Purchasing a Mac Pro (2013)

Woland

So as a long-time PC user, I am purchasing my first Mac for Isadora-purposes. I'm getting a Mac Pro (not a Macbook Pro) because I want something that is overkill right now, but that I could continue use in the future should I want to do something extremely complicated or demanding. It is also a large investment (for me) and I want to make sure that I'm getting something that will be able to keep up with Izzy as it evolves.

So I am choosing between the Mac Pro 6-core, the 8-core, and the 12-core (Late 2013 Model). Though they all surpass the recommended specs, I was wondering if anyone had suggestions as to which one could be defined as being the most "reasonable" amount of overkill, as opposed to a "pointless" amount of overkill. I have the funds to purchase a 12-core with maximum specs, but do not want to do so if I'd be getting something of which Isadora would never reasonably be able to make use.

Basic layout of my options:

Processor

RAM

Memory

Graphics

3.5 GHz, 6-core

64GB

1TB

Dual D700s

3.0 GHz, 8-core

64GB

1TB

Dual D700s

2.7 GHz, 12-core

64GB

1TB

Dual D700s

Fred

With a shift toward GPU processing in Isadora and in pretty much all video processing software (including non real time stuff) the 12 core would be over overkill.

Unfenswinger

The 12 core could end up being the slowest option for you depending on your intended use.

What other uses will your new Mac Pro have? If you are using it to generate content for Izzy i.e. 3D renderings then I'd steer you in the direction of the 8 or 12 core where the extra power of the CPUs would be of benefit.

The 6 core will be ample for Izzy and other VJ apps as so much more work can be sent to the GPUs and this is only going to increase in the future.

TBH the top iMac fully upgraded probably offers similar performance to the 6 core and much better value. Only 1 GPU but I doubt you'll notice for playback of Izzy projects. I have no doubt the iMac would show my old 12 core Mac Pro a clean pair of heals for most things other than rendering out from Cinema 4D.

HTH.