New Mac Pro (2010) Configuration for Photoshop

Multiple questions for this august body of knowledge holders...
Consider the following problem statement:
---->> "To purchase a new Mac Pro as a *Photoshop / Aperture* rocket sled."
Now the questions:
1 Is the 6 core 3.33 GHz option the best CPU option? Can Photoshop make use of more (slower) cores?
2 What about the video card? Stock card (ATI Radeon HD 5770) Or are there gains to be had springing for the upgrade (ATI Radeon HD 5870)?
3 What about RAM - go for 24GB (8GB modules) or 32GB? Apple says limit is 16GB, aftermarket seems to think 32GB is limit (4GB vs 8GB modules) ( I've heard some say use only the first three RAM slots - the 3rd and 4th slot use the same bus and are therefore slower...true? )
4 Last question: Storage. Who makes the most reliable hard (2TB) drive? Seagate? WD? Other?
Thanks, in advance, to all those who provide brilliant advice!

I think it depends on your needs as to what will be optimal.
No to PS being very well threaded at all.
So GHz rule. So do SSDs! and RAM helps as long as you work with large files.
3 x 8GB is fine. Apple never lists the max RAM or drive capacity.
$200 BTO for 5870 now rather than later.
Hitachi, OWC SSD, WD.
http://macperformanceguide.com/index_topics.html
Even the 4-core 3.2GHz might do just fine and better $$ investment.
Or this 3.33 2009 Special
http://store.apple.com/us/product/G0G81LL/A?mco=MTcyMDg3MDQ
http://twitter.com/diglloyd

Similar Messages

Sond problems on new Mac Pros (2010)??? Buying new tower advice.

Hi all!!!
Has any one here have sound problems with the new Mac Pros (2010)??? I hear they
still have sound "pops" or something like that as with the 2009 MP. I'm looking
to buy a new MP since my G5 tower just died today (RIP) so need a new tower but need
to know if this sound issue is still there. BTW any advice on what I should buy for my next tower
would be welcomed too!!! I have a 2.5mhz LC G5 and I basically work with Photoshop, iMovie, Final
cut Express and almost every thing else and games too. I herd that the single 6 core (3.33mhz) is
a wise choice compared to a 12 core. Can I still use my 10.5 OSX (PPC) on the new Tower and then
update it to 10.6? Will be getting 12gigs of ram from OWC, NOT paying $1000+ to get 12 gigs from
Apple. Can I still use my 1.5GB/s(speed) hard drives? I know that the Mac Pros uses the 3Gb/s HD if
so I could fill the Mac Pro with my 2 G5's HD.
Thanks for any advice!!!!
Serge
Message was edited by: Serge Lebel

Hey there!!
Why would Apple continue offering that vid card in the store as an option and still talk about
it in the Mac section of it's web site???? Are you sure it's not the PC version of the 5870? I didn't
read any info on the net about it (AppleInsider, MacRumours etc...) I've just made a search on Yahoo
and Google and it says that it affects the 5770 too and what I could read it's PC related here's the
clip:
"+*AMD has confirmed that a previously reported issue of grey lines or screens with certain Radeon HD 5000 GPUs affects both the 5700 and 5800 series.*+
+Earlier this week, it emerged that many 5000 series users were experiencing problems with crashing and grey or colored lines appearing on his or her display. The grey screens and hangups were occurring while users were gaming, watching movies or in some cases, when the computer was just sitting idle.+
+When users contacted customer service they were told the issue was caused by a *Windows 7 update*. ATI recommended a clean install of the graphics card driver as a possible fix, stating this had solved some users problems. The ATI Catalyst 10.1 release notes (published Wednesday) note the problem as a known issue; however, *it's described as a problem affecting users of all versions of Windows and not just Windows 7.*+
+Today Dave Erskine, an AMD spokesperson, informed us that, "only a small number of ATI Radeon HD 5800 series and ATI Radeon HD 5700 series cards are exhibiting the behavior," and that the team is closing in on a fix for the apparently software related issue.+
+"The team is testing a driver hotfix and initial tests indicate that it resolves the issue," Mr Erskine said. "We need to test it further but we expect to make the hotfix available shortly."+
So I don't think its Mac related. Thanks for the info but still getting that Vid card anyway.
Thanks

Having big problems with my new Mac Pro, when I launch Photoshop CC, I get an error message, can carry on but after a few tasks it starts going gar... menus go blank, when you try to save it shows a blank box.... can anybody help?

Having big problems with my new Mac Pro, when I launch Photoshop CC, I get an error message, can carry on but after a few tasks it starts going gar... menus go blank, when you try to save it shows a blank box.... can anybody help?

when I launch Photoshop CC, I get an error message
and what exactly is the text of that error message?

Best Mac Pro (2013) configuration for photo editing/processing?

Hi all,
I couldn't find a reliable answer to this in my searching here or on google, hence I'm posting it here.
I'm going to buy and upgrade to the new mac pro when it's announced this month (Dec 2013). My primary use will be photo processing in photoshop.
Configuring it with 64gb RAM is the no-brainer part. And probably a 512gb or 1TB flash drive too.
The bit I'm unsure about is whether to opt for the 6 core processor option over the quad core? For photo editing (adding layers, filters, brushing in, multiple files open at times, running batch edits etc), does anyone have an opinion on whether the performance increase (if there is in fact any increase for photo work?) of the 6 core 3.5ghz would justify paying the extra AU$1300 difference over the quad core 3.7ghz option?
And from my earlier research paying the huge prices for 8 or 12 cores would simply be a waste for photo processing.
Thanks for the advice...

Mozzzaaa
I have the exact same requirements, here are my findings based on some observations from Activity Monitor and research based on how the hardware works.
Photoshop does not utilize multiple cores well for many standard editing ativities - therefore one core will be busy while the rest remain idle, however I have noticed over time that upgrades to Photoshop seem to take more advantage of multiple cores as Adobe updates the code. For example, appling filters utilize all of the cores while the filters are computing changes (smart sharpen for example). Try running CPU monitoring in Activity Monitor (double click the CPU graph to display all cores).
Lightroom utilizes all of the cores for Import, export and other activities that process multiple files. Being more modern code, it beter utilizes muti cores.
Keep in mind that each core handles two code threads, therefore a four core system is capable of processing 8 "streams" of code, the 6 core can manage 12 threads, etc.
Here is a screen shot of Mac Book Pro running PS CC Smart Sharpen:
All the new Mac Pro run at 3.9Hz Turbo Boost - they are all the same in that respect. This means that when the processers are not hot, at least one core will run at 3.9Hz - therefore on a relativly idle machine (just editing in PS for example) you would likley be running at 3.9Hz on all the Mac Pro 2013.
There are also the GPUs to consider. Apple as usual has not made enough information available to easly determine the cost benefits of the more powerful GPUs and I don't know if PS would utiliize the AMD GPUs well now, or perhaps better utilize them for the future. Perhaps someone could comment on that. Here is an interesting article: http://architosh.com/2013/10/the-mac-pro-so-whats-a-d300-d500-and-d700-anyway-we -have-answers/
Clearly the D500 that is standard with the 6 core seems a major bump over the 4 core D300 (therefore the costs of the 6 core reflect that). I don't know how much the D700 would cost - it would be helpful if this were published so I could consider my order.
There are two GPU in the new Mac Pros - but the purpose of the second one is not toally clear (thanks again to Apples's communication). It likley will be utilized for all sorts of things that don't really exist now and FCP X is scheduled for a new release better utilize the GPU for video (as nwaphoto mentioned video processing will be a major use of this equipment).
I was interested in your comment regarding 64 Meg ram. Yes that would be a hudge boost to PS performance, but would it be better to purchase from Apple or wait for OWC who offer RAM at major discounts over Apple. Once again, no info yet that I am aware of.
I believe the flash drive is upgradable but rumor has it that it uses a proprietary connecter. Makes me want to go with the largest size but once again OWC might be the way to go for an upgrade in a year or two.
In the past, the 6 core 2012 Mac Pro's were somewhat of a sweat spot in terms of horsepower vs cost. I will be considering that in my decession to upgrade. So I am considering a 6 core, will check out the Ram and Flash diIsk based on price - which is the infor I don't have. If you have anything please post
Thanks

New Mac Pro Tower Configuration

Hi
I am currently looking at purchasing a new Mac Pro Desktop Tower to run CS 5.5. I am planning to use it for longer video projects with premier and AE. I would also be using audition to some extent.
I don't think that I can afford to go with a twelve core version of the Mac Pro, but I am wondering what is the best way to configure the ram/processor/video card?
Also are there any compatability issues with OSX Lion?
Any help will do.
Thanks

While the case for building a PC is strong and valid, and while I would build a PC if I needed a new system right now, I also understand the needs of some institutions to build a Mac. Here is my advice in that regard:
1. You don't need dual processors. I have a single 6-core 3.33GHz chip in my 2009 Mac Pro (which I upgraded myself) and it handles heavy work in Premiere and After Effects CS5.
2. Don't buy any RAM from Apple. With the price of hard drives today, it isn't such a big deal to have Apple install extra drives for you, but if you're even slightly technically inclined, you can install more RAM and hard drives for less if you shop and buy from other vendors. There is a great Mac-specialty website where I buy my RAM from called OWC (Other World Computing link) that has excellent deals and service. I think 24GB is minimum ($322), and 32GB is better... only $425 right now.
3. If you have the budget, a proper third party RAID card is a much better deal and performer than Apple's Mac Pro RAID Card, so don't waste your money there unless you really want to limit yourself to an internal RAID 5 of no more than four disks. I got by with a 3-drive RAID (AID) 0 stripe of disks for a year before needing to expand to a proper RAID. With three Apple drives striped together, you'll get a sustained data throughput of 330MB/sec both read and write speed, which is good enough to edit some HD video. I edited a feature-length film shot on P2 at 108060i/24p using only three internal Apple 1TB disks, with backups to external drives holding a safety net for my data.
4. You don't need to buy an NVIDIA /CUDA card (Quadro 4000). I have the 5870 from Apple, and I can edit DSLR 5DMkII footage in smooth real-time, but that is helped by the 32GB of RAM and fast RAID. I have a CUDA card, an older GTX285, and while it was good for Premiere, I felt it was slower than the 5870 in After Effects, which is where I spend more time rendering anyway.
I'm not sure how much weight you'll be placing on student projects being safe from loss in the event of a drive failure, but you could either have them back their projects up themselves on their own external drives, or build a robust RAID. I have an Areca RAID card that runs eight 2TB disks in RAID6, which yields 12TB of very fast data that is also still safe if any two of the eight drives fails before being replaced. Depending on the number of students using the system, it could cost less to build a similar RAID than have each student buy their own drives. Question is, does the school eat that cost of security for the students, or let them shoulder that cost themselves?
I was a film school student myself, and I know what it's like to sign up for a four-hour block on a limited number of edit suites. You want the system to run faster than the students, so they can be creative without wasting their time slot waiting for the computer.
With your education discount from Apple, you should be able to get a 6-core 2010 Mac Pro, RAM, disks (and RAID if you go that route) from 3rd parties about $6000... much less if you skip the RAID system. If I can help in any way, let me know. I love my system, even if I could build it in a PC today at half the cost. Adobe works the same (or better) on a PC as it does on a Mac once you're in the software, but if you have to go Apple and can't wait for what may come out in the future, consider a system like mine.
2009 Mac Pro (updated to 2010 firmware... you'd buy a 2010 and not worry about that.)
3.33GHz 6-core CPU
ATI Radeon HD 5870 (still runs software acceleration very nicely)
32GB RAM @1333MHz
(4) internal hard disks (1=OS X, Adobe CS5, 2+3=RAID0 (stripe) for scratch files, 4=other backups and storage)
Areca 1880ix-12 RAID card
Sans Digital 8-bay tower
(8) 2TB WD RE-4 hard disks in RAID6 = 12TB parity array (sustained 816MB/sec write, 714MB/sec read speeds)
Various backups in external disks.
Good luck!

Premiere CS5 crash in new Mac Pro 2010

I have two problems:
1. Sometimes when I make double cick in premiere icon, the program don't start. I see the previous premiere window with the 4 last projects, but I can not select anything, because the pointer mouse become a beach ball. I have to turn off the program with Alt+Cmd+esc.
2. The big problem. Premiere CS5 5.0.0 crash editing while I'm making marks In and Out in Source window or playing the timeline. The 3 monitors became black or freeze, mouse disapears, sounds freeze and I have to restart with power button.
I have last Mac Pro 2010, 2,8GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon, Mac OS X 10.6.4, 8GB RAM, ATi Radeon 5870, 3 x Hard disk 2 TB, 3 monitors connected trought DVI double chanel, and two minidisplayport-DVI double chanel.
Sorry for my english.
Any help or doubt about my explanation?

Thanks Todd!
I install Premiere Pro CS5 (5.0.2) update, and the graphics update from apple but the problem persists. I disconnected two monitors, too.
It's very extrange because I had a configuration system running ok, premiere running ok, everything good, but the system hard disk crashes.
The problem is when I reinstall a backup copy of that system in a new hard disk, then Premiere don't start, and when start then crashes editing. All of the programs are running well, and other adobe CS5 applications, too.
The old hard disk is a Hitachi 2TB (originally from apple), and the new hard disk is a Western Digital caviar black 1TB.
I make the backup system from a *.dmg file. I tried with time machine, with disk utilities and with Carbon Copy Cloner. The result is always the same. Premiere won't start.
I think I have small ghosts inside my computer =)
Maybe is question of a bad clone but this is not a complicated task.
Maybe is question of permits. But I resolve the permits question with disk utilities.
Do you think is question of the clone image?
Now I'm reinstalling a new copy of Leopard SO after formatting the new hard drive western digital 1TB. I will install only the CS5 adobe master collection, to tried in a clean system.

New mac pro (2014) specs for production company help

Hey guys new to the forum!
I work for a production company that makes mainly online corporate video and motion graphics, lots of character animation, typography pieces and bits and pieces of 3D work with cinema 4d r14. We currently work on 2009 mac workstations which have the following specs:
Model Name:          Mac Pro
Model Identifier:          MacPro3,1
Processor Name:          Quad-Core Intel Xeon
Processor Speed:          3.2 GHz
Number Of Processors:          2
Total Number Of Cores:          8
L2 Cache (per processor):          12 MB
Memory:          16 GB
Bus Speed:          1.6 GHz
Chipset Model:          ATI Radeon HD 2600
I've been asked to get some specs because we plan on buying the new mac pro and I have been reading some articles regarding performance with After Effects but in all honesty i really don't understand what sort of specs i need because i'm good at designing and animating but it when it comes to CPU, GPU talk it's all very confusing!
My boss wants faster previews, faster render times and an all round better performance than what we have now, and with the possibility of outputting 4K in the near future i have to bear that in mind as well.
If you guys could give me a helping hand choosing a new mac pro i would be eternally grateful!
Thanks,
Mark

The new Mac Pros are, without a doubt, amazing machines. But are they value for money?
A significant cost in these machines is the high end AMD GPUs, which is utilised very well by Apple in their own software like Final Cut Pro X, Compressor and Motion. If you use those a lot, it's a no brainer. Place your order.
Premiere Pro CC has support for the GPUs (one GPU during playback, but can utilise both during renders.)
There has been no pledge from Adobe for After Effects support. AE's ray-traced 3D render engine has been virtually abandoned by Adobe, so there will never be support for AMD CPUs for it. They are now more focussed on integration with Maxxon's Cinema 4D as a 3D alternative, but Cinema 4D exclusively renders with the CPU – no GPU benefit.
The AE team are hinting about substantial multi-processing enhancements in the next major update, so it seems After Effects users will continue to be better off with faster multi-core CPUs, rather than expensive GPUs. With more CPU cores comes the need for more RAM.
Some third party vendors of AE plugins, like VideoCopilot's Element 3D and Optical Flares, have pledged support for the Mac Pro GPUs. But the problem with intertwining CPU-dependent software with GPU-dependent plugins is you need to turn off multi-processing to get the best results, negating the value of your powerful Mac Pro CPU.
Photoshop and Indesign rarely need the balls of a machine like the new Mac Pro. The new high-speed SSDs will certainly make them run faster than your average iMac, but it's not a HUGE leap for the cost difference.
The benchmarks I've seen on media encoding for the new Mac Pros are a little underwhelming, to be honest. They're fast, yes, but not twice as fast as a $4000 iMac, despite a high-end machine being twice (or more) expensive.
So, as a primarily Adobe user, I'm a bit torn. Personally, I think my money will be better spent buying a high-spec iMac for now. I can always on-sell it in 6 months if Adobe prove they are really coming to the party with Mac Pro support. But right now I'm not seeing proof of the benefits (from Adobe) in buying a $6K+ machine.
If you are determined to buy the new Mac Pro, and After Effects and C4D are your primary tools, get the most powerful CPU you can afford, make sure you have at least 3-4GB of RAM for each CPU, and keep the lowest-specced GPUs.

New Mac Pro keeps looking for a server that isn't there

So, I just got my new Mac Pro (Mountain Lion 10.8.2) the other day. I used MIgration Asssisant to transfer most files from my old Power Mac G5. Computers were connected thru a hub.
Then I turned on file sharing on the old machine to get some other info transferred. I then shut down file sharing, physically disconnecting the hub and connecting the new Mac Pro to my DSL modem with an ethernet cable.
Now when I boot up the new machine, I get a message
"There was a problem connecting to the server 'Joe Blow's Power Mac G5'.
"The server may not exist or it is unavailable at this time. Check the server name or IP address, check your network connection, and try again."
I get this message three separate times ove a couple of minutes.
Under the "Go" button in the Finder menu, I've clicked on "Connect to server..." and cleared the old mac out of the list.
What am I missing??
Thanks

Common causes of this issue include the following:
Aliases in the iPhoto, iTunes, or iMovie library pointing to the server.
Bookmarks in the Preview application.
See iMovie Troubleshooting: Connection Failed, Server Does Not Exist
Otherwise, proceed as below.
Please read this whole message before doing anything. This procedure is a test, not a solution. Don’t be disappointed when you find that nothing has changed after you complete it. Step 1 The purpose of this step is to determine whether the problem is localized to your user account. Enable guest logins* and log in as Guest. For instructions, launch the System Preferences application, select Help from the menu bar, and enter “Set up guest users” (without the quotes) in the search box. Don't use the Safari-only “Guest User” login created by “Find My Mac.” While logged in as Guest, you won’t have access to any of your personal files or settings. Applications will behave as if you were running them for the first time. Don’t be alarmed by this; it’s normal. If you need any passwords or other personal data in order to complete the test, memorize, print, or write them down before you begin. Test while logged in as Guest. Same problem? After testing, log out of the guest account and, in your own account, disable it if you wish. Any files you created in the guest account will be deleted automatically when you log out of it. *Note: If you’ve activated “Find My Mac” or FileVault, then you can’t enable the Guest account. The “Guest User” login created by “Find My Mac” is not the same. Create a new account in which to test, and delete it, including its home folder, after testing. Step 2 The purpose of this step is to determine whether the problem is caused by third-party system modifications that load automatically at startup or login. Disconnect all wired peripherals except those needed for the test, and remove all aftermarket expansion cards. Boot in safe mode* and log in to the account with the problem. The instructions provided by Apple are as follows:
Shut down your computer, wait 30 seconds, and then hold down the shift key while pressing the power button.
When you see the gray Apple logo, release the shift key.
If you are prompted to log in, type your password, and then hold down the shift key again as you click Log in.
Safe mode is much slower to boot and run than normal, and some things won’t work at all, including wireless networking on certain Macs.
The login screen appears even if you usually log in automatically. You must know your login password in order to log in. If you’ve forgotten the password, you will need to reset it before you begin.
*Note: If FileVault is enabled, or if a firmware password is set, or if the boot volume is a software RAID, you can’t boot in safe mode.
Test while in safe mode. Same problem?
After testing, reboot as usual (i.e., not in safe mode) and verify that you still have the problem. Post the results of steps 1 and 2.

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

New Mac Pro now available for ordering

Apple's website now shows the new Mac Pro is now available for ordering, and able to pick ip in store or shipped free.. And it's going to be built just a couple miles from my home in Austin.
http://www.kvue.com/news/Mac-Pro-computers-to-be-assembled-in-Austin-236544411.h tml

I'm just a few miles away also. The new Apple Campus construction is coming along well also. Flextronics is less then a mile away from the campus.

My brand new Mac Pro shuts down for no reason

My two week old Mac Pro shut downs for no pparent reason. Using the wireless, not plug in to an outlet but battery fully charged. Both times happen within 15hrs. apart.

Take it back to Apple and ask them to fix it.
Allan

Looking for advice on a new Mac Pro system mainly for Final Cut Studio 2

We are a small video production company that works mainly on broadcast and internet projects. We're looking to upgrade from an aging Avid system to a Mac Pro running Final Cut Studio 2. The primary thing we want from this system is to be able to work quickly in Final Cut while at the same time doing other operations, and we're willing to spend what it takes to make that happen. We've done a lot of research but still have some issues where we could use your expertise - it's a big investment and we want to nail it.
Here's the configuration we're considering:
Processor: Two 3.2GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon (8-core)
Memory: 16GB (4 x 4GB)
Hard Drives: 300GB 15,000-rpm SAS (for OS X, Final Cut, & other programs) plus 2 x 1TB 7200-rpm Serial ATA 3Gb/s (for video storage)
Graphics: NVIDIA Quadro FX 5600
We're thinking about spending the extra $1600 to get the best processor available, since we want this machine to be the hub of the business for about five years. Any thoughts on whether to save a bit and go with the 2.8GHz? We've also heard the bus speed presents a bottleneck so the Quad-Core processing power can't be fully utilized - should that have any bearing on our processor decision?
The memory choice seems right - we'll see how well that works and retain the option to double the RAM, particularly as prices fall and new applications or hardware upgrades become tenable. However, we're thinking of perhaps buying some or all of the memory third-party - any advice on whether this tends to be worthwhile, where to get it, and what to watch out for? It looks like there may some issues with getting proper heat-sinking.
We like the hard drive plan, though we've heard a 15,000-rpm drive may generate a lot of heat - any thoughts on this?
The graphics card is where we're most torn - specifically between the Quadro 5600, the GeForce 8800, or perhaps even getting the computer with the standard card (or no card) and getting a different third-party card. We do mostly DV now, but we foresee doing HD projects in the future. We often use a green-screen that's in our studio and also apply minimal 3D effects as well as 3D text. We're debating whether to get the Quadro 5600 right off the bat and hopefully have no issues with it, or whether to get the GeForce 8800 for now and if we have issues then consider upgrading to the Quadro 5600 or potentially something else that would best suit our needs at that time. Would love to receive any and all advice on this issue.
Also, it looks like we're gonna buy Final Cut Studio 2 and are considering also getting Final Cut Server. It seems the combination would allows us to use the Final Cut suite on other computers (both Mac and Wintel) that don't have their own version of Final Cut installed. Is that the correct interpretation? Any other advice on whether to get FC Server would be appreciated.
Thanks very much for reading - we look forward to getting any and all advice you may have.
Dave & Tom

interdiscipline wrote:
Here's the configuration we're considering:
Processor: Two 3.2GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon (8-core)
*Don't do it!* Stick with the dual-2.8GHz config. A jump from that to the dual-3.2GHz gains you only an approximate 9% increase in power at a 52% increase in cost! Not worth it all. That money is much wiser spent on RAM, RAID array, or a broadcast monitor.
Memory: 16GB (4 x 4GB)
Hard Drives: 300GB 15,000-rpm SAS (for OS X, Final Cut, & other programs) plus 2 x 1TB 7200-rpm Serial ATA 3Gb/s (for video storage)
Graphics: NVIDIA Quadro FX 5600
We're thinking about spending the extra $1600 to get the best processor available, since we want this machine to be the hub of the business for about five years.
The processor is only one part of the whole, and as I just mentioned, the power:cost benefits are not good.
The graphics card is where we're most torn - specifically between the Quadro 5600, the GeForce 8800, or perhaps even getting the computer with the standard card (or no card) and getting a different third-party card. We do mostly DV now, but we foresee doing HD projects in the future.
Quadro 5600 is pricey, but I'm not sure about its benefits for people in our field. Even if I had the money for it, I would be hard pressed to consider it considering, again, money is liekly wiser spent elsewhere.
Also, it looks like we're gonna buy Final Cut Studio 2 and are considering also getting Final Cut Server. It seems the combination would allows us to use the Final Cut suite on other computers (both Mac and Wintel) that don't have their own version of Final Cut installed. Is that the correct interpretation?
I don't know much about FCServer, but my impression is that it is -- simply speaking -- Final Cut version of Avid Unity. In other words, I am pretty certain that your understanding on that is false. I may be wrong.

NEW Mac Pro - best configuration

I'm going to purchase the latest top of the line Mac Pro for my FCP and After Effects projects. Can someone suggest what configuration works the best - such as which graphics card and any other add-ons etc. Ideally I'd like to max the RAM but that costs too much. What RAM would suffice FCP and AE workflow?

For the moment, as far as I know, the ONLY benefit of the beefier graphics card in FCP is to speed handling of FxPlug plugins; other plugins, Unlimted RT and the rest of the code base of FCP are not affected by your choice of graphics card (and even with the FxPlug plugins I believe its only those that are coded specifically to leverage the GFX card hardware that will see a boost)
BUT (big but) the development of FCP does seem to be leaning towards increasing utilisation of the GPU, so a powerful graphics card may well be a very good investment
If you plan to use Motion at all then its a no brainer. Motion relies heavily on the GPU, the beefier the better.

New Mac Pro - Best bang for the buck

I'm looking to replace my G5 2.7 with a new MP. I'll be running Logic, Reason, Photoshop, Dreamweaver, video conversion, ...
I'm thinking about either the Two 2.4GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon “Westmere” (8 cores) with 8GB ram
or
One 3.2GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon “Nehalem” [Add $360.00] with 6GB ram
I know the dual Westmere will be faster but will it be $1k faster and will the software I run support the 2 processors?
Thanks for any input!!

That test session has been run on many different machines, it has become somewhat of a standard benchmark session for Logic users. For comparison, quad machines at considerably lower clock speed have done 50 tracks when the six core at 3.33 only does 45-47 (another 6 core user tested and confirmed the same result). I'm not sure what he means by "a lot of Logic is single threaded" since Logic can generally use up to eight cores - since he has only tested on one machine and not made any comparisons, he makes some conclusions that aren't correct.
http://www.gearslutz.com/board/music-computers/371545-logic-pro-multicore-benchm arktest.html

New Mac Pro Released Today for $1400

April Fools

speaking of games, did you see the joke site that has iPads slipping into miniature arcade consoles like Asteroids and PacMan? Very clever illustrations. I almost fell for it.
<< <a class="jive-link-external-small" href="http://">http://www.thinkgeek.com/stuff/41/iCade.shtml?icpg=CarouseliCade1 >>
bogiesan

New Mac Pro (2010) Configuration for Photoshop

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