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Building new Mac Pro for FCP – hardware options?
Hi All-
time to upgrade/replace 5yr old Mac Pro G5, esp for near-future HD workflow. Apple allows custom builds but need info/link to info about:
-multi core processors:
Am I getting $$ worth for dual processors? (current G5 has ’em) – and a _further_ bang with the faster ones (at +$1400, $2600 respectively)?? I hope to get a Red Scarlet & use med-size file-types (ie NOT 2K, but near uncompressed 720) eventually. 8-bit uncompr Beta SD for now…
-video cards: Apple offers 4; BUT have heard Nvidia’s GeForce GTX 285 is worth looking at. Just WHAT benefits will I see with hopped-up card? right now on G5 Motion-3 screen lag is G-L-A-C-I-A-L. Is THIS where cards come in? Is it rendering speeds or “just” on-screen/motion performance?
-raid card. Necessary for HD? Apple offers theirs for an eye-watering $700. Aftermarket? What brand?
OR
-do I get the minimalist system and upgrade hardware as needed (you know, when CheaperFasterBetter).
And how “minimalist” would do (like: dual processor for sure?)
Sorry-
have hunted all over the net and found no info.
My Thanks
Stu Aull
Alaska -
7 Replies
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In the most simplest terms I can give you:
Fastest mac pro you can afford. The more beefy it is today, the longer you can use it.
8GB RAM minimum
ATI 4870 card (especially if you want to work in Color)
AJA Kona board.
Walter Biscardi, Jr.
Editor, Colorist, Director, Writer, Consultant, Author.
HD Post and Production
Biscardi Creative Media“Foul Water, Fiery Serpent” now in Post.
Creative Cow Forum Host:
Apple Final Cut Pro, Apple Motion, Apple Color, AJA Kona, Business & Marketing, Maxx Digital. -
Thanks Walt-
DO want to get into Color, and love Motion so sounds like upgraded Vid card is a must?Stu
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[stu aull] “DO want to get into Color, and love Motion so sounds like upgraded Vid card is a must?”
We really don’t use Motion much, but pretty much any ATI card outperforms nVidia in Color. Always has. The 4870 is a nice card for sure.
Walter Biscardi, Jr.
Editor, Colorist, Director, Writer, Consultant, Author.
HD Post and Production
Biscardi Creative Media“Foul Water, Fiery Serpent” now in Post.
Creative Cow Forum Host:
Apple Final Cut Pro, Apple Motion, Apple Color, AJA Kona, Business & Marketing, Maxx Digital. -
I’d look closely at Storage solutions that have a RAID 5 or RAID 6 option for the RED workflows… you’ll want speed.
The faster the computer the better.
Jerry
Apple Certified Trainer
Author: “Jerry Hofmann on Final Cut Pro 4” Click here
8-Core 3.0 Intel Mac Pro, Dual 2 gig G5, AJA Kona SD, AJA Kona 2, Huge Systems Array UL3D, AJA Io HD, 17″ MBP, Matrox MXO, CD’s
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Thanks Jerry-
*sigh*
I know, of course, that you should always buy the “fastest computer you can afford” and I was thinking of the base dual 2.66 processor version. Its a pretty big leap in $$ to the other 2 higher output models and I’m trying to grasp what performance gains there will be for the $$ spent? perhaps an unrealistic question.Jerry you mentioned Storage Solutions for Raid- do you have an address or link? When I google it I get a zillion unrelated sources 🙁
Thanks again!
Stu Aull
Alaska -
I’ve had great luck with the products sold by Caldigit. https://www.caldigit.com
Jerry
Apple Certified Trainer
Author: “Jerry Hofmann on Final Cut Pro 4” Click here
8-Core 3.0 Intel Mac Pro, Dual 2 gig G5, AJA Kona SD, AJA Kona 2, Huge Systems Array UL3D, AJA Io HD, 17″ MBP, Matrox MXO, CD’s
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Thanks Jerry – add their site to The List when I shop for HD bits later!
Stu Aull
Alaska
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