Good Buy/idea?

[westla]

I have an opportunity to buy a used Mac Pro Quad 3.0. It has 8GB of RAM and I know it's been well cared for.

He's asking $700, wondering if this would be a good idea? I'm currently limping along with a Power Mac G5, so this would get me into an Intel Mac for considerably less then a newer model.

Thanks

[kgdrum]

More info like year,model # would be helpful.
If its 2008 or newer and 64bit kernel bootable I say go for it.
If it's a '06 or ''07 & not 64bit kernel capable it's debatable,any MacPro will be an improvement over a G5 but ram for MacPros before 2009 can be expensive.
If it was a '09 which would surprise me the ram is much cheaper.
More info, the ability to add more ram and the 64bit question will determine what you can do with this Mac.

[westla]

Good points.

Here is a link to the specs:

http://everymac.com/systems/apple/mac_p ... specs.html

Not sure if it can boot in 64-bit.

[kgdrum]

Unfortunately it's a 2006,so it will not run in the 64bit kernel and adding ram is expensive.
I'd look for 3.1(2008)or later.
2009 will cost a bit more but adding ram is less expensive and these MacPros also do hyper threading.
I would rather have paid a little more for a '09 but I got a great deal when I bought my used MacPro.
It's a '08 but it came with 24gig of ram installed,and it only cost $1100,in April of 2011 this was too good of a buy to turn down.

[westla]

What is the advantage of 64-bit kernel? Sorry if its a dumb question.

[James Steele]

It wasn't much of an advantage as far as I was concerned until UA release their new beta plugs. Thanks UA.

[kgdrum]

What is the advantage of 64-bit kernel? Sorry if its a dumb question.

64bit memory addressing is the direction newer Macs and software developers are going.
32bit memory addressing poses a theoretical 4gig ram limitation on apps.
There's lots of debate and disagreement on much of this but if you're shopping for a used MacPro I'd look for 1 that can boot in the 64bit kernel which generally means 2008 models called 3.1 or later.
Google & you will find tons of info.

[MIDI Life Crisis]

In the FWIW department, I find DP8 and most other 64 bit apps run much faster in 64 bit. I know the routine: you can run 32 bit apps and get more RAM for your efforts, but in my experience running an app in 64 bit definitely improves performance and speed - especially processing speed. A little like RAM disks used to improve HD performance but w/o the liability of shutting down the machine and forgetting to save the RAM disk.

[westla]

Thanks.

So let me ask you this: would this machine get me through 3 or 4 more years, or would I run into compatibility problem, etc? Will most things be going to 64-bit in that time?

Also, anyone know how much more a 3.1 machine would go for?

[kgdrum]

I think it's safe to say you'd be better served long term finding a used MacPro that is 64bit kernel bootable.
You should be able to find bargains on 2008 or 2009 models,even if you pay a bit more for the '09,additional ram is cheaper so that should negate the price differential and '09's do hyper threading.
If I was looking now I'd try to find a 2009.

[westla]

So how much RAM would I need? It comes with 6GB, which is twice what I have in my G5.

I do smaller DP projects these days, as most of my work is straight composition/arranging/orchestration.

[MIDI Life Crisis]

Consider the G5 to be in a death watch. Check Craig's list (depending on your area) as there are great buys to be found. You can probably do better than a 3,1 for under $2k. I wouldn't go with less than 16GB RAM if you're doing projects with a few hefty VIs.

[westla]

I'll take a look.

I guess the thought of upgrading for $700 is what is so appealing. If it could get me thru 3 years, until I can swing purchasing a new Mac Pro, that would be great.

[MIDI Life Crisis]

As long as it is 3,1 or better you should be good for quite a while.

[kgdrum]

I'll take a look.

I guess the thought of upgrading for $700 is what is so appealing. If it could get me thru 3 years, until I can swing purchasing a new Mac Pro, that would be great.

Yeah but when you look at the the fact that its a 7 year old Mac & 64bit limitations with the cost of adding ram,it's not really a bargain.
I got a similar Mac,2 years newer('08)
that boots in 64bit with 24gig of ram almost 2 years ago for $1100,that's more of a deal.
I'm sure if you look around you'll find a '08 or '09 MacPro at a good price.
Even if the '09 cost a little more the ram you'll want to add will be way cheaper so it will balance out the initial cost.
Happy Hunting!