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    Old $2499 mac pro or new $1999 mac pro

    Discussion in 'Apple and Mac OS X' started by AguyWHOisME, Oct 19, 2008.

  1. AguyWHOisME

    AguyWHOisME Notebook Enthusiast

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    So I'm as siked about a MacBook Pro upgrade as the next guy, but looking at the upgrades compared to the price drop on the old machines very much tempts me to pick up a clearance.

    I've read the review on the 9600m GT and how its reported to just be an overclocked 8600m GT. Within my price range, I can afford either the 512mb cache 8600m, or the 256mb cache 9600m. My question is: Because there is such a slight upgrade between the two cards, would the cache difference actually make the old card faster than what I can afford on the new card?

    I realize that I am still giving up a couple things I want off the new one, DDR3 memory, cheap upgrade to a 7200rpm hard drive, but I'm deciding how important those are to me separately. If any of you out there have some intricate knowledge of GPUs, let me know!

    *edit*
    I should include a couple more details. I'm a light gamer, but my my primary use is for 3D Modeling, via 3ds Max, Maya, etc. I'm also not looking at buying a refurb model (to my knowledge), just a clearance price on the old models. I am also planning to use the 1-time Apple Developers Discount on this purchase, so the price on the old $2499 would be $1439 (before I upgraded the memory to 4gbs), the price on the the new one would be $1959 (after dropping hard drive space for the 7200rpm speed) and the price on the new $1999 model would be $1749 after upgrades to the memory and hard drive speed. so the price difference is substantial. With that appended, please let me know what you think.
     
    AguyWHOisME, Oct 19, 2008
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  2. Chris27

    Chris27 Notebook Deity

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    Well if you find them for similar prices, the newer model is a no brainer unless you absolutely need a matte screen. The 9600gt will be faster than the 8600gt. With a 128 bit memory bus, you won't be using that extra 256mb. With the newer model, there is also a small chance that hybrid SLI will be unlocked allowing you to use both the 9400 and 9600 gpus at the same time.
     
    Chris27, Oct 19, 2008
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  3. Douten

    Douten Notebook Consultant

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    Also please note the 8600M GT has had frying issues. I'm not trying to scare people from buying last gen refrubs but it's just a thing to keep in mind, so you can purchase Apple Care.
     
    Douten, Oct 19, 2008
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  4. Durious

    Durious Notebook Evangelist

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    Apple extended that to at least a 2 year warranty on models with the card, still may be a problem but an "extended problem!"
     
    Durious, Oct 19, 2008
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