oMP: Which would be better, 6-core 2.66 or 4 core 3.33?

[iamMacPerson]

So I'm looking to upgrade my Mac Pro to a better processor. Either of these processors would make a word of difference to my Mac Pro. Question is, do I go for the higher clock speed, or the hex-core processor? Here are the options:

Nehalem, 4-core, 3.33GHz, 8MB of L3 Cache (W3580)

OR

Westmere, 6-core, 2.66GHz, 12MB of L3 Cache (X5650)

Currently, I have:

Nehalem, 4-core, 2.66GHz 8MB of L3 Cache (W3520)

Basically, it comes down to the clock speed and cache. Right now, I this is my main machine and I hope to use it for video editing and rendering in the future with Final Cut X. Right now all I use is iMovie, and a few other apps such as Safari, iTunes, etc. Basic Mac stuff.

I'm still transitioning from iMovie '09 to X, but I mainly use iMovie X now. Now, I know iMovie is multi-core aware, but will it use all 6 cores? And at that point, would the clock speed mean more then the amount of cores?

 

[h9826790]

6 core for video editing.

Since you didn't mention about gaming. The overall multi core performance is more important for you.

Also, it's better to upgrade for a more future proof CPU (better muitl core performance).

Anyway, is there any reason for you not consider the W36xx series?

 

[iamMacPerson]

Anyway, is there any reason for you not consider the W36xx series?

Price. I'm looking on the used market, and the W3580 can be bought for ~$200 and the X5650 for ~$100. The W3670 is going for about $400 which is out of my budget right now.

Thanks for your input! I think I'm going to go with the X5650!

 

[h9826790]

I see. I this case, definite go for the 32nm X5600 series, rather than stay at the 45nm W3500 series.

It's cheaper, cooler, better multi core performance, lower power consumption, support more ram...

 

[MacVidCards]

Ebay is rampant with 5670s around $230.

Can't beat that with a stick.

 

[leon771]

oMP: Which would be better, 6-core 2.66 or 4 core 3.33?

I doubt you'd notice any difference between your current 2.66ghz and a 6 core version. If I were in your position I would be looking to increase clock speed (something you'll actually notice day to day) and possibly core count (x5670 as mentioned).

For FCPX 10.1+ you should be looking into ATI graphics card updates. Running dual 5770s would be a good, cheap place to start.
What GPU do you have now? Nvidia GT120?