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Dual 2.8ghz Xeon Vs. single 2.6ghz “nehalem”
I am actually looking to purchase a mac pro rig. But I figured someone here could help me as to the ideal processor configuration. Apple offers their new Mac Pro with a 2.66ghz Nahalem. but for around the same cost I can find 2008/2009 models with dual 2.8ghz xeon quads. What I have briefly read about the Nahalem architecture makes them sound amazingly fast and efficient. But I have to believe that 8 cores would be better for editing/rendering with FCP, graphics work with After Effects, and audio recording and mixing with Pro Tools. I will be upgrading any system I get to at least 8 gigs of ram. Which brings another question. How much more performance can be achieved with ddr3 ram vs. ddr2? Is it worth it to go with the single processor in order to use ddr3 ram?
Any insight is greatly appreciated. I have been searching the internet for info, but most of what I find refers these processors being used in server applications or gaming. I am looking for the best config for a heavy duty video production machine, and your thoughts can hopefully point me in the right direction before my tax refund burns a hole in my pocket.
Thanks Guys
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4 Replies
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Actually a single socket 4 Core 2.6Ghz or more Nehalem kicks all the dual socket pre nehalem XEON’s, I’ve actually tested this my self with apps like FCP, Color, Shake, AE and even with tools like Geekbench 64…
The reasons:
Faster architecture
Onboard memory controller(no latency)
DDR3 1066Another reason to stick with Nehalems:
You have a better upgrade path for the Gulftown nehalems which will fit and work just fine in the same socket…So in the future when the 6cores are cheaper you can slip one of these and get 2 more cores…
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Go to the dual quad nehalem 2.9 with lots of RAM and watch your machine last a few years longer. It may cost more up front but over the working life of the machine you will have the same or less cost and better performance.
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I don’t have any firsthand experience of the performance difference between the Nehalem and older systems. However, make sure you get more than 8GB of RAM if you go with a dual quad. From what I understand, After Effects needs at least 2GB per core to really perform at full potential, so 16GB of RAM wouldn’t be out of line.
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Thanks for the info. So let me ask you this. a 2.93 ghz single nehalem vs. two 2.26 ghz Nehalem? It sounds like you work with the same programs I do so which option would give me the best performance? does video editing, compositing, and rendering benefit from more cores or faster ghz. also it sounds like these processors like their ram to be installed in threes so I would be dumping 3 4gb ram chips for a total of twelve gigs of ram to start. Your thoughts?
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