Computer shopping: New 4-core vs Old 8-core?

[BobK]

Now that the new Mac Pros are out, it's time for me to finally replace my trusty ol' G5.

I'm waiting to see test results on the new entry-level quad-core, which is the most I can afford. However, for about the same money, or maybe less, I could get a used 8-core from 2008.

The most obvious difference is that the 2008 machine has 2 processors/8 cores vs 1 processor/4 cores on the new one.

According to the specs posted at everymac.com, the RAM speed on the new machine is faster - 1066Mhz vs 800 Mhz on the 2008 model.

Their specs also include Geekbench benchmarks for the two machines.

EDIT: bongo_x discovered that the Geekbench score previously posted at everymac.com for the 2008 machine was incorrect. It was listed as 5573, while the score at the Geekbench site is 8829 (http://www.primatelabs.ca/geekbench/mac-benchmarks/).

Originally, I was claiming that the quad 2009 Nehalem looked like the clear choice because its score of 8216 was better, but now it appears that 2008 has a higher score.

Given that the scores are relatively close, how would you choose between these machines? Is there an advantage to having 8 cores vs 4 cores, even though the RAM on the older machine is slower?

[James Steele]

Heck... The used 8 core versus new 4 core is going to be the issue and I think the used 8 core might win out. I would think you could get a used 2009 8 core for about that once the new machines are out. A few months back there was a guy selling a used 2009 Nehalem 8 core for $2650. I got cute and offered him $2500 and missed out on it as he found a buyer. I think the 2009 8 cores... Especially ones tat the sellers have used FOR OVER A YEAR because Apple was busy selling iBling.. will be surfacing at good prices on Craigslist. You will just need to have the cash quickly accessible and check online several times a day so you can make your move on a deal before it's been posted for a couple hours and someone else is likely to have beat you to it.

A lot of people ask too much on CL. The secret is to check it frequently for the occasional deal where the seller isn't delusional about their asking price and then pull the trigger quickly.

[BobK]

Heck... The used 8 core versus new 4 core is going to be the issue and I think the used 8 core might win out. I would think you could get a used 2009 8 core for about that once the new machines are out. A few months back there was a guy selling a used 2009 Nehalem 8 core for $2650. I got cute and offered him $2500 and missed out on it as he found a buyer. I think the 2009 8 cores... Especially ones tat the sellers have used FOR OVER A YEAR because Apple was busy selling iBling.. will be surfacing at good prices on Craigslist. You will just need to have the cash quickly accessible and check online several times a day so you can make your move on a deal before it's been posted for a couple hours and someone else is likely to have beat you to it.

A lot of people ask too much on CL. The secret is to check it frequently for the occasional deal where the seller isn't delusional about their asking price and then pull the trigger quickly.

Yeah, I've noticed CL prices are often (though not always) a little steep.

FWIW, one thing I didn't mention in my original post is that I'm eligible for the $200 educator's discount, which brings a new 4-core down to $2,300. And the price of the 2008 8-core was based on one I saw recently at CL for $2,200. So I was hoping to stay around that price point.

But now that you mention it, if I add in the tax I'd pay for a new machine, the total is close to the $2,650 you saw. Hadn't thought of that. It may bring a used '09 Nehalem 8-core into the realm of possibility. I'll keep checking CL.

Thanks, James!

[James Steele]

You can get the current quad Nehalem delivered to your door for $2300 with free shipping and no sales tax at:

http://www.jr.com/apple/pe/APP_MB871LL_SL_A/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[BobK]

You can get the current quad Nehalem delivered to your door for $2300 with free shipping and no sales tax at:

http://www.jr.com/apple/pe/APP_MB871LL_SL_A/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I didn't see 'Free shipping' anywhere...starts at just under $50, which isn't bad. Tempting.

After your last post, I checked CL and saw an 8-core 2009 Nehalem custom-build, but they wanted over $3k.

Thanks for staying on top of this, J!

[James Steele]

Up at the top it says free shipping on over 15,000 items. I know for sure at one point it was free on that machine as I came close. Try adding it to the cart and see if it adds shipping.

[James Steele]

Wow... You're right. Tried adding it to the cart and still shipping. I guess they eliminated that deal on that computer.

[James Steele]

$2309 shipped to CA no tax at Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Apple-Mac-Pro-MB8 ... 316&sr=8-1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[MIDI Life Crisis]

New 12 core starting at $5k...

Oh darn! G5--->

[BKK-OZ]

Cross-posting a bit here. In this thread, I am moaning about my own ignorance of all things Mac Pro (models and such). Posting a quote of myself here, just in case someone can help lift my veil of ignorance.

See, this is the sorta thing that drives me bananas (mmm... bananas...).

In this post here J Steele provides this link to a Mac Pro model MB871LL/A.
I'm currently watching an evilBay auction for a Mac Pro, model MB871X/A.

Both are 2.66Ghz, both have Nehalems, but what's the difference???
If I go for the MB871X/A, what does that mean vs. other models?
I've tried Mr Google, and I've tried Apple's site, but I get nuthin'.

Me is dum dum.

[BobK]

BK - try http://www.everymac.com

[michkhol]

The "new" 4-core is not new at all, Apple only replaced the graphics card (bumping speed from 2.66 to 2.8 is not particularly new). The new 8-core only difference is the bigger L3 cache in the new "Westmere" CPU. Probably will get you 5% increase in performance in addition to the minor speed bump.
6-core is where things become interesting. A single 6-core 3.33GHz with memory bus speed 1333MHz will have a noticeable performance increase but will require about $1400 extra (the current difference between 4-core Nehalem and 6-core Westmere in retail prices).

[BKK-OZ]

BK - try http://www.everymac.com

Thanx Bob. Interestingly, everymac has a listing for the US model above, but not the Oz model.

[mhschmieder]

Yeah, sounds like a refurb or used 2009 MP is the way to go, except that they're probably scarcer than hen's teeth.

Note to James: we need an emoticon for "hen's teeth"

[Sun]

A lot of people ask too much on CL. The secret is to check it frequently for the occasional deal where the seller isn't delusional about their asking price and then pull the trigger quickly.

That's not always true... if it's loaded with things you'd have to pay for anyway then your making out. What if it has a Bluray drive or SSD's? These are added cost that many can't even get so it's very subjective to if the person is closing shop and hard up.