Mac Pro migration questions

Just bought an 8-core Mac Pro. Wooo hoooo!
I'll be selling my G5, and I want to include the applications but of course not my files, passwords, etc. I thought I would just create a new user account, log in to that, and delete my old user account. Will that do it, or is there anything else I need to do?
Also, I'm thinking I want to put the OS X system & apps on one drive and the user directory and image files on another drive in my new MP. If I simply migrate my apps & user directory from my old Mac, everything will obviously end up on the same drive. So how can I move the home user directory to another drive without screwing up permissions, file access, etc?
Thanks.

If you're selling your old computer and it has private data on it you wouldn't want anyone else to get, then you should wipe the disk first and re-install the OS. If you just drag your files to the trash and delete, the buyer will be able to recover the data.
After you save your data off the old computer, pop-in the OS Install disk and boot from it. Run Disk Utility and select your hard drive in the left side of the Disk Utility window. On the right side chose Erase. Click the Security settings button and select an option that actually erases data. Depending on your paranoia level, select the option that securely erases your data to your satisfaction. Keep in mind that the lower down on the list of options you go, the longer it will take. It will probably take several hours depending on the disk size and which option you chose. Click OK and then click the Erase button. Then find something else to do while it wipes your disk clean.
When its done, you can begin the OS install process.
Did I mention don't forget to back up your data first?

Similar Messages

Zipper007: Mac Pro 2010 question

zipper007
*Mac Pro 2010 question*
I'm interested in Quad Core 2.8 model.
I cant find the details I want on it right now.
If in the future I decide to upgrade (couple of years)
If the parts are available, yes. But not a supported option.
You are on your own.
I use the daughter card and (2) processors from an 8 Core in my machine. Pull mine and add the upgrade?
You can't change from single to dual though.
My personal feeling is it may not make as much sense cost-wise or performance, and buy what you need. Or build PC of course.
http://www.apple.com/macpro/design.html
http://macperformanceguide.com/Reviews-MacProWestmere-Estimates.html
http://www.apple.com/macpro/specs.html

I know it can be done and has been... but I still think
A) you bought something less than retail that slanted the real cost
B) no warranty
C) due to other changes might not be worth it
Guy posted on Accelerateyourmac how they (and others, but not a lot really) upped 5100 to 5355 (taken from his HP server). Or that one person is having fan and temp problems.
If you want, go for it with the risks, or build a PC for goodness sake. But you have to do your own leg work, stepping, firmware, and Apple will never issue firmware updates for say 2008 to support anything new; or 2009. That is their business model, it isn't my model, and what I do is my business. I just can't see running OS X anymore.

New Mac Pro setup questions..

Hi,
Just pulled the trigger on a Mac Pro 3gh, 4gb, ATI 1900. I am going to that from a dual 1.42 quicksilver and had some questions.
It seems migration assistant may not be the best way to go. Is this true, should I reinstall everything? Is it possible to drag and drop apps to the new machine?
Is it possible to get mail info from another machine to the new one? I have an iMac at home that I have been using Mail with and would like all the email addresses on the new machine at work. My old setup, I was still using Enterouge (sp) and would like to use Mail like at home.
I have the stock 250gb drive and I need to figure out different drive scenarios. I recently bought two external 500gb drives before even thinking about a new system. I am a commercial photographer and one drive is a backup that lives offsite from my studio for protection. Should I mirror with an external?
Thanks for any help!
HD

This FAQ may be helpful:
A Basic Guide for Migrating to Intel-Macs
If you are migrating a PowerPC system (G3, G4, or G5) to an Intel-Mac be careful what you migrate. Keep in mind that some items that may get transferred will not work on Intel machines and may end up causing your computer's operating system to malfunction.
Rosetta supports "software that runs on the PowerPC G3 or G4 processor that are built for Mac OS X". This excludes the items that are not universal binaries or simply will not work in Rosetta:
Classic Environment, and subsequently any Mac OS 9 or earlier applications
Screensavers written for the PowerPC
System Preference add-ons
All Unsanity Haxies
Browser and other plug-ins
Contextual Menu Items
Applications which specifically require the PowerPC G5
Kernel extensions
Java applications with JNI (PowerPC) libraries
See also What Can Be Translated by Rosetta.
In addition to the above you could also have problems with migrated cache files and/or cache files containing code that is incompatible.
If you migrate a user folder that contains any of these items, you may find that your Intel-Mac is malfunctioning. It would be wise to take care when migrating your systems from a PowerPC platform to an Intel-Mac platform to assure that you do not migrate these incompatible items.
If you have problems with applications not working, then completely uninstall said application and reinstall it from scratch. Take great care with Java applications and Java-based Peer-to-Peer applications. Many Java apps will not work on Intel-Macs as they are currently compiled. As of this time Limewire, Cabos, and Acquisition are available as universal binaries. Do not install browser plug-ins such as Flash or Shockwave from downloaded installers unless they are universal binaries. The version of OS X installed on your Intel-Mac comes with special compatible versions of Flash and Shockwave plug-ins for use with your browser.
The same problem will exist for any hardware drivers such as mouse software unless the drivers have been compiled as universal binaries. For third-party mice the current choices are USB Overdrive or SteerMouse. Contact the developer or manufacturer of your third-party mouse software to find out when a universal binary version will be available.
Also be careful with some backup utilities and third-party disk repair utilities. Disk Warrior (does not work), TechTool Pro (pre-4.5.1 versions do not work), SuperDuper (newest release works), and Drive Genius (untested) may not work properly on Intel-Macs. The same caution may apply to the many "maintenance" utilities that have not yet been converted to universal binaries.
Before migrating or installing software on your Intel-Mac check MacFixit's Rosetta Compatibility Index.
Additional links that will be helpful to new Intel-Mac users:
Intel In Macs
Apple Guide to Universal Applications
MacInTouch List of Compatible Universal Binaries
MacInTouch List of Rosetta Compatible Applications
MacUpdate List of Intel-Compatible Software
Written by Kappy with additional contributions from a brody.
Here is a list of where your important data is stored ("~" stands for "Home"):
Your Data in Documents:
~/Library/Application Support/AddressBook (copy the whole folder)
~/Library/Application Support/iCal (copy the whole folder)
Also in ~ / Library/ Application Support (copy whatever else you need)
~/Library/Keychains (copy the whole folder)
~/Library/Mail (copy the whole folder)
~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.mail.plist (This is a very important file which contains all email account settings and general mail preferences.)
~ / Library/iTunes (copy the whole folder)
~ / Library/Safari (copy the whole folder)
~/ Pictures/iPhoto Library
If you want cookies:
~/Library/Cookies/Cookies.plist
~/Library/Application Support/WebFoundation/HTTPCookies.plist
For Entourage users:
Entourage is in Documents/Microsoft User Data
Also in ~ /Library/ Preferences/Microsoft
Why reward points?(Quoted from Discussions Terms of Use.)
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Members may reward you with 5 points if they deem that your reply is helpful and 10 points if you post a solution to their issue. Likewise, when you mark a reply as Helpful or Solved in your own created topic, you will be awarding the respondent with the same point values.

G4 to Mac Pro Migration Plan

I am thinking ahead to Monday when I will get my new Mac Pro and will be faced with the task of transferring everything to it from my Power Mac G4. I have used the Migration Assistant before and it works remarkably well but I plan to make this shift without using it. I have accumulated a lot of junk over the years and I need to do some house keeping in the process. I've also learned some lessons and hope to avoid past mistakes. I'm setting my plan down and putting it out for others to comment on in hopes of improving it.
G4 Preparations
- House clean. Clear all documents from the desktop by deleting folder aliases and filing or trashing documents.
- Check Applications and Utility folders and develop a priority list for reinstallation.
A - Install right away; 1 Critical for system operation, 2 Important, use daily
B - Install later
C - Questionable
- Download latest updates
- Check top level of all partitions for files that are mislaid.
- Check Applications (Mac OS 9) for applications that need to be reinstalled. (My Mac still has a separate OS-9 partition into which I can boot.)
- Verify/update my list of software registration IDs and keys, and print same as ready reference
Mac Pro Startup
- Conduct initial startup and checkout of computer, with the same username, long and short, as the old one.
- Insert the Apple Software installation DVD and reboot.
- Use Disk Utility to partition drive
- Reinstall System Software, using options to omit extra languages, fonts and stuff I do not need.
- Use software update for all Apple applications.
- Setup key System Preferences
- Add Technician and Root users
- Use NetInfo Manager to change UIDs and GIDs to align with current scheme. (This step is necessary for me to avoid permission problems. Mine are not the automatic assignments given by OS-X. I had to realign everything when I created a Guest user account and one for my wife on my PowerBook. - Long story.)
- Use Disk Utility to repair permissions
Software Installation and file transfer
- Use source files to install Category A applications with updates in priority order.
- Do updates immediately after initial installation of each
- Launch and enter registration information; note any problems but move on.
- T-boot G4.
- Use Synchronize X! Plus to transfer User files from G4 with review
- Drag and drop folders/files which are stored outside of User folder
- Dismount and shutdown G4
- Verify System Preferences for add ons such as Default Folder.
- Use Disk Utility to repair permissions
- Use Techtool Pro to create eDrive. Boot into eDrive and rebuild directory. Quit and restart into normal startup.
- Setup Retrospect.
- Restart G4 in normal mode on ethernet to use as needed
- Startup Classic and install OS-9 legacy applications; checkout applications and then shutdown Classic
- Use Font Book to check for and eliminate duplicate and unwanted fonts
Shift into normal operations

2) Forget about Mac OS 9/Classic… it's not supported
on Intel macs so don't even bother with this.
Hmmm. I wasn't aware of that. I have one critical OS-9 application, and two supporting classic applications, that will force me to keep the G4.
3) While I understand the enabling of the root user
you should have no reason to use NetInfo Manager
beyond this.
I have three computers and with the Mac Pro, it will be four. Before Tiger, permissions were not as persnickety but afterwards they became very picky. The initial user is given UID 501. So when I setup my wifes G5, she has UID 501. On my G4 I had UID 501. I was also UID 501 on my PowerBook but with a slighly different user name because I was careless when I set it up. When I added a Technician user account on my G4 and three user accounts on my PowerBook and began synchronizing files, with permissions between three computers, I started running into permission problems. Once I understood the source, I realized I had to rationalize users on all three computers. I used NetInfo manager and chown to get the same User IDs on all machines. Now my UID is 507, not the 501 automatically assigned by Mac OS to the first account.
- Install Mac OS X (full install as it'll have ample
space to not care about a few GB here and there) and
update all Apple software.
I'm not concern about the GB's. What I do not like are the extraneous cluter when I am looking for what I do want. I will never use any Chinese, Cryllic, etc. font. and they keep appearing in font lists if they are installed. I do not use several of the free Apple applications and I do not need them adding clutter to my applications folder.
- Once I'm happy with my Mac Pro, which will probably
take a week or so, I'll re-task my Mac mini into a
server. Only at that point will my mini be touched
unless I need it to actually do something.
I didn't think about cloning my Startup partition onto a firewire drive. I have been quite happy with using T-Boot. But the cloning is worth thinking about. Using T-boot means my email is down for a while but that is not important.
If I had a mini, I'd be keeping it as a server also. I'd like to keep my G4 for a similar purpose, and will need to keep it for the ability to shift to OS-9 but I'd like to get rid of it as a source of heat.

Considering a Mac Pro - Few Question

I am disappointed with my Intel iMac due to lack of USB ports (hubs don't work with some of my usb hardware) and the ridiculous audio/optical combo port. So I think I may go Mac Pro when Leopard is released. A few questions need to be answered if you would be so kind. A few caveats first...
A) Mac Pros are expensive for me, so I need to save money where I am able.
B) The Mac Pro will double as a media player for my Home Theater system. I have a connection for DVI and Toslink
OK, now the questions...
1. Does the Mac Pro come with the trays for the extra hard drives? I would like to purchase more drives separately. Can I do this, and what type of drives are used, SATA?
2. RAM from Apple is expensive. Is there a less costly alternative? It must be a dependable brand. Please include part number if available. Thanks!
3. Will reduction from 2.66 to 2.0 ghz make that much difference? I like grinding MP2 videos to H.264. Really, will it be worth the additional $264?
4. I can use both DVI or HDMI to go to my Home Theater system. Currently, starting the Home Theater changes the resolution on my iMac. I would like to avoid this. Should I get another NVIDIA GeForce 7300 GT, or will the dual port on the one card be able to be set to a different resolution output? I would like to be able to still work on my Mac while the kids are watching something in the theater.
5. As for audio, will I be able to run headphones, external speakers and optical out all at the same time? I am assuming yes, but just want to make sure.
6. I am also assuming the Mac Pros are quiet. Noise is one of my biggest enemies since I do quite a bit of audio work. I have not heard a single complaint regarding noise from Mac Pros. Are they that quiet?
Thanks in advance everyone!

4. I can use both DVI or HDMI to go to my Home
Theater system. Currently, starting the Home Theater
changes the resolution on my iMac.
You should be able to run different resolutions on the built-in display and external display if Mirroring is turned off in "Displays" System Preference.
I would like to
avoid this. Should I get another NVIDIA GeForce 7300
GT, or will the dual port on the one card be able to
be set to a different resolution output? I would like
to be able to still work on my Mac while the kids are
watching something in the theater.
The two DVI ports can run at different resolutions.
5. As for audio, will I be able to run headphones,
external speakers and optical out all at the same
time? I am assuming yes, but just want to make sure.
The optical out uses the same socket al the audio out, so you can't use both at once. You could add an iMic <http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/imic/> to get an additional audio output. There are also other PCI-Express, FireWire, or USB audio interfaces available.
You can also use an AirPort Express for audio output. It is designed for iTunes, but Airfoil <http://www.rogueamoeba.com/airfoil/mac/> will send any audio to it.
You may need Audio Hijack Pro <http://rogueamoeba.com/audiohijackpro/> for different applications to send audio to different, or multiple, outputs simultaneously.
You may also want to consider the Apple TV <http://www.apple.com/appletv/> for audio and video connections to your home theater.

Mac Pro Motherboard question

Hi, folks. I am new to the Apple community. I just ordered a Mac Pro and I am anxiously awaiting its delivery.
From my discussion with my salesperson, I came away with a question about the Mac Pro motherboard.
I ordered my Mac Pro with one quad 2.8 chip. I asked the salesperson if I would install another quad core chip at a later time. His answer was no; the motherboard is different when you order a single quad core vs dual quad cores.
I hope this is not the correct answer.
Thanks, in advance....

are you in the US? I think, it might be best to telephone Apple direct, as their offers and recycling and refund policies vary from country to country to comply with trading standards and other (e.g. EU regulations).
If it was EU law, the following applies:
1) the "shopkeeper" (Apple) offered a machine at a certain price.
2) you like the good and advise the shopkeeper that you are prepared to pay as asked and purchase the machine.
3) Apple accept your offer and sell the machine.
4) You accept the machine at the conditions of the sales offer and take it home
5) contract complete and UNLESS you were knowingly misled or the machine was not the one on offer as per 1, you are the legal owner and have no recourse to complaint.
Secondly, there is psychology: you will never ever be happy if you always look for better (my washing machine is 20 years old, but washes - and that is all I expect from a washing machine). Is your machine performing? Are you happy as such? If not, there is always something "better" and "improved". That is what the market economy want to make us believe.
I hope you achieve what you desire. The very best of luck.

Need help with G4 to Mac Pro Migration!

After buying my 2.66 GHz Mac pro, i followed the instructions as to how to start up the G4 in "Target Disk Mode" for migration. Was completely useless.
Whether clicking the button in the "Startup Disk" prefs, or holding down 'T' and restarting, i got the same results: My G4 system would restart but before anything appeared on the screen, it shut down and stayed.
I've been searching all over these forums and doing a lot of reading and experimentation. It sound like a lot of people aren't having good luck with the migration wizard anyway.
II did finally manage to get the Mac Pro to log onto the G4 with a cross-over cable. But i need to transfer a tremendous amount of data both from my primary account on the G4 and 3 non-boot internal drives.
Having to go through a public folder isn't going to cut it. .MAC isn't either.
Is there some way i can link up the two systems such that i can retrieve what i want from the G4's drives (without spending additional money).

Efforts to make "Target Disk" mode function didn't seem to go anywhere.
I did at last figure out how to get access to disks all disks on my G4 from my Mac Pro, however.
For those who may need to know it required these simple steps:
{1} I connected both systems to a hub (or DSL router in my case) via ethernet. Connecting the two machines with an ethernet crossover cable also worked, but of course my access to the internet was then unavailable.
{2} Opened TCP/IP in Network prefs on both machines and set them up identically according to my ISP's instructions, as always, but with differing IP addresses.
{3} Under the Services tab in Sharing preferences i checked the box to enable "Personal File Sharing"
{4} I then chose Connect to server... {command-K} in the Finder on the Mac Pro and entered the LAN IP address of the G4.
{5} At the login prompt i entered my G4 main account login & password information.
{6} When the window with my G4 system's name came up and asked which disk(s) to mount, i selected all of them and clicked { Ok }.
Presto. The G4 main drive, my 2 disk raid, my 4th disk, and my home directory all popped up on the Mac Pro Desktop.

Mac pro video questions

I'm thinking about getting one or more of the mac pro videos to supplement the logic manual in my attempt to get a better grasp of the program and its capabilities and am looking for some advice. Although I'm partially temped to just buy the whole bundle, adding $200 to the amount I'm spending on music gear in the next couple months (I'll be buying monitors and a firewire interface) is probably not a good idea, and there are some videos that I don't expect I'd use at all (at least not any time soon). Addionally, I am aware that a great deal can be learned through experimentation, but that a good course or reference guide will provide a much faster learning process for me, and teach me things I won't figure out on my own.
Basically, I'm trying to decide whether to simply get the 101 video or the producer's bundle. Here's a basic overview of what I've used Logic for so far, and what I expect to do in the near future:
-primarliy small projects--only a few minutes in length, no more than 12 tracks
-exclusively Logic's plugin instruments and effects thus far, but intend to start using some live audio as well (though VIs will still make up the majority of the music)
-I've started to work on a couple short student film projects, and plan to do more in the future--for right now, I'm content with scoring for smaller instrumentation while still developing compositional skills.
My big question is about use of the environment and whether or not I should get the corresponding video. I know that this is an extremely useful tool, and yet with what I've been doing so far, I haven't needed to deal with it. Perhaps I'm missing things that I could be doing using it for, but so far I've found that everything I've needed can be found in the audio mixer. I'm sure that somewhere down the road I'll want to be familiar with the environment's functions, but I'm not certain that I need it now with my current setup. If someone could clarify some of the environments uses that would be beneficial to my current needs, that would be super. This may determine whether or not I go for the producer's bundle.
I know the obvious answer is most likely "the bundles are worth the added expense," and would certainly agree, but I'm going into poor/in debt student mode soon, so I need to be careful. Thanks.

I guess the main issue here is whether I should get them all now or get them gradually. Obviously, the general feeling here is that I should just go for it, and given the money I'd save all around by getting the main bundle, it makes sense. However, I feel that, for the projects I've been working on until now and will have in the near future, there are videos I could do without. And given my financial situation (aka I work at a video store and will soon have massive student debt), it might be best to wait on those.
So I'm wondering how essential certain elements are to general versatility in using Logic, so I can decide whether or not I need them right away. For example, I'm planning on using the native instruments bundle for samples, so I'm not sure that I really need the EXS tutorial. And I've just realized that I do actually use the environment all the time, I just forgot that the audio mixer is technically part of it--so that tutorial would probably be very useful.
Hypothetically, if I were to choose 1 or 2 tutorials (in addition to 101) to buy, and given the general overview of how I've been using Logic, which ones should they be?

G4 to Mac Pro migration

I am getting a new Mac pro. I have a G4 tower with 10.5.5 on it. I am considering various migration procedures. Time is not a big consideration. I am a knowledgeable user.
1- I could use the migration assistant.
2- I could reinstall applications and manually move over documents.
3- I was really thinking of cloning the G4 HD or an external firewire drive which has a clone of the G4 HD to the Mac Pro HD. However is there any danger in this? Maybe the Mac Pro has pre-installed files that are specific to the Mac Pro. And are there formatting issues? Almost all my applications are universal but perhaps they are set up on the G4 for PPC.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I would keep Norton AV 10 ft or 10 miles away from Leopard and Intel Mac Pro. ClamXav maybe, even Intego AV leaves something to be desired.
Applications should not be migrated from a G4 PPC if they use an installer or use package and install in the top two level library folders. What can happen is system is sluggish or slower than normal or acts erratic. Hopefully that won't happen, but I always advise to clone a system first before updating - in any manner.

Just got a new mac pro - flashing question mark and more...

I wonder if anyone can help me solve this problem. i just bought a mac pro, turned it on and a flashing question mark blinked on the screen. i got on my mac book to search apple.com for the problem and it said to boot with the install disk and hold the c key. i did all that and now i cannot take out the disk. i'm still unable to select a startup disk either. i currently have a mac g5 and loved it but it is old am really surprised with having this problem. can anyone help?

If it's new and it does that, it's very likely a loose component. If you feel comfortable doing so, open the case, and make sure that the RAM is firmly seated in its sockets and the drive cables firmly connected to the drives and the circuit board. Also check the power cables to the drives.
Depending on how the computer was handled in transit, these things can get jostled loose, and loose RAM or cabling will give you what you observe.
The other possibility is an outright hardware fault. Though rare, there's always hardware that resides in the tail of the service-life bell-curve due to some manufacturing / material defect. Apple is historically excellent about replacing same. You need to contact AppleCare or bring the unit to an Apple store or authorized repair center.

New Mac Pro - some questions about setup and RAM

After debating between iMac and Mac Pro, I decided on a refurb SINGLE 2.8 quad-core Mac Pro.
Somewhere in these discussions (can't find it now) I thought I saw recommendations to zero out the hard drive and re-install the system when it arrives. Is this necessary?
Also, I plan to use the single processor savings to buy RAM. When I go to the Crucial site, they have a choice of RAM for 4-core or 8-core. Mine is only 4-core, but would I choose the 8-core option to get the correct RAM for 2008 models?
In general, when it comes to buying and installing RAM, should I follow the 8-core directions? Will having a single processor change anything to do with upgrades or expansion?
Thanks. Hope I didn't ask too much in one post.

Somewhere in these discussions (can't find it now) I thought I saw recommendations to zero out the hard drive and re-install the system when it arrives. Is this necessary?
No, that really isn't necessary. If you were prepping a new bare drive that had never been used or you were installing OS X on a drive that had once been used for Windows, then zeroing the drive is quite appropriate.
All the Mac Pros use the same type of RAM. The Late 2008 models use the faster PC2-6400 800 MHz RAM, but the other specs are the same - ECC, Fully buffered, heat sink. The RAM and installation is the same regardless of cores.
RAM should be installed minimally in matched pairs, optimally in matched quads. The following illustrations show how it should be installed:
Mac Pro memory arrangement photos
Mac Pro Memory Configuration

G5 User wanting to Move to a Mac PRO but questions

My G5 1.8Gz single processor mac still works but i can't do anything that I want. Specifically, 3D Graphics and animation. All the programs nowadays want a better Graphics card and better processor.
Even the Free DAZ Studio 3, needs a much better computer than i have.
My computer is quite old now i recognize that. And i'm really ready to upgrade but I don't want to spend tooo much money aside from the near 2400 for the mac pro.
1. Would i be able to keep my Current monitor?? I have an ACER flat screen and is connected to the G5 Tower. I bought it about 1 year ago, so it's not too old and it works perfectly.
2. Will programs that i use in the G5 work fine in the mac pro( which will have Snow Leopard?Utilities, MS Office,3D Graphics Poser 6 and DAZ Studio 3. i don't really use any CLASSIC ( macos 9) stuff. Just OS X programs.
and will all the files I have work ? I mean, i don't want to have my mac not recognize files
3. Since i don't really want to spend extra money. Will the base Quad Core mac pro which has 3 GB RAM be sufficient even though my current G5 has 4GB??? Will the Mac pro run better even though it's less GBytes than my current G5?
Ok I'm not a scientist or professional, just a hobbyest. Some may say that it would be better to just get an iMac. i know imacs are great and cheaper but i already have a monitor and i don't want to waste it and not use it.
Or would a Mac mini be better for me???? I"m attracted to the mac mini price.. But would i be able to connect my monitor and have enough options for connecting Firewire drives etc?( There's only one Firewire port)
And is the mac mini good enough for a 3D Graphics/animation hobbyetst?

1. You can definitely keep your current monitor when you move to a Mac Mini/Mac Pro. A DVI or VGA connection is standard and available from either with included adapters.
2. Programs should run fine using Rosetta on Snow Leopard. However, you will have to try your individual programs to find out. Many older programs have a few bugs running in Leopard/Snow Leopard, and any current machine will run Snow Leopard only.
3. Mac Mini versus Mac Pro: you're looking at two different classes of machine. 3D rendering requires powerful hardware unless you are very patient. Only you can decide if a Mini is fast "enough". I encourage you to go to an Apple store. They will (probably) be willing to let you install one of the programs you use on both a Mini and a Mac Pro to see how they run, or they may have something pre-loaded you can try. Then you can decide if the speed difference is worth the $ to you.
Since you're still using a G5 1.8 GHz, it sounds like you get long use out of your machines. The Mac Pro is much better positioned to last a long time. Minis tend to be more "a good solution until the next hardware upgrade" devices or home theater PCs.
Good luck; let us know what you choose and how it goes!

Early 2009 Mac Pro Memory Question.

I currently upgraded to 4GBx3 from OWC. I want to fill the last slot and contacted OWC. They told me that I had to purchase 2 modules as they are in pairs. Went to crucial and they said I could add a single 4GB. I am a little confused about this so looking to the community for assistance.
Stephen

Your sales rep at OWC needs to be sent back for re-training.
The 2009 and later Mac Pros have optimum memory performance when memories are installed in trios. The penalty for installing only two, in real-world performance terms, is about five percent. The penalty for installing four is smaller than five percent, and is generally swamped by the general increase in performance from having more memory.

Mac Pro Upgrading Questions!

Hello,
I have a 2007 model mac Pro with these specs:
2 x 2.66 GHz Dual-Core Intel Xeon Processor
6GB 667 MHz DDR2 FB-DIMM Memory
I work with a lot of AVCHD video footage and graphics, there is a lot of rendering involved and my computer can no longer handle such things without an inordinate amount of slowdown and waiting!
So! Do I upgrade my current machine or get a new Mac pro? Or an iMac? Refurbished or new? Quad core or eight? Forgive my basic Mac knowledge I would be hugely grateful for any insights or advice.
Thank you all.
(Also I wish to use FCP7 and Motion 4, I understand there are some problems using Final Cut Studio 2 with Lion, is this true?)

You can find a long thread on putting a pair of 5355s to get 8-core and nearly double performance. Some time and paitience but very popular and cheap to do now.
MacRumors Mac Pro
Mac Pro 2010 6-core 3.33GHz would be in $3500 ball park but I'd hold off and wait.
SSD boot drive
4 x 4GB RAM minimum
ATI 5770

Mac Pro - Config Questions

In anticipation of a newly updated Mac Pro line and in anticipation of me purchasing my first ever Mac Pro, having already had 2 iMacs, I was wanting to get some input from you fine folks here and tell me what is working well and perhaps even some hints on what to get and buy from in regard to RAM, internal hard drives and graphics cards, if there are some other options for graphic cards where I can save some money.

Sorry about leaving out my use of the Mac Pro.
I do plan on using 3rd party hard drives, RAM, etc and from all the reading I have been doing I AM planning on letting Apple install the bluetooth and wireless card for me since everyone points out it is tough to do on your own, etc. I was mainly wanting to know what 3rd party RAM and hard drives were working out for some of you, specify brand names if you would.
I will be using it to record music via Logic Pro 8, play games via Bootcamp and also work on video editing, capturing...so a bit of it all really and pictures of course.
How is the sound card in the Mac Pro by the way? I am finding that I am getting a bit of noise coming out of my analog output when playing the one game I like to play on the Windows side and a bit of crackle out of some tracks recorded on LP8. I am assuming the sound card is a bit better and of better quality than the one in the non-aluminum verison iMac? If it is the same, are you able to install sound cards such as the Creative X-Fi line as you can with PC's? I had an X-Fi Music card for my PC and it was nice sounded better than the onboard motherboard sound that I had on my VAIO.
Message was edited by: Freis1968
Message was edited by: Freis1968
Message was edited by: Freis1968

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