jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

I accidentally hit the report an issue button and hope it doesn't cause a problem.

You may be right about the hardware issue. I only know what I saw. My friends 2008 Mac Pro smoked my HP i7 tower computer in Photoshop. My computer has an i7, 1.5TB HD, 16gb ram, and a fair video card.

Do you think a dual quad core processor like this Mac Pro is or isn't faster than a Intel i7 pc computer? This is what I'm trying to figure out.

haroldross Loc: Walthill, Nebraska

Not to start a war, but it has been my experience that with the same hardware- the Mac system runs faster.

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

Have you seen this http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-157536-1.html

mdorn Loc: Portland, OR

Fair enough... what is your experience?

haroldross Loc: Walthill, Nebraska

I have been in the computer field for over 30 years. I have earned several computer certifications over the years.

My interest in Mac PCs increased greatly when Apple began using Intel processors. In the past few years I have taken Intel PCs (HP and Dell) and ported the Mac OS X over to them. One of the HP's had the same processor as one of my MacBooks. On the HP and MacBook Pro (both with 2.4Ghz Intel I5 processors) with the HP running Windows 7 and the Mac running OS X Mountian Lion. The Mac ran quicker. I had Adobe PhotoShop CS6 on each. When I ran the same operations on the same files in CS6, the MacBook Pro outperformed the HP every time. If I ran Windows 7 and CS6 through BootCamp on the MacBook, that still outperformed the HP running Wndows 7 and CS6.

These are not lab tests, just me running a few tests to satisfy my own curiosity. Equal memory (amount and speed), 500gb 7200rpm Western Digital hard drives, and Intel I5 2.4 Ghz processors. The Mac system consistently performed better.

So I have stated my opinion backed by my own observations. That is my experience...

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

I believe you. After seeing my friends Mac working on CS6 files, I was sold.

mdorn Loc: Portland, OR

Nobody can dispute your own personal experience, so thank you. I see no "war" between the two platforms. We all win... For those who don't want to lay down the cash, there is always the PC. You'll find Intel inside both platforms---which is a personal win for me. My next computer will be a Mac, but I must say that my most recent Win7 PC is pretty darn fast and stable. Obviously, you clearly noticed a performance difference, but I can't even imagine my copy of CS6 running any faster than it does now---even those 5 raw exposure panos stitch instantly. Of course, it's entirely possible that my brain can no longer keep up with even a slow system. :-)

To back peddle a little; I'd say that you can buy more performance from a PC than an equally priced Mac. Again, we all win. Keep buying Intel! :-)

singleviking Loc: Lake Sebu Eco Park, Philippines

The Xeon E5462 processor doesn't have Hyperthreading or Turboboost capability and this is the main reason it can't accomplish 3D virtualization. The bus structure for MOBOs of this vintage are also limited to 1600 MHz. and I think there is a limit in RAM capability as well if I recall correctly. These are second and third generation CPUs and are fast becoming obsolete for new graphics processing since they do not have multithread capability or the newer and faster dual access RAM. This also may limit their usage for new PP application for programs in the near future.
Personally, I'd be a little leery about buying a computer this old and it's useful longevity regarding new apps and programs.
JMHO

TennisCoach Loc: Saginaw, MI

You can get a brand new 13" MacBook Pro running Maverick for $1200. They came out yesterday, 10-24.

markomd Loc: Cary, North Carolina

24 October 2013

If I were you I would NOT spend $1,000 on a used Macintosh Pro because it’s likely to be a poor long-term investment.

Planned obsolescence, even with Macs, is real.

Previous versions of Mac Pros have NOT proven to be great values compared to Apple’s desktop and laptop computers, and IMHO they’re less likely to serve you well into the foreseeable future.

At some point you will NOT be able to upgrade to whatever operating system becomes the latest and greatest, and it’s very clear that Apple’s long-term strategy is to have the Macintosh OS and the iPad/iPhone iOS become more and more similar.

Also, the best way BY FAR to purchase Macintosh computers for less than retail is via their on-line factory refurbished computer store.

I’ve bought all of my Apple products this way for many years, gotten excellent values, and saved a fortune in the process.

For the same $1,000, you can purchase a factory refurbished late 2012 iMac that will serve you well for years and provide all the power you’re likely to need for professional photography: http://store.apple.com/us/product/FD093LL/A/refurbished-imac-27ghz-quad-core-intel-core-i5.

P.S. I installed Mavericks on my own MacBook Pro-based system yesterday and am finding it quite delightful to use (with a few minor glitches that I’m sure Apple will iron out in free maintenance upgrades).

Good luck.

pasiuk57 Loc: Apple Valley, Minnesota

I use the MacBook Pro with Retina and the photos are absolutely great.

peterg Loc: Santa Rosa, CA

If you want a fast Mac Pro, wait 'til December.
See: http://www.apple.com/mac-pro/
They are now in production. Prices start at $2999. This may drive down prices of the old Mac Pros.

Zebra5 Loc: Area 51

I made the move from a PC to a MAC last year. The photo capabilities are better and I don't regret the move. The newest upgrade from yesterday is great, so far. Unlike the iOS7 upgrade to the iPhone and iPad which was glitch ridden.
Because my business software was all Windows I installed Parallels thus making my MAC capable of Windows software. That part has been a challenge but I think its me rather than the program.
I decided on a Macbook Pro with a 24 inch monitor added on. That way I'm portable if need be.
I highly recommend a Macbook

kcstudio1 Loc: Long Island, NY

I can't thank you all enough for this info. I want to switch from a PC to a Mac (finally) and struggle with the choices. This is exactly what I need to know. The next step will be the Raid system. I'll closely follow your advise on that topic too. You guys are outstanding!

haroldross Loc: Walthill, Nebraska

Parallels should be commended for keeping up with the changes in Mavericks. In the past, they waited until the final product was ready before they released a version compatible with new OS. This time, after the first developer's release, they were right on top of things.

Parallels is great for those times where you need to run a specific PC program. I prefer to run the Microsoft systems full screen mode. Coherence Mode works well but can be a little confusing.