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Used Mac Pros for sale - Good Deal!

MacDann

MacDann

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Mar 27, 2007
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Can see the end of the Earth from here
OWC has apparently come across some 4,1 and 5,1 Mac Pros that they're selling as being in "fair" cosmetic condition. I just bought a single processor 4,1 for $459.00 shipped with a 90 day warranty. Not sure how ugly it is, but I've been looking for a 4,1 to upgrade from my current 3,1, and for this kind of money I can take a risk. The higher spec'ed ones didn't look to be as good of a deal, but those are not ones I've been researching for acquisition.

https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/bargain-bin/mac-pro

I plan on doing a firmware update to get it to a 5,1 and ordered higher speed RAM with it to take advantage of the update. I'll just swap my existing hardware (drives, video card, etc.) over to the new machine once I've updated it. I may drop $100 in the future and put a Westmere X5690 CPU in it, but for now it should more than meet my needs.

I'll report back when I get mine on Wednesday.

MacDann
 
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Thanks for the heads up. You forgot to mention a copy of Parallels is also included so there's additional value. Let us know what OWC considers to be "fair" condition :)
 
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Thanks for pointing that out - I forgot to mention that. I don't do Parallels, so it wasn't a big deal for me. I believe in purpose built machines, so I have other hardware to run Windows on when I need it.
 
MacDann said:
I plan on doing a firmware update to get it to a 5,1 and ordered higher speed RAM with it to take advantage of the update.
Click to expand...

Remember that you’ll only get the 1333MHz memory speed with a Westmere processor, so you’ll need to upgrade from the Nehalem (presumably 2.66GHz?) chip it has now or you’ll still be seeing 1066MHz.
[doublepost=1537661085][/doublepost]...but you should probably also just go ahead and upgrade the CPU to a 6-core anyway. Unless you’re dead set on 3.46GHz, the X5680 3.33GHz @ $45 or so will give you nearly the same bang at half the buck.
 
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Yup, well aware of that, thanks - I ordered some higher speed RAM from their "garage sale" so it was far less expensive than new lower speed RAM. And the model I ordered has a 3.2 GHz Nehalem in it. I have studied the upgrade thread in this forum in great detail for some time in anticipation of doing this. I'm currently running a 3,1 with dual 3GHz quad core Xeons, 32 GB of RAM, GTX 680 with flashed BIOS and several SSDs and spinny hard drives. A 4,1 with a single core might be a little slower, but I don't really do anything that taxes the system anyway. I just want to move up to a newer version so I can run later OS' natively.

The 3,1 will just go into the closet as a backup, as it doesn't have much value. For the price I couldn't pass the 4,1 up. My machine is boxed in between a desk and the wall, so cosmetics aren't a concern. Especially since FedEx crushed my 3,1 and the "legs" on the top are nearly flush with the case.

And yeah, it was insured. I actually made money on it after they paid off, so it was essentially free.

MacDann
 
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MacDann said:
And the model I ordered has a 3.2 GHz Nehalem in it. I have studied the upgrade thread in this forum in great detail for some time in anticipation of doing this. I'm currently running a 3,1 with dual 3GHz quad core Xeons, 32 GB of RAM, GTX 680 with flashed BIOS and several SSDs and spinny hard drives. A 4,1 with a single core might be a little slower, but I don't really do anything that taxes the system anyway. I just want to move up to a newer version so I can run later OS' natively.
Click to expand...

The 4,1 will run circles around the 3,1 in terms of processor speed. I have both... a 3.4ghz quad core in a 3,1, and a 2.66ghz quad core in a 4,1. The 4,1 beats it in Geekbench every time. After I upgraded the 4,1 to a single X5690, it wasn't even close.

Geekbench quad-core 3.4ghz 3,1:
https://browser.geekbench.com/v4/cpu/8075246

Geekbench quad-core 2.66ghz 4,1:
https://browser.geekbench.com/v4/cpu/9894521

Finally, the hex-core 3.46ghz 4,1 (flashed to 5,1):
https://browser.geekbench.com/v4/cpu/8005381

The hex-core 4,1 (flashed to 5,1) even beats a 8-core (dual 4-core) 3,1 running the 3.2ghz CPUs. Hate to say it, but the 4,1/5,1 machines are better in every way than the 3,1s.
 
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fhturner said:
[doublepost=1537661085][/doublepost]...but you should probably also just go ahead and upgrade the CPU to a 6-core anyway. Unless you’re dead set on 3.46GHz, the X5680 3.33GHz @ $45 or so will give you nearly the same bang at half the buck.
Click to expand...

I was searching eBay the other day for the X5680 3.33GHz processor, and the only hits I got were all from China and one from Puerto Rico. Perhaps my search terms were inadequate, but I didn't see a single one in North America.
I'll keep trying because I plan to upgrade my low end cMP soon.

(my last eBay purchase of Northbridge replacement rivets from China took over 2 months to arrive here in Canada)
 
Thanks for the benchmark data, that's good to know. I knew the architecture was different and would make a difference, but wasn't sure how much. I am more concerned about support for later operating systems without having to patch things or deal with DosDude stuff (even though I do appreciate his and other's work in this area!)

I found a handful of X5680s in the States on eBay last night. I had no idea there was such a huge disparity in price between the X5680 and X5690. I had looked at the X5690, just assuming if I was going to upgrade I would go all in. The X5680s are half the cost of the X5690s, and I have no doubt the performance difference is negligible.

Here are a couple of US based auctions for the X5680:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Intel-Xeon...105981&hash=item3fac506025:g:fjYAAOSwe7BbpTSd

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Intel-Xeon...475683?hash=item3fac4a1463:g:F5oAAOSwjCVbpPPz

Thanks, everyone!

MacDann
 
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howiest said:
I was searching eBay the other day for the X5680 3.33GHz processor, and the only hits I got were all from China and one from Puerto Rico. Perhaps my search terms were inadequate, but I didn't see a single one in North America.
I'll keep trying because I plan to upgrade my low end cMP soon.

(my last eBay purchase of Northbridge replacement rivets from China took over 2 months to arrive here in Canada)
Click to expand...

New, OEM/bulk; USD 269:

https://www.aventissystems.com/product-p/700010.htm

Regards, splifingate
 
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MacDann said:
Thanks for pointing that out - I forgot to mention that. I don't do Parallels, so it wasn't a big deal for me. I believe in purpose built machines, so I have other hardware to run Windows on when I need it.
Click to expand...
I'm right there with you.
[doublepost=1537709578][/doublepost]
splifingate said:
New, OEM/bulk; USD 269:

https://www.aventissystems.com/product-p/700010.htm

Regards, splifingate
Click to expand...
Unless someone has a requirement for a new processor I can't see paying $269 for something I can pick up from eBay for $50.
 
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MisterAndrew said:
You don't have CL or other local online classifieds in your location?
Click to expand...
I do but that doesn't mean I'm going to find a dual Mac Pro 5,1 for approximately $500. The OP was posting about a company / pricing which anyone can purchase from without having to wait (or hope) for someone to unload a 5,1 dual processor Mac Pro. I keep an eye on my local CL and I can't recall a single time someone posted a dual processor 5,1 Mac Pro for anything close to $500.
 
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pl1984 said:
I do but that doesn't mean I'm going to find a dual Mac Pro 5,1 for approximately $500. The OP was posting about a company / pricing which anyone can purchase from without having to wait (or hope) for someone to unload a 5,1 dual processor Mac Pro. I keep an eye on my local CL and I can't recall a single time someone posted a dual processor 5,1 Mac Pro for anything close to $500.
Click to expand...

Thats where I got mine from. 2009 dual CPU for $500 was listed. Was the dual quad-core 2.26 model with a 1TB HDD, a 4-port eSATA card, Radeon 4870 (Apple card) and 16GB RAM. I offered $450 and he accepted. Be patient and you can score deals locally. If you don't have patience, you will pay more than average.
 
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tpivette89 said:
Thats where I got mine from. 2009 dual CPU for $500 was listed. Was the dual quad-core 2.26 model with a 1TB HDD, a 4-port eSATA card, Radeon 4870 (Apple card) and 16GB RAM. I offered $450 and he accepted. Be patient and you can score deals locally. If you don't have patience, you will pay more than average.
Click to expand...
A 2009 is not a 5,1 and hoping to buy from some random person on CL is not the same as buying from a company who is selling to everyone. It's a completely different situation.
 
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Craigslist has been awful around here for Mac Pros, and the Marketplace not much better, as most people don't want to ship. And OWC has a very good reputation and is offering a 90 warranty as well. Try getting warranty support from your Craigslist seller...

You folks in the PNW are fortunate because you have a large base of users in your area, meaning there are a lot of these in circulation. That is not the case in Tampa and surrounds. Little "high tech" here, so the pickings are very, very slim and due to the lack of machines people ask stupid prices for them.

For example: https://sarasota.craigslist.org/sys/d/mac-pro-early-2008/6695645739.html

Nearly $600 for a 3,1 with an old plastic Cinema Display. This is typical of the dreck that shows up here.

The Mac of All Trades deal was less expensive by a few bucks, but had half as much memory (4G vs. 8G) and a smaller hard drive. Interestingly, they have a warehouse in Tampa where I could pick it up. Unfortunately, that would also mean I have to pay 7% sales tax, jacking the price up even more. That would make the deal close to $500, so with OWC I'm still ahead. Plus I've done a lot of business with OWC over the years and I like and trust them.

MacDann
 
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MacDann said:
Craigslist has been awful around here for Mac Pros, and the Marketplace not much better, as most people don't want to ship. And OWC has a very good reputation and is offering a 90 warranty as well. Try getting warranty support from your Craigslist seller...

You folks in the PNW are fortunate because you have a large base of users in your area, meaning there are a lot of these in circulation. That is not the case in Tampa and surrounds. Little "high tech" here, so the pickings are very, very slim and due to the lack of machines people ask stupid prices for them.

For example: https://sarasota.craigslist.org/sys/d/mac-pro-early-2008/6695645739.html

Nearly $600 for a 3,1 with an old plastic Cinema Display. This is typical of the dreck that shows up here.

The Mac of All Trades deal was less expensive by a few bucks, but had half as much memory (4G vs. 8G) and a smaller hard drive. Interestingly, they have a warehouse in Tampa where I could pick it up. Unfortunately, that would also mean I have to pay 7% sales tax, jacking the price up even more. That would make the deal close to $500, so with OWC I'm still ahead. Plus I've done a lot of business with OWC over the years and I like and trust them.

MacDann
Click to expand...
I purchased a 3,1 from OWC and got a beat up example of the model... both top handles were bent and the access door was missing a detent. See this thread from when I received the product:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/just-bought-a-2008-mac-pro.2099498/

With Craigslist, at least you can see the computer in person and decide if it is in the condition as described. I had done a lot of business with OWC in the past, purchasing RAM, HDDs, and such. But the first computer I bought from them arrived in less than described condition.

In my opinion, craigslist is the better option.
[doublepost=1537751025][/doublepost]
pl1984 said:
A 2009 is not a 5,1 and hoping to buy from some random person on CL is not the same as buying from a company who is selling to everyone. It's a completely different situation.
Click to expand...

The 4,1 and 5,1 are identical hardware wise except for the lidded and de-lidded processors in the dual CPU models. Only a firmware upgrade separated the two. Anyone thinking otherwise is trying to justify spending more on the 5,1 model vs the 4,1 model.
 
tpivette89 said:
I purchased a 3,1 from OWC and got a beat up example of the model... both top handles were bent and the access door was missing a detent. See this thread from when I received the product:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/just-bought-a-2008-mac-pro.2099498/

With Craigslist, at least you can see the computer in person and decide if it is in the condition as described. I had done a lot of business with OWC in the past, purchasing RAM, HDDs, and such. But the first computer I bought from them arrived in less than described condition.

In my opinion, craigslist is the better option.
[doublepost=1537751025][/doublepost]
Click to expand...

And that may very well be the case - I'm not debating this. Again, the presence of Mac Pros on Craigslist, much less ones that are reasonably priced, are very limited in my area. Right now there are a bunch of 3,1s and earlier models, and most are asking more than what I'm paying OWC for the 4,1. But hey! They've got ALL this software on them, so that's got value, right? <sarcasm>

I'm keeping my fingers crossed on condition. I've got 14 days to decide once I get it and they'll cover the return shipping, so I really have nothing to lose. If it's a real beater, I'll return it and go with Mac of All Trades and take my tax beating.

Can't be much worse than this:
Mac Pro - 1.jpg
Mac Pro - 2.jpg


That's the Mac Pro 3,1 I've been using for the last two years after FedEx (who packed it) savaged it in transit and paid off my insurance claim without question. I actually made money on this deal as a result, and was able to give the seller some money back.

MacDann
 
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MacDann said:
Craigslist has been awful around here for Mac Pros, and the Marketplace not much better, as most people don't want to ship. And OWC has a very good reputation and is offering a 90 warranty as well. Try getting warranty support from your Craigslist seller...

You folks in the PNW are fortunate because you have a large base of users in your area, meaning there are a lot of these in circulation. That is not the case in Tampa and surrounds. Little "high tech" here, so the pickings are very, very slim and due to the lack of machines people ask stupid prices for them.

For example: https://sarasota.craigslist.org/sys/d/mac-pro-early-2008/6695645739.html

Nearly $600 for a 3,1 with an old plastic Cinema Display. This is typical of the dreck that shows up here.

The Mac of All Trades deal was less expensive by a few bucks, but had half as much memory (4G vs. 8G) and a smaller hard drive. Interestingly, they have a warehouse in Tampa where I could pick it up. Unfortunately, that would also mean I have to pay 7% sales tax, jacking the price up even more. That would make the deal close to $500, so with OWC I'm still ahead. Plus I've done a lot of business with OWC over the years and I like and trust them.

MacDann
Click to expand...

Like ebay, good deals go fast, leaving the unwanted and overpriced...

This guy has been trying to sell 2 3,1's for over a year at $1000.. this will never sell.
https://seattle.craigslist.org/skc/sys/d/macpro-64-gigs-of-ram/6703424771.html

Adding a 30" to a 3,1 with 64gb is still too much at $700
https://seattle.craigslist.org/skc/sys/d/macpro-64-gigs-of-ram/6703424771.html

A 4,1 dual for $390 - up for 2 weeks, no takers.
https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/sys/d/mac-pro-41-early-2009/6692645114.html

A 4,1 for $300 - has been posted for 6+ months
https://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/sys/d/2009-mac-proghz-quad-core/6694989465.html

Most deals disappear in hours after being posted. Check on a regular basis. Most deals arrive on friday/sat.
 
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Trust me, I've got 6-8 different Craigslist searches set up, and I rarely ever see anything newer than a 3,1 around here for reasonable money. This is nothing new to me, it took me a good year before I found the 3,1 I'm using now.

MacDann
 
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