PowerPC vs. Intel

E

EVF90

New member
Hello,

I'm ready to buy my mac. Ever since the intel mac came out i've been confused. I am buying a mac strictly for FCP (FCP 4 if it makes any difference). I already have an awesome windows computer. Should I just go with the PowerPC or is Intel the new thing? Are the intels classified as G6's?

Thanks in advance.

P.S. I'm actually buying it in a few hours. haha. So responses soon would be nice lol. I just want to here what you fellow dvxers have to say before the salesperson talks me into a mistake.

-EVF90
 
The Quad G5 seems the way to go. You don't necessarily need all that firepower for editing only, but it will help with rendering (Motion etc). Also, the Quad will be the last, of the current lineup, to become obsolete.

I wouldn't wait for the Intel machines. Right now, the G5 is the most stable, mature platform to run FCP. The Universal Binary (Intel-compatible) versions of software are not even out yet. As with all computer things, there may be bugs in the initial version of both software and hardware. So, it could very well be next year before things start getting ironed out.

Regarding the initial Intel machines, it's not even known which Intel chips will be used. But looking at the current Intel roadmap, it may take Apple a few versions to rival the current Quad (quad-cores). They may initially just roll out dual-core machines.

The Intel machines won't be classified as G6's, because that's an IBM or Motorola naming convention (I think).

I would recommend at least 2 Gb RAM (4 would be better) and upgrade to the 7800 graphics card (256 Mb). Of course, get the high-capacity, fastest (SATA) drives you can.
 
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i've been a mac user for many years and if there is one thing that has been consistant the entire time it is this. never buy new apple technology until the 3rd phase comes out. anytime a new processor or new product from apple comes out, it is full of bugs and needs improvement. i call it the "apple paying customer beta test program". i got bit when i just couldn't wait to buy the first dual processor (G4) mac that came out. worst machine ever. full of bugs. plus, it will be a while before all the software mfrs. get their act together on the intel compatible stuff. don't believe that crap about anything running in "emulation mode". emulation=slow.

i just got a quad 2.5 g5 and it is bulletproof and ultra fast. before i was editing on a 2ghz g5 imac. my list of realtime effects in FCP just got waaayy bigger.
 
The new round of Intels does appear to be excellent, and I have heard nothing bad about them. I would wait to see what the new G6 is going to be like (Although it will not be called the G6). Because Apple is rolling out the Universal Final Cut Studio and other Pro Apps now, I have a good feeling that the newest Intel Desktop System will be able to outperform the Quad-Core G5's because who would buy the Quad-Core, but Video and FX and Animation people?

Apple knows that most will not buy there new high end Intel unless it is better than the Quad-Core. To note also, Steve Jobs looks VERY confident at that convention in January. Also to note, the new versions of Final Cut that will be unvailed at NAAB, also will probably function best on the Intels. Just my thoughts though, Apple may very well screw up.

Right now I have a Powerbook G4, and was going to get a G5, but am waiting. If you need a system now for editing, the only option is the G5. The Intels do not run any editing software, and they are only available in the "low end" Macs right now.
 
If you're going to be using FCP 4.0, buy the PPC. FCP 4 does not and WILL not ever run on an Intel chip. Furthermore, since FCP 4 doesn't do HD (well, it sort of can but you need special hardware, etc.) you obviously don't need much horsepower to run it so even the lowest end G5 would be fine.

There won't be any G6, by the way. The G5's replacement will be the Conroe Pentium 4 replacement which should debut by the end of the year.

Also, FCP isn't out yet for Intel in any form (5.0 should be coming out soon, though, with a chance of an even newer version at NAB) so no one knows exactly how it will run.

Just as long as you get a G5 you should be all set. Something with a G4 in it won't be very good for editing, though. Personally I'd wait, but it's your call.
 
Policar said:
G5's replacement will be the Conroe
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Or possibly the Intel Woodcrest (comes out this Summer/Fall). The Intel Clovertown (Quad-core) comes out in early '07.
 
SilverWolf said:
Will the new Final Cut only work on the new intels ?
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I doubt it. Apple will make it a Universal App. I can't see them throwing out all the previous editors who own the other system.
 
SilverWolf said:
Will the new Final Cut only work on the new intels ?
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No, the Universal Binary (Intel-compatible) versions will work on both Intel, and G5. I would even venture to guess that future releases, up to 2-3 yrs time (eg potential FCP 7 etc), will also be compatible with G5. At some point in the future (perhaps 5 yrs?), I assume new versions, will only be coded for, and will only run native on Intel machines. No indications from Apple, just IMO.

Five years from now though, you probably don't want to still be running G5 though, because Octo's (8-cores) will be out in 2008 (according to Intel roadmap).
 
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I've been using Final Cut for the Last 3 years on G4's and now a dual processor 2.3 G5 (mid '05 model).

Here is what I can add about Final Cut:

Final Cut Pro 4.5 HD (or older) expect a Mac with a AGP display card and will require a "work around" to install on one of the current PCI-Express display G5 models. The current version (FCP5) is PCI-Express compatible, and PowerPC only. Apple will shortly (at the end of this month) offer Final Cut Pro as part of the Final Cut Studio package only. Dual binary versions of Final Cut Studio should be available at the end of the month, and will charge $49 to trade a PowerPC version for dual binary version.

I don't plan to move to "Mac-Tel" hardware until after a couple of revisions.
 
might want go intel. part of their agreement with apple is that the processors have to be removable and upgradable from the logic boards. what this means is you can buy a low end Mac Mini today and upgrade it to CoreDuo dual processors down the road, greatly increasing your power for a low price when the CoreDuo's are super cheap!
 
Interesting stuff !

I just got me a Mac G5 2.5 quad. Can someone tell me which version of FCP will work on it?

I installed FCP 5 HD and it wouldn't run because it said I needed an AGP card. My system shipped with a PCI-express card.

Can I only use Final Cut Studio?

Any help would be great!
Thanks much!

Brian
 
Final Cut Pro 4.1 - 4.5 HD can be installed on PCI-express models using the procedure provided at:

http://www.xlr8yourmac.com/feedback/final_cut_pro_on_old_macs.html

Final Cut Pro 5 (also included as part of the Final Cut Studio) is compatable PCI-express Macs like your 2.5 Quad. Final Cut Studio (which contains FCP 5) is a much better value than purchasing FCP 5 alone, and future versions of Final Cut will only be available as part of a Final Cut Studio purchase or upgrade.
 
My G4 dual 867 is still as fast as ever, although I do tend to leave MPEG2 exporting to run overnight.

I'm going to wait and see what intel processors bring and then decide what to buy. If I choose a G5, I'll pick up an nearly new of ebay.
 
mmm said:
My G4 dual 867 is still as fast as ever, although I do tend to leave MPEG2 exporting to run overnight.
Click to expand...

I just breathed new life into my G4 dual 1 GHz Quiksilver. Maxed the RAM at 1.5 GB, ATI Radeon 9800 video card, 1 Tb G-Drive and Dell 2405FPW LCD.

Hopefully, that'll tide me over a year on FCP5, until the Intel MacPro's roll and I get an HVX (have DVX100B currently).
 
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