Mac Pro Question?

[MattDougherty]

Heyo,

In the process of updating my home rig...coming from a Macbook 4,1 so I know either way I go will be a nice upgrade. I was wondering if anyone on here has any experience or advice regarding which Mac Pro to take. I'm considering the following:

Early 2008 2.8GHz 8-Core with 4GB RAM (3,1) for about $1000.

Early 2009 2.26GHz 8-Core with 16GB RAM (4,1) for about $1,600.

I'm leaning towards the newer one BUT am quite conflicted b/c all the research I've done and opinions I've found are quite divided as far as what matters more, RAM, clock speed, cores, future upgradability, etc... If the practical difference between the two is negligible I'm inclined to go with the cheaper model, but since this will also be my only computer (my personal computer), I don't want something that's going to have a hard time staying current with my iPhone, new OS's, etc....I'm torn! Any insight greatly appreciated!!!

-Matt

[Craig F]

I would go for the 4.1, between the extra RAM and the better video card it's worth the $600
it also is more future proof than the 3.1

but that is my take, YMMV

[lancemcv]

I have a 2008 with 16 gigs of ram running mt lion and PT 10 with an MBox pro.
It runs great but my new 2012 Mac book pro 2.6 quad is a bit faster. Ram for the 2008 is a bit pricey. The stock video card is a stinker, I have the ati 5870 and the stock card running 4 monitors. If you want a native card you should check to see if it can run on the 2008 I'm not sure about that. 2009 may hold its value a bit longer and I believe ram is a bit cheaper for it.

[Meads]

I'd too go for the 2009.
Got that same machine for several years now, and I love it.

[Tweakhead]

I would spend as little as possible right now on a Mac Pro. Either that or wait. It has been years since the last major update to the Mac Pro, and you are buying old technology no matter which one you get. There simply has to be one out before long. So buy something that simply gets you thru this waiting period.

P.S. I agree with NST7's comment below.

[nst7]

There are some good deals on refurbished ones on the Apple site. That's a good way to get one to tide you over and save money.

[The golfer]

If I could find a nehalem (4.1) with 16 gig ram at $1600 here. I would buy it right away. I have one and it's a really good combo to run an HDX system.

[YYR123]

Correct 2009 is the one you want - The 2008 (which I have - wont run supposedly 10.3 and higher pro tools - which means no PT11x64 for me here)

They are capable of running 10.8 software (the 2008's) w/o a problem - but yes the best bet is the 2009 - that way u can get the future proof PT11 rig !!!!!

[jasonthurley]

3, 1 is supposedly not compatible with PT 10 (or 10.3)... I just had to replace one during our last upgrade.

[Meads]

Originally Posted by jasonthurley

3, 1 is supposedly not compatible with PT 10 (or 10.3)... I just had to replace one during our last upgrade.

10.3 on a 1,1 (upgraded to a 2,1) with no problems.