Mac Pro Quad core Intel Xeon upgrade advice please!

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Level 1

6 points

Mac Pro Quad core Intel Xeon upgrade advice please!

Hi all, i have a Mac Pro Quad core 2 x 2.8ghz Intel Xeon (2008 model) with 4gb RAM.

I am planning on giving it some upgrades and a fresh OS install as it is slowly grinding to a halt (particualrly noisey hard drives)

Can anyone recommend best/fastest/silent! S-ATA hard drive to upgrade to?

Can anyone recommend a good replacement ATAPI DL DVD-RW Drive as mine is also on its way out.

Ram upgrade. Lots of space for RAM so what would you all recommend?

Ultimately i am finding myself working with alot of large PS file and so would welcome any suggestions to improve/soup-up the processor/performance.

Thanks for any advice in advance...

Posted on Feb 13, 2013 10:14 AM

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Answer 1

Feb 13, 2013 10:23 AM in response to smuuudge

If you are contemplating a large RAM increase, you may not like what I have to say:

Sell it.

It is cheaper to start with a 2009, 2010, or 2012 (even a new or refurbished one) add the RAM you want (since its RAM is so very cheap), and sell the old machine.

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Answer 2

The hatter

Level 9

61,031 points

Feb 13, 2013 10:30 AM in response to smuuudge

24GB RAM gets cost ly when you look at 800MHz FBDIMMs in 2x4GB

You shoudl have added more as 4GB is vary basic and miinimal

Any SATA drive device is fine. WD Black 1-2-4TB / WD 10K VRs are fast but not as quiet though I do hear those WD Blacks.

A single SSD for a system is nice.

10.6.8 works best in that system.

Your GPU most probably is in need of an upgrade.

You should never need to do a reinstall of the OS. Clone. Yes. And start wit h a new OS by not upgrade in place over the old OS but that is when to clean install, clone and use Set up Assis tant.

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Answer 3

Feb 13, 2013 11:17 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Memory -- -- -- 32GB

2009&later -- US$325

2008 &earlier US$1200

Refurb Mac Pro (like new from Apple Store) -- US$1819 (has new graphics card and new Hard Drive and new DVD reader)

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Answer 4

The hatter

Level 9

61,031 points

Feb 13, 2013 12:15 PM in response to The hatter

2 X 4GB $179 search Amazon 8GB FBDIMM MAC PRO so still $700

8x2GB RAM $140

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Answer 5

smuuudge Author

Level 1

6 points

Feb 13, 2013 1:32 PM in response to The hatter

Thanks for the feedback guys. It's not really a case of buying a new one as this is one of the work horses in our studio and I want to prolong its life a little longer.

As it has 4gb, could I add another 8gb to it so it totals 12gb of ram?

SSD. What is the benefit of this type of drive?

The graphics card was upgraded when we purchased it so can live with that for now I guess.

Cheers

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