Quad-core or 8-core mac for DP?

[doodles]

hey guys.

Which should I get? I run a 2.66 quad as a slave computer with 18 gigs of RAM. This new computer will be my main DP 7 computer - probably with about 10 gigs. It will be used to run DP with mostly spectrasonics stuff and minimoog inside it. All samples, mach 5, kontakt, etc, will be on the slave.

The 8-core is more expensive, but is it worth it?

[newrigel]

hey guys.

Which should I get? I run a 2.66 quad as a slave computer with 18 gigs of RAM. This new computer will be my main DP 7 computer - probably with about 10 gigs. It will be used to run DP with mostly spectrasonics stuff and minimoog inside it. All samples, mach 5, kontakt, etc, will be on the slave.

The 8-core is more expensive, but is it worth it?

I'd hang on for the new 6 cores. They'll beat out an entry 8 core for less $$.
It's kinda late in the cycle to by a MP when the new ones are right around the corner... and they are better all the way around, faster ram, new technologies etc. that's more future proofed.

[doodles]

Thanks for that, but need to buy this week, as am away from home and need to work!

So between quad and oct, which would you go for?

(out of interest, haven't heard about these. when are they supposed to arrive?

[Phil O]

I have both an 8 core and a 4 core. I can say without a doubt that the 4 core does the job, but the 8 core kicks ass. If you can spring for the 8, go for it. If you can't wait for the next generation, I think the 8 core will make you smile.

Phil

[newrigel]

Get the 8 because you'll need the power if your native with your plugs. If you go UAD 2 duo or something like that your saving the $$ and getting equal if not better performance with a quad.
But the new MP's are coming out around April so that's just around the corner to have a new machine that's way better.

[doodles]

thanks guys.

OK, so between the quad 2.66 or the 8-core 2.2, which should I go for?

Back in my normal studio I have a 3.0 8-core as my main machine, but to be honest, I never nearly tax it, so wondering which of these to go for while I'm here in the states?

Only plug-ins being used on this one are spectrasonics VI's, recording a couple of tracks of audio, playing back tons of MIDI and audio, and some waves. I do soundtrack stuff, rather than recording/mixing bands.

Thanks for all the input.

[Frodo]

Doodles-- welcome to the States!

IMHO, the old rule still applies: Get the fastest, most powerful machine you can afford.

8-Core all the way. That would, at least, be my game plan.

[doodles]

Hey frodo.

Thanks!

Agreed, but that's what I'm trying to get my head around. Which is the more powerful mac?! The 8 -core 2.2 or the 4-core 2.6?

sorry for being so thick about this.

[Frodo]

Hey frodo.

Thanks!

Agreed, but that's what I'm trying to get my head around. Which is the more powerful mac?! The 8 -core 2.2 or the 4-core 2.6?

sorry for being so thick about this.

8-Core.

Some of it has to do with software as well. There may be questions as to what software is truly 8-Core savvy as of right now. The problem is, you can't buy a computer based solely on today's software. However, with the knowledge that software turnover is faster than computer turnover where updates/upgrades are concerned, the 8-Core is going to serve you better in the longer term-- and it will hold its value better on the secondary market (if that interests you). If you want to sell your computer 4 years from now, I would think the 8-Core would fetch a more strapping price than the 4-Cores would.

But once again-- get the most powerful machine you can afford no matter what the CPU is.

[newrigel]

I'd take a look @ this: 2009 Nehalem Mac Pro Quad vs Octo
Not in all cases does an 8 core beat out the 4 core models... now video rendering, yes. But a Refurbished 2.66GHz 8-Core is $4K... the normal price is $4,700... A refurbished Quad 2.66 is $2,300... I think I would put that extra $2,400 into something else that's going to do you some good. I render HD video (I keep my video productions in house to achieve a better product cheaper) and bought the Matrox CompressHD card for my quad and it walks the dog on the fastest 8 core Apple offers. I saved $4k and have HD video out the door faster than the guy's with the fastest Mac pros. This is with video rendering in which the extra cores are a necessity... Your running a slave for your VI's and I have yet to bring down my box with my UAD's... I don't have $$ to throw around but if you have the cash by all means, get the best you want but guy's like me have to do my research and I have come up with a combo that gives me the power I need without breaking the bank!
But if you can, I'd just wait for the new ones if it's bang for the buck you want... you won't be sorry.

[n2mpujack]

Get the 8 because you'll need the power if your native with your plugs. If you go UAD 2 duo or something like that your saving the $$ and getting equal if not better performance with a quad.
But the new MP's are coming out around April so that's just around the corner to have a new machine that's way better.

And your source for an April release of the new MacPro's is what? I'm assuming you're talking about machines with the Gulftown 6 cores?

[newrigel]

Get the 8 because you'll need the power if your native with your plugs. If you go UAD 2 duo or something like that your saving the $$ and getting equal if not better performance with a quad.
But the new MP's are coming out around April so that's just around the corner to have a new machine that's way better.

And your source for an April release of the new MacPro's is what? I'm assuming you're talking about machines with the Gulftown 6 cores?

Thats the cycle Jack... March-May. June @ the latest.