Help!!..choosing a G-4

[B-man]

Anyone have suggestions on which model g-4(processor speed,pci,graphic or audio)to look for or ones to avoid?..I'm new to the game and don't want to get burnt.I'm going to run the 001 or possibly even the 002.I know,I know pick one or the other.The features of the 002 are real tempting.Anyway whatever advice you have would be great! [img]images/icons/confused.gif[/img]

[where02190]

Get the fastest one you can afford, add a second (and even third if you wish) HD for audio, and as much ram as you can afford, at least 512mb.

[Ben Jenssen]

I dont know exactly how much it means, but it’s been reccomended here many times that level 3 cache is a big factor in PTs performance.

There is perhaps good info on one of the many "PT performance test" threads on this forum. At least if you are looking for a used mac.

[thermoboy]

Originally posted by Ben Jenssen:
I dont know exactly how much it means, but it’s been reccomended here many times that level 3 cache is a big factor in PTs performance.

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Powerlogic recently posted this PDF, explaining the oddities of DDRAM and L3 cache. Very interesting.

Read this

Aloha

[Rock_Artist]

For today the best worth G4 is the 933Mhz due to price/performance.

However, this is gonna change...
As Logic is out for OSX you'll notice the improvment.

Pro Tools still doesn't support Altivec (G4 new instructions) and DP so both currently isn't worth a thing.
however as soon as OS X support will be out and DP and Altivec also the 933mhz for example would be worthless than a 867 DP for example.

Also the 001 v.s. the 002 is an important performance factor.

You'll get lower performance with the 002 as the firewire all takes up some CPU, so if you're planning on the 002 try getting something stronger.

[John H]

I've just had a thought.

If you're getting a Digi002 the new G4s will scream because of these extra features in the mac and the software bundle :

The system controller handles firewire seperate from the cpu on the new macs so there's no overhead for going firewire.

As for the Digi002 software bundle :

The Waves plug-ins are optimised for altivec and have improved dual cpu support in the 3.5 version.

Sampletank has altivec enhanced code.

Pro 52 is altivec enhanced.

Even though protools itself is currently ignorant to dual cpus and altivec, a lot of software in the digi002 bundle isn't and there's loads of 3rd party software synths you could run alongside protools that would bring the 933Mhz G4 it's knees with a heavy session while the new dual 867MHz G4 would have cpu time to spare.

Obviously a 933Mhz G4 is a bargain right now (if you shop around) and if you're not bothered about software synths or taking advantage of future improvements to protools when it's running under OS X it would be a good investment.

[IK_Jason]

Amplitube which comes with the Digi 002 is also Altivec enchanced for better performance.

Jason

[Jamble]

The Mac Cube is great. If you don't need a PCI slot it's worth checking out. Replace the internal HD with a Seagate Baracuda IV super quiet 80 GB HD and you'll have a very quiet Mac.