Some help needed

[Check 6]

I have a 2012 Mac Pro ( last of the towers) configured as such

3.33 6 core processor, 16 gig of RAM and the ATI Radeon HD 5870 graphics card with 1 gig of RAM

Three internal hard drives, OS and applications on a 500 gig Solid state drive

Data on a 1 Tb conventional drive and back up on a 2tb drive

My question is it appears that the graphics card is the short straw in this unit. By the way Apple just replaced under warranty.

the monitor is a 30 in Apple Cinema display and even though it is the latest version it is still basically 5 years old and no longer supported.

so do I get a new monitor and perhaps graphics card that is comparable and has more memory OR do I retire this and go with the new iMac

My uses are, besides web searching, email and word processing, Photoshop, Final cut Pro and Aperture. i also have indesign on the computer and would like to learn it. Looking of advice, Thanks for the help

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I should add that one other item that is in the solution equation is that if I went with the iMac I would reduce the number and size of boxes on my desk

 

[pertusis1]

If the size of boxes on your desk is your #1 priority, get an iMac. Otherwise, you have a dandy system. I'm not sure exactly what it means that the ACD is 'not supported', but keep in mind that the usable real estate on that is a bit higher than that of the iMac. I have basically the same setup (but with a 7970), and I love it. I think you've got a kicking' system. If you find your current work process hobbled in the graphics department, get a 7950 or 7970 for a few hundred bucks. Also, you might considering doubling your RAM, depending on the size of the files you use.

 

[Check 6]

If the size of boxes on your desk is your #1 priority, get an iMac. Otherwise, you have a dandy system. I'm not sure exactly what it means that the ACD is 'not supported', but keep in mind that the usable real estate on that is a bit higher than that of the iMac. I have basically the same setup (but with a 7970), and I love it. I think you've got a kicking' system. If you find your current work process hobbled in the graphics department, get a 7950 or 7970 for a few hundred bucks. Also, you might considering doubling your RAM, depending on the size of the files you use.

The folks at the local Apple Store told me today that the 30 in Cinema Display is no longer supported by apple.

My direction will most likely be keep the Mac pro as I basically like it and have built a custom oak rolling rack for it and get a new monitor... Just not sure which one yet, leaning towards NEC

 

[pertusis1]

Does the monitor work? I have the same monitor, and although it's not 'supported', it still works great! I don't know if I'd replace it unless it doesn't work.

By the way, building a custom oak rolling rack for your computer is totally cool. My hat's off to you.

 

[Macsonic]

I have a 2012 Mac Pro ( last of the towers) configured as such

3.33 6 core processor, 16 gig of RAM and the ATI Radeon HD 5870 graphics card with 1 gig of RAM

Three internal hard drives, OS and applications on a 500 gig Solid state drive

Data on a 1 Tb conventional drive and back up on a 2tb drive

My question is it appears that the graphics card is the short straw in this unit. By the way Apple just replaced under warranty.

the monitor is a 30 in Apple Cinema display and even though it is the latest version it is still basically 5 years old and no longer supported.

so do I get a new monitor and perhaps graphics card that is comparable and has more memory OR do I retire this and go with the new iMac

My uses are, besides web searching, email and word processing, Photoshop, Final cut Pro and Aperture. i also have indesign on the computer and would like to learn it. Looking of advice, Thanks for the help

----------

I should add that one other item that is in the solution equation is that if I went with the iMac I would reduce the number and size of boxes on my desk

Your current setup looks solid already in my opinion. I am also using a 30" Apple Cinema Display and I prefer the matte screen. Also I do some print graphic designs and I noticed the 30" ACD yields the closest color output to the final printed material. Because with other monitors, I encountered noticeable discrepancies with the color on the monitor screen compared to the color of the final printed material once it's printed. And you mentioned you will be using InDesign this might be beneficial.

 

[Check 6]

Does the monitor work? I have the same monitor, and although it's not 'supported', it still works great! I don't know if I'd replace it unless it doesn't work.

By the way, building a custom oak rolling rack for your computer is totally cool. My hat's off to you.

My Dad many many years ago told me that if you can work with your hands you will never starve and he taught me woodworking among other things. I'm now well over 70 and his advice has served me well. I have built, over the years, all the furniture in my den etc.

For the other gentleman, one of the main reasons I bought the Mac Pro was so I could have a matte finish monitor. I have an eye issue and gloss screens are hard on my eyes, besides the colors as said are more natural on a matte screen.

Yes, the monitor still works, it was in fact re-furbished by Apple about a year and a half ago so I'm not immediately in need of a new monitor. I do appreciate your comments.