Upgrade 6 core Mac Pro to 12 core, or sell Mac Pro for 8 core iMac Pro?

[jaminjamesp]

In the next few months I’ll be upgrading my computer. I can’t afford a new Mac Pro, but a used 8 core iMac Pro would be doable. Right now they are around $3500 on eBay.

OWC offers a refurbished 12 core CPU with warranty for about $500.

If I sold my 6 core I could get about $1500 for it, which makes the iMac Pro about $2000 out of pocket, or $1500 more expensive than upgrading to a 12 core CPU.

Obvious upside to iMac Pro is connectivity - Thunderbolt 3. I don’t have any thunderbolt 3 gear, but as time goes on I’m sure I’ll acquire some, and as far as external drives go, it would be nice to utilize the extra speed loading sample libraries.

I don’t know how the 5K monitor will respond in PT. I had a 27” 4K with my 6 core that I finally had to swap out because it was getting glitchy and laggy in PT. Going back to a 1080 monitor fixed it.

Any words of wisdom for me?

[Sardi]

Pros and cons on both sides.

Do you need TB? Do you need PCIE slots? Are you OK with having a computer within ear distance? Etc etc.

The iMac will be more powerful and benefits from modern tech. The Mac Pro has the slots and upgradability.

If it were me, I’d go for the newer machine. I have no need for expansion slots. But, at the same time, I wouldn’t want an all in one like the iMac. Been there before.

It’s a tough choice. You really need to weigh up what’s more important to you.


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[macmusic9]

You will not be able to upgrade your 6 core to a 12 core unless the logic board is replaced also. The machine has to have dual processor trays originally and your 6 core only has 1. The highest upgrade for your machine is a 6 core 3.46 processor tray unless you replace the logic board too. There are lots of 12 core macs out there already upgraded and maxed out. Some are 2010 and 2012 5,1 macs with the trays already swapped and maxed out with ram and storage between $1,200 and $2,000. Then there are the 2009 4,1 macs that have had their firmware upgraded, trays swapped, and maxed out between $800 to $1,500.
On a side note, there are lots of 6 cores that have been upgraded and maxed out also. The 5,1 macs run between $600 to $1,000 and I've seen the 4,1 ones as low as $400 to $800.
With the new mac pros out, I'm seeing some good discounts on the trashcans starting at $1,200 and up. That could be another option for you.

[macmusic9]

Just noticed from another post of yours that your mac is a trashcan not a cheese grater. I thought you had a cheesgrater from this post, sorry. Just checked the OWC upgrade you were talking about, looks like a great way to boost yours on the cheap. As soon as the trashcan prices go down a little more, this upgrade looks like a great way for others to get in on the game too!