8-core processor vs 4-core

[Glenn Fisher]

Additional cores only increase speed when the applications you are running can take advantage of them (or for multitasking, since you could run more programs at the same time).

I would investigate the applications that you use, and see if they are able to take advantage of multiple cores. If they are, then it is likely that you will see the speed boost, but if not, then there will be no increase in speed unless you are running multiple applications at the same time.

Are you rendering files and running a lot of compressions on your system? If so, then you will DEFINITELY see a fairly hefty improvement as long as those applications can take advantage of the extra cores. My guess is that your 3d application will be able to utilize the hardware, and an 8-core system would make your 3d renders much faster.

You might also want to look for comparison charts online. Several different blogs and websites compare the speed of different Apple computers using various software.

I hope that answers your question,
Glenn Fisher

[Natasha O’cconor]

I have saved up my little pennies for as long as I can remember now but im stuck with the fear of making a mistake!!

I was set out to get the –
*Mac Pro
8 Core 2×2.8GHz Quad-Core Xeon
2GB memory
320GB hard drive
16x double-layer SuperDrive
NVIDIA GeForce GT 120 with 512MB = $high 3’s

which I am very lucky to use at work.
I run Final Cut, After Effects, DSP, Photoshop +
It is very fast and reliable.

Now I am getting confused with the newer versions that are coming out like the

Quad-Core
One 2.66GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon “Nehalem” processor
3GB (three 1GB) memory
640GB hard drive 1
18x double-layer SuperDrive
NVIDIA GeForce GT 120 with 512M = $middle 4’s