G4 upgrade ...duel or single?

[tsd]

it seems that there have been better results with the 1's... is this correct? anyone got good experiences? anyone on panther with upgrade kits yet?

i know this subject as been covered many times before, but there are so many new options!

[where02190]

OSX and beyond will be dual processor (not duel, you need swords or pistols for that!!) capable, IMHO it's a big advantage to go dual processor. Most all new Mac applications take advantage of the second processor to some degree, and the OSX operating system certainly does.

[cwhite771]

I just upgraded my G4/450 to 1.4 Ghz with a Giga Designs Gcellerator card and I'm very happy. It really depends on where you're at (machine-wise) and what you need.

I'd say there are 3 things you should consider before purcahsing:

1. What is your budget?
If you can get by with 1 processor (see 2 & 3), you can put the money towards improving other gear-- buy a mic or 2, get some plugins, etc.. If money is not an issue, go for the dual.

2. What is your current machine?
If you're running a lower MHz single processor (like I was) going from 450 to 1.4 is like night and day. Going from an 867 or 1 GHz will obviously not be as dramatic-- in that case a dual would be more appropriate.

3. What do you REALLY need?
This is real world-- if you don't need to run 50 plugins on 28 audio tracks, save your money and buy the single. You'd be better off buying a new machine in a year or two. If you're not a track/plugin monster, a single (I'd recommend 1.2 or above) should do you fine. Keep in mind that future versions of applications WILL consume more processing power, so if you're planning on sticking with this setup for a while (and not getting a new machine) you may want to consider the dual.

The Giga upgrade has been great for me-- from what I've read, the powerlogix, and sonnets are good too. Beware of the OWC upgrades, though they are a good place to buy the others.
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c

[tsd]

thanks for the input lads! i guess my question should have been more like... dual 1g v single 1.4ish cause my budget is enough for a maxed out single or a mid range dual.

im a reasent convert from pc... i picked up an 800mhz powerbook really cheap from ebay and am never going back!!! panther is amazing with expose... i use reason, so being able to hit a button to see all 4 windows at once is really, really cool. im loving the pb, but do need more grunt for mixing and heavly soft-instrument usage! so i plan to pick up a 400mhz AGP from ebay and fit it out a little!

so what will give more performance with Protools? dual 1g or single 1.4??!!!

thanks again guys

[cwhite771]

If you'll be using PT6+, a dual 1GHz should give you better performance than the single 1.4.
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c