Upgrade help

gsheffer · gsheffer #1 (**permalink**)

01-10-2011, 08:15 PM

I am currently running a Mac Pro dual core 2.66 with 8 gb of RAM that is 4-5 years old. I am running it with 10.6.5. I mostly do media projects - fcp, motion, photoshop and edit prores files from a RED or 5d camera.

The machine is starting to get maxed out and running slow with major projects. Am I going to see a "significant" jump in capacity and speed with a newer 8-core? I'd like to buy a used one, but I am not sure the difference between the Nehalem, Xeon, Westmere machines.

I'd like to spend around 2K on a used machine. What should I look for that will give me a performance enhancement with the processor?

Thank you.

harryb2448 · harryb2448 #2 (**permalink**)

01-10-2011, 09:03 PM

To answer your question ~ yes you will see a difference. Faster processor, faster memory, faster bus speed and graphics. A Mac Pro 1.1 2.66GHz is rated by Geekbench at 4833. The next model 8 core, the 2.1 is rated at 7977 so that is nearly a 100% increase in performance. A later model 4.1 with Bloomfield dual 2.66GHz processors come in at w whopping 14458!

gsheffer · gsheffer #3 (**permalink**)

01-10-2011, 09:29 PM

What is a bloomfield processor?

harryb2448 · harryb2448 #4 (**permalink**)

01-11-2011, 03:57 PM

It is the code or manufacturer's brand name, like yours is currently a "Woodcrest".

harryb2448 #2 (permalink)
Member Since: Nov 28, 2007 Location: Nambucca Heads Australia Posts: 14,265 Mac Specs: iMac i5 2.7GHz OS X.8.3	01-10-2011, 09:03 PM To answer your question ~ yes you will see a difference. Faster processor, faster memory, faster bus speed and graphics. A Mac Pro 1.1 2.66GHz is rated by Geekbench at 4833. The next model 8 core, the 2.1 is rated at 7977 so that is nearly a 100% increase in performance. A later model 4.1 with Bloomfield dual 2.66GHz processors come in at w whopping 14458! *Hang on to those original install discs like grim death! Using OS X.7 or later make a bootable USB thumb drive before running Installer!*
	QUOTE Thanks

harryb2448 #4 (permalink)
Member Since: Nov 28, 2007 Location: Nambucca Heads Australia Posts: 14,265 Mac Specs: iMac i5 2.7GHz OS X.8.3	01-11-2011, 03:57 PM It is the code or manufacturer's brand name, like yours is currently a "Woodcrest". *Hang on to those original install discs like grim death! Using OS X.7 or later make a bootable USB thumb drive before running Installer!*
	QUOTE Thanks

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gsheffer #1 (permalink)
Member Since: Oct 16, 2006 Posts: 14	01-10-2011, 08:15 PM I am currently running a Mac Pro dual core 2.66 with 8 gb of RAM that is 4-5 years old. I am running it with 10.6.5. I mostly do media projects - fcp, motion, photoshop and edit prores files from a RED or 5d camera. The machine is starting to get maxed out and running slow with major projects. Am I going to see a "significant" jump in capacity and speed with a newer 8-core? I'd like to buy a used one, but I am not sure the difference between the Nehalem, Xeon, Westmere machines. I'd like to spend around 2K on a used machine. What should I look for that will give me a performance enhancement with the processor? Thank you.
	QUOTE Thanks

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