Yet Another nMP specs help plea!

[menano]

Good morrow Sires

After a lot of salivation and daydreaming I finally decided to take the leap and buy my first ever Mac Pro. I just opened a media production company and this is my first investment. I currently have an iMac and I could get a new one, but for only $500 more I would rather get something that I can upgrade along the ride so I can make the most of it.

I understand the GPU is the only non upgradeable feature in the nMacPro, can anyone confirm this? I have read is some places it's possible, but most say it isn't.

Should I sacrifice cpu and ram and get the top gpu, which then gives me the room to make the best out of my system in time?

Needles to say money is the only issue. I was planning on getting the 6-core stock version but then I thought for the same price I could get the 4-core and upgrade the GPU to D700

I have to decide what I get from the start and what I can improve later.. If you don't mind telling me your opinion on this matter, I would love to hear it.

Thank you

 

[Killerbob]

You'll be able to upgrade the RAM and the CPU later. Possibly the storage but thus far no one has confirmed upgrading the graphics cards.

So; get the D700s, and the CPU you need according to usage pattern. The 6-core is good bang-for-the-buck, unless you'll be doing a lot of video or compilations.

Get the 12/16GB of RAM, and see where that takes you. If you need more, it's easy to upgrade...

As for the storage, no one is selling it at the moment, but you can easily get Thunderbolt storage which is plenty fast for most things. And you can get the external PCIe boxes, in which you can put Tempo and/or Accelsior cards, which are as fast as the internal PCIe SSD.

 

[Riwam]

Good morrow Sires

After a lot of salivation and daydreaming I finally decided to take the leap and buy my first ever Mac Pro. I just opened a media production company and this is my first investment. I currently have an iMac and I could get a new one, but for only $500 more I would rather get something that I can upgrade along the ride so I can make the most of it.

I understand the GPU is the only non upgradeable feature in the nMacPro, can anyone confirm this? I have read is some places it's possible, but most say it isn't.

Should I sacrifice cpu and ram and get the top gpu, which then gives me the room to make the best out of my system in time?

Needles to say money is the only issue. I was planning on getting the 6-core stock version but then I thought for the same price I could get the 4-core and upgrade the GPU to D700

I have to decide what I get from the start and what I can improve later.. If you don't mind telling me your opinion on this matter, I would love to hear it.

Thank you

..........
OWC offers replacement CPU but it is a costly choice.
Besides even if they argue that your coverage by Apple is not affected by such a modification, I would prefer not to be in a situation in which this assumption needs to be proven.
If you are in the USA they offer their own coverage but outside the USA Apple's coverage is the only reasonable one and avoiding any risk about that is the safe policy.
Besides, as already mentioned, their exchange CPU prices are not cheap and they won't get cheaper.
As to the GPU many people speak as if the D300 and D500 would be the "poor man's" choice and twice 6 GB video RAM (D700) an absolute "must".
I ask myself how did people (among them many pros) manage to make a living with the previous MP 2010-2012 models and Apple's GPU 5770 and 5870 with no more than 1 GB video RAM?
If twice 2 GB (D300) is such a despicable GPU power and even twice 3 GB (D500) are still the entirely wrong GPU choice, those sadly poor people with their previous MP must have been living a wretched, miserable life during those Dark Ages

 

[MacProCard]

..........
OWC offers replacement CPU but it is a costly choice.
Besides even if they argue that your coverage by Apple is not affected by such a modification, I would prefer not to be in a situation in which this assumption needs to be proven.
If you are in the USA they offer their own coverage but outside the USA Apple's coverage is the only reasonable one and avoiding any risk about that is the safe policy.
Besides, as already mentioned, their exchange CPU prices are not cheap and they won't get cheaper.
As to the GPU many people speak as if the D300 and D500 would be the "poor man's" choice and twice 6 GB video RAM (D700) an absolute "must".
I ask myself how did people (among them many pros) manage to make a living with the previous MP 2010-2012 models and Apple's GPU 5770 and 5870 with no more than 1 GB video RAM?
If twice 2 GB (D300) is such a despicable GPU power and even twice 3 GB (D500) are still the entirely wrong GPU choice, those sadly poor people with their previous MP must have been living a wretched, miserable life during those Dark Ages

Don't get mad. When people asked us for advice about setups, we tell them how we see it. If you can afford D700, then you should get it. End of story! Why does Apple offer it if it's so overkill partner? Because it isn't. And it's one of the best places to spend your money since the part isn't upgradeable.

 

[handsome pete]

Why does Apple offer it if it's so overkill partner? Because it isn't.

While I agree with the sentiment that the D700 is the safest bet because of the uncertainty behind upgrades, it's certainly overkill for various users. Just like 64gb ram is overkill for some, or an 8 or 12 core processor is for others.

 

[AidenShaw]

Limited CPU upgrade possibilities

Note that CPU upgrades will almost certainly be limited to the current set of E5-x6xx v2 processors.

Intel is in the endgame for getting the E5-x6xx v3 processors out, and they seldom (if ever) have released better versions of the previous generation of Xeons.

So, look at the list of E5-16xx v2 and E5-26xx v2 at http://ark.intel.com/products/family/78582/Intel-Xeon-Processor-E5-v2-Family#@Server - that's most likely all that will be available.

 

[MacProCard]

While I agree with the sentiment that the D700 is the safest bet because of the uncertainty behind upgrades, it's certainly overkill for various users. Just like 64gb ram is overkill for some, or an 8 or 12 core processor is for others.

Same can be said of 4,6,8,12 cores. Or 12tb HD. Or really any new technology for that matter. How many iMac owners never use it's power? Point is it's a great computer no matter the arrangement. Needed or not. But if you got the extra cash, D700 is a great place to put it. Needed or not.

 

[Riwam]

Same can be said of 4,6,8,12 cores. Or 12tb HD. Or really any new technology for that matter. How many iMac owners never use it's power? Point is it's a great computer no matter the arrangement. Needed or not. But if you got the extra cash, D700 is a great place to put it. Needed or not.

The OP said clearly "money is the only issue".
Therefore if he does not believe that twice 6 GB video RAM is truly needed, then the D700 is for him not a "must have" and even 4K can perfectly been done already with the D300.
Fear of the future is not the best adviser.
Actual needs are.

 

[MacProCard]

The OP said clearly "money is the only issue".
Therefore if he does not believe that twice 6 GB video RAM is truly needed, then the D700 is for him not a "must have" and even 4K can perfectly been done already with the D300.
Fear of the future is not the best adviser.
Actual needs are.

And the OP clearly mentioned D700. -Pondering a 4 core D700 solution. And get this...He asked for opinions.

Can't say I'd suggest getting a D700 if it meant getting the 4 core processor unless I planned on upgrading it later. I'd then go the 6 core d500. But if it was me. I'd try to get both the 6-core and D700.

Sorry, but buying a CAN this expensive, whose main purpose is video rendering, and getting the weakest video card available isn't good advice IMO.

 

[pertusis1]

If money is an issue, why not get the 4 core, 12 GB RAM, D300, and perhaps a slight bump on the hard drive. See how it works for you, and if it slows you down enough that you think you could make more money while you're waiting, sell it and buy a faster one. Barefeats comparisons between the various nMPs do not show as dramatic a speed difference between the units as you would think. Any peripherals that you buy (RAID drives, etc.) could be kept and transferred.

Historically, apple products maintain their value nicely, and you are not out the full price of the hardware if you find you have to upgrade.

It's one thing to buy a super-expensive whiz-bang machine if you have a bunch of work on back-order, but it's quite another to sink a pile of dough into extreme speed when you're just getting going.

Just my 2c worth.

 

[Radiating]

There are rumors that manufactures will be releasing upgrade cards for the nMP. So it's possible that all the parts of the mac pro will be upgradable.

If you are definitely planning to upgrade though, I'd go with the D700 no question though just to be on the safe side. With intel pushing it's on chip graphics tech applications are bound to start using more and more GPU power as availability of that power increases. In 5 years the performance of the on-CPU graphics might match the D700's...

 

[Riwam]

And the OP clearly mentioned D700. -Pondering a 4 core D700 solution. And get this...He asked for opinions.

Can't say I'd suggest getting a D700 if it meant getting the 4 core processor unless I planned on upgrading it later. I'd then go the 6 core d500. But if it was me. I'd try to get both the 6-core and D700.

Sorry, but buying a CAN this expensive, whose main purpose is video rendering, and getting the weakest video card available isn't good advice IMO.

If the D300 would be so "weak" then
1) it could not handle several 4 K displays and overall 4 K work...But it can!
2) Apple would not offer it at all for their unique entirely "Pro"computer

Nobody will see any disadvantage if somebody can afford all the most expensive components in a BTO nMP wether it is RAM or GPU or CPU or inner SSD.
It will only harm one's wallet, not one's workflow.
I simply don't agree that the D700 is a "must" unless one does very demanding special work needing 12 GB video RAM, in the same way that a 8 core or 12 core are not a must for most users.
Those buying a 4 core or buying a D300 are in no way making a great mistake.
They will still be able to use their nMP for many years even without exchanging what might be now or in the future exchangeable.
The right choice depends on the tasks to be accomplished with the nMP and not on the fear that something might not be exchangeable in the future.

 

[menano]

Thank you all for your input and for trying to help me by sharing your opinion.

Please don't get mad at each other my friends it is not worth it. I value all your opinions and will take them equally into consideration.

Given the amount of money and trouble it would be to upgrade both the CPU and the GPU I figure my best option is to pick a balanced machine which will allow me not to worry for a while. Then when the day comes when I start to think that it might not be enough anymore (God I can't even imagine that at this point, writing this on my 2009 iMac, which is still in amazing shape by the way) I will see what my options are.

So I will most likely order the 6-core model, upgrade the RAM and let it take me as far as it can! Which I figure will be a pretty long way. By the time I feel like I need to improve it there will be many other options available!

 

[menano]

I just ordered the stock 6-core, I figured I would rather spend the extra 600 on a good monitor instead of the D700s. Plus I got a 3 year warranty deal with fnac that entitles me to get my money back if anything happens to it , by then new improved versions will be out

I just hope it doesn't take too long to arrive

 

[MacProCard]

I just ordered the stock 6-core, I figured I would rather spend the extra 600 on a good monitor instead of the D700s. Plus I got a 3 year warranty deal with fnac that entitles me to get my money back if anything happens to it , by then new improved versions will be out

I just hope it doesn't take too long to arrive

Congrats. I always worry about delivery that isn't next day aired. But the nMP comes really well packaged.

 

[Riwam]

I just ordered the stock 6-core, I figured I would rather spend the extra 600 on a good monitor instead of the D700s. Plus I got a 3 year warranty deal with fnac that entitles me to get my money back if anything happens to it , by then new improved versions will be out

I just hope it doesn't take too long to arrive

Congratulations!
I know that Apple Care is a good safety measure and made it also now.
I did not know that the Fnac has also such a 3 year warranty.
Beaucoup de plaisir avec votre nouveau magnifique ordinateur!
Ed

 

[menano]

Congratulations!
I know that Apple Care is a good safety measure and made it also now.
I did not know that the Fnac has also such a 3 year warranty.
Beaucoup de plaisir avec votre nouveau magnifique ordinateur!
Ed

Yes, my mistake, it's more of an insurance than a warranty

I'm really excited, can't wait to get my hands on it. I'm also trying to find an apple thunderbolt display for a good price and having a bit of trouble figuring out what to use for external storage..

 

[Riwam]

Yes, my mistake, it's more of an insurance than a warranty

I'm really excited, can't wait to get my hands on it. I'm also trying to find an apple thunderbolt display for a good price and having a bit of trouble figuring out what to use for external storage..

.............
Under insurance I understand replacement of the insured objects in case of theft, fire, flood and such kind of dangers.
Apple Care does not cover such dangers or destruction situations but deals only with malfunction of the computer.
An entirely different kind of protection.

 

[menano]

.............
Under insurance I understand replacement of the insured objects in case of theft, fire, flood and such kind of dangers.
Apple Care does not cover such dangers or destruction situations but deals only with malfunction of the computer.
An entirely different kind of protection.

Yeah it was an insurance and it was a great deal! Only 200 for 3 years, more than worth it! And if anything happens they don't give me a new one, they give me back the money I spent so I can spend it again there which means I can buy a better one if an update has come by then!

 

[AppleNewton]

Yes, my mistake, it's more of an insurance than a warranty

I'm really excited, can't wait to get my hands on it. I'm also trying to find an apple thunderbolt display for a good price and having a bit of trouble figuring out what to use for external storage..

Check the MacRumors marketplace or the refurb store on the Apple website always have excellent deals.

I think the 6-core stock or even a few upgrades SSD maybe the D700 for some are a good path, its the sweet spot imo for the Mac Pro.