Macintosh moving to ARM

[Darryl Ramm]

The new Mac Pro are very nice. I played enough to feel like I would really like one but like != justify. I primarily use a Macbook Pro, so it's an additional cost. If I was having issues now that affected business and I could pay back in ~3 years I would get one. Otherwise... what's the current issue with your Mac Pro trashcan? Can you improve that?

Are you really on Pro Tools 12.x still? Are you seeing CPU issues? Have you tried 2019.5 or later with the AAE performance improvements?

[Sardi]

Originally Posted by ArKay99

I'm using UAD I/F's through TB 2. On the Apple Store page the Mac Pro is stated to have TB...then I've seen that they will be supporting TB through USB-C...that's a different connector, so I'm not what that's about since I need a traditional TB2 type connector. Any knowledge of that?

TB3 to TB2 adaptor. $60 and you’re good to go.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[rmccam]

Originally Posted by ArKay99

Lastly, It seems there are a few on here that have already purchased the new Mac Pro... I'm wondering if they like them.

I really like mine but I'd say the need for one is very specific. I'm on HDX and am currently working on a project in Atmos, so my choices were pretty limited when I made the purchase earlier this year (I'm not interested in going PC or Hackintosh). If I'd had even a near-equivalent option, I would have gone another route. I can justify the business expense but it's still a tough pill to swallow.

That said, the Mac Pro is a powerhouse and very quiet (save the stupid HDX fan), but the ARM thing does annoy me. I don't know if it'll end up actually being an issue but it has the potential to be a big one. Just moving to Catalina in January (months after its release) was a pain... who knows how bad the move to ARM will be. As others have pointed out, being on the last good Intel machine could be a blessing in disguise for those of us who rely on stability for our businesses.

[JFreak]

Originally Posted by rmccam

ARM thing does annoy me. I don't know if it'll end up actually being an issue but it has the potential to be a big one. Just moving to Catalina in January (months after its release) was a pain... who knows how bad the move to ARM will be.

You weren't around when Apple moved from PPC to Intels in 2004-2005 were you? Universal Binaries are nothing new here.

The transition was as close to seamless as it could have been, and Intel hardware was way more powerful since second generation. Did not use first generation machines so cannot comment on that. When I replaced my 2005 G5 Quad with a 2009 Nehalem Quad, the performance difference was very obvious. And without water cooling

Biggest PITA is you need to wait until all 3rd party vendors have their stuff together, which also means some software will be left behind.

[JFreak]

Originally Posted by BCnSTL

Geezo. Apple has never given firm answers about when they will release new products or when they might drop support for old ones.

They are obligated to support hardware for at least three years after the final sale, but in reality it has always been five years. Even the last transition, last PPC sold was 2005 and it was supported with Leopard's last release on August 2009

History is a bad guideline for future, though.

[JFreak]

Originally Posted by ArKay99

I mean if I'm going to shell out that kind of green, I'd like to feel confident I can get at least 7 years or so from it

Sorry to say it this frank, but it is just plain stupid to expect a computer even work 7 years let alone be able to run latest software. They are built for 3 year lifespan and you can "hope" to get 5 years.

If it is not feasible for you, buy something cheaper.

Miracles can happen, though. My 2013 trashcan is still going strong, albeit I have custom upgraded it to 10-core. Just that I cannot "expect" that this thing is working next year, and if I need to park it with Catalina it is still just as useful as today, as long as it keeps running.

[rmccam]

Originally Posted by JFreak

You weren't around when Apple moved from PPC to Intels in 2004-2005 were you? Universal Binaries are nothing new here.
...

Biggest PITA is you need to wait until all 3rd party vendors have their stuff together, which also means some software will be left behind.

I've been using PT since version 5. As you said, the transition was a pain because of third-party software — because who uses just Avid plugins? Then you have the hassle of recalls once all those companies get left behind.

The bigger issue is obsolescence. The $12k machine loses its value really quickly once a shift like that takes place.

[JFreak]

If you buy a +10k machine you need a plan how to write it off. Then who cares if you donate it for someone after its planned lifetime?

[ArKay99]

Originally Posted by Darryl Ramm

The new Mac Pro are very nice. I played enough to feel like I would really like one but like != justify. I primarily use a Macbook Pro, so it's an additional cost. If I was having issues now that affected business and I could pay back in ~3 years I would get one. Otherwise... what's the current issue with your Mac Pro trashcan? Can you improve that?

Current issue is freezing...actually it's "Burning Processor' according to the logs. The story behind the machine is, it's a 2013 refurbed Quad core that I sent to OWC to have the processor upgraded to the 10-core in there now. I added 16 gigs of ram to bump it to 32 gig. I've had this problem from the beginning. I have a fan sitting on top of it, and the whole thing sitting on top of a laptop cooler fan. This is the only thing that keeps it running for an acceptable amount of time, as long as I keep the CR temps below 70. I've taken it apart and cleaned it, a lot, but it's a thermal thing. I've read where some early 2013's had issues with the dual video cards overheating, so it may be a combo of that and the processor. Then with all these fans running at dissonant frequencies the fan noise is unacceptable...I've got the machine in the CR on the desk.

Originally Posted by Darryl Ramm

Are you really on Pro Tools 12.x still? Are you seeing CPU issues? Have you tried 2019.5 or later with the AAE performance improvements?

Yes, still on 12.4.x... I've got 2 instrument plugin's that are 32 bit and I need them for a lot of the projects I do. I use them with Vienna Instruments hosted by their 32 bit server. And to tell the truth, converting to the newest OS, then the new version of PT and consequently upgrading all my plugs is daunting...I was holding off on all that until I got a new machine, installing the new version of PT, and upgrading my firmware and software then.

This is kinda why getting a new machine is important.

[JFreak]

I have the same 10-core custom trashcan as you have, except mine has 64GB memory and 2TB storage. No heat issues here so it must be a software thing.