Mac Pro v iMac v High-end pc

Hi. I would like to switch from windows to mac because I like the software a lot better however I have some windows games that I would like to play and I would like to continue playing the latest windows games. So I could get a mac and install windows via bootcamp (I wont be using a mac or pc just for games) or I could get pc parts and assemble them (the cheaper option). So which option do you think I should go for and if it is a mac which mac should I go for the quad core mac pro,the 27 inch IMac with 3.4 ghz or wait until the new mac pro? Thanks and appreciate the feedback

Until recently I always owned a top of the line Mac tower, a PC I built myself, and a Mac notebook. Shortly after Apple released the Intel line of Macs, I bought a refurbed Mac mini solo core and later upgraded it to a dual core. One of the first things I did was install BootCamp (beta at that time) and WinXP. That pretty much put paid to my need to use my PC except for two games which needed a real graphics card, not Intel's integrated graphics. Both games were available on the XBox - I rented them to see how they played there. Sold the PC box.
When it came time to replace my Mac G5 tower I agonized over whether to shell out the huge bucks for a MacPro or pay considerably less for a top of the line iMac. I chose the iMac and just short of 4 years later I still have it. I'll probably replace it with the next iMac iteration.
I recommend that you search both here and at some game specific forums to see how Mac users feel about your particular Windows games in BootCamp. I've moved on from WoW, for example, but I wound up buying the Mac version because I had graphics issues with the Windows version in BootCamp. You might also want to take a look at console versions (where they exist) and see if they can replace your Windows versions. Some console versions actually work better (in my opinion) than their PC versions but that's not always the case and it is often a matter of personal opinion.

Similar Messages

Original Mac Pro vs. New High End iMac

I need some advice on whether to upgrade my system, based on the new iMacs just released. Here is what I currently own:
Mac Pro with two Intel 2.66 dual-core processors
(Early 2007 edition)
16x SuperDrive
6 GB of RAM
1 TB HD
ATI Radeon X1900 XT (512 MB)
23" Apple Cinema Display
I'm thinking of selling all of that and buying the new high-end 27" iMac...
2.66 GHz Intel Core i5
4 GB of memory (I'd upgrade it to 8 GB)
2 TB Hard Drive
ATI Radeon HD 4850 graphics card
27" display (included)
I've done the research and I would roughly break even. Cost is not a concern. The following factors are under consideration...
What is the performance difference between the 4 cores I have in the 2.66 Xeon vs the 4 cores in the Core i5?
My X1900 graphics card is not supported under Snow Leopard's OpenCL. The new HD 4850 would be.
I'd like to have the larger display (27" vs. 23") and the built-in video camera for iChat video conferencing.
I am not a professional user. I consider myself a high-end consumer user, primarily doing HD video editing with iMovie, some video encoding with Handbrake, and "prosumer" work with RAW files in Aperture. The rest is basic use- such as email, internet, etc.
I would love to have some objective advice on this decision!
Thanks....

If performance of the current system is acceptable, I would keep it and use it as long as possible. You have the capability to do things like replace the display (with a new one of your choosing), upgrade the video card, and add additional internal SATA drives. Having additional internal storage at SATA speed, and using separate drives to store OS/apps and user data, will increase your system's productivity.
When performance of your Mac Pro is no longer acceptable, get a new Mac Pro.

Mac Pro vs iMac

Yesterday, talking with a couple of Pi memebers, one remarked that they were
waiting on the the release of the new OS, and then planned to buy a new quad
whatever MacPro.
I remarked that that had been my plan, but that now I was thinking about a new
iMac instead.
My friend, like me who do a lot of video stuff, reacted -- 'Why would you even
consider that, the 'quad' machines are so much faster.'
I said, something to this effect: Yes, I'm sure that the MacPros are faster --
for pros, for whom time is money, e.g., who do a lot of heavy duty lifting (you
can see how technical I am), but for us, whose biggest demand is rendering or
compressing at most an hours worth of video, the time difference would be
measured in seconds, not minutes nor hours, yet the cost difference would be
measured in hundreds of dollars.
My question is this: if, in the most extreme case, we'd be
rendering/compressing a bit of video, is there a 'substantial' difference in
the proformance of a Mac Pro vs an iMac. Let's assume for the sake of this
question, that we'd beefed up the iMac, e.g., added ram, got the best video
card, etc.
Can anyone offer any insights, or point me to a site the offers comparisons (I
can understand)?
Thanks,
Hal
PS: My search led me to sites such as this, but I don't know enough to know how
to judge his comments:
http://blog.crankybit.com/mac-pro-vs-imac/

I intend to wait at least until Leopard emerges from the shadows to purchase my first Mac. But until that moment in time arrives, there is not a single day that goes by where I do not mentally review many of the Mac products...periodically going back and forth between the lower-cost systems and the higher-cost ones.
Like you, I recently (over the last few days) began leaning towards the iMac instead of the Mac Pro Quad-Core product that initially captivated my consumer interest. I am primarily music-oriented (Logic Studio will be my first add-on software product) but I also have an interest in getting into video-production later on down the road perhaps initially as an amateur hobbyist but without ruling out future career possibilities in that field. But cost-wise, when I saved my shopping cart at apple.com that had a maxed-out (beefed-up) iMac and compared it to my previously-saved cart with the 3.0GHz Quad-Core Mac Pro, there was not that big of a price difference between the two (as long as I did not get carried away with filling each Mac Pro hard drive bay with 750 GB HD'S). I am referring to a difference here of around $1000 to $1500 depending mainly on my selection of hard drives (how many and what sizes). 4 GB of RAM was a minimum for both carts but have you noticed how much more they charge to upgrade RAM for an iMAC ($700 to go from 2 GB to 4 GB on an iMAC compared to $699 to go from 1 GB to 4 GB of RAM on a Mac Pro)? And I could be wrong but I think that lots of RAM would be helpful when it comes to digitally editing video whether one is a pro or not.
But then I began researching (mainly at wikipedia.org + googling) the different types of processors used in each of these systems and the more I read online about the ones found in Mac Pro's...
"Processors: Two dual-core Xeon 5100 Series ("Woodcrest" Core microarchitecture with EM64T instruction set) processors at 2.0, 2.66 or 3.0 GHz, or two quad-core Xeon 5300 Series ("Clovertown") processors at 3.0 GHz"
...the more I realized that for a little bit more money (relatively speaking) than an iMAC, I can get the superior processing power offered by the amazingly robust and exceedingly powerful Xeon 5300 Series "Clovertown" processors plus an expandably-friendly hardware interface that is inherently included in the Mac Pro's superbly ingenious design structure as opposed to paying a little bit less to get something that I am very likely to "outgrow" within a short period of time.
Rumor has it that Benjamin Franklin would make a written list of all the pro's and con's affiliated with different decisions he needed to make. I have not done this yet but this might be a good way to see in black and white before my very eyes all of the positives and negatives affiliated with each of the Mac products I am presently considering to purchase. By negative, I mean things like "more expensive"..."not expandable"...etc. Oh yeah. I almost forgot to mention (if I am remembering correctly) that he would count up the number of pro's and con's (pluses and minuses) and then use that data to assist him in reaching a final decision.
When all is said and done for me, I shall most likely choose to invest in the latest technology that I won't need to upgrade at least for three years (when my Mac Pro extended warranty expires). But like I said at the beginning, I do find myself being tossed about daily upon the dreaded sea of indecision.
So, here are my suggestions to you:
1) Try saving different shopping carts with different products to make it easier for you to see how much you will save between your choices and then compare what those price differences mean as far as what you are getting for your money.
2) Continue to ask around as you are doing here to get input from others to assist you in your personal evaluation process. Also, do your own independent research online since many helpful articles are only one google-click away.
3) Remember not to be solely influenced by the numbers (tech specs) that are displayed by each product. Unlike the Xeon 5100 "Woodcrest" or quad-core 5300 "Clovertown" processors used in the Mac Pro, iMACs use a:
"2.0GHz or 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, or 2.8GHz Intel Core 2 Extreme processor".
This is not to say they (the Core 2 Duo processors) are not good, but it would be both reasonable and fair to say that they are different from what the Mac Pro uses and IMHO based on all that I have learned so far, the quad-core Xeon 5300 Series "Clovertown" processors are the best I could ever hope to have at my personal disposal when typing various commands for them to faithfully follow and expeditiously execute.
But I do stress this final point about the different processors being used (if not the main point of my response to your posting) only because early on in my preliminary research, I did not even realize that there are different types of processors being used in the different categories of Mac products currently on the market.
If I knew more about cars, I would use an engine analogy here but I am not mechanically inclined so I won't even try. Instead I would simply say that I do not want my spontaneous creativity to be hindered by technology that lags behind me.
Be of good cheer for Leopard should soon appear sometime this year although the exact day remains rather unclear!

If I buy the Mac pro and iMac combine it together would it be faster?

If I buy the Mac pro and iMac combine it together would it be faster or I just buy the mac pro and Apple Thunderbolt Display (27-inch)?

If you buy a Mac Pro 2013, use the iMac for casual stuff and use the Mac Pro for media creation work.
Maxed out iMac with 4-core 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD PCIe is nice.
Mac Pro with 6-core 64GB dual graphics for $1000 more might run rings around it.
Why not look them both up on Geekbench.
Some people really need and like having two systems, maybe laptop (Air) and a more powerful system.

Transfered files from Mac Pro to iMac OS10.7. Copied bookmarks using "backup and restore" from "Organize bookmarks". File copied correctly as bookmarks 10-10-11.jsom, but would not restore on new iMac.

Transfered files from Mac Pro to iMac OS10.7. Copied bookmarks using "backup and restore" from "Organize bookmarks". File copied correctly as bookmarks 10-10-11.jsom, but would not restore on Firefox on new iMac.

Firefox 2 versions use the file bookmarks.html to store the bookmarks.
See http://kb.mozillazine.org/Backing_up_and_restoring_bookmarks_-_Firefox
See also http://kb.mozillazine.org/Transferring_data_to_a_new_profile_-_Firefox
With Mac OS X 10.4 you can use Firefox 3.5 or 3.6
* http://www.mozilla.com/firefox/all.html
* http://www.mozilla.com/firefox/all-older.html
*http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/system-requirements.html
*http://www.mozilla.com/firefox/system-requirements-v3.html

Is my Mac Pro the cause of high pitch monitor noise?

I am encountering a faint but persistent high pitch noise through my Yamaha HS-50M monitors when my Edirol FA-66 interface is plugged into my computer via firewire ca ble.
I've read all these threads which sound very similar to my issue and have tried all the pertinent recommendations presented so far:
Monitor buzzing noise NEED HELP!
Help fixing signal hum/mouse coming out of monitors?
Electric shocks and Noise in a home studio
KVR :: View topic - Interference question. Computer and external audio interface
Just to be clear, my problem is similar but not identical to the problems listed in the threads above. Mouse movement or computer activity doesn't effect the monitor noise I'm hearing at all, it is merely a constant sustained high frequency tone that's emitted from my monitors when my FA-66 interface is plugged into my MacPro via firewire cable. My speakers are silent (aside from their own self noise) so long as my FA-66 isn't connected directly to my computer. Even when my FA-66 is powered on via its AC adaptor but not connected to my computer via firewire cable there is no added noise in my monitors. It's just when I make the firewire connection between my interface and my computer that the high pitch noise appears in my monitors.
I used to run my Edirol off of my older MacBook and never had this issue. I just recently upgraded to a new MacPro and am encountering this issue for the first time.
Since the noise is eliminated when I disconnect the firewire cable from my interface, I believe the sound is being caused by interference from my computer, which is then transmitted through my firewire cable into my interface.
My setup is this:
Grounded Wall Outlet > Furman Power Conditioner > MacPro Desktop Machine > Edirol FA-66 > Monitors
I am using TRS-XLR Mogami Speaker cables to connect my interface to my monitors and am using Mogami cables throughout my system.
All of my audio gear is being powered through my Furman power conditioner: my computer, my FA-66 interface via its AC adaptor (not firewire bus powered), my speaker monitors, and all my other audio equipment.
I don't believe I'm picking up interference from any of my other cables and wiring and this doesn't seem like a grounding issue. Like I mentioned, the noise is gone when I disconnect the firewire cable from my FA-66 interface.
I do have some other hardware in my setup (my computer screen monitor, a USB hub, AC power supplies and cords to power external hard drives, a lamp) that are receiving power from a separate surge protector strip plugged directly into a different wall outlet than the one my Furman conditioner is plugged into. I don't believe any of these other devices are the cause of the interference noise because when I unplug all these items from their respective wall outlet, I still hear the exact same noise when my FA-66 is plugged into my computer via firewire cable.
All signs seem to point to my firewire cable and/or my computer.
Originally I started with a different firewire cable and swapped it out for a newer and higher quality, gold-plated firewire cable meant to cut down on interference. This cable swap did help reduce some of the noise my monitors were picking up, but did not eliminate it entirely.
I then invested in some ferrite core clamps and placed those around each end of my firewire cable (one right by my computer's firewire port & one right by my FA-66's firewire port). This helped a little more but did not eliminate the high pitched sound entirely, just made it even quieter. The hole diameter of the ferrite core clamps is slightly larger than the diameter of my firewire cable, however, and I'm going to order more clamps with a smaller hole diameter that will ensure a snugger fit around my firewire cable. Do you think this may help things more?
I also lifted the grounding pin in my Edirol, tied a copper grounding wire around it and connected the other end to my MacPro's metal case with alligator clamps in an effort to better ground the two suspect pieces in the chain. This seemed to have little to no effect beyond what the ferrite cores were able to clean up. (I got this idea from the GS thread contained in the first link above.) I don't know much about hardware electronics but thought I would try this out just to see if it would help. The fact that it didn't help, to me, seems to reaffirm that the system is grounded properly, because if it weren't I would have possibly noticed an improvement by making a grounded connection between my interface and computer. Please correct me if I'm wrong about this.
I even tried plugging my Furman power conditioner into an entirely different wall outlet, but this didn't change things at all. I do have one more unused wall outlet I can try but don't think this will make much of a difference because I'm 99.99% sure this isn't a grounding problem and that the sockets I'm using are properly grounded. My Furman isn't registering anything abnormal and seems to be functioning properly.
As of right now I've been able to make significant improvement to the noise problem and have eliminated it by 90%. The high pitch noise through my monitors is virtually eliminated but I still notice a faint bit of added noise when interface is powered on and connected to my computer via firewire versus when the firewire cable is disconnected.
Could my MacPro be outputting some kind of interference which is being picked up by my firewire cable and transmitted to interface and monitors? I've read that sometimes a computer's power supply unit can output a large amount of EMI or dirty electrical interference. It seems surprising to me that Mac's professional desktop machine would cause a fundamental issue like this though, especially since it is designed for being able to work in a professional audio recording setup.
Any other ideas people can provide as to what may be causing my added interference and how to treat it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your help!

What kind of sound card are you using exactly? It seems like you're sound card is picking up EMI or RFI from your computer when it's plugged into a wall outlet. Are you using a power conditioner in your setup to help clean up your power supply?
Try googling EMI & RFI, there are many online resources which detail how to troubleshoot and deal with these problems. http://www.arrl.org/radio-frequency-interference-rfi
I finally solved my problem by upgrading to a higher quality audio interface (Focusrite Pro 40). This was able to cut out the high frequency RFI signal being output from my MacPro computer. I get the feeling many of Mac's higher end computers tend to output dirty electrical signals which is why so many people have this similar problem.
Try cleaning up your power supply, then maybe use different, higher quality sound cards or interfaces with your setup to see if the issue gets solved. The problem most likely lies with your computer and if you can get a high quality interface that can cut out the noise, that may be your only solution. It worked for me.
Good luck!

Advice on what Mac to get? Thinking about either a Mac Pro or iMac...

I am a graphic designer. I have a Power Mac G5 (older model before Intel) at home. I love it! Want to upgrade but it works for now. Anyways at work (I am the only designer) everyone uses a PC (including me) but I am getting my Christmas gift. They will be ordering me a new Mac! Problem is I'd like some advice as to what I should get. I was originally thinking of the Mac Pro G5 (tower) but then started wondering if an iMac would be a better option. Most of what I do is Adobe Creative Suite programs (but currently I have so many problems with it taking forever to open and save some of the files I am working with especially in Illustrator I am working on a map that is about 21,000 KB). We will be upgrading to CS4. I want to get something that will last for several years and speed up my time. I become impatient when having to wait on my computer to save or edit something. Also, is there any advice on connecting to a windows network. I am not an IT type and everyone here is familiar to Windows. Thanks!

FGNWDesignDiva wrote:
I want to get something that will last for several years
Mac Pro is the only answer. And like already said, hold on for end January and MacWorld Expo to see what might come along. Intel promises great things in the next few months, the floating point arithmetic spec for the new Intel Nehalem processors show nearly a 100% increase in speed from the current top-end Penryn processors:
http://www.techradar.com/news/computing-components/processors/world-exclusive-in tel-s-dual-socket-nehalem-ep-platform-benchmarked-487131
And you may start to see 4-core processors even in the iMacs. This is the Intel way forward, more cores, 6 cores, 8 cores, up to 80 cores, but little increase in clock speed over 3GHz.
Can't promise Mac Pro will get the new processors in January, could be Snow Leopard time, a very late xmas present then.

Buying a second hand mac pro or iMac?

After a fan failure (leaving the HD the only part that hasn't been replaced), I do worry about my 2009 Macbook Pro's longeivity and if it's worth picking up another machine for audio work or not. My concern is if I end up doing something like putting an SSD in my Macbook Pro and then the logic board fails or something, it's just wasted money.
Can't really go for a new machine, as I cant afford it, still use Logic 8, still use OSX 10.6.8 and have invested in a decent Firewire interface, so I'll need an older machine and was thinking a desktop would be more beneficial and then I can just use my MBP for other things and run it into the ground.
Options are either a 2009 Mac Pro or a 2011 iMac. This will be solely for home studio purposes, where I run average sized projects (20 tracks minimum) and do some multitrack recording etc. My laptop has 8GB RAM, 2.53gHZ processor and can generally hold on OK (occasional system overloads with CPU intensive plug-ins) so I won't need once that's fully decked out but something that will hopefully keep me going for a few more years.
Obviously my main concerns when buying an older computer is how long they last, so I'd be interested to hear from people about their experience with buying second hand computers of a similar age/spec. The iMacs tend to run slightly cheaper, but are running a similar spec to my current laptop (obviously the processor in the iMacs is a quad core) but the Mac Pros allow a lot more flexibility in upgrading.
I'm definitely a 'run things into the ground' kind of guy and am still very happy using an old version of Logic etc so upgrading that kind of stuff isn't something I'm particularly interested in doing unless it's a last resort. Understandably, I don't want to shell out for a 2009 Mac Pro which could have everything fail on me a year down the line, but I don't feel the need to have the most current spec computer.

2009 MacBook Pro:
putting an SSD in my Macbook Pro and then the logic board fails or something, it's just wasted money.
In the 2009 MacBook Pro model, SSD is installed as a 2.5" drive with a standard SATA interface in a little metal can. It is not a "throw away". That drive that can be adapted to a sled in a Mac Pro 42 lb silver tower, or placed in an external enclosure for use with any Mac. (Macs can boot from any specified drive, internal or external.)
SSD uses less power, and is completely silent, and fast. Did I mention that practically all of them are fast?
The Mac Pro (42 lb silver tower) can continue to be upgraded slightly and will keep working as long as you are willing to keep it in good repair. It is more compelling if you need Large memory, add-on cards, or multiple-processor speed. 2009 model Mac Pro 4,1 and later are superior. Do not pay money for a model older than the 2009 model.
In my opinion, the iMac, with its more limited upgrade possibilities has the same problem as buying an acoustic piano for your home. ¿In a few years, will I own a really awful mechanism inside a great piece of furniture [great display]?

Mac pro vs imac vs mbp

I'm in the market for a new home setup and was wondering what opinions are for mac pro, imac, etc.
I currently have a 2009 mbp with 6 gb ram and use it to mostly run cs5, streaming videos, and copy large files.
I was wondering if it would be beneficial for me to get a mac pro and if it would give me that much more speed and performance running cs5. I have already a nice external monitor which i use for photo editing. While I like the power and expandibility of the MP i like the high resolution 2560x1440 screen of the imac and its a simpler setup, albeit will become obsolete faster. Still ***** not to be able to put a ssd in the imac unless pre -ordered.
Basically wanted to get opinions on the new mac pros, imacs, and also how they compare to the new mbp which i hear at quad core i7 may outperform the base mac pro (they also now allow 16 gb ram)...is it a good time to buy or are updates expected....

Did you look at today's threads? Save us having to repeat the same over again.
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3057371?tstart=0
Mac Pro Vs 17" Macbook Pro
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3056404?tstart=0
So long as there is enough memory for Photoshop CS5 to use, the new 2011 MacBook Pro quad-core offers outstanding performance approaching that of the Mac Pro.
Results With Photoshop CS5
To understand CS5 on a Mac Pro you really want to study this section:
Strange but True: Photoshop CS5 Performance
More cores, more RAM, not always more performance
some want a laptop to take to clients and dont' want 60 lbs. An iMac top of the line can definitely do a lot more now.
ANALYSIS of the 2011 iMac
SHOOTOUT: Four 2011 iMacs

New Mac Pro vs iMac for 3D/Gaming/Development

I have a dilema
I have been eagerly waiting to find out the specs of the New Mac Pro in order to purchase one for an all in one development machine but I can't quite make up my mind.
I am a 3D Artist and a Programmer and a game player. For 3D I use 3D Studio Max and VRay which is a realtime renderer (which I use to speed up visual workflow before rendering to the CPU) and this makes use of GPU Rendering, specifically CUDA but OpenCL is also supported in later versions, Unfortunatly Shader Units on AMD cards seem to run at half the speed of NVidia CUDA cores from reading various sources on the web. So thats a negative against the Mac Pro (Boot camped into windows of course)
The programmer side of me writes iOS Apps and OSX apps so any Mac will do here.
The gamer side of me plays cutting edge titles like the upcoming Call of Duty Ghosts.
So, my choices are a fully maxed out 27" iMac with 1TB Flash drive, 32GB ram and the NVidia GTX 780M with its 4GB ram vs a D500 6 core Mac Pro with 512Gb PCI-e Flash storage + monitor
I want to stay with Apple because I prefer their software and support (I wish Max was available on OSX!).
Is it unlikely that the Mac Pro will offer a CUDA based graphic option like the iMac? it doesnt have to be Quadro based as I find the 4GB GTX 7,8 series are fine for <5 million poly scenes and that with the multicore Mac Pro would make it a great choice for what I need.
Thanks for any help
Anim

From a 3D Artist perspective, this review helped me understand quite a bit regarding the technology behind OpenCL with NVidia vs OpenCL with AMD and the New Mac Pro
http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2013-06/13/mac-pro-overview
It seems my only options are to use an external thunderbolt enclosure with a GPU in it (e.g. a Titan) and hope it performs ok, plead with the Chaos Group to work on OpenCL with AMD (again) to make VRay support AMD or buy a PC and do what I want. I will also need to get an iMac for iOS development but wont need the top end one if going this latter route,
Thanks
Anim

Mac Pro versus IMac for a print graphic designer

I use CS 5.5 Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Acrobat along with Excel and Word all open at once. I find that every 3 years I have to get anew computer. I'm in the market again and owndering if I should spend the extra for a Mac Pro or if I should get a 16 GB Imac? Any advice greatly appreciated.

A Mac Pro you won't outgrown like you do with laptop and iMacs.
People are still going strong on 2006 models; some have replaced processors, RAM and hard drives are normal and easy as is an upgrade to video cards. And you have access with 2009 and later model with 64GB RAM
Recommendation for 24-48GB RAM:
http://www.macperformanceguide.com - check topics and look for memory and CS5 there are tips and info on MacBook Pro too which are - when new and for the moment, fully capable for many as the late 2011s - but by the end of the year there will be new processors from Intel across the board and make the next line of macbooks and others more performance.

Mac Pro Fans run extremely high!

Hello,
I'm a video editor working within Adobe Premiere Pro CC, and I edit all kinds of footage from DSLR all the way up to RED 5K. I have a Mac Pro (5,1), 6-Core 3.33Ghz with 32GB of DDR3 ECC 1333 MHz RAM. Also in there is a GTX 770 Graphics card with 4GB on board RAM, and a RAID controller.
The problem is that my system fans are CONSTANTLY kicking up to high gear. Whether I'm doing intensive or unintensive work with any kind of footage. It's always within premiere when they kick on. If I put the system to sleep they all go back to normal, but usually kick back on. It is terribly frustrating.
My system is out in the open, plenty of vintilation, and relatively dust-free.
Recently swtched graphics cards from a Quadro 4000 to this GTX, thinking the Quadro was the culprit, but the problem persists.
I've attached two screen shots of SMC Fan Control before and after the fans kick up to full speed. I don't know anything about the layout of these fans, or what does what. I also can't seem to run Apple Hardware Test to see if everything is fine...I try pressing the D key when booting up, but it just regularly starts up. Any other way to test the hardware?
I realize the graphics card will heat things up a bit, but this still seems abnormal. Can anybody help me troubleshoot? Or at least provide an explanation of the fan layout of the Mac Pro, or list some recommended fan speeds? I just can't seem to figure this thing out.
Thank you so much.

beauleland wrote:
I realize the graphics card will heat things up a bit, but this still seems abnormal. Can anybody help me troubleshoot? Or at least provide an explanation of the fan layout of the Mac Pro, or list some recommended fan speeds? I just can't seem to figure this thing out.
Thank you so much.
It does look abnormal, especially if Activity Monitor doesn't show any processes using much of the CPU's capability. Keep in mind that going full blast, your CPU can show up to 1,200% usage in Activity Monitor (six cores, two threads each).
First, we both have the same Mac Pro with the same amount of RAM. Based on Temperature Gauge (from the App Store), the intended minimum and maximum speeds for the fans are PCI - 750/4500, PS - 750/2800, Exhaust 750/2800, Intake 600/2800, BOOSTA 800/4000.
Working up, the Intake fan is at the bottom of the front grill. The Exhaust fan is at the back end at the same level. You've had the processor tray out. Inside the processor block (the box behind the DIMM slots with horizontal fins) is BOOSTA. There'd be a BOOSTB if you had two CPU's. Those three (or four) fans cool the CPU and RAM. Above all that is the PCI fan, which is set in a bit from the grill and, for some reason, doesn't fill it's space at the front so, theoretically, the air could blow into the PCIe area, make a U turn around the right side and go back through the fan again. Finally, behind the optical drive bay is the PS and the fan is at the front of the PS. There's also a fan on the video card, and I've never seen a monitor which could show that fan's speed or temperature.
I keep an eye on smcFanControl's temperature reading in the menu bar and when it heads north of 100ºF I start going to one of the higher fan speed settings I've established. That's probably being over-cautious but I like my Mac Pro. And if the fans can't do the job, it's time to blow the dust out, and that includes the dust inside the video card.
Hope that helps some.

Connecting mac pro to Imac for screen share.

I have connected my mac pro to my Imac so i can use the Imac sceen. I hooked directly with a dvi cable. The Imac screen is
immediately "taken over" by the mac pro when I make the connection. My question is, is there a way to disconnect without having
to physically unplug the connection?

See if there is anything in this Link...
Using 27” iMac as External Display
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3924?viewlocale=en_US

Connect Mac Pro to iMac

I have a Mac Pro 1.1 with a fried video card. Can I connect the Mac Pro to an iMac via FireWire to read/copy the files?

Your iMac does not support Target Display mode
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht3924#4
hus yo will have to use screen sharing
OS X Mavericks: Share your screen
or this program
ScreenRecycler
Yo wil need a real dis[play to set the Mac Pro up

Upgrade to Mac Pro or iMac?

Hi all,
I am a photographer and am also considering working my way into producing small video and multimedia projects for clients and the web.
I am considering upgrading my system (powermac G4 dual 1.25, 1.75 GB ram). Can anyone offer some input on upgrading to the new iMac 24" vs a Mac Pro tower + separate cinema display? Upgrading to the iMac would certainly be more cost effective.
Thanks in advance for any input.
Regards,
Dennis

mikecorp wrote:
I'm trying to do my homework. I'm in desperate need of new machine. I'm doing video and photographs, and deciding between Imac 24' in 3.06 Mhz (maybe Nehalem soon) and Mac Pro.
I have a question. How easy is to upgrade processors?
I think the G4 generation with all the multiple upgrade choices we had was a unique time. It will generally cost less to sell your current machine and buy new with these intels. And your only choice will be intel. How much are 8-core 3.2s selling by themselves at the moment anyway?
Where do you buy new hard drives?
i'm sure theres a vendor in europe somewhere thats competitive and apple friendly. I sure would like to see them speak and round out these discussions. As it is, all i can personnally suggest is OWC
otherworldcomputing.com
they ship to europe, and have good prices on RAM, hard drives, cards, whatever.
I would like to have minimum 8 GB ram.
i do believe we are now talking exclusively about the macpro.
I checked Apple store and that is a bit pricey.
Absolutely. Don't buy your RAM from apple. Buy always the least in the inital configuration, then buy third pary that __offers a LIFETIME warranty__
How noisy is Mac Pro?
When i first turned mine on, i wasn't even sure it WAS on. I couldn't hear anything.

Mac Pro v iMac v High-end pc

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