Mac Pro 8 core 2006 vs Mac Pro 8 core 2010

[Dusty Angel]

hi guys, maby somebody can help me.

i just purchase the new mac pro 8 core 2.4 Westmere.
my old mac pro is a 8 core 3GHZ 2006 (the first model)

i expected a lot more CPU for RTAS plugins with the purchase of the new mac, but for example:

1 really big session on my old mac, wich is 95% CPU (but is still playing ;-)
and the same session on the new mac is 85% CPU

another little test:
empty session with 32 stereo audio channels and 32 soundtoys decapitator RTAS: (Buffer 256)
old mac 48% CPU
new mac 38% CPU

is this normal? or the new mac pro is broke?

the differents:
old mac = pro tools 8 HD & leopard
new mac = pro tools 9 HD & snow leopard


thanks in advance

[Emerah]

I guess to get authentic results you should compare PT HD 8's performance on both machines.

also video applications usually benefit more from CPU increase than audio applications do.

[Dism]

Not sure why you think it's "broke."

Not really sure what you were expecting out of trading an 8-core Xeon for another 8-core Xeon, either. Yes, the architecture is updated, and is technically faster... but as far as sheer grunt for audio, you're not really going to get much out of the new 8-core that you couldn't with the old one.

At least, not until everything goes 64 bit.

[Dusty Angel]

Originally Posted by Dism

Not sure why you think it's "broke."

because the store told me, i get around 50% more CPU with the new one.
and after i told them that this is not the case,
they thought, maby the mac is broke.

i also don´t believe that the mac is broke.

Originally Posted by Dism

Not really sure what you were expecting out of trading an 8-core Xeon for another 8-core Xeon, either. Yes, the architecture is updated, and is technically faster... but as far as sheer grunt for audio, you're not really going to get much out of the new 8-core that you couldn't with the old one.
At least, not until everything goes 64 bit.

the store is doing a lot of studio installations, so i believed they have experiences with the new macs.
i am not really into the mac architecture,
i thought 4 years later, 50% more CPU, why not?

thanks for the answer.

[guitarhead]

I am looking at one of these machines at macmall
2.66 quad $1799
2.93 quad $2049
2.26 octo $2349

I like to run several VI's while I am writing as well as tracking at the same time
sampletank, amplitube (a couple of these), superior ( a couple of these)
these programs help me develop and write the songs and my mbp is starting choke when i start tracking using amplitube 3 and these VI' at the same time. Mainly because I am running at 64 buffer for low latency

MY current computer is a 2.5 core 2 duo with 4gig of ram 667mhz ddr2
and my 002r
Normally when mixing and tracking bands it has been great. I could not ask for a better laptop but when I am writing and producing music with the VI's thats when i start having issues
so based on what i use and my work flow what any one recommend. My gut tells me to go with the 2.93 quad. Any thoughts would be great.

[Dism]

Originally Posted by guitarhead

I am looking at one of these machines at macmall
2.66 quad $1799
2.93 quad $2049
2.26 octo $2349

I like to run several VI's while I am writing as well as tracking at the same time
sampletank, amplitube (a couple of these), superior ( a couple of these)
these programs help me develop and write the songs and my mbp is starting choke when i start tracking using amplitube 3 and these VI' at the same time. Mainly because I am running at 64 buffer for low latency

MY current computer is a 2.5 core 2 duo with 4gig of ram 667mhz ddr2
and my 002r
Normally when mixing and tracking bands it has been great. I could not ask for a better laptop but when I am writing and producing music with the VI's thats when i start having issues
so based on what i use and my work flow what any one recommend. My gut tells me to go with the 2.93 quad. Any thoughts would be great.

Buy what you can afford.

Any one of these machines will be great for Pro Tools, but the more you pay... the more machine you will have. It's up to you at this point.

[matt_the_manic]

I upgraded my old Mac Pro 1,1 2006 first generation 4core Xeon 5150 2,66 by exchanging the cpu with a 8core Xeon 5355 2,66 with very good results... I have a lot more cpu power for virtual instruments running the RTAS engine and with pro tools 9 HD running everything is very stable...

[guitarhead]

I can afford either of the machines listed. I want to make sure I am making the right choice to future proof myself for a little while. Do i take the 2.93 quad with fastest processor or would i be better off with the slowest processor but more cores.