MP 7,1 Which version of the Mac Pro 2019

[.Mina.]

Hello!

I'm asking myself, which version would be good for graphics and animation? (2D and 3D)
As far as I could looked it up - the 8-core-version seems to be a little bit a downer, but...
I don't know if I should now update to a 12-core (you can update that later, right?) - I'm coming from
a 6-core MP2013, so I guess everything would be an update.

It still does it job just fine, but considering that now I maybe can get still an 'ok' price for it, I'm thinking about
updating.

So far my wish would be 12 core and the w5700x graphic-card.
But just because I read, that the base version is meh.

Is that right?

Or could I stick with the base model and update everything later if needed?

(Or should I keep 12 core and use the cheapest graphic card option for now?)

I would be happy to hear your opinions!

Greets!

 

[tsialex]

Hello!

I'm asking myself, which version would be good for graphics and animation? (2D and 3D)
As far as I could looked it up - the 8-core-version seems to be a little bit a downer, but...
I don't know if I should now update to a 12-core (you can update that later, right?) - I'm coming from
a 6-core MP2013, so I guess everything would be an update.

It still does it job just fine, but considering that now I maybe can get still an 'ok' price for it, I'm thinking about
updating.

So far my wish would be 12 core and the w5700x graphic-card.
But just because I read, that the base version is meh.

Is that right?

Or could I stick with the base model and update everything later if needed?

(Or should I keep 12 core and use the cheapest graphic card option for now?)

I would be happy to hear your opinions!

Greets!

GPUs, RAM, and even the CPU are upgradeable, the only exception is the T-2 storage that you can't change it later.

So, you can upgrade your Xeon later to a version with more cores, add or change GPUs, but you can't upgrade the factory SSDs.

You can always add more SSDs and disks, via PCIe cards and the Promise J2i cage, if you don't need everything on just one volume.

 

[bcomer]

GPUs, RAM, and even the CPU are upgradeable, the only exception is the T-2 storage that you can't change it later.

So, you can upgrade your Xeon later to a version with more cores, add or change GPUs, but you can't upgrade the factory SSDs.

You can always add more SSDs and disks, via PCIe cards and the Promise J2i cage, if you don't need everything on just one volume.

It is my understanding you can upgrade the Apple SSDs providing it is done at an Apple store or repair centre.

 

[SayCheese]

It is my understanding you can upgrade the Apple SSDs providing it is done at an Apple store or repair centre.

I believe that's correct, it's just not a user upgradable part, only because it's tied to the T2 storage and if Apple told us how to get around that then it would be pointless having T2 storage.

 

[tsialex]

It is my understanding you can upgrade the Apple SSDs providing it is done at an Apple store or repair centre.

Someone here checked this with Apple and at the time, the only replacement possible was the same one from factory - no upgrades.
[automerge]1588774041[/automerge]
This is the thread/post #40

 

[SayCheese]

Someone here checked this with Apple and at the time, the only replacement possible was the same one from factory - no upgrades.
[automerge]1588774041[/automerge]
This is the thread/post #40

Oh, that's odd. Especially as my 256Gb I believe is only using one of the two available SSD slots.

Regardless, I've just gone the 256Gb Setup and then I've just purchased a 1TB NVME and sled from Amazon for £150. Saving me £250. Catalina and all my apps are on the 256Gb, everything else is going on the 1TB NVME since it's not only faster than Apple's internal but also 4x the size.
Dependent on individual needs I'd suggest doing it that way for the cost saving.

Also, upgrade your own RAM as that'll save a fortune compared to Apple prices.

 

[bcomer]

As a software developer and amateur photographer I choose the following:
12 core
32 GB RAM (upgraded to 96GB OWC)
1TB Apple SSD
2TB SSD on PCIx card.
580x video (upgrading to 5700 MPX)

Monitor is an Asus PA329Q.

 

[AidenShaw]

Especially as my 256Gb I believe is only using one of the two available SSD slots.

Those are *not* SSD slots.

They are connectors for Apple proprietary flash daughtercards. All of the SSD "smarts" are on the T2 subsystem.

 

[SayCheese]

Those are *not* SSD slots.

They are connectors for Apple proprietary flash daughtercards. All of the SSD "smarts" are on the T2 subsystem.

I think you knew what I meant.

 

[deconstruct60]

Hello!

I'm asking myself, which version would be good for graphics and animation? (2D and 3D)
As far as I could looked it up - the 8-core-version seems to be a little bit a downer, but...
I don't know if I should now update to a 12-core (you can update that later, right?) - I'm coming from
a 6-core MP2013, so I guess everything would be an update.

It still does it job just fine, but considering that now I maybe can get still an 'ok' price for it, I'm thinking about
updating.

If the primary driver is maximize price of the current system's used price this whole thing is a bit off.
First, the MP 2013 price isn't likely to dramatically crater in price for a while. It will be a cheaper alternative than the currently held MP 2019 models for a long time. Apple support isn't going to instantly evaporate either. ( they just stopped selling less than 6 months ago. It has several years until hits the official Vintage/Obsolete list. ) The MP 2013 is going to slide into the price points the MP 2010-2012 models had for a long while. (that latter group is on the official Vintage/Obsolete list so their price declines will sag quicker than before, but still without imploding to nothing quickly.)

If the seven year old six core is getting the job done ( revenues are fine , job completion times are fine ) then the eight core will be more than sufficient to continue on that path. There are different kinds of 2D and 3D workloads. If the one you are mainly dealing with is inside the bounds of the MP 2013 there is low risk of going down the 8 core path. If running into substantive barriers then 12 could be an option.

Similarly, with the GPU. If largely 'single tracking' on the current 2013 GPUs then the 580X is also an upgrade. If current workload is sometimes lighting up both GPUs then the W5700X is probably a better move.

It somewhat sounds a bit like "how much upgrade could the used price of the 6 core MP 2013 buy me". (not sure what the GPU pair is there.). So akin to sell MP 2013 is in very rough ballpark range of +$1K (12 ) and +$800 (W5700X).


CPU is technically upgradable, but that probably would do something to the AppleCare coverage if you put substantive value on that. Some folks do and some don't. The CPU upgrade is a substantive move.

But just because I read, that the base version is meh.

The base version is meh to many vocal folks on these boards because your "OK" MP 2013 would not be OK for their targeted workload

If trying to buy hardware to keep up with workloads that you aren't running then the additional spend isn't well grounded. If workload is increasing so that would be in the "not OK anymore" in next 7-14 months then were going to in relative short term would be a better driver of what targeting in a Mac Pro 2019.

Also the 'used' price of the Mac Pro 2019 is on track to come down slightly in the next 12 months. ( There was a huge rash of systems in Apple's Refurbish site when the major economic disruption stated. There is still a chunk of Afterburner loaded systems there now. )

 

[AidenShaw]

I think you knew what I meant.

...and I also knew that some people wouldn't know what you meant.

 

[.Mina.]

Thanks all for your answers so far! Much apprecciated!

@deconstruct60 Well, you're not completely right with your suggestion that I just want to sell the MP2013 for a reasonable price und use that for updating the base model. For the most of my 2D animations it works just fine, (okay, if I work with adobe - that's another topic...) - but as soon as it comes to 3D and a rig, which isn't so well optimizend or has a lot of functions ... well, there's the preview-render party. (The same with very elaborated 2D scenes/rigs).

I'm just thinking about - what to buy now - and what to wait vor. Like the w5700x - card - which came just later as an option.

I can't upgrade the MP2013 as I could do it with the new model, which is a huge factor for me to swap them now, because I am pretty limited in ugrading, if another 3D-job would come in and maybe some renderwork needs to be done.

 

[MisterAndrew]

It sounds like the base model, maybe with some extra storage, would be a substantial upgrade. You might also think about testing out an eGPU with your existing 2013. A W5700 with an Akitio Node Titan enclosure would be about $1000 and it could be used with your other Macs too.