Help me choose: Core Duo MBP v Core 2 Duo MB

Ok, for approx the same price I'm getting either
A) 1.83Ghz Core Duo Macbook Pro
80GB HDD, 15 inch, all usual bells and whistles
BUT 512MB Ram
B) 2.0gGhz Core 2 Duo Macbook
80GB HDD, 13 inch, all usual features
1 GB Ram
I'm thinking (A) is great except for the Ram, can I add RAM myself? Does that void the warranty?
Not sure if the Core 2 Duo v Core Duo is that big a deal breaker?

hey thanks everyone,
basically:
1) Primary use is work: excel, word, powerpoint, calc/pages
2) It will also be my home entertainment centre, hooked up to external speakers. All DVD watching and gaming etc
3) Want to be fairly mobile: to and from work on the train. Plane travel once a month.
I am leaning towards the pro, but have some reservations about it being 'refurbished'.
A) Is the warranty/support any different? It says 1 year limited warranty...
B) Hardware, such as battery, HDD, superdrive should be as good as new right? And software should be current, not the older versions (e.g. Tiger 10.4.6 or sommat)
One other question, which applies to both: I'm buying it in Asia Pacific but move to Germany soon, will my support be valid there too?

Similar Messages

MBP - Intel Core 2 Duo (2008) - Scalding hot, Fans at 6000rpm

Hi all,
I've been searching for months now for an answer to this dilemma, but I can't seem to find anything that's fixed the problem. I would love to avoid bringing this thing in if possible.
My specs: MBP Intel Core-2 Duo 2.33mHz, 3GB RAM, running OSX 10.7.5 - This thing has been with me for a while and has really stood the test of time thus far.
For the past few years, this thing has just run scalding hot temperatures (around 135-140 F), with fan speeds usually up at about 6000rpms. So it's super hot, super loud - with, according to my sytem monitor, only 5-8% of the CPU resources being used. All it takes is a single application, be it a web browser or anything that even engages the CPU to get it up to those levels. Closing everything rarely leads to it cooling off and quieting down.
I'm fully up-to-date with firmware. I recently swapped the HD to a 500GB seagate and thought that had solved the problem, but it started back up a few days later.
Could this be a heat sink problem?
Literally ANY help would be so tremendously appreciated.
Thanks so much!

Well, it's possible there is a hardware problem such as a loose or disconnected temperature sensor. You may wish to try running the hardware diagnostics to see if they provide any useful information:
Using Apple Hardware Test
Intel-based Macs- Using Apple Hardware Test
Intel-based Macs- Starting up into Apple Hardware Test
If nothing pops up then take it in for service. Do not continue to use it with this problem present or you may damage it further.

After installing Maverick my Mail is really slow to load new mail. my etrecheck is below Hardware Information:      iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2009)      iMac - model: iMac10,1      1 3.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo CPU: 2 cores      4 GB RAM Video Information:

here is my etrecheck. Any help is appreciated
Hardware Information:
    iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2009)
    iMac - model: iMac10,1
    1 3.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo CPU: 2 cores
    4 GB RAM
Video Information:
    NVIDIA GeForce 9400 - VRAM: 256 MB
System Software:
    OS X 10.9.1 (13B42) - Uptime: 1 day 17:29:18
Disk Information:
    ST3500418ASQ disk0 : (500.11 GB)
        EFI (disk0s1) <not mounted>: 209.7 MB
        Macintosh HD (disk0s2) /: 391.48 GB (245.88 GB free)
        Recovery HD (disk0s3) <not mounted>: 650 MB
        BOOTCAMP (disk0s4) /Volumes/BOOTCAMP: 107.76 GB (94.95 GB free)
    OPTIARC DVD RW AD-5680H
USB Information:
    Apple, Inc. Keyboard Hub
        Mitsumi Electric Apple Optical USB Mouse
        Apple, Inc Apple Keyboard
    Seagate FA GoFlex Desk 2 TB
        EFI (disk1s1) <not mounted>: 209.7 MB
        Time Machine Backups (disk1s2) /Volumes/Time Machine Backups: 2 TB (1.56 TB free)
    Apple Inc. Built-in iSight
    Apple Internal Memory Card Reader
    Canon MX870 series
    Apple Computer, Inc. IR Receiver
    Apple Inc. BRCM2046 Hub
        Apple Inc. Bluetooth USB Host Controller
FireWire Information:
Thunderbolt Information:
Kernel Extensions:
Problem System Launch Daemons:
Problem System Launch Agents:
Launch Daemons:
    [System]    com.adobe.fpsaud.plist 3rd-Party support link
    [System]    com.carbonite.launchd.carbonitedaemon.plist 3rd-Party support link
    [System]    com.crashplan.engine.plist 3rd-Party support link
    [System]    com.microsoft.office.licensing.helper.plist 3rd-Party support link
Launch Agents:
    [System]    com.carbonite.launchd.carbonitealerts.plist 3rd-Party support link
    [System]    com.carbonite.launchd.carbonitestatus.plist 3rd-Party support link
User Launch Agents:
    [not loaded]    com.adobe.ARM.[...].plist 3rd-Party support link
    [not loaded]    com.adobe.ARM.[...].plist 3rd-Party support link
    [not loaded]    com.crashplan.javacheck.plist 3rd-Party support link
    [not loaded]    com.facebook.videochat.[redacted].plist 3rd-Party support link
    [not loaded]    com.google.keystone.agent.plist 3rd-Party support link
    [not loaded]    jp.co.canon.Inkjet_Extended_Survey_Agent.plist 3rd-Party support link
    [not loaded]    uk.co.markallan.clamxav.freshclam.plist 3rd-Party support link
User Login Items:
    iTunesHelper
    Adobe Bridge CS4
    CrashPlan menu bar
    ClamXavSentry
    AdobeResourceSynchronizer
    Canon IJ Network Scanner Selector2
Internet Plug-ins:
    Default Browser: Version: 537 - SDK 10.9
    Flip4Mac WMV Plugin: Version: 2.3.8.1 3rd-Party support link
    Musicnotes: Version: 1.18.9 3rd-Party support link
    AdobePDFViewerNPAPI: Version: 11.0.03 - SDK 10.6 3rd-Party support link
    FlashPlayer-10.6: Version: 12.0.0.38 - SDK 10.6 3rd-Party support link
    Silverlight: Version: 4.0.51204.0 3rd-Party support link
    Flash Player: Version: 12.0.0.38 - SDK 10.6 Outdated! Update
    QuickTime Plugin: Version: 7.7.3
    iPhotoPhotocast: Version: 7.0
    SharePointBrowserPlugin: Version: 14.3.9 - SDK 10.6 3rd-Party support link
    AdobePDFViewer: Version: 11.0.03 - SDK 10.6 3rd-Party support link
    EPPEX Plugin: Version: 3.0.5.0 3rd-Party support link
    Scorch: Version: 6.1.0 3rd-Party support link
    JavaAppletPlugin: Version: 14.9.0 - SDK 10.7 Outdated! Update
Audio Plug-ins:
    BluetoothAudioPlugIn: Version: 1.0 - SDK 10.9
    AirPlay: Version: 1.9 - SDK 10.9
    AppleAVBAudio: Version: 2.0.0 - SDK 10.9
    iSightAudio: Version: 7.7.3 - SDK 10.9
User Internet Plug-ins:
    WebEx: Version: 1.0 3rd-Party support link
3rd Party Preference Panes:
    Carbonite 3rd-Party support link
    Flash Player 3rd-Party support link
    Flip4Mac WMV 3rd-Party support link
Bad Fonts:
    None
Old Applications:
    /Library/Application Support/Microsoft/MERP2.0
        Microsoft Error Reporting:    Version: 2.2.9 - SDK 10.4 3rd-Party support link
        Microsoft Ship Asserts:    Version: 1.1.4 - SDK 10.4 3rd-Party support link
    Solver:    Version: 1.0 - SDK 10.5 3rd-Party support link
        /Applications/Microsoft Office 2011/Office/Add-Ins/Solver.app
    /Library/Application Support/Carbonite
        CarboniteDaemon:    Version: 1.1.14 build 604 - SDK 10.5 3rd-Party support link
        CarboniteStatus:    Version: 1.1.14 build 604 - SDK 10.5 3rd-Party support link
        CarboniteAlerts:    Version: 1.1.14 build 604 - SDK 10.5 3rd-Party support link
    /Applications/Microsoft Office 2011/Office
        Microsoft Graph:    Version: 14.3.9 - SDK 10.5 3rd-Party support link
        Microsoft Database Utility:    Version: 14.3.9 - SDK 10.5 3rd-Party support link
        Microsoft Office Reminders:    Version: 14.3.9 - SDK 10.5 3rd-Party support link
        Microsoft Upload Center:    Version: 14.3.9 - SDK 10.5 3rd-Party support link
        My Day:    Version: 14.3.9 - SDK 10.5 3rd-Party support link
        SyncServicesAgent:    Version: 14.3.9 - SDK 10.5 3rd-Party support link
        Open XML for Excel:    Version: 14.3.9 - SDK 10.5 3rd-Party support link
        Microsoft Alerts Daemon:    Version: 14.3.9 - SDK 10.5 3rd-Party support link
        Microsoft Database Daemon:    Version: 14.3.9 - SDK 10.5 3rd-Party support link
        Microsoft Chart Converter:    Version: 14.3.9 - SDK 10.5 3rd-Party support link
        Microsoft Clip Gallery:    Version: 14.3.9 - SDK 10.5 3rd-Party support link
    /Applications/Microsoft Office 2011
        Microsoft PowerPoint:    Version: 14.3.9 - SDK 10.5 3rd-Party support link
        Microsoft Excel:    Version: 14.3.9 - SDK 10.5 3rd-Party support link
        Microsoft Outlook:    Version: 14.3.9 - SDK 10.5 3rd-Party support link
        Microsoft Word:    Version: 14.3.9 - SDK 10.5 3rd-Party support link
        Microsoft Document Connection:    Version: 14.3.9 - SDK 10.5 3rd-Party support link
    Microsoft Language Register:    Version: 14.3.9 - SDK 10.5 3rd-Party support link
        /Applications/Microsoft Office 2011/Additional Tools/Microsoft Language Register/Microsoft Language Register.app
    Microsoft AutoUpdate:    Version: 2.3.6 - SDK 10.4 3rd-Party support link
        /Library/Application Support/Microsoft/MAU2.0/Microsoft AutoUpdate.app
Time Machine:
    Auto backup: YES
    Volumes being backed up:
        Macintosh HD: Disk size: 364.60 GB Disk used: 135.61 GB
    Destinations:
        Time Machine Backups [Local] (Last used)
        Total size: 2
        Total number of backups: 169
        Oldest backup: 2011-04-10 20:10:19 +0000
        Last backup: 2014-02-04 22:28:22 +0000
        Size of backup disk: Excellent
            Backup size 2 > (Disk size 364.60 GB X 3)
    Time Machine details may not be accurate.
    All volumes being backed up may not be listed.
Top Processes by CPU:
        16%    Solavant Demo
         9%    mds
         3%    CarboniteDaemon
         2%    WindowServer
         2%    EtreCheck
Top Processes by Memory:
    348 MB    firefox
    217 MB    clamd
    135 MB    mds_stores
    106 MB    Mail
    102 MB    softwareupdated
Virtual Memory Information:
    794 MB    Free RAM
    1.70 GB    Active RAM
    443 MB    Inactive RAM
    587 MB    Wired RAM
    1.13 GB    Page-ins
    896 KB    Page-outs

Fixing a Mavericks Installation Problem
How to manage a failed OS X Mavericks installation | MacFixIt - CNET Reviews.
Try these in order:
1. a. Resetting your Mac's PRAM and NVRAM
    b. Intel-based Macs: Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC)
2. Restart the computer in Safe Mode, then restart again, normally. If this doesn't help, then:
     Boot to the Recovery HD: Restart the computer and after the chime press and hold down the
     COMMAND and R keys until the Utilities menu screen appears. Alternatively, restart the computer and
     after the chime press and hold down the OPTION key until the boot manager screen appears.
     Select the Recovery HD and click on the downward pointing arrow button.
3. Repair the Hard Drive and Permissions: Upon startup select Disk Utility from the Utilities menu. Repair the Hard Drive and Permissions as follows.
When the recovery menu appears select Disk Utility. After DU loads select your hard drive entry (mfgr.'s ID and drive size) from the the left side list. In the DU status area you will see an entry for the S.M.A.R.T. status of the hard drive. If it does not say "Verified" then the hard drive is failing or failed. (SMART status is not reported on external Firewire or USB drives.) If the drive is "Verified" then select your OS X volume from the list on the left (sub-entry below the drive entry,) click on the First Aid tab, then click on the Repair Disk button. If DU reports any errors that have been fixed, then re-run Repair Disk until no errors are reported. If no errors are reported click on the Repair Permissions button. Wait until the operation completes, then quit DU and return to the main menu. Select Restart from the Apple menu.
4. Reinstall Lion/Mountain Lion, Mavericks: Reboot from the Recovery HD. Select Reinstall Lion/Mountain Lion, Mavericks from the Utilities menu, and click on the Continue button.
Note: You will need an active Internet connection. I suggest using Ethernet if possible because it is three times faster than wireless.

Question: I want to update to the new LION OSX, but it says that I need to at least have an Intel Core 2 Duo. When I click "about this Mac," it says that I have a 2.16 Intel Core Duo. Is there a difference between the "Core 2 Duo" and the "Core Duo"?

Well, my title basically asks the question that I am seeking an answer for. Im not sure what year my MB Pro is, and I cant exactly find it on the Apple site. Its a 2.16 Intel Core Duo, 2 GB 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM. All I see (dating back to 2007,) is Intel Core 2 Duo on the apple site. Im pretty sure (but not 100% positive,) that my MB Pro is a late 2008/early 2009. Just trying to figure out if I can install LION OSX or not, since it requires atleast intel core 2 duo, and mine says I only have the intel core duo. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

Core Duo is 32 bit processor and Core 2 Duo is 64 bit processor
OS X Lion, will only on 64 bit Intel processor Mac's.
The following Mac's that have 32 bit Intel “Yonah” processorsthat won't run OS X Lion.
iMac 4,1 Early (Jan-Sept) 2006 17"
iMac 4,1 Early (Jan-Sept) 2006 20"
iMac 4,2 Mid (July-Sept) 2006 17"
Mac Mini 1,1 (Feb-Sept) Early 2006
Mac Mini 1,1 (Sept-Aug) Late 2006
MacBook 1,1 13" (May-Nov 2006)
MacBook Pro 1,1 15" A1150 (Jan-May 2006)
MacBook Pro 1,2 17" A1151 (Aprl-Oct 2006)
MacBook Pro 1,1 15" A1175 (May-Oct 2006)
There is a difference between “Intel Core Duo” and “IntelCore 2 Duo” processors.
Look under your Apple menu > About this Mac > more information for the details

To upgrade from 10.5.8 to 10.6 do i need to purchase software to backup info or am I safe to download. Duo 2 Intel Core, 256 Vram, NV

NVIDIA (0x10de)
Duo 2 intel core
1 Core
256 Mb VRAM
32 bit color
With the above characteristics, will my computer be able to take 10.6 upgrade online or do i need more memory to support that?
Also, what is a good graphics program can be installed on my current system 10.5.8? in case i cant upgrade.
Also why does my iphone 3 not register when i plug it into the jack on the back of computer. It used to be acknowleged.
my phone is suffering from not being validated, low self esteem. is there a confidence booster for the existing? i need to take my pics off and onto the harddrive.
thanks for any help!

So we know more about it...
At the Apple Icon at top left>About this Mac, then click on More Info, then click on Hardware> and report this upto but not including the Serial#...
Hardware Overview:
Model Name: iMac
Model Identifier: iMac7,1
Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo
Processor Speed: 2.4 GHz
Number Of Processors: 1
Total Number Of Cores: 2
L2 Cache: 4 MB
Memory: 6 GB
Bus Speed: 800 MHz
Boot ROM Version: IM71.007A.B03
SMC Version (system): 1.21f4
A Backup or clone is always best to have, unless you can afford to lose everything & start over.
Depends what you need the graphics app to do, but GraphicConverter has a powerful Browse Folder function, & many tools for manipulation, & you can keep your Pics wherever you want, there are older versions that.ll work for 10.5.8...
http://www.lemkesoft.com/
Sorry, no experience with iPhones or even cell phones.

Intel core 2 duo vs intel core duo

is it possible to upgrade from a 32-bit processor to a 64-bit processor w/o having to purchase a new laptop? if so, about how much would it be to do so?

Unfortunately, the Core Duo is a 32 bit processor. The Core 2 Duo processors are the first 64 bit processors used in the MacBooks. I'm not really sure why they used the Core Duos as the Core 2 Duos were really just around the corner... I guess it was just to get them out. In the real world, right now... there is really no significant performance difference between 32 & 64 bit machines (for the average user anyway). If you plan to keep your current machine, bumping your memory from 512MB to 1 or 2GB would help you out tons.
What specific application are you having difficulty with. I'm guessing there is a fairly easy resolution. If you had an application that ran on 64 bit only, I expect you would know it as those are few and far-between and would be for very specific needs.
Also... if you can let us know the exact message your getting.. .that may help a bit as well.

Upgrade Intel Core Duo iMac to Core 2 Duo?

I know that, in theory a Merom processor is compatible with a motherboard made for a Yonah CPU, which is what's in the original Intel iMacs. However, I know that most Wintel laptops require a BIOS flash in order to support the newer processor.
My question: do you think it will be possible for us to upgrade to the Core 2 Duo from the Core Duo? Will the speed increase be worth it? From what I've read, Merom is not that much faster than Yonah, but has anyone seen anything different?

Hello,
People have installed them in the Mac Mini CoreSolo and CoreDuo without a BIOS or Firmware update. So, it should be fine doing the same in the iMac CoreDuo.
The CPU is in a socket in the iMac CoreDuo, so installation should not be a problem (if you don't mind dismantling your computer and voiding your warranty).
Reports have varied on the speed difference. But, you do gain 64-BIT capabilities with Merom. Otherwise, Merom's specs are very similar to Yonah, so the gains are only going to come from optimized routines. Raw processing power probably isn't much different and the bus speed is the same.
At this point in time, you're going to pay a lot for a new Merom chip. So, the cost benefit probably isn't there for an upgrade. But, as they become common and new versions arrive, the chips will probably drop a bit in price and make the upgrade more cost effective.
I hope this helps.
Let us know if you have other questions.
P.S., if you'd like, go ahead and click the "Helpful" or "Solved" buttons on any of the posts / replies above if you feel they were helpful or adequately answered your question.

System Information Shows only 1 Core instead of 2 Cores for Intel Core2 Duo CPU T9300

When i go to System information,It Displays Processor Details as Intel(TM) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU T9300 @2.5Ghz, 2501 Mhz, 1Core(s), 1 Logical Processor(s). I think that display is wrong, since the CPU must have 2 Cores, since it is Core2 Duo Processor. And according to Intel Specifications of Core2 Duo Processor T9300 has 2 cores and 2 Threads. My question is that Why System Information is displaying wrong information about the processor. All other information regarding RAM, Video Card is accurate. My System Configuration is "
Processor:-Intel Core2 Duo Processor T9300 @2.5Ghz, RAM:-3GB, Video Card:- Nvidia GeForce 8400M GS. OS:-Windows Vista Home Premium Service Pack2
Here How it is displayed in System Information
OS Name          Microsoft® Windows Vista™ Home Premium
Version 6.0.6002 Service Pack 2 Build 6002
Other OS Description    Not Available
OS Manufacturer           Microsoft Corporation
System Name   xxxxxxx
System Manufacturer     Hewlett-Packard
System Model   HP Pavilion dv6700 Notebook PC
System Type     X86-based PC
Processor         Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU     T9300 @ 2.50GHz, 2501 Mhz, 1 Core(s), 1 Logical Processor(s)
BIOS Version/Date        Hewlett-Packard F.59, 25-11-2008
SMBIOS Version           2.4
Windows Directory        C:\Windows
System Directory          C:\Windows\system32
Boot Device      \Device\HarddiskVolume1
Locale India
Hardware Abstraction Layer       Version = "6.0.6002.18005"
User Name        xxxxxxx
Time Zone         India Standard Time
Installed Physical Memory (RAM)           3.00 GB
Total Physical Memory 3.00 GB
Available Physical Memory        1.15 GB
Total Virtual Memory      7.40 GB
Available Virtual Memory           5.78 GB
Page File Space            4.50 GB
Page File          C:\pagefile.sys
System Name and User Name is changed by me
My doubt is that one of the 2 CORES might not be functioning. I am not sure since technically I am a Zero.
Any help is greatly appriciated
Thanking all

Quote from: empty_cups on 18-April-06, 21:06:41
And there is no reason to remove the battery since there is that little button you can push to clear the CMOS.
you might be amazed on how many times pushing the button it's just not enough.
Quote from: empty_cups on 18-April-06, 21:06:41
I doubt I would be writing you from this machine if I had flashed it with the BIOS for the wrong board
no offense but how should i know that you don't have one more comp at home.
what was the previous problem you had with the mobo for which you needed a BIOS update?
edit: just remembered something. what PSU do you have?

What's the difference between the Core 2 Duo and the Core Duo

I recently bought a new Macbook (Original) with an Intel Core 2 Duo processor.
I gave my old one to my younger cousin. It has just an Intel Core Duo processor.
What does that "2" mean?
Does it mean the processor is faster?
I was guessing it means that I can have more RAM (because this can hold 4 GB instead of 2 GB, like my previous Macbook)...
Both these Macbooks have only 1 GB of RAM, yet the new one seems MUCH faster. The only real difference in technical specs is the processor. Could the processor be responsible for the much faster computer, or is it simply because it's a new computer?
Thanks!

iSMH wrote:
The Core2Duo is faster than the CoreDuo. The other difference is that the Core2Duos can see 4GB of RAM, CoreDuo can only address 2.
Part of that has to do with the chipsets, although I've heard that some of the Intel chipsets work with both the Core Duo and the earlier Core 2 Duo.
The Core Duo is the dual-processor version of the Core processor.
The Core 2 Duo is the dual-processor version of the newer generation Core 2 processor.
The Core 2 series is more advanced. They likely are produced on faster semiconductor processes in smaller "geometries". I think part of it is a higher operating clock speed, but it could also include advances in processing power where it takes fewer average clock cycles to complete certain instructions. There could be things like more pipelines, faster/more arithmetic logic units, and other architectural improvements that makes it work faster overall even without clock-speed increases.

How can I tell which generation is the MBP's Core i CPU

In the showroom: How can I tell which generation is the MBP's Core i CPU?

Abdullah Tammour wrote:
In the showroom: How can I tell which generation is the MBP's Core i CPU?
Ask the sales staff.

My MacBook Pro, 1.83 GHz Intel Core Duo gives me an error message during Lion install. My Intel Duo Core is not an Intel Duo Core and cannot install Lion. I already have Snow Leopard what is the problem with Lion?

My MacBook Pro, 1.83 GHz Intel Core Duo gives me an error message during Lion install. My Intel Duo Core is not an Intel Duo Core and cannot install Lion. I already have Snow Leopard what is the problem with Lion?

You need a "Core 2 Duo" for lion, and I'm guessing you only have a "Core Duo" My wife's macbook is also a "Core Duo" and has Snow Leapord, but cannot install Lion.....

Core 2 Duo vs. Core Duo

Hi. What is the difference between Core 2 Duo vs. Core Duo? Is one better than the other? Does one lend itself better to a HTPC application?

Core Duo is very old technology. The 1st MacBook's (in 2006) were Core Duo.
See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel_Core
Unlike the Intel Core, Intel Core 2 is a 64-bit processor, supporting Intel 64. Another difference
between the original Core Duo and the new Core 2 Duo is an increase in the amount of Level 2 cache.
The new Core 2 Duo has tripled the amount of on-board cache to 6 MB.

Intel ssd 510 and encryption MBP 13" Core i7 late 2011

Hi all,
I have a MBP 13" core i7 late 2011 und bought a new Intel SSD 510. After complete fresh installation of 10.7.2 and other apps I activated FileVault. After that, system freezes quite often, Finder crashes and so on. I did a secure wipe, installed it again and encrypted the drive again, this time with PGP whole disk encryption, same result. System freezes, filesystem corrupt and other **** things happened.
Any suggestions?

Ray Kachatorian wrote:... Wondering if upgrading to the latest release if going to see a signifant change in performance....
(1) On my three 10.9 Macs, upgrading did two very obvious things:
• removed some useful features like the ability to set individual notification audio tones for different chat buddies and collaboration via iChat Theater. (These features are not supported in OS X 10.9's Messages app that replaced iChat.) There may be changes I do not like in other apps, too, but these are two that I noticed.
- and -
• slowed my machines down as compared to OS X 10.8, particularly on booting, opening apps, and other CPU/System interactions. The amount of slowing varied by machine, with my old 13" MBP being nearly unacceptable. My i7 MBP is not nearly so bad, although the the difference is noticeable, perhaps 10% vs almost double boot time on my old 13".
(2) To determine if upgrading will be a problem on your system, I suggest that you:
• make a current Time Machine backup
• configure  > System Preferences... > Time Machine to "OFF"
• upgrade Mac OS
• use your Mac long enough to see if you like the change
(3) If you want to keep the upgrade, turn Time Machine backups back on and continue using the new OS.
(4) If you don't like the upgrade, recover your system from your Time Machine backup.
Message was edited by: EZ Jim
Mac Pro Quad Core (Early09) 2.93Ghz OSX 10.9 24" LED Cinema Display
iPad2 iOS 7.1.1 External iSights
MBP 15" i7 (Early'11) OSX 10.9 13" MBP (Mid'09) 2.26GHz OSX 10.9

IMovie/iDVD and 8-core vs. 4-core

I'm close to purchasing a new Mac Pro and I'm having a tough time deciding if the 8-core is worth the extra money. I've read MacWorld's review and it's benchmark tests. I've also seen some other reviews (Geekbench or something like that.) What I'm unable to tell is how encoding would be effected in iMovie or iDVD. My main work is related to converting analog video to digital and then creating a movie in iMovie and burning through iDVD. So much of my time is spent waiting around for the assets to encode and so time is definitely money. I'm just not sure it's worth the extra $1500 given some of the tests.
Given that I'm not working with 3D or working with multiple tasks or apps (where it seems that the 8-core shines) is there any benefit here in getting the 8-core over the quad-core? Will the extra cores kick in at all just encoding video? If I'm reading things right I'm not sure it would. Which raises another question. What if I finished an iMovie project, shared it with iDVD, and then began another iMovie project at the same time? Would this take advantage of the 8 cores? Also, will Leopard make much of a difference?

In regards to an 8-core refurb for $3300, that is still a quad-core system.
I've been watching the refurbs pretty closely for a couple of months (waiting to get a new Mac Pro), and have never seen an 8-core on there yet (unless I missed it).
They do have two Mac Pro's that are 3 GHz on there, and they are two different prices. But, neither of them is an 8-core system.
The only obvious difference is that the more expensive one has two Superdrives instead of just one. But, they are both definitely quads.
I am pretty confident that an 8-core system would sell for much more as a refurb than a quad core.
Anyway, I only provide this for information purposes. I hope this helps.
Here's the current listings for the 3 GHz systems:
Refurbished Mac Pro Quad 3.0GHz Intel Xeon
Two 3.0GHz Dual-Core Intel Xeon processors
2GB (4 x 512MB) memory (667MHz DDR2 fully-buffered DIMM ECC)
250GB Serial ATA 3Gb/s 7200 rpm hard drive
16x SuperDrive (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
ATI Radeon X1900 XT with 512MB memory
Learn More
• Save 15% off the original price
Original price: $3,849.00
Your price: $3,299.00
Estimated Ship:
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Refurbished Mac Pro Quad 3.0GHz Intel Xeon
Two 3.0GHz Dual-Core Intel Xeon processors
2GB (4 x 512MB) memory (667MHz DDR2 fully-buffered DIMM ECC)
250GB Serial ATA 3Gb/s 7200-rpm hard drive
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Re: CHANGING FROM DUAL CORE TO A QUAD CORE

Im thinking of changing from a dual core to a quad core Intel Xeon on my mac pro.
Is this a case of just changing processors or is there,more involved,motherboards etc?
Please help,excuse the typing ,this is after takin me 15 minutes .

The Mac Pro isn't like a PC. It's much more risk to upgrade processors. It is something I would never do to my Mac Pro.
I wouldn't risk it. But, if you really want 8-cores (and let me tell you, it sure is awesome!), I wouldn't recommend doing it, but I have no other resonable options. I don't think Apple would upgrade it for you.
-benny

Help me choose: Core Duo MBP v Core 2 Duo MB

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