Think I might move from rMBP to MP

[jhall1jax]

Bought the rMBP last year (maxed out memory and SSD) plus 2 Thunderbolt displays and a Thunderbolt external HDD, and it's been a great setup.

However, my photography (Lightroom) and video (FCPX) workload is getting bigger and bigger. In a few months it'll double in size again. I spend at least an hour a day listening to the laptop's fans on full blast, and that's only going to increase.

I'm thinking it's time to move to a Mac Pro. I don't expect that big of a speed increase, but I'm a little worried about wear & tear. Turns out I don't really care about portability - well lets say I'm much MORE concerned with a long lifespan, dirability and expandability, than I am with portability.

Only downside is I'll need to get rid of a TB monitor (I can use one for a Mac Mini elsewhere in the house) and ext HDD, since those are useless with the Mac Pro.

I'd be getting a refurb unit. Am I on the right track?

 

[dmax35]

Bought the rMBP last year (maxed out memory and SSD) plus 2 Thunderbolt displays and a Thunderbolt external HDD, and it's been a great setup.

However, my photography (Lightroom) and video (FCPX) workload is getting bigger and bigger. In a few months it'll double in size again. I spend at least an hour a day listening to the laptop's fans on full blast, and that's only going to increase.

I'm thinking it's time to move to a Mac Pro. I don't expect that big of a speed increase, but I'm a little worried about wear & tear. Turns out I don't really care about portability - well lets say I'm much MORE concerned with a long lifespan, dirability and expandability, than I am with portability.

Only downside is I'll need to get rid of a TB monitor (I can use one for a Mac Mini elsewhere in the house) and ext HDD, since those are useless with the Mac Pro.

I'd be getting a refurb unit. Am I on the right track?

You can buy a new Mac Pro from B&H photo for the price of most refurbs. Or wait till the new Mac Pro is released.

 

[Tesselator]

Bought the rMBP last year (maxed out memory and SSD) plus 2 Thunderbolt displays and a Thunderbolt external HDD, and it's been a great setup.

However, my photography (Lightroom) and video (FCPX) workload is getting bigger and bigger. In a few months it'll double in size again. I spend at least an hour a day listening to the laptop's fans on full blast, and that's only going to increase.

I'm thinking it's time to move to a Mac Pro. I don't expect that big of a speed increase, but I'm a little worried about wear & tear. Turns out I don't really care about portability - well lets say I'm much MORE concerned with a long lifespan, dirability and expandability, than I am with portability.

Only downside is I'll need to get rid of a TB monitor (I can use one for a Mac Mini elsewhere in the house) and ext HDD, since those are useless with the Mac Pro.

I'd be getting a refurb unit. Am I on the right track?

Maybe. How rich are you?

You might honestly be better off going with a 6-core iCore hackintosh at 4 to 4.5Ghz. Less than 1/2 the price and considerably faster for the apps you named.

 

[varunsanthanam]

Bought the rMBP last year (maxed out memory and SSD) plus 2 Thunderbolt displays and a Thunderbolt external HDD, and it's been a great setup.

However, my photography (Lightroom) and video (FCPX) workload is getting bigger and bigger. In a few months it'll double in size again. I spend at least an hour a day listening to the laptop's fans on full blast, and that's only going to increase.

I'm thinking it's time to move to a Mac Pro. I don't expect that big of a speed increase, but I'm a little worried about wear & tear. Turns out I don't really care about portability - well lets say I'm much MORE concerned with a long lifespan, dirability and expandability, than I am with portability.

Only downside is I'll need to get rid of a TB monitor (I can use one for a Mac Mini elsewhere in the house) and ext HDD, since those are useless with the Mac Pro.

I'd be getting a refurb unit. Am I on the right track?

Now to post something about the actual thread...

Have you considered the 27" iMac? you can keep your dual monitor setup (using only 1 TB display, and still get a very very fast computer. The maxed out model will cost you, but I'll match current gen Mac Pro performance with its new GPU. You could, of course, wait for the next generation of Mac Pro.

 

[xShane]

Seriously this is a forum for the misfits and hackers not Apple store zombies/ law abiders (or at least I like to think so). To quote some all too familiar text:

"Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes.
The ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them.
About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them. Because they change things. They invent. They imagine. They heal. They explore. They create. They inspire. They push the human race forward."

I have no personal interest to violate or to not violate anything. I just straight up don't care. If you or Apple will not provide, I will make. Simple. No one will stop me or anyone else doing the same. The only time you get into trouble is reselling illegal hacks because you actually show up on the greed radar. Way to keep the spirit alive...mmmm brains.

I'm not quite sure what the purpose of your post is. I always thought the MacRumors forums was a place to discuss Apple-related events and technology in a mannerly fashion. Yet, you seem to think it's for "misfits and hackers". You know, you're not exactly representing the community too well.

The sad part is that you try to justify violating Apple's EULA for one's own benefit, ripping them off and because they're not providing to it exactly how you want it. That's not your choice to make. If you don't like their EULA, don't use their product. It's as simple as that. If someone wants OS X, then they have to buy an Apple product. It's just as simple as that.

"Oh, well I don't like Microsoft's EULA on how I need to use genuine Windows. Guess I'm just going to to use it illegally, because you know, they won't provide." - Your "logic" (I think using the word 'logic' might be giving you too much credit).

 

[varunsanthanam]

So... Um... Any other Mac Pro vs rMBP related comments?

 

[xShane]

So... Um... Any other Mac Pro vs rMBP related comments?

I think the biggest issue is portability. A high-specced Mac Pro is going to output against an rMBP any day of the week. However, if he needs a computer and he's on the go constantly, he should stick with the rMBP.

Realistically, they're both very powerful machines.

And because the OP said he's not very concerned with portability, then I believe an Mac Pro is the best choice in all aspects (screen size and power).

Ideally, the OP should wait for the next Mac Pro release. Should be interesting.

 

[monkeybagel]

Bought the rMBP last year (maxed out memory and SSD) plus 2 Thunderbolt displays and a Thunderbolt external HDD, and it's been a great setup.

However, my photography (Lightroom) and video (FCPX) workload is getting bigger and bigger. In a few months it'll double in size again. I spend at least an hour a day listening to the laptop's fans on full blast, and that's only going to increase.

I'm thinking it's time to move to a Mac Pro. I don't expect that big of a speed increase, but I'm a little worried about wear & tear. Turns out I don't really care about portability - well lets say I'm much MORE concerned with a long lifespan, dirability and expandability, than I am with portability.

Only downside is I'll need to get rid of a TB monitor (I can use one for a Mac Mini elsewhere in the house) and ext HDD, since those are useless with the Mac Pro.

I'd be getting a refurb unit. Am I on the right track?

I would say: Absolutely. Wonderful computer.

Sorry you have to change out your displays but I have the 12-core 3.06 with two LED ACDs and the 5870. Ordered with an SSD boot drive. It has been great.

 

[jhall1jax]

Thanks for the info

Guys, thanks for the info. I believe I'll stick with the rMBP until the next Mac Pro is announced. Hopefully that'll be this year? That way I can utilize my current setup in the meantime, and carry over the displays/external HDD to the new Mac Pro system (assuming it has Thunderbolt). Yea, I just don't work remotely like I expected to. The rMBP is basically acting as a desktop computer; I don't even use it's built-in display.

Money isn't really an issue - I have money set aside specifically for computer purchases that would cover what I need now. But I see now that it'd be foolish to buy any Mac Pro now, if I already have a setup that (while it might be sub-optimal) at least works.

Years ago, in my PC gaming days, I built all my own PCs - 5 of them that I remember. Though back then, I got immense enjoyment out of saving money while using better components. I just don't care much about it anymore - plus I just don't have the time anyway. I can see the draw in building one, if you are OK with the EULA violation. So I'm confident I have the know-how for a Hackintosh - just not the desire

 

[maflynn]

[MOD NOTE]
The off topic bickering has been removed, lets stay on topic.

 

[designs216]

Guys, thanks for the info. I believe I'll stick with the rMBP until the next Mac Pro is announced.

I think this a good call. I love my Pro and though it is a few years old, it's a mean machine. The new MP should get USB3, better video, SSD boot option, better processors and other upgrades. If money is no object, it will be the best production graphics rig around and the right tool for your work.

 

[derbothaus]

[MOD NOTE]
The off topic bickering has been removed, lets stay on topic.

You forgot one.

 

[Tesselator]

You forgot one.

yup.

 

[jhall1jax]

I think this a good call. I love my Pro and though it is a few years old, it's a mean machine. The new MP should get USB3, better video, SSD boot option, better processors and other upgrades. If money is no object, it will be the best production graphics rig around and the right tool for your work.

Yea, I'm sure if I bought one today it'd serve many good years - but I'll sit tight for a while and see what's around the corner (if anything!)

 

[designs216]

Yea, I'm sure if I bought one today it'd serve many good years - but I'll sit tight for a while and see what's around the corner (if anything!)

If money really is no object, max it out with four of those alleged Apple 2TB SSDs...

 

[Tesselator]

But Apple might surprise us and produce something good...

 

[VirtualRain]

I'm just getting to this thread now... seems I missed out on all the fun though!

Bought the rMBP last year (maxed out memory and SSD) plus 2 Thunderbolt displays and a Thunderbolt external HDD, and it's been a great setup.

However, my photography (Lightroom) and video (FCPX) workload is getting bigger and bigger. In a few months it'll double in size again. I spend at least an hour a day listening to the laptop's fans on full blast, and that's only going to increase.

I'm thinking it's time to move to a Mac Pro. I don't expect that big of a speed increase, but I'm a little worried about wear & tear. Turns out I don't really care about portability - well lets say I'm much MORE concerned with a long lifespan, dirability and expandability, than I am with portability.

That's interesting... I was actually thinking of going the opposite direction. Selling my now somewhat long in the tooth 2009 Mac Pro Quad Core for a well-equipped rMBP with some TB accessories for storage, etc. Sadly, from a performance perspective, it would be an upgrade!

Portability is becoming important to me. Essentially, I need a capable laptop no matter what. The question is, do I keep the Mac Pro as well and use it when I can, or do I just shift all my work to the laptop?

Though I'm sad to hear you're getting a lot of distracting fan noise and working that laptop to death... what kinds of things get it working hot?

Oh, and I'm not sure I'd worry about overworking your computer. I don't think there is such a thing... unless it's getting so hot you're forcing it into thermal protection. The processors are designed to work... not sit idle. I can't imagine anyone overworking a computer to the point of wearing it out. It will be obsolete or you'll be tired of it long before you "break it".

Only downside is I'll need to get rid of a TB monitor (I can use one for a Mac Mini elsewhere in the house) and ext HDD, since those are useless with the Mac Pro.

I'm confused by this. Don't TB monitors work fine with Mini Displayport connections? All Mac Pro video cards have those. You should be able to use those monitors just fine on any Mac Pro that has a video card with MDP ports.

 

[aloshka]

Bought the rMBP last year (maxed out memory and SSD) plus 2 Thunderbolt displays and a Thunderbolt external HDD, and it's been a great setup.

However, my photography (Lightroom) and video (FCPX) workload is getting bigger and bigger. In a few months it'll double in size again. I spend at least an hour a day listening to the laptop's fans on full blast, and that's only going to increase.

I'm thinking it's time to move to a Mac Pro. I don't expect that big of a speed increase, but I'm a little worried about wear & tear. Turns out I don't really care about portability - well lets say I'm much MORE concerned with a long lifespan, dirability and expandability, than I am with portability.

Only downside is I'll need to get rid of a TB monitor (I can use one for a Mac Mini elsewhere in the house) and ext HDD, since those are useless with the Mac Pro.

I'd be getting a refurb unit. Am I on the right track?

Not sure how old this thread is, but I'm in the same boat except I don't do video outside of photoshop. But I do some hefty virtual machines that are killing the rMBP. I run SQL servers, enterprise-sized apps and need everything immediate. Except I'm thinking of still purchasing a Mac Pro 3.33 6-core w/960gb accelior by OWC to get the drive performance and of course max memory out at 32gb. I'm just wondering is it really worth it, even right now? I am looking for more performance.

 

[jhall1jax]

what kinds of things get it working hot?

Rendering, transcoding, and exporting in Final Cut Pro X. Fans ramp up after a minute or so.

Oh, and I'm not sure I'd worry about overworking your computer. I don't think there is such a thing... unless it's getting so hot you're forcing it into thermal protection. The processors are designed to work... not sit idle. I can't imagine anyone overworking a computer to the point of wearing it out. It will be obsolete or you'll be tired of it long before you "break it".

You do have a point there. Can't say I've ever heard of a CPU or GPU "wearing out."

I'm confused by this. Don't TB monitors work fine with Mini Displayport connections? All Mac Pro video cards have those. You should be able to use those monitors just fine on any Mac Pro that has a video card with MDP ports.

Unfortunately not. It's confirmed by several users that Thunderbolt monitors require an honest-to-goodness Thunderbolt port (Apple's product requirements do state this as well). The Mini DP Cinema monitors by Apple will work in either a Thunderbolt port or, of course, the mini-DP port on the Mac Pro. But not the TB monitors.

 

[aloshka]

Rendering, transcoding, and exporting in Final Cut Pro X. Fans ramp up after a minute or so.




You do have a point there. Can't say I've ever heard of a CPU or GPU "wearing out."



Unfortunately not. It's confirmed by several users that Thunderbolt monitors require an honest-to-goodness Thunderbolt port (Apple's product requirements do state this as well). The Mini DP Cinema monitors by Apple will work in either a Thunderbolt port or, of course, the mini-DP port on the Mac Pro. But not the TB monitors.

How is your rMBP still working out for you?

 

[jhall1jax]

Not sure how old this thread is, but I'm in the same boat except I don't do video outside of photoshop. But I do some hefty virtual machines that are killing the rMBP. I run SQL servers, enterprise-sized apps and need everything immediate. Except I'm thinking of still purchasing a Mac Pro 3.33 6-core w/960gb accelior by OWC to get the drive performance and of course max memory out at 32gb. I'm just wondering is it really worth it, even right now? I am looking for more performance.

That's the EXACT setup that I was looking to buy to replace my rMBP setup. From what I've read at macperformanceguide and other places, the two computers would be close in performance. Some tasks will favor the MP slightly, others the rMBP. The SSD and RAM transfer speeds in the rMBP are really impressive, but of course 6 cores/12 threads just rules for video rendering.

One other thing, fast external storage can really speed a rMBP workflow along. I bought the Western Digital Velociraptor Duo Thunderbolt drive - ridiculously expensive but gives 2TB at SSD-like speeds. Really helps out my video work.

----------

How is your rMBP still working out for you?

Taking a break - right now I'm just burning picture sets to a few CDs for family. Sure wish it had an internal drive - the Apple external one is decent, but it's just one more thing cluttering my desk, and the cable is too short!

I'm happy with the performance. Just not the form-factor. I guess, deep down, I'm just a desktop guy. But if any laptop will change my way of thinking, this is the one that'll do it. It's really nice.

 

[aloshka]

That's the EXACT setup that I was looking to buy to replace my rMBP setup. From what I've read at macperformanceguide and other places, the two computers would be close in performance. Some tasks will favor the MP slightly, others the rMBP. The SSD and RAM transfer speeds in the rMBP are really impressive, but of course 6 cores/12 threads just rules for video rendering.

One other thing, fast external storage can really speed a rMBP workflow along. I bought the Western Digital Velociraptor Duo Thunderbolt drive - ridiculously expensive but gives 2TB at SSD-like speeds. Really helps out my video work.

----------



Taking a break - right now I'm just burning picture sets to a few CDs for family. Sure wish it had an internal drive - the Apple external one is decent, but it's just one more thing cluttering my desk, and the cable is too short!

I'm happy with the performance. Just not the form-factor. I guess, deep down, I'm just a desktop guy. But if any laptop will change my way of thinking, this is the one that'll do it. It's really nice.

I always was a desktop guy and something about a laptop bugs me. Maybe the fans turning on makes me feel like I'm breaking it. But realistically if I was very honest, I'd say the rMBP handles everything I throw at it and more. Drive space will eventually be an issue (I am about 80% filled on the 768gb one) and memory is definitely a problem right now (if only 32gb), but I can control that by limiting the VMs and just archiving things to the external drive like you mentioned.

I'm also really wondering, how much on the go processing do I really do. I think I underestimate the amount and won't know until I stop using it. Like for the last few days I have tried keeping it tethered to the dual tb's, but looking back I think I undocked it like 5 times without realizing it. Maybe mostly for emails, etc, that a separate laptop can handle.

I guess I also feel with an rMBP I only have one point of failure and all my work comes to a screeching halt. With the amount of money I make hourly this is a catastrophe. But realistically same with the mac pro since a "side" laptop will never handle what I'm throwing at the rMBP.

I agree, if I convert, this will definitely be the laptop--although things like wake up issues, wakeup issues when TB displays connected or disconnected really make me want a desktop. Especially since sometimes it's a complete kernel panic when waking up and I have to revert back snapshots on the VMs. But except for that, I just wish I knew why I'm so stuck on powerful desktops. I'm just afraid I'm going to spend 6k and not see a performance difference.

 

[Tesselator]

Oh, and I'm not sure I'd worry about overworking your computer. I don't think there is such a thing... unless it's getting so hot you're forcing it into thermal protection. The processors are designed to work... not sit idle. I can't imagine anyone overworking a computer to the point of wearing it out. It will be obsolete or you'll be tired of it long before you "break it".

You do have a point there. Can't say I've ever heard of a CPU or GPU "wearing out."

Heh! You guys have never worked in tech support I see. Heck, just do a search here and see all he blown PSUs, fried fans, dead memory, cooked HHDs, and so forth. No, laptops specifically the MBP/rMPBP systems, were not designed to be used as a full workstation or even a desktop really. Use them like that and you're asking for it. Of course ya might not actually get it... but....



.

 

[aloshka]

Heh! You guys have never worked in tech support I see. Heck, just do a search here and see all he blown PSUs, fried fans, dead memory, cooked HHDs, and so forth. No, laptops specifically the MBP/rMPBP systems, were not designed to be used as a full workstation or even a desktop really. Use them like that and you're asking for it. Of course ya might not actually get it... but....



.

Well sheez.. now you are really making me feel like I need a mac pro

 

[Tesselator]

If you're going to work it hard for long periods I would. If you're mostly web surfing, socializing , with moderate to light (heavy-ish) content editing/processing then a laptop, mini, or iMuck would probably fit the bill fine.