Comparing Macbook Pro 2.4ghz 2gb Ram Core2duo, to G5 Dual 2.0ghz 1.5gb Ram

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41 points

Comparing Macbook Pro 2.4ghz 2gb Ram Core2duo, to G5 Dual 2.0ghz 1.5gb Ram

Maybe this is comparing apples and oranges, but hopefully someone can help me.

I currently have a Powerbook G4 1.67ghz 1gb Ram, and a
G5 Dual 2.0 1.5gb Ram, 128mbVideoCard
I want to upgrade both the desktop and laptop, but the laptop is going to be first.

I will be getting the top of the line, Macbook Pro, 2.4ghz, core2duo, with at least 2gb of Ram, maybe more, and it has a 256mbVideoCard

I could use the extra money for this purchase, so my question is,...
Is the G5 Desktop slower, faster, or significantly faster than the new Macbook Pro, I just mentioned?

If it's slower, I'll sell it now, while I can still get decent money for it. But if it's faster, I'll keep it for a while longer.

As far as processor intensive work, I principally use it to create and render 30 minute slideshows, with some special effects, that I create in Adobe After Effects 6.5, lots of Photoshop (CS2) touch up work, Some FCP 4.5, and creating dvd's with DVD-SP 3.02, that I sometimes burn with Toast Titanium 7.

I also occasionally relieve stress with a little Unreal Tournament 2004.

I guess to complicate the question, the PPC programs I have right now would have to run on Rosetta on the Macbook Pro, for the time being, but eventually I will upgrade to the intel versions, but it could take a little while, before I can spare the cash for the upgrades..

So assuming If I ran either the PPC programs, or the intel native programs, how would these units stack up against each other?

I've seen some benchmarks for both, and though they are not on the same programs, it would "appear," that the Macbook Pro is faster than the G5, all around. I'm a bit skeptical though.

Can anyone confirm that this is definitely the case?
And whether it would be true using the PPC software on the Macbook Pro, as well?

I really appreciate any feedback. Thanks!

Powerbook G4 1.67mhz 1gb RAM / G5 Dual 2.0 1.5gb Ram, Mac OS X (10.4.10)

Posted on Aug 17, 2007 12:02 PM

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Answer 1

richisgame Author

Level 1

41 points

Aug 17, 2007 12:06 PM in response to richisgame

And, what ever happened to the "Preview," button in these forums...
I only see, "Post Message," and "Cancel," as options.

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Answer 2

Aug 18, 2007 1:05 PM in response to richisgame

OK, this varies from system to system, but the MacBookPro will be a lot faster as a computer. Running PPC applications does hog lot of memory, but I dont think you'll notice the difference that much. It depends what your doing.

I use a G5 with 1.5GB at work, running Photoshop CS1, Illustrator CS1, Quark 6, Acrobat etc. I used to have these installed on my MBP as well, as PPC apps, and I didn't notice any speed differences - If anything the laptop was slightly faster, with the possible exception of Quark. When I upgraded the laptop to 4GB, the PPC apps were a lot faster on the laptop.

If your running PPC apps, it might be an idea to upgrade to 4GB ram in the macbookpro.

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Answer 3

Aug 18, 2007 2:52 PM in response to richisgame

On the assumption that you'll be using Universal/Intel binary applications on the MBP then it'll be fast for the vast majority of activities. The only one that it might struggle a little is in the areas of HD bandwidth as 2.5" drives simply cannot compete with 3.5" drives. This means you'll need to update to Adobe CS3 products and Final Cut Studio 2 for starters.

However, if you need to run PPC applications on the MBP it's not as good as your G5. Some thing do go very well although for those processor intensive applications you can beat running it natively. I'd recommend going to 4GB RAM straight off the bat if PPC binaries and Rosetta are in play.

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Answer 4

richisgame Author

Level 1

41 points

Aug 18, 2007 8:20 PM in response to infinite vortex

Thanks for the response(s).

"The only one that it might struggle a little is in the areas of HD bandwidth as 2.5" drives simply cannot compete with 3.5" drives"

With Universal/Intel apps, would using a 3.5" firewire 800, G-raid, as the scratch disk, remedy the HD bandwidth issue of its internal 2.5", on the MBP?

"I'd recommend going to 4GB RAM straight off the bat"

Apple wants an extra $700. for the 4GB upgrade, while Crucial offers it for $295. Crucial is a reputable company, as far as I know.
Do you see any reason why I would need to use Apple's memory, and spend the extra $400?

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Answer 5

Aug 18, 2007 9:01 PM in response to richisgame

would using a 3.5" firewire 800, G-raid, as the scratch disk, remedy the HD bandwidth issue of its internal 2.5", on the MBP?

To a point as FW800 still can't match the throughput of SATA. However, if you wanted to go eSATA instead then you'd be all set.

Apple wants an extra $700.

Yes, they do. I, like most people, would recommend going 3rd party. It's far cheaper and will work just as well. Just be sure to stick a reputable manufacturer/reseller and to buy RAM that is specifically rated for use in a MacBook Pro and stay clear of generic RAM from any manufacturer.

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Answer 6

richisgame Author

Level 1

41 points

Aug 19, 2007 10:06 AM in response to infinite vortex

Thanks for the great advice. -R

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