Torn between the iMac and Mac Pro... need some advice

[Cranka]

Hey guys, i'm currently looking into buying a Mac, just not sure which to get...

I have the option to get the new 2.26 oct mac pro with the 8 gb of ram and 1tb hdd... I want to make sure that the computer, which ever it is, will last me, but at the same time do what I need it to do.

I'm going to school in the study of video, so editing is a major part of my usual computer use routine, as well as use of graphic manipulation programs.

I know that adobe doesn't use more than 4 cores, but i'm not overly positive what final cut uses... i would imagine it's cut off to be around 4 as well.

The camera that I use, films in 1080 so most (if not all) of my work is always done in HD and I rarely ever will compress it down and edit in a lower format. How well will an iMac work with HD footage compared to using a Mac Pro? Is there obvious gains in performance, or will it be something where I'll only notice the performance difference if I have multiple programs open at the same time while doing my renders/outputs?

if I went with a iMac it would be the 24" 3.06 dual core with 4 gb ram. I know that if I only have 2 cores instead of 8 (or 4 from a base MP model) there is a high possibility of performance difference... just wondering if it's highly noticeable.

it's always been my impression that for video and graphics 2-4 cores is all you need, and you'll only want 8 if you're going to be working with 3D... but then that's just what i've heard. Does anyone have any input on this, or any experience regarding this?

Thanks in advance... i'm a little torn on how much I really want to spend in this economy.

 

[ndriver182]

Wouldn't that iMac be comparable in price to an '08 octo? If so, I'd go mac pro. That's what I did.

 

[Cranka]

The iMac would be about a grand cheaper.

***edit***

I misread when i read your post... if I were to go with a MP it would be with the nehalems because of the turbo boost technology they are introducing.

 

[chkdg8]

I'm an editor using FCP studio 2. Look at my sig for the specs. To be honest, when I saw the new iMac specs today, I drooled. One thing that many are not noticing right away is that the new iMacs support DDR3 memory technology. That means that you'll be able to upgrade to 8GB of RAM. That's quite impressive for an iMac.

At 2.66GHz and 4GB of RAM, you'll have enough strength when rendering at 1080. Not to mention the 24" display which you'll appreciate the extra real estate when editing. I spent the same exact money in October 2007 for my 20" iMac and with the country in a deep recession, $1499 for what you're getting is not bad at all. Buying a MBP plus and additional display is going to burn a hole in your pocket. Get the entry level 24" iMac and the wait another couple months until third party manufacturers start to pump out affordable and reliable 8GB RAM on Newegg.

if I went with a iMac it would be the 24" 3.06 dual core with 4 gb ram.

You'll still be saving money. Did you see how much Apple is charging for an 8GB memory upgrade? Again, wait for Newegg.

 

[Cranka]

OWC already has ram up and in stock for the early 2009 iMac's as well as the MP's... in case anyone was wondering, or looking to up their RAM.

http://eshop.macsales.com/MyOWC/Upg...0&type=Memory&TI=2044&shoupgrds=Show+Upgrades


And thanks much for that input So FCP will still run smoothly on a dualcore, and doesn't require a quad to be smooth? The only times i've run FCP was when using the labs 2008 2.8 oct Mac Pro's w/ 6 gb RAM... and it was running smooth then, I'd just figured it was because of the towers spec's.

 

[RemarkabLee]

In short, you will outgrow the iMac quicker than you will the Mac Pro.

The iMac will suffice, but if you are serious about video editing in the next few years, then you will eventually be working with UNCOMPRESSED video footage, and that means you will need data throughput. Only the Mac Pro can handle that with its array of internal disk storage and upgradability to SAS drives.

If I were in your position, I would go for the Mac Pro with the ATi card and buy a couple of Dell monitors, perhaps later upgrading to the Apple LEDs.