Need some quick Mac advice

[LHall]

A long time PC user and professional cheapskate, I'm about ready to jump into Mac world because I use Logic and it's getting harder and harder to use the newer plug-ins.

Here's my question for you Mac guys. I have the opportunity to purchase a 1.8Ghz 64-Bit Processor - 900MHz Bus G5 at a really reasonable price.

Assuming I put about 4 gig memory in it and do all the normal separate hard drives, etc for samples, does anyone have a prediction as to how much this machine will handle? Ideally it would handle 2 or 3 instances of Pro XP with each slot full, plus an instance or two or RMX, Stormdrum, Real Guitar, etc. Also some verbs and compression plug ins as I go. That's about all I'm asking of it right now. Also, I would be running a video as I score.

I'd be using the latest Logic 7.

Would love some helpful comments.

[Peterkjones]

Hi there,
Yes, this should do what you want. What OS are you using? If you go to Mac Tiger beware of 10.4.6 it's very buggy, especially on MIDI drivers. 10.4.4 seems OK and they say that 10.4.7 will smooth things out. Hmm. Will you also get the Install discs? if not, buy a new one (not too expensive for the grief you may get) and do an erase and install to start afresh - archive and install if there's stuff you want to keep. Always safety first with second user stuff - you'd be amazed how much malware is out there and how infantile some first users can be when selling on!
Make superb music
PKJ

[LHall]

Thanks very much Peter. Good stuff.

Anyone else have any comments?

[dubaifox]

Originally Posted by LHall

A long time PC user and professional cheapskate, I'm about ready to jump into Mac world because I use Logic and it's getting harder and harder to use the newer plug-ins.

Here's my question for you Mac guys. I have the opportunity to purchase a 1.8Ghz 64-Bit Processor - 900MHz Bus G5 at a really reasonable price.

Assuming I put about 4 gig memory in it and do all the normal separate hard drives, etc for samples, does anyone have a prediction as to how much this machine will handle? Ideally it would handle 2 or 3 instances of Pro XP with each slot full, plus an instance or two or RMX, Stormdrum, Real Guitar, etc. Also some verbs and compression plug ins as I go. That's about all I'm asking of it right now. Also, I would be running a video as I score.

I'd be using the latest Logic 7.

Would love some helpful comments.

I don't think you'll get quite out of it what you have listed. Those old 1.8 single G5 (first gen) are pretty old technology.

Then again, if you are getting it super cheap, then it might be worth a try. How much exactly?

[LHall]

$1549 for the machine plus a 19" LCD monitor. Of course, if it won't do the work, price becomes moot.

[jbkreimeyer]

supposedly at the WWDC in the start of August, the new Intel PowerMacs, (probably under a new name) are going to be introduced. Granted Macs don't depreciate very much, but you may be able to get a good deal on a more powerful system if you wait just a little while longer. Again this is not certain but, it might be worth waiting just a few more weeks if your seller will wait, then even if it's not true you still have the option to buy this one.

[Nash]

Originally Posted by LHall

$1549 for the machine plus a 19" LCD monitor. Of course, if it won't do the work, price becomes moot.

Hi,


I think that dubaifox is right in terms of being critical about single processor computers. With 4 gig of ram you would be able to do some good stuff but not enough for hardcore Audio/Video.

If you are serious about your projects then pay bit more for dual processors and ram.
For example East West VST’s are very hungry for Rams and Processing power.

However I use Mac and PC…. PC is cheaper option for high performance, but I personally love Mac’s even if they are more expensive.

You decide?

[LHall]

Thanks guys.

I am doing some pretty heavy duty stuff and it looks right now like that's only going to increase, so holding out for the power probably makes more sense. I'll be running the Mac in tandem with two PCs on which I'll have most of the non-tempo sync libraries, but I still want to be able to work freely without the hiccups I have now.

Thanks for the wisdom.

Larry

[LHall]

Okay, I've got a line on another machine.

G5 Dual Proc - 2.0 GHZ - 2.5 gig ram - 23" Cinema Display - Installation disks - OS 10.4.6 - $2650. About 8 mos old.

Looks like a good deal money-wise. How much performance difference is there between a 2.0 Dual and a 2.5 Dual?

If ya'll could help me out one more time I'd appreciate it so much.

Larry