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View Full Version : Dual-Core / Quad-Core question.



KingsReign
03-17-2006, 07:55 AM
I currently have a Powerbook G4 1.33 that's about 2 years old, with 2 gigs of ram. I am getting Final Cut Studio soon, which I know runs on my system, but I am worried about the future once Final Cut 6 is released.

I am not looking to go all out right now, and was thinking about a dual-core 2 Ghz G5. I know about all this intel stuff coming out, but I am looking for something for just the next few years that is stronger than my laptop.

I don't do many graphics (ie. Motion), mostly just editing. Is the Quad-Core processor really that useful for this workload?

Texture
03-17-2006, 09:01 AM
Check this link.

http://www.apple.com/universal/crossgrade/

A very inexpensive upgrade to the universal addition. Hope this helps.

oneinfiniteloop
03-17-2006, 09:25 AM
The crossgrade doesn't help the hardware, though.

A dual core would be more than suffiecient for your editing needs. The Quad is really going to step up the plate when rendering, and you might get a few extra RT plugs. I have a Dual G5, and I have all the RT I need, and rendering isn't that bad.

I would take the extra money and get a RAID and as much RAM as possible. Lacie has a nice SATA II RAID, $469 for 500GB, http://www.lacie.com/products/product.htm?pid=10489

KingsReign
03-17-2006, 09:55 AM
Check this link.

http://www.apple.com/universal/crossgrade/

A very inexpensive upgrade to the universal addition. Hope this helps.

I already ordered the inexpensive upgrade to the Studio, just waiting for Apple to ship them.

I am more concerned with the Dual vs. Quad performance.

soarprod
03-17-2006, 10:17 AM
Hey, I was facing the same question a few days ago...

Go with the Quad - its what I did (bought mine 2 days ago), typing on it right now. Think of it this way - you want a editing machine that will last you what, 2-3 years right? Paying a little more now will extend the life of the machine. Its worth the extra $500

Apple sells refurbished quads for $2799 - then buy apple care with it for $250 and you have nothing to worry about - they also test them a lot before they resell.

Go to apple.com , click store, click red tag sale in lower right.