Worth upgrading from 3.2 GHz Quad-Core to 3.46GHz 6-core Processor?

[Photofish]

I have a Mid 2012 5,1 Mac Pro with a 3.2 GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon Processor, 48 GB 1066 MHz DDR3 ECC memory and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 680 (Classified) 4 GB Graphics card, Software OS X 10.8.5.

What I would like to know is would it be worth it to replace the 3.2 GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon Processor with a Intel Xeon W3690 3.46GHz 6-core Processor? I know this has been somewhat asked before but I am looking for what would be my true gains with the later. I currently use this machine for digital image rendering, but looking to step more into working more into HD Video editing.

 

[Baunkjaer]

If your work can befit from the extra cores, I would´t hesitate, and just buy the hex CPU.
On the other hand, it will only be a minor speed bump if you can´t use the extra cores.

 

[leon771]

Are you currently running all cores of your quad at 100% for any tasks. If so, then a hex will help. If not, then no benefit.

 

[stockholm80]

I did the same upgrade two years back and it was a very noticeable increase in speed for me. It may seem like a small difference to go from 3.2 to 3.46 but I really felt the difference. Main difference was the higher single core performance for demanding tasks such as video and sound editing.

Now that you can get the 6-cores for around $300-400 on ebay it's a great upgrade, really worth it in my opinion.

 

[SDAVE]

If you want to go full crazy you can get a dual tray from ebay for a quick upgrade to a super fast machine (cheaper than a trash mac pro). Just keep that in mind that you can push that machine to an amazing performance.

But your upgrade will definitely give you an improvement as the Hex cores of that generation are pretty fast. Its only around 200$ but keep in mind you have to do it carefully. There are a lot of instructions available how to do it safely.

I would upgrade and give yourself a boost for now, maybe down the line you can buy a trashpro (second gen) or something.

 

[CASLondon]

There's a three-fold upgrade available.

You'll get a 15-25% speed bump from the processor upgrade, and better render performance on video. You would notice, though not drastic, and if the cost is coming down might be worth it.

You might, if you are working with video, get prepared to upgrade that gpu to a 780 6g, or wait and see how the new 900 series nvidias work out. Or if you are on FCX, go with dual AMD gpis.

Then, you might boot off a fast PCI-e SSD.

Those three put together would be very noticeable.