what to get.... 2,1 8 core or 4,1 4 core

[rickwtexas]

I have small budget to buy a used Mac Pro. My long time running 2x3ghz 1,1 is doing fine, but I could use a bit more speed (I primarily use CS6 Illustrator).

This weekend I could buy either a 2,1 8 Core 3.0 or any number of 2009 4 Core 2.66's off of craigslist. I can invest another $300 beyond the purchase price for upgrades... but which is the best course of action? Geek bench speeds are pretty close.

Just so you know, I've been on a Mac daily since late 1986, and prefer stripped down fast running machines. No interest in bells and whistles, its all about speed and doing a lot of work fast. I'm 65% Illustrator and 35% Photoshop.

 

[pertusis1]

4,1 and put the w or x 5680 in it. You can get them for < 300 now.

 

[Baunkjaer]

4,1 and put the w or x 5680 in it. You can get them for < 300 now.

Agree

 

[Parigot]

4.1 definitely!

 

[donw35]

+1 for the 2009

 

[macmacguy]

I'd choose 4.1.

 

[leon771]

4,1 then if needed upgrade to hex core.

 

[rickwtexas]

you swayed me

Looks like the 4,1 for me. At $400 its a no brainer and I'll keep my maxed out 1,1 as a back up. Thanks guy and gals.

 

[NOTNlCE]

Looks like the 4,1 for me. At $400 its a no brainer and I'll keep my maxed out 1,1 as a back up. Thanks guy and gals.

Good call. Your 1,1 can also be flashed to a 2,1 and have the 2,1 processors installed, so you can have both, essentially! Check out some of the threads in this forum, there are great guides on how to update your 1,1 to an 8 core.