Mac Pro Purchase Options

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Level 1

5 points

Mac Pro Purchase Options

While I'm still happy with it, my Power Mac G4 tower is really showing its age, and I decided to get a used Mac Pro to replace it. (A new Mac Pro, in addition to be expensive, would not run Rosetta.)

I found a first-generation Mac Pro (the Mac Pro 1,1 model) for a very reasonable price at a local store.

I found a later-generation Mac Pro (either a Mac Pro 2,1 or 3,1 model) for $250 more than the first-generation machine.

So... in the esteemed opinions of the Mac Community, is a second- or third-generation Mac Pro worth $250 more than a first-generation model?

Also, is the processor in a Mac Pro upgradeable like it is with the Power Mac towers? If so, can it be replaced with standard PC parts, given that it's an Intel Mac?

And I heard the first-generation Mac Pro had compatibility problems with more modern graphics cards; is that true? If so, it might be a problem since I already know I'll be replacing the stock card.

Posted on Jan 8, 2013 8:20 PM

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Answer 1

The hatter

Level 9

60,990 points

Jan 9, 2013 10:32 AM in response to Maronan

ANY Mac Pro may or should be able to run 10.6.8.

Even though it ships with ML if you can get 10.6.5+

You can run 10.6.x in a VM too under ML.

I would avoid 1,1 thru 3,1 though. Not knowing the price but a 2010 can be had from Apple for $1800. Plan on that as base entry system.

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Answer 2

Maronan Author

Level 1

5 points

Jan 11, 2013 11:09 PM in response to The hatter

I thought the logic board change in the current generation Mac Pro meant it couldn't boot Snow Leopard (and that 10.6 wouldn't run in a virtual machine except for the server edition).

I found a 2009 model for $1,200— that's the Mac Pro 4,1 and the first Nehalem model. Good deal?

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Answer 3

The hatter

Level 9

60,990 points

Jan 12, 2013 5:26 AM in response to Maronan

the logicboard has not changed. the EFI firmware might. The $1800 5,1 from Apple Store Specials but seems you got a good alternative.

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Answer 4

Jan 12, 2013 6:35 AM in response to The hatter

I got a new Mac Pro 5,1 last year. I had OS 10.6.8 on an HD from my old Mac Pro 1,1. I put that HD in, and it boots fine.

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Answer 5

The hatter

Level 9

60,990 points

Jan 12, 2013 8:21 AM in response to Gerald Edgar

There is the "Pre-Mid-2012" and then there are the "latest" boards that came out last summer.

During 2011 and when systems stopped shipping with Snow Leopard, and hence, without the OEM DVD, it was a question and yes you don't have to use Lion (or Mountain Lion). But you may need 10.6.8 thumb drive, the retail DVD 10.6.3 won't work

OP is coming from G4 PowerMac world and would not have 10.6.8 or the discs.

So we know you can make it work but not sure how that helps.

The only processor upgrade that most do is $600 W3680 - if needed (likely you won't).

the issue with grahic card? some rumor or didn't understand? they need 10.6.5. And if you REALLY want to go all out on GTX 670 or something you need 10.8.2, which is excellent reason to stay with Mountain Lion.

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