Dual G4 vs. Dual G5

[davetron5000]

OK, I'm considering upgrading, and I'm trying to decide what's the best value. I've got an 002R and I want to be able to use the full 18-in to record as well as mix 32 tracks with reasonable plugins. In other words, be able to use LE to it's (reasonable() fullest extent.

The Dual G4 is about $1000 cheaper than Dual G5, and I'm trying to decide if the extra $1000 is worth it. With Dual G4 work for mixing a 32-track session at all? Assuming 1Gig of Ram in each and fast internal second drives, am I fool to spend an extra $1000?

Any comments are helpful. Thanks in advance!

[fire2k2]

From what I've heard, the single G5 is just about the same at most tasks as the the dual 1.42 G4. I do know that digi has crippled the dual G5's in PTLE so that the performance is only barely more powerful as far as track and plug in count. We have just recently purchased a dual 1.8ghz G5 but it was mostly because of Logic 6. With our old dual 1ghz G4, we could run 32 tracks and all the plugs and auxes we needed in PT6 with no problems, so anything more than a dual 1.25 stars to border overkill if you are only gonna be running LE. But, at the same time its always great to be ready for the latest and greatest software that is sure to run better on a G5.

Fire

[charon]

I'd go spend the extra 1,000... The reason!? How long until you think you have to upgrade with the G5, maybe 10 years?! I mean, G3s still run a decent pro tools, and, they are probably 10 years old at least. A dUAL G5 which performs better than any machine right now?

It wouldn't be a question to me if I had the money.

Go splurge on yourself .

[antiphase]

said this too many times already, but here you go. If you're staying with PTLE then dual G4 it. If you want the best bang for the buck, dual G5 it, but run logic pro with your 002r. Keep in mind you're not going to be able to get 18 in's with 002 using PTLE. You can't use ADAT and S/PDIF at same time, don't know about logic though, (anybody)? I use a DP 1.25 G4 with 1028 DDR right now, and I have yet to get close to having a lack of power with my sessions. Last session I did was 28 tracks, with a good 20/30 plugs, mostly being different EQ's and Comps, and a few Verb's. My CPU meter was at 60% for this session..............I see that as a good average session, at least for me. Use the extra 1000 bucks you have left over and get some nice mics or monitors.

[KatTin]

If I had the money (and I already had the 002R) I'd go with a Dual G5 as well; for the reason's mentioned above regarding longevity AND future software that'll most likely be coming soon (10 years though...don't know about THAT). But, with all the RAM you can add to a Dual G5, I have a feeling that'll be a big benefit in the not too distant future.

However, with all the current buzz about Dual G5 CPU's speed bumps coming (late June?), if you can hold off a little longer you might be able to get the current Dual G5 1.8GHz or 2GHz for less at that time.

Just my little 2¢. I'm not as experienced as most on this forum.

Good luck!

[davetron5000]

Yeah, with Apple you can easily get screwed by not waiting. However, this machine's sole function would be for PTLE and my 002R. Any significant upgrade (Logic Pro, new hardware, etc.) is not on my timetable. I guess I'm having a hard time seeing into the future as to what I'll need. If PT6.2.3 works fine for me, as another user has posted, I dont' envision upgrading to a point where I'd need a G5, but like you said, if I can wait....

But, it seems that if I can mix a 24-track session with lots of plugs, the extra horsepower of the G5 isn't being realized and I'm paying extra for nothing....

[Carl Z]

From what I've heard, the single G5 is just about the same at most tasks as the the dual 1.42 G4

Totally not true for Pro tools. The dual G5 1.8 may get you an extra 20 -25% over the dual 1.25. That's it if your staying with ProTools. If you go to Logic then the Dual G5 is much faster.

C