Computer died. Powermac G5 or Intel Imac replacement?

[ryan brown]

The short version: Which machine would edit HD footage better, and in your opinion, which is a smarter buy right now (used) Keep in mind I'd be taking a bit of a risk on an older G5 that may have seen quite a lot of use: A 20", 2.0 GHz Intel core 2 duo Imac. Or a Powermac G5, dual 2.3GHz, 5gb RAM, with NVIDA GeForce 6800 Ultra DDL 256MB.


Long version: My powermac G5 died on me and I need a new machine TOMORROW to work.

I just don't have the cash at the moment to upgrade to a mac pro.

I've got $1000 to spend, I'm looking locally on craigslist, and I see in my price range I could replace with a workhorse powermac G5 with extra RAM and graphics card, or I could go with an intel imac. Looks like the imac would have to be a 20" with the 2.0 core 2 duo. The G5 would be a dual 2.3 or so with extra RAM and HD space. Plus I have extra RAM and a upgraded graphics card from my other G5.

I've been editing pretty much SD footage, but I've got an HVX on the way and I'm trying to figure out which system would edit HD footage more efficiently.?? That's my main concern at the moment.

[NoahK]

Definitely Intel, the PowerPC CPUs are a thing of the past.

Noah

[ryan brown]

Hmm... OK, thanks for that Noah. So the Imac I'm talking about wouldn't have any trouble editing HD footage?

[Stephen Mick]

I edited DVCPro-HD on my iMac G5, so your intel iMac would be fine.

[Michael T]

Ryan check out the prices on the Apple refurb site under the store and see how they compare to used. You can save some money and get a year warranty with it. I've never had a problem buying these machines from them.

Good luck.

[rfox]

Definitely Intel, the PowerPC CPUs are a thing of the past.

Noah

Agree with that.

We've seen some exclusion of PPCs with software updates (Zbrush, for example). Though our G5 Quad 2.5 PPCs still do the bulk of our HD editing, we're transitioning to Intel.

[ryan brown]

Awesome. Thanks for the info, Gents. I looked for a refurb already, but like I said, I really need something TODAY so I can get some work done.

Coincidentally, a 24" Imac core2duo just popped up on craigslist for $1000 even, I called and talked to the guy, and as long as everything checks out, I'm picking up the computer tonight. I think I just got lucky.

-ryan

[Stephen Mick]

I'd say! That sounds like a great deal, RB. Good luck.

--SM

[Nic Aragon]

just make sure its core 2 duo, not a core duo iMac.

[ryan brown]

I thought the same thing, Nic... and I'm assured it's a core 2 duo. I even looked up the specs myself. Going to pick it up in about an hour.

Thanks for the heads-up regardless.

[Stephen Mick]

Ryan,

I think you can run an additional monitor off that version of iMac. Mini-DVI, maybe? Two screens are always better than 1. :D

[ryan brown]

Yup yup... that was very important to me. I haven't used a single screen setup in years, and I didn't want to lose that option. Can I pick up a Mini-DVI at best buy or apple store or?? or will I have to order online? anybody know off the tops of your heads? ;)

Picked up the machine, 24", 2.16GHz Core2Duo with 2gb RAM, looks brand new, year and a half of applecare left. All for $1000. I'm content.

Thanks for the help peoples. I probably would have gone with a powermac if everyone on here wasn't so adamant about going Intel.

[Stephen Mick]

Apple Store is almost certain to have it, I would think.

--SM

[Nic Aragon]

apple store will have for sure. grab an extra 2gb of ram for that thing for massive performance boost for sure. you can grab 2 x 2gb from fry's for like 40 something now adays i think. PC5400 SO-DIMMS