dual - 3:03 (rosetta)

UT2004
PMG5 Dual 2.0 - 43.7 FPS
17" Intel iMac - 50.2 FPS
Intel Mini Dual - 12.2 FPS (thanks integrated graphics)

Cinema 4D
PMG5 Dual 2.0 - 1:07
17" Intel iMac - 1:16
Intel Mini Dual - 1:26

Speedmark 4.5
PMG5 Dual 2.0 - 227
17" Intel iMac - 202
Intel Mini Dual - 144

All benchmarks were taken from macworld.com. For more information on these results visit the site. It was very helpful for me.
 
Eidorian said:
It's a good choice then. What are the specs on the machine that you'll be replacing?
Click to expand...

If I remember correctly it is a mirrored door G4 dual 1.25GHz G4 with 1.5GB ram.
 
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