Which Mac Pro config for PShop (and others)

Which processor config is best for Pshop multitaskers? Looking to choose a (new) Mac Pro. I am primarily a photo retoucher & photographer (in that order) But I also push my system doing 3D renderings, and often streaming Pandora while I work. Another forum offered suggestions to get the Quad core -and choose the 3.33Ghz 6 core "Westmere" (+ $1200) --as opposed to my first choice, which was the 8 Core w/two 2.4 Ghz "Westmere" processors. My goal is to keep the total cost under $4K -including additional RAM + ATI Radeon HD 5870. I chose the 8 core unit for the added RAM capability, and I thought that 8 cores would help when running multiple apps. But other posters had opined that since most apps -including Pshop (CS5) DON'T take advantage of multiprocessing the faster single processor w/6 cores would take the lead. I am a pro retoucher, and am often working multiple VERY large layered files. I do NOT do animation or video. I am also thinking of waiting for the next Mac Pro update -which past history suggests a possible late spring (2011) rollout. ( I wouldn't want a laptop as I work exclusively at my own studio, and want as much horsepower + longevity as I can afford)
Opinions appreciated -esp. real world tests using CURRENT Mac Pros. Thanks!

Yes, for best memory bandwidth performance, use 8 DIMMs, and it doesn't matter much what your mix and match is (other than certified of course for Mac Pro).
http://www.barefeats.com/harper3.html
No need to every discard the Apple memory until you get the urge to go to more than 8GB. Buying a full set of same and same time insures that they are less likely to deviate or have enough difference to cause trouble (even Crucial batches vary a bit).
I prefer TechWorks as a cut above, quality is good as it gets, comparable to Micron.
http://eshop.macsales.com/search/MatchedSets:+800Mhz+MacPro
The older Mac Pro was more trouble to get an ideal setup.

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HT5622 I sent my Mac Pro Air for repairs and for some reason my user and group password was changed to Apple and I can't figure out what the password is -.help please.

Sent my Mac Pro Air for repairs and when it came back I had to download many programs. Dowloaded the OS X Mavericks but now it tells me I need an application to install it in my computer. Which application do I need? Checked the App store but am new at this and have no clue.

Did they also restore your original user account? Log out of Apple and see if yours is there to log in to.
You'll need to post the actual error message, not what you think it said. I don't think I've ever seen an error that said I needed an application to install anything on my Mac.

What's the best Mac Pro config for Fireworks?

What's the best Mac config for Fireworks?
I can pretty much get whatever Mac I want at work... My boss is sick and tired of watching Fireworks crash all the time... I figure a hefty processor and lots of RAM and maybe a SSD will help…
I should get a Mac Pro right? Which processor?
• Two 2.40GHz 6-Core Intel Xeon processors (12 cores)
• Two 2.66GHz 6-Core Intel Xeon processor (12 cores)
• Two 3.06GHz 6-Core Intel Xeon (12 cores)
Should I get 24GB RAM?? Or is that overkill?
I'll get a 2TB serial hard drive…
I should get a 512 GB solid state drive offered by Apple right?
Or is it possible to get a larger better 3rd party SSD?
And then maybe two 21" Displays… Two 27s seems a little much… or does it?
Thanks in advance.

Oh and what about video cards? Or is Apple's default ok? (I'm not doing hard core PhotoShop retouching or anything).

New Mac Pro - Config for graphics?

Looking to purchase a new 6-Core Mac Pro for high end photo retouching & 3D modeling/rendering. I would love to be able to afford the la$t of each option for CPU, memory, storage, graphics, etc. But this would immediately push the price tag over $10K -which is way beyond my intended general price point.
I've been using Macs professionally since 1987, and tradionally options like ram and displays are more economically purchased from other vendors. I know from my last Macbook Pro purchase that some options are permanent and can't be upgraded. I'm tempted to go with the stock config here, with the intention of adding ram and a new display as needed.
Can the flash storage be upgraded later? 256Gb seems like barely enough for OS and a few apps. I currently keep my itunes library on my boot drive, but that won't fly with 256Gb. Can the itunes library reside on the non boot drive or would that have to be iCloud?
$1500 for the next bump up in CPU is steep. You can never have enough raw power for 3D rendering, but this is another option I would like to upgrade later as needed. Is this possible?
I would like to keep the purchase price close to the base cost, but would be prepared to pay upgrades that offer major productivity boosts, or any components that can't be upgraded later (but perhaps the latter is a moot qhestion)
I know I can get answers to these questions from Apple sales, but am hoping to get suggestions from tech savvy users who employ a similar workflow, and preferably have experience with the NEW HARDWARE.
thanks

The expectation is that the Built-in SSD is the Boot Drive, and that User files and work files will go into Thunderbolt-to-something external enclosure(s), the number of which, and specifications of which, are your choice.
The 6-core is a sweet spot, giving you more cores with a still fast base CPU speed for less than half the price of an additional complete unit.
There is a knee in the RAM upgrade curve. Using today's modules, the 16GB modules are RDIMMs, and do not play nice with ANY other sizes.There are four independent memory channels, that can be locked into pairs. I have not read anything definitive about why/why not to upgrade DIMMs by the each (except that by example Apple has demonstrated that three modules in the four slots works fine).

New mac pro -config for photo/3D?

Getting ready to pull the trigger on my first new desktop mac in awhile. I need to get this right and am looking for suggestions. I have a medium budget, so can't go for the ultra bling. Just looking for good value, esp. in areas that can't be upgraded later, like the video card. Will probably add more RAM later as needed. I spoke to a very helpful apple sales rep. and his suggested specs are below. I'm pretty tempted to runwith his config.
I'm a photographer but mainly high end PShop retoucher -with large complex images. Also modeling & rendering in 3D (still images -not animation). Will probably be doing more video.
As stated above, I don't have a huge budget. But suggestions are welcome -esp. from anyone who owns one of the new workstations.
Thanks!
- 6 core (3.5ghz)
- 16Gg DDR3
- 512Gb Flash Storage
- Dual AMD Firepro D700 GPUs w/6Gb of GDDR5 VRAM
- Accessory kit
- Apple Care

You are hedging bets that the D700s might someday prove their value, not a given.
I strongly suggest you careful review and read and re-read
www.macperformanceguide.com as he is testing and is also heavy into CS6/CC and a photographer.
A lot of discussion, and some disappointed, at whether the nMP is suitable workstation for CS6 here:
http://forums.macrumors.com/forumdisplay.php?f=1
If you do, then go with 3rd party memory of course to get you to 32GB and above, and t hat will have an impact so I would not put it off; so buy with minimum. Might even go for the 1TB SSD now instead, or plan to later when Samsung and OWC and other vendors offer upgrade kits.
3D - makes the D700 a 'must' and wish there was an upgrade path, especially down the road in two years when hopefully new GPUs and other features are out. If apps can be tuned and optimized like FCP-X 10.1+ is then dual GPU will be strong selling points.
Your budget for Thunderbolt storage.

Which Mac Pro configuration for DTP

I am looking for information on which configuration would be best for a DTP design studio. I'm looking for 3 machines for 3 people. 2 desktop publishers (ads/packaging) and a web-designer (flash, html)
I'm thinking of buying as soon as Adobe comes with Intel based CS3 next year. Until then, I can find out which configuration would suite us all.
Any people who can give me advice?
Or is there an application out there to test your average CPU / RAM usage through out the day to see what we are using at this moment ???
We now have 2 dual 2GHz G5's with 2GB of RAM, and I'm on a 2x 2.5GHz G5 with 3GB's of RAM.
Thanks for your advise in advance.

Yes, I'd upgrade the RAM before the video card. I'd also take the photoshop benchmarks with a grain of salt, namely because they are comparing Photoshop running under Rosette on the Mac Pro, to Photoshop running natively under the G5's. While the slightly lower performance could be an issue to some I doubt is has real world impact. In addition, since your waiting on CS3 which will be native, any performance problems should be removed, as CS3 should be a native application.
Finally I want to say desktop RAID arrays have their place, but I haven't seen how it fits in here. The folks are accessing and saving files to a server in their work environment. It is not clear if you are opening the files over the network, or checking them out to the workstations first. If you are opening over the network, then the talk about RAID is pretty much makes little sense. If you are copying to the workstation first, then a RAID for data could be slightly helpful, but since the image sizes seems as if they can be manipulated in memory, it is not clear how much of a benefit a data RAID would produce. Yes opening and saving a file may be faster, but there will be no increase in actual image manipulation.
It seems to me the place to spend money here is on RAM, then graphics card, if you are using an application that can take advantage of the processing power on a graphics card, such as Aperture, and many 3D rendering programs. If there is no gain to be made in graphics card performance, then I would spend money on 16 MB cache hard drives, one for the OS and applications and one for data, size can be determined by your needs. It is only after everything else is looked at would I consider any type of RAID here meant for performance reasons. However, as for your file server... I would think a good RAID 0+1 or 1+0 RAID would be beneficial to your file serving performance, along with a good gigabit network system.
Anyway... My Mac Pro just showed up at the door... Off to have some fun!
Tom N.

Mac Pro - Oct Core? and other questions......

Hi all, Im new to these forums - I am one half of a UK production duo named big mister music.
We are about to bite the bullet and make a new mac pro purchase and at the same time go for an apogee ensemble. My question is two fold really, is the oct core worth paying extra for? In real world terms.... and the ensemble? Anyone used one? Worth the cash?
Brilliant! thanks for your replies in advance and I hope to make a positive impact on these boards in the future!
Ian

Now after going to the leading Mastering house in the U.K.
they Master all the Big Names, i don't even want to say,
however here goes,
they gave me two of the Main dealers in the U.K. that supply not most but All the store's in the U.K. with Apogee and the other Apogee & RME.
So after calling Apogee in the U.K. main supplier before on price's of Ensemble and Rosetta 800, without a doubt 800 came out on top,
Ensemble not even close in their line of Converters,
I try to ask for Discount has a Student, as i though it was a Apple Product,
they weren't having it,
has it was said its not a Apple product, but made for Apple Logic,
and integrate well with Logic,
therefore their goes my discount out the window!
Now after i got the numbers for the main dealers, before i ask for discount
they gave me Discount when they say who gave the number,
meaning its not who you know but who knows you.
Ensemble was a few £ short of 1400.00 new price £1050.00
Rosetta price drop by about £200 though.
Then again there was a Blind test of Apogee Rosetta 800 v RME Fireface800,
with Apogee customers, and guess what?
About 90% of them pick RME 800,
do a google search and you'll find it,
In saying this Fireface 800 and Top-line Apogee products is Marginally different,
So it all boils down to the type of sound you want,
One ads Color, while the other is transparent,
Apogee Ads RME Transparent
Fr.BlayZay.

Mac Pro: dual vs quad and other ?

Looking to upgrade my computer for my small business to a more robust machine. I run 3 screens at all times and generally keep 4-8 tabs open on my web browser for various sites that I input order info into. One of the tabs has Google Voice open for phone calls. I have a huge multi-thousand line Excel Spreadsheet open at all times for accessing client information. Also I keep Mail, Skype and Reminders open all the time. I copy and paste items all day long from one application to the other. Everything is backed up to the cloud and I run a 3TB external drive just in case for Time Machine.
I'm seeing the color wheel of death on my current machine that I've decided my wife needs since her's is even worse.
I'd like to go with a Mac Pro for my business (not the new one coming in Dec. 2013) but a slightly older new/used version tower.
I'd like 16GB RAM minimum.
My issue is I don't understand the difference Graphics Cards or the difference in the processor speeds and Dual vs Quad vs 6 and 8 Core.
Any assistance in guiding me in the right direction would be greatly appreciated.

The silver 65lb tower is no longer for sale new or refurbished from Apple.
With the 2103 Mac Pro about to be released, you should not spend money on a Mac Pro older than a 2009 model. If you need to add RAM to these models, they do not require pairs. Do not buy modules (for these models) smaller than 8GB per module. [Two 4GB costs more.]
For what you are doing, you need big RAM far more than you need really big compute power. The dual socket Mac Pros (for 8-core and 12-core models) cost more than twice as much, and are overkill for your use. [Natural use of the 8core or 12-core is for Ray Tracing or Scene Rendering.]
The cards that came with those models include the Apple-firmware 4870 (supports two displays), the 5770 or the 5870 (each supports three displays with the right adapters). Any of those will be fine. The NVIDIA GT120 (supports two displays) was also an option, but is not quite as powerful a card, but should work fine. If you need to run two GT120 cards, you need to run 10.8.5 or Mavericks.

Which Mac Pro configuration for Patrick Sheffield's posterization in Motion

I plan to get a Mac Pro, after Final Touch releases a universal version. Real-time color grading requires a G5 or a Mac Pro. I also want to do Motion, accomplishing the posterization that was produced by other means in Waking Life and A Scanner Darkly. Patrick Sheffield has shown enough of such to encourage me to go in that direction. How should my Mac Pro be configured?
I am but an ambitious newbie, so I will do none of this tomorrow.
As a one-man studio I need the highest level of productivity I can get. Real-time feedback seems a key to that productivity.
How should my Mac Pro be configured? I am not made of money, but will forgo my golf club membership for the arts.
LM

Well, not sure about withdrawing your post, but what I'm considering is:
$3678 Mac Pro
__200 2 gig ram (makes a total of 3)
__800 4 500 gig drives ($300 for 4 250 gigs)
_1600 AJA Kona LHe (for HD video)
_1500 2 Dell 24" Monitors
$7778
That's for the 3.0 Ghz with 1 gig of ram. The other 2 gig are from Newegg.com - and I want the X1900 gfx card. The 7300 is not ideal for Motion. I plan on throwing an IDE drive in the spare optical drive bay so I can RAID the 4 SATA drives. I also want a few spare drive sleds so I can have different setups for different needs.
Drop from that the things you don't need - probably can get by without the Kona card. You most likely already have monitors, etc...
That's my wish list anyway...
Patrick

Which MacBook Pro Processor for Photoshop and IMovie Projects?

I am a fine art photographer. I use my compuer mostly for Photoshop work. I am now starting to do some video, but nothing too intensive. I am currently using IMovie. I doubt I will ever use finalcut but you never know. So I am planning to get a 15" MBP with Hi-Res screen. the question is which processor? Dpong alot of Photoshop work and a little IMovie, do you think I should get the I7 or should I jsut get the base model? Either way I will max out the ram. thanks
<Edited by Host>

The CPU isn't as important as you might think. The difference between the slowest and fastest CPU is barely 10% -- and Photoshop should offload a lot of work to the GPU (which is the same, save for the amount of VRAM) for all of them.
Performance-wise, you'd probably do better concerning yourself with the amount of RAM you have installed, and maybe the hard disk speed (best go for the 500G 7200RPM model, or even the 512G sold-state if you can afford it). More RAM and a faster disk will provide greater performance boost than the faster CPU.

Which Mac Pro? More cores=slower speeds? And most of us know the speed matters or FPU for music and I don't understand the faster is for the least amount of procs. And while I get the whole rendering thing and why it makes sense.

Which Mac Pro? More cores=slower speeds? And most of us know the speed matters or FPU for music and I don't understand the faster is for the least amount of procs. And while I get the whole rendering thing and why it makes sense.
The above is what the bar says. It's been a while and wondered, maybe Apple changed the format for forums. Then got this nice big blank canvas to air my concerns. Went to school for Computer Science, BSEE, even worked at Analog Devices in Newton Massachusetts, where they make something for apple.
The bottom line is fast CPU = more FPU = more headroom and still can't figure out why the more cores= the slower it gets unless it's to get us in to a 6 core then come out with faster cores down the road or a newer Mac that uses the GPU. Also. Few. I'm the guy who said a few years ago Mac has an FCP that looks like iMovie on Steroids. Having said that I called the campus one day to ask them something and while I used to work for Apple, I think she thought I still did as she asked me, "HOW ARE THE 32 CORES/1DYE COMING ALONG? Not wanting to embarrass her I said fine, fine and then hung up. Makes the most sense as I never quite got the 2,6,12 cores when for years everything from memory to CPU's have been, in sets of 2 to the 2nd power. 2,4,8,16,32,64,120,256,512, 1024, 2048,4196,8192, 72,768. Wow. W-O-W and will be using whatever I get with Apollo Quad.
Peace to all and hope someone can point us in THE RIGHT DIRECTION. THANK YOU

Thanks for your reply via email/msg. He wrote:
If you are interested in the actual design data for the Xeon processor, go to the Intel site and the actual CPU part numbers are:
Xeon 4 core - E5.1620v2
Xeon 6 core - E5.1650v2
Xeon 8 core - E5.1680v2
Xeon 12 core - E5.2697v2
I read that the CPU is easy to swap out but am sure something goes wrong at a certain point - even if solderedon they make material to absorb the solder, making your work area VERY clean.
My Question now is this, get an 8 core, then replace with 2 3.7 QUAD CHIPS, what would happen?
I also noticed that the 8 core Mac Pro is 3.0 when in fact they do have a 3.4 8 core chip, so 2 =16? Or if correct, wouldn't you be able to replace a QUAD CHIP WITH THAT? I;M SURE THEY ARE UO TO SOMETHING AS 1) WE HAVE SEEN NO AUDIO FPU OR PERHAPS I SHOULD CHECK OUT PC MAKERS WINDOWS machines for Sisoft Sandra "B-E-N-C-H-M-A-R-K-S" -
SOMETHINGS UP AND AM SURE WE'LL ALL BE PLEASED, AS the mac pro was announced Last year, barely made the December mark, then pushed to January, then February and now April.
Would rather wait and have it done correct than released to early only to have it benchmarked in audio and found to be slower in a few areas- - - the logical part of my brain is wondering what else I would have to swap out as I am sure it would run, and fine for a while, then, poof....
PEACE===AM SURE APPLE WILL BLOW US AWAY - they have to figure out how to increase the power for 150 watts or make the GPU work which in regard to FPU, I thought was NVIDIA?

I have been using a Lightroom 5 including recent upgrades on my Mac Pro laptop for the past 1 year. This was purchased as an upgrade from Lightroom 4 for which I have a serial number. Today I purchased a new Macbook pro and loaded my Lightroom 5 however i

I have been using a Lightroom 5 including recent upgrades on my Mac Pro laptop for the past 1 year. This was purchased as an upgrade from Lightroom 4 for which I have a serial number. Today I purchased a new Macbook pro and loaded my Lightroom 5 however it is asking for my serial number which I have misplaced. I am unable to trace my serial number anywhere. I have even checked my adobe membership to locate my serial number but it does not seem to have any record which is strange as I have been using this software for over a year now and the previous versions since 2009. Could someone help me in my predicament.

Contavct Adobe support thru chat:
Serial number and activation chat support (non-CC)
http://helpx.adobe.com/x-productkb/global/service1.html ( http://adobe.ly/1aYjbSC )

Which Mac is best for music purposes? I want to mix music recorded from MIDI and live sound, and also want to use Sibelius to play music in. I'm looking at MacBook Pros; any tips? 13" or 15"?

Which Mac is best for music purposes? I want to mix music recorded from MIDI and live sound, and also want to use Sibelius to play music in. I'm looking at MacBook Pros; any tips? 13" or 15"?

I would think a 15" with the i7 CPU. You can get a 13" with the i7 CPU but the 15" has a dedicated graphic chip along with the intergrated one.
You will also need to upgrade the hard drive to a faster 7200RPM model instead of the standard 5400RPM model that comes with all MBPs. The Sibelius website recommends the 7200RPM or a SSD. You will also be better off installing 8GBs of RAM.
Both of those upgrades can be made after you buy a MBP for much less then Apple charges for the same upgrades and you get to keep the original RAM and hard drive.

I am going to buy a macbook pro for grade 12, and I need to know wheather I should get a macbook pro or a macbook pro retina. If someone could tell me (in a very simple way) which one is,better for me and why, I would be ever so apprreciative.

I am going to buy a macbook pro for grade 12, and I need to know wheather I should get a macbook pro or a macbook pro retina. If someone could tell me (in a very simple way) which one is,better for me and why, I would be ever so apprreciative.

Why do you need a expensive MacBook Pro?
Your attending high school and unless everyone else is rich also your likely going to be a target by the more poorer students for theft or damage to the machine.
You could keep it home, but if you need it for class then your exposed again.
Also at that age your not very careful yet, a MacBook Pro is a expensive and easily damaged machine.
Unless your made of money and so are others at your school, I would recommned a low profile, just does the job cheap Windows PC.
If it dies, gets lost, stolen or damaged because of your inexperince handling senstivie electronics then it's no big deal.
You can buy a Mac later on when your sure you have a need for it, currently there isn't much advantage of owning a Mac compared to a PC, they do just about the same things now, one just looks prettier than the other.
Since 95% of the world uses Windows PC's your going to have to install Windows on the Mac in order to keep your skills up there or be unemployed, so it's a extra headache and expense.
good luck

Which Mac Pro to buy for Studio 3

Guys, I'm in the process of upgrading my trusted Power Mac G5 Quad to a Mac Pro.
I will also upgrade to FCS 3.
My question is, which Mac Pro to buy? Quad 2.93 OR Octo 2.26?
Will FCS 3 along with Snow Leopard utilise ALL the Octo's processors? Or am I better off saving the money and sticking with a Quad?

If your income depends on this work, then buy the biggest, baddest, most RAM-filled Mac Pro you can.
At least get the octo 2.66. Put 12GB RAM in it, if you can, but put a minimum of 6GB in there. The concept is that as a professional editor, editing for clients, you must be as time efficient as you can afford to be.
Compressor will use that RAM to compress your stuff a lot faster. Also, Motion can make use of as much RAM as you throw in there. Final Cut Pro itself, not yet.

Which Mac Pro config for PShop (and others)

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