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refurbished Mac
Hi ..New Mac and Final cut user here,
Im looking at purchasing a Refurbished Mac Pro 2.8 Quad core. The only diff I can see between this and a new Quad core is that they do not specifically say these are “Harpertown” processors. I know that Harpertown has video acceleration built in but does anyone know if this refurbished is still a good machine for editing with the newest version of Final cut and more importantly would it make any diff for HD editing if it isnt a Harpertown? The only other thing I can see that is probably lacking is the 320 hard drive.Anyone with any thoughts advice? Thanks
Refurbished specs
Refurbished Mac Pro 8-core 2.8GHz Intel Xeon
Two 2.8GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon processors
2GB (2 x 1GB) of 800MHz DDR2 ECC fully buffered DIMM
320GB Serial ATA 3Gb/s 7200-rpm hard drive
16x SuperDrive (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT 256MB (two dual-link DVI ports)Learn More
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9 Replies
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If you’re talking the 2.8Ghz Mac Pro, aren’t you’re talking about the 8-core, not the 4-core. In which case, it is the same unit that you can buy currently from Apple. It’s a great machine.
As far as hard drive space goes, your actually set up will depend on what type of footage you’re dealing with. I’d suggest as a minimum buying another hard drive and installing it for your media. I’ve never been a big fan of editing off of the system drive.
-Russ
Russell Lasson
Kaleidoscope Pictures
Provo, UT -
That machine will be absolutely FINE for editing with FCP 6. MANY people using them. Just because it doesn’t have the latest processor doesn’t mean it sucks. I have a dual 2.0Ghz G5 that I use for editing HD…running FCP 6.0.2. And I bought that as a refirb. Refirbs are a great way to get a good machine and save money doing it.
Shane
GETTING ORGANIZED WITH FINAL CUT PRO DVD now for sale!
http://www.LFHD.net
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thanks for your reply. Yes it is the 8 core.
Good idea re the hard drive . Thanks!
Chris
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thanks…Its a pretty pricey start up what with buying final cut etc so thats what I was hoping for.
Chris
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Yes, I second buying refurbs. They’re covered by the same 1 yr Applecare as new machines. And if something is funky with it, you’ll know way before the 1 yr mark.
CHL
Chi-Ho Lee
Film & Video Editor
Apple Certified Final Cut Pro Trainer
http://www.chiholee.com -
In many cases it’s like getting free applecare. In this case, it’s like getting free applecare and $150.
I will admit that I’d think twice about buying a refurb laptop. I’ve done it and had problems to the point where Apple replaced the laptop completely with a new one. That was both good and bad. I also know other people that have had more problems with refurb laptops. But for a desktop, I’m more comfortable with the idea.
-Russ
Russell Lasson
Kaleidoscope Pictures
Provo, UT -
I’ve owned 5 refurbished laptops over the years and never had a problem with any of them. I’ve also owned at least the same amount of towers and they’ve all been fine too.
Thanks,
Vince Sanchez
G5 DP2.0ghz 2.5gig ram
AJA IO
OS10.3.9 QT7.01
3X250gb SATA Hitachi HD 8meg cache stripped in array
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On the other hand, we had a refurbished G5 tower a couple of years ago that would not even power up – and had several loose screws in it. A check by the service guys confirmed it as dead – the motherboard was toast. How it ever got shipped is a mystery. You pays your money and you takes a little chance.
Ben
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I always recommend refurbished Macs as a great way to get a good deal. Always purchase AppleCare with them though just in case. Last count I believe we have four refurbs running here.
Walter Biscardi, Jr.
Biscardi Creative Media
HD and SD Production for Broadcast and Independent Productions.STOP STARING AND START GRADING WITH APPLE COLOR Apple Color Training DVD available now!
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