Who else is still using a Mac Pro 5,1 or older computer?
 

I used to be one of those folks that always upgraded/updated my OS & hardware, but when Apple introduced the "garbage can" Mac Pro, I jumped off that merry-go-round.

I have a 2012 MP 5,1 running macOS 10.13.6 with PT 2019.5 and a 2009 MP (firmware upgraded to 5,1) running Mojave that I use as both a back-up machine and a testing ground for new OS's & software. My main interface is a Digi 003 Rack and the back-up computer has a Digi 003 Rack+.

Both systems have upgraded metal GPU's and 48GB of RAM and I suppose they are getting long in the tooth (sometimes there's new updates or plug-ins for things like FCPX that won't run on them), but I use PT daily and there's nothing like having a stable, solid system that just works. I know I'll probably buy the M1 Mac Pro at some pot, but I'll also be keeping one of my MP 5,1's as a back-up!

Re: Who else is still using a Mac Pro 5,1 or older computer?
 

2010 5,1 HDX, 64gb
Holding at macOS 10.14.6 Mojave.
Ultimate 2021.7
Rx580 flashed
Running well.

Re: Who else is still using a Mac Pro 5,1 or older computer?
 

I'm still on a 2010 5,1 running Mojave PT 2020.9 HDN. I also have another 2010 5,1 system here on High Sierra with PT 2021.3 HDX.

Both systems are working great and i don't feel the need to upgrade the computers anytime soon (they are both 3.46GHz 12 cores). I'm considering giving Opencore a try to see how feasible Catalina is. I'll probably jump up in PT version at some point too. I'm in no rush to be part of the new wave of computers. I'll wait until I need to make the jump and hopefully things will have leveled off a bit.

Re: Who else is still using a Mac Pro 5,1 or older computer?
 

running a 12 core 5,1 with Mojave. Stable and steady.

Re: Who else is still using a Mac Pro 5,1 or older computer?
 

A bit off-topic: I have the RX580 as well, but not flashed (so no boot screen). Did you buy it flashed or is there somewhere online that walks you through how to do it?

Re: Who else is still using a Mac Pro 5,1 or older computer?
 

http://www.macvidcards.com

http://www.macvidcards.com/store/p82..._Services.html

Re: Who else is still using a Mac Pro 5,1 or older computer?
 

All our suites are running 5.1 mac pro's, high sierra, pt2019.6, hdx2 and with specific RX570 cards that require only 1 power cable. By now we are pushing them to the max but we'd rather not invest into Intel macs anymore.
Next step is a new generation of M1 and switch to full native.

Re: Who else is still using a Mac Pro 5,1 or older computer?
 

Still running a 5.1 Mac Pro 'cheese grater' 12 core, 128 ram
Mojave Mac OS ProTools Ultimate Latest Version


All works well, very stable

Re: Who else is still using a Mac Pro 5,1 or older computer?
 

Only downside about old computer is you set it and forget it, no chance of updating ANYTHING. Sometimes it is a good thing too.

My old ones:

1)
2009 Mac Pro with 48GB ram and HD3|accel cards

2)
2004 PowerMac G5 with 8GB ram ad HD3 cards

3)
1999 PowerMac G4 with 2GB ram and MIX3 cards

All of them still in perfect working condition and seeing some use occasionally (live gigs and monitoring). Slow as hell compared to modern ones, but at that time best money could buy.

Nowadays need to be aware that the motherboard battery may run out any day and while that only seems to mess up the clock, it also messes up serial authorizations and need to be replaced.

Another thing to consider is the hard drive. if you do not fire it up every now and then, there WILL be a day when it dies when you power it on. Bearings need some movement. And obviously you need to have a clone of the hard drives in case they fail and need to restore. Old installers are pain to find. May also be hard to find a HDD that 1999 motherboard accepts, but that is another story. New Old Stock is easier to find than old installers.

Re: Who else is still using a Mac Pro 5,1 or older computer?
 

I remember in the 1990s there was a neighborhood junk store that had plenty of old "non-working" Macs. Turns out every one I bought just had a dead motherboard clock battery and a few bucks fora new battery at Radio Shack did the trick. Was able to get some pretty good machines for next to nothing and learned my way around inside & out of those older Macs. :)