Compare Mac models

1.2 GHz dual core Intel Core m 3, 3 GHz dual core Intel Core i 5 or 4 GHz dual core Intel Core i 7 processor

My Mac Pro is a single CPU, quad-core 93 GHz model (Intel Xeon W3540) with ATI Radeon HD 4870 graphics card. I upgraded it with several SSDs and 16 GB of RAM for many years. Adding a drive to this Mac Pro is very easy. I attached one SSD to the second optical drive slot and attached the other SSD to the PCI card (OWC Mercury Accelsior S). In addition, there are other large rotating hard drives for archiving to standard drive bays. I remembered that I upgraded my Mac Pro CPU in the past, but I have never studied it before. There are not too many searches, even CPU upgrades are easy. Although it is possible to upgrade my single CPU system to a dual CPU configuration, this requires a brand new daughter board, which adds cost and make it impractical. However, updating a single CPU is definitely optional.

Since then, the Mac Pro has not been affected by any kind of online refresh. Even with "Cheese Grater" Mac Pro in front of the "Trash Box" model three years ago, we may update the new graphics card and CPU. In addition, the old Mac Pro can be upgraded with new features thanks to the RAM slot, built-in PCIe based expansion port, two outward 25 inch drive bays, and 4 built-in SATA drive bays. In contrast, the new Mac Pro's RAM can be easily upgraded, but that's it. There is an SSD for internal storage. It can be exchanged, but if you want other features, it is best to use USB or Thunderbolt. In some cases, it created a true Gordian knot extension cable

When I found out that the 2009 Mac Pro (MacPro 4, 1) is basically the same as the 2010 and 2012 Mac Pro (MacPro 5, 1), I plan to purchase W 3580 It was. The only difference is that the new model updates the firmware, supports better processors and enables DisplayPort to HDMI sound (not related to me). With the firmware update, I started looking around the other CPUs and found StarMicro's Intel Xeon W 3670 2 Ghz 6 core at $ 120. This is a bit slower than W3580, but I will get two additional cores. It is also a Westmere 32 nm CPU, not an old Nehalem 45 nm CPU. For many of the VMs I run as Xojo Developer Evangelist in my work I thought this extra core was worthwhile. I think it will be very useful for coding podcasts, videos, webinar handbrake, audio, video.