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Mac Pro 5.1 6 core vs. 2013 iMac

This is probably an odd question, I know.

I'm a medical student currently working on a 2010 Macbook Air. I have ~$1800 to spend on a machine that I want to last me for another 4 years at least.

No, I don't do any video editing or anything like that. My primary usage is research with multitasking (i.e. I want a couple dozen browser tabs open, MS Word, Powerpoint, and Endnote open without noticing much lag as I do currently).

I have a local seller with a 2010 Mac Pro 6 core 3.33 + 16GB ram for $1800.

My other option is a 27" iMac i5.

I'll put an SSD into both of them.

The raw power of the Mac Pro attracts me to it, which makes me think it will last me longer despite being a few years old already. Also, I don't want the 21.5" iMac because I need a large screen so that I can have Word and a browser open side by side, so the i7 model is out.

Posted on Oct 13, 2013 2:56 PM

23 replies

RatVega™

Level 4

2,005 points

Oct 29, 2013 5:34 PM in response to PomonaMusicTech

Said another way, it's not about raw horsepower or top speed.

It's about a system design that defies the ordinary.

RatVega™

Level 4

2,005 points

Oct 29, 2013 5:45 PM in response to RatVega™

Oh, an I have driven an iMac... an i5 quad. It was sad, my wife wanted one until that day.

I'm about 35 miles away, maybe when I finish the "adjustments" I'm making to the Lotus I can show you what I mean.

Oct 29, 2013 8:41 PM in response to RatVega™

I think that a mac pro 5,1 is probably the better one only because you can upgrade the hardware. the problem with an iMac is that after about 2 years the hardware starts to get old and you can't upgrade the graphics card or processor. Also what is nice about the mac pro is that it is a hexa-core processor, so if you have a need for a lot of processing power, the mac pro is made for you. Nowadays, most gamers use quad core i5's, but if you need more power, go for the mac pro. 6 cores is a lot of power. hope this helps. 😎

Oct 29, 2013 11:53 PM in response to RatVega™

You talking about a Europa? My wife's minivan is faster and handles better.* It's all a matter of the use we put things to.

* When carrying 7 passengers and two rooms worth of Ikea furniture.

RatVega™

Level 4

2,005 points

Oct 30, 2013 11:46 AM in response to PomonaMusicTech

PomonaMusicTech wrote:

You talking about a Europa? My wife's minivan is faster and handles better.* It's all a matter of the use we put things to.

* When carrying 7 passengers and two rooms worth of Ikea furniture.

"The car's handling prompted automotive writers to describe the Europa as the nearest thing to a Formula car for the road." - Wikipedia (surprisingly accurate article) This is the hard to understand part..

Yes, a Europa Series 1, believed to be the third delivery to the west coast. I'm beginning a re-commissionng program to remedy shortcomings created by an inconsiderate second wife (she gave away the engine.)

While I would never make a disparaging comment about your wife's capable (and no doubt lovely) minivan, I'm guessing that autocrossing it might put the furnature at risk...

What did you drive, an Elise?

Oct 30, 2013 12:46 PM in response to RatVega™

You mean in terms of Lotuses? It was an Esprit. But in my racing days, believe it or not, I drove a Chrysler Lebaron GTS Turbo... to the New York Region G-Stock championship. Yes, I got the same response from everyone at the time. Um, err... unless you've driven a LeBaron, you wouldn't understand?

RatVega™

Level 4

2,005 points

Oct 31, 2013 7:09 AM in response to PomonaMusicTech

We need to take this off-forum...

Oct 31, 2013 3:08 AM in response to Evan Robinson

Here's an interesting article that covers some of the basics: http://macperformanceguide.com/Shootout-MacPro-Intro.html

Mac Pro 5.1 6 core vs. 2013 iMac