Which Mac Pro should I get?

[robrose20]

A couple of questions, I am looking to buy a mac pro, I am considering the entry level 2.8 ghz quad, or the entry level 2.4 ghz 8-core westmere system. I will use it for video editing, photo editing, nothing heavy duty. Which system would be faster? What would you recommend?

Also, I hate the new Apple cinema display, its like looking into a mirror. I wish they would offer a matte version. Which non-apple monitor would you recommend?

Thanks!

 

[CaptainChunk]

What applications will you be using, specifically?

It sounds like you'd probably be fine with the base quad-core, although you might appreciate having additional cores over clock speed (with the base 8-core), provided you run applications that can take advantage of those additional cores.

Another thing to consider (may matter to you, may not) - the dual CPU systems (8-core, 12-core) have a larger memory ceiling (8 slots versus 4 on the quad-core and hex-core).


As far as monitors go, there are several other options outside of the ACD if you want a matte screen but still want a quality IPS panel. The HP LP2475w are Dell U2410 are both pretty good buys at around $500 and support DisplayPort (you'll need a MDP to DP adapter, but those are pretty cheap).

 

[cheaptehker]

What should I get:
I do YouTube videos, record podcasts and very little music, edit photos, and would like to do some graphic design, I am thinking about 8-core but I think that might be a little bit of over power. But I don't want to spend that much money and then need to upgrade 2 years later (like I do with windows )

 

[The-Pro]

At both the OP and cheaptehker

If you are thinking of getting the base 8 core, i would recommend spending 200 more and getting the 3.33ghz 6 core instead. You will have a much quicker mac pro for your needs as your application probably dont use all 8 cores and because of the much higher clock speed

Screen wise. id recommend trying to get a used apple 30" cinema display or a dell 30" display (cheaper and still brilliant) I have both, the apple screen is by far the more stylish and slick screen but then with the dell i have more posibilites, it has HDMI in, Mini display port in, DVI, 4 usb ports, and SD slot, i can adjust it hight wise and angle without moving the base. the colours are similar but i like the apple more. Yes of course getting these screens mean a 1000+ price point.
Otherwise the screen from the first reply are very good aswell

 

[SR20DETDOG]

What should I get:
I do YouTube videos, record podcasts and very little music, edit photos, and would like to do some graphic design, I am thinking about 8-core but I think that might be a little bit of over power. But I don't want to spend that much money and then need to upgrade 2 years later (like I do with windows )

Have you thought about the Hex(a?)core?
For a few hundred dollars more you get 2 less cores but an extra 0.93Ghz clock speed. Unlike the 8-core it can only go up to 32Gb RAM though, which would involve buying the more expensive 8GB sticks.
Just food for thought really, I'm currently saving for the 6 core myself.

I really should type faster

 

[The-Pro]

Have you thought about the Hex(a?)core?
For a few hundred dollars more you get 2 less cores but an extra 0.93Ghz clock speed. Unlike the 8-core it can only go up to 32Gb RAM though, which would involve buying the more expensive 8GB sticks.
Just food for thought really, I'm currently saving for the 6 core myself.

I really should type faster

haha i beat you to it

 

[cheaptehker]

Ok, but since dropping $3,717 on a computer (One 3.33GHz 6-Core Intel Xeon “Westmere”
6GB (3x2GB)
2TB 7200-rpm Serial ATA 3Gb/s hard drive)
I am really not keen on spending 1,000 on a monitor and I already have a good 24" anyways so what about 2 ViewSonic VX2250WM and my current monitor

 

[The-Pro]

Ok, but since dropping $3,717 on a computer (One 3.33GHz 6-Core Intel Xeon “Westmere”
6GB (3x2GB)
2TB 7200-rpm Serial ATA 3Gb/s hard drive)
I am really not keen on spending 1,000 on a monitor and I already have a good 24" anyways so what about 2 ViewSonic VX2250WM and my current monitor

well dont upgrade the ram, its too expensive over apple, its like $225. go on amazon, or OWC, ull save atleast 50 there.
also if you keep the stadnard 1tb drive you can get a 2tb internel from amazon for 99 http://www.amazon.com/Western-Digit...XK0I/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1296600530&sr=8-2
ud be off better there aswell as apple charges 150 for the 2tb, and you woudl have 3tb if you get it extra

 

[cheaptehker]

$203 with epp for 6gb
$224.99 for 12gbs OWC

$135 for a 2TB hd
$99 for 2TB Amazon

I have around $5600 for desktop, 3+ monitors (including my one already), laptop (prob air just for basic web browsing) and iPad

 

[robrose20]

I think I'm going to go with the 6-core 3.33 ghz westmere .... now I just have to wait for my tax return!!!

 

[philipma1957]

I think I'm going to go with the 6-core 3.33 ghz westmere .... now I just have to wait for my tax return!!!

while you wait for the tax return if you are usa based check this refurb link to save 500 or so. the 2010 3.33ghz refurb is 3149 it sells out real fast when it pops up


http://store.apple.com/us/product/G0LF1LL/A?mco=MTkzMjkzMjU


the 2010 3.33ghz hex is about 3,379 with an epp or hed discount


the 2010 3.33ghz hex is 3,699 with no discount

 

[zenio]

have you thought about the hex(a?)core?
For a few hundred dollars more you get 2 less cores but an extra 0.93ghz clock speed. Unlike the 8-core it can only go up to 32gb ram though, which would involve buying the more expensive 8gb sticks.
Just food for thought really, i'm currently saving for the 6 core myself.

+1

 

[Danekero]

while you wait for the tax return if you are usa based check this refurb link to save 500 or so. the 2010 3.33ghz refurb is 3149 it sells out real fast when it pops up


http://store.apple.com/us/product/G0LF1LL/A?mco=MTkzMjkzMjU


the 2010 3.33ghz hex is about 3,379 with an epp or hed discount


the 2010 3.33ghz hex is 3,699 with no discount

Seconded. I got my hexacore refurbished - you save a ton of money and might even get a bonus 5870, which seems to happen a lot.

All you have to do is sign up for an rss alert of the site and carry your phone/laptop everywhere you go for a few days, haha.

 

[robrose20]

Good idea .... I actually work for a university so I can get an academic discount, but the refurb is even cheaper.....

Hurry up NYS tax refund!!!!!