Ok, i have given up on my MacBook Pro, it's just not up for the challenge of lots of weddings. What it really needs is more memory and harddrive space, but since it's the first intel version, it's limited to 2Gb of ram, which i have. And i already put a 250Gb drive in it.

So i want a Mac Pro. What i need to know is what to put in it? Is 4 cores enough, or is the 8 core worth the extra cash? I am thinking around 8gb ram, probably from crucial in 2Gb dimms. Drives i was thinking the 300gb OS drive, and then a 1TB drive for images, with an external 1tb for backup. 22 inch dell LCD, i think 22 is the sweet spot in pricing right now.

What's your thoughts?

That all sounds good, but as far as the 4 vs 8 core goes, I'd get the 8. This machine should last you some time, and software is moving towards making use of more cores, so having 8 will start paying off soon.

In addition, I'd consider getting another 500GB drive, either internal or external, and use that for a Time Machine backup of your OS drive. The image backup can just be a straight clone using either SuperDuper or Carbon Copy Cloner.

Also take a look at http://www.transintl.com for ram.

http://www.transintl.com/store/category.cfm?Category=2726

Good luck.

Oh, and just to make sure, I hope you're not planning on getting that 1TB drive from apple. You'd do better elsewhere.

http://www.newegg.com/ is a good place to look for both internal and external hard drives. Installing them in the mac pro couldn't be easier...there are no cables...just screw it into the sled that comes with the computer and slide it in.

Also keep an eye on http://www.slickdeals.net/ and http://www.passwird.com/ for deals on drives. Monitors too for that matter.

You must have the very original chip from intel before the upgraded to the Core 2 Duo- I've never really found my Macbook Pro incapable- and I dont even have the newest one

As far as the Pro- on the apple store they basic beginning configuration is an 8 core. Im not sure if you can still get a four- but it would be like going backwards if you did- I work on the pro with 4Gs of ram and the thing flies- and I am doing a lot more intensive graphic work than just photography- to me it would seem almost unnecessary to get 8 Gs of ram- Im sure it would be quick- but the Pro is going to give you some serious speed at 4-

I think your drive set up sounds awesome- having internal drives is so nice and convenient. I love having an internal- I have a 500GB- but Im not storing huge amounts of images either.

Anyways- you will love the pro- it is incredible- best computer I have ever used.

I just snagged a Referb 8-core off the apple store. I love that you can add the full applecare to the referbs, and it's a 2.8Ghz. I can't wait for it to show up. Now off to find good prices on hard drives and memory.

This is kinda like the 5d i just got last month, why have i waited so long to get the right tools for the job.

And you were right, i have the first intel Mac Pro, ordered that first month they were out. I love it, but i constantly max out the 2gb of ram.

Congrats on that. Can't really beat a referb with a full applecare

Here is what newegg has currently.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList....00GB+and+higher

An this is what I would buy if I was buying one today.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16822148274

Agreed.
I just bought three of the same Seagates 1TB drives from TigerDirect for 179.99
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/Se...0&CatId=139

I mirror two of the 1TB's in my Mac Pro and the other one is for backup server.
Just installed them all today in fact.


Oh... and the original question. I agree with Josh and others, get the 8-core and 4 Gigs of RAM. The 4 Gigs will be more than enough for 99% of your work. I personally run 6 Gigs but even I know its a tad overkill.

And DO look at the refurbs for great prices (as mentioned above)!

Thanks for the advise everyone.

I got the 8 core refurb, it will be here next week.

Going to order at least 4gb, maybe 8gb of ram from OWC (other world computing), great prices. Probably start with 4gb. I can always add more later.

And a couple 1TB drives from tiger or new egg, who ever is cheaper shipped.

For a monitor i am thinking either a 24 or 27 inch dell. The wife doesn't want me to go dual monitor, so i think i will go bigger than the 22 i was thinking.

Just thought i would update.

Got the Mac Pro, It's amazing. I think it has cut my editing time in half compared to my MacBook Pro. It's just so much faster.

So anyone on the fence about getting one, hop over that fence, and buy it.

Cool.

So how much ram you have in there, 6GB?

For ram at the moment i have 4gb, 2 that came with it, and 2 that came with a Mac Pro at my day job that i have borrowed since it was sitting on a shelf. So far i have only managed to use all 4gb once with Lightroom and photoshop both crunching away. So i think 6-8 will be the sweet spot later this year, especially with the new lightroom which i think can use more processors.