How Much Mac Do I Need? - Jump from G5 to MacPro w/LogicPro

I'm consistently hitting the wall with my Dual 2.0ghz, 4GB of RAM G5 system while trying to mix typical pop/rock projects (that is, I keep getting the system overload message, even when I freeze most of my tracks).
I'm getting ready to trade up to a recent-model MacPro, but I'm a little confused as to which one to get. Yes, I know I should always buy the fastest CPU I can afford, but I can't afford that one, and I'm wondering whether one of last year's models will work for me.
Specifically, I'd love to get away with picking up a 2008 quad-core or even a dual-core machine, and I'm hoping that people who are mixing comparable projects on those computers can chime in with their experiences. My goal is to be able to mix, at the highest i/o buffer setting, without having to freeze tracks, or worry about triggering the dreaded system overload message.
Here's the rundown on one of my typical projects:
Tracks:
- 28 tracks of audio
- 10 virtual instruments (mostly Rhodes, GPO piano, Wurly, EXS24 percussion, rather than CPU-intensive synths)
- BFD2 for all drums
FX:
- UAD1 eqs and compressors on many tracks
- NI Guitar Rig 3 on 2 to 4 guitar audio tracks
- 2 or 3 PSP Vintage Warmer 2 plugins
- I don't use many other 3rd party plugins, or Logic's more CPU-intensive plugins
- I do like to set up a few longer delays as send FX (semi dub-style), which really seems to put a hit on my processor
As I said, I'd love to hear from people who are doing similar projects on 2008 MacPros, but anyone's input would be very welcome. Thanks!

I recommend the 8 core 2008 for bang for the buck today. There are already many websites with various (not necessarily Logic specific) benchmarks which compare performance.
I bought a 2008 when the 2009 was released. The performance is much better than the comparably priced quad 2009, and can match the 2009 2xQuad in some cases. RAM is much cheaper for the 2008, and the slots are actually designed for the machine (gasp!).
So the performance can be better with the 2k9 for 2 technologies: Higher memory throughput and hyperthreading. Which does have benefits. Some test cases/benchmarks concluded that processes which are not designed for multithreaded execution can execute faster on a 2k8 (though Logic is designed for this). Coming from a dual G5, you'll be taking a great improvement. The potential for performance (and being on the bleeding edge of Intel's 2nd gen of hyperthreading) vs cost made it a really obvious decision. You can use the cash you saved for nodes. I venture it will take some time before 64 bit starts moving from the primary development arenas to you.
Oh yea - the 2008 had more favorable connectivity for my needs/kit.
According to the website, they are in stock here:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com
J

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TuningPeg wrote:
In order to fully understand what you just said to me... I had better find out what an 'Addictive Drum AU' is. I am quite teh newbie when it comes to digitally recording, either from a real instrument or a virtual one.
I am assuming that the Addictive Drum is fairly intense when it comes to the CPU? Are there many other virtual instruments that are hard on the CPU? For an average user I am assuming this will not pop up to often, correct?
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How Much Mac Do I Need? - Jump from G5 to MacPro w/LogicPro

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