[tdm71]

Hey guys-

Read through most of the threads about the new dual cores and I'm not even sure I understand the details of how they work, however, I am in the market for a G5. I'm wondering what makes the most sense or what the smartest decision would be for someone who wants to run intensive CPU audio plug-ins (such as Colussus, QlRA, Cameleon, etc..) in Digital Performer. Is a Dual CORE 2.3 faster and better than a DUAL CPU 2.7 or is the DUAL, DUAL core 2.5 the way to go??

I'm an educator so the EDU discount makes the decision even more difficult because the prices only vary by a few hundred for the Quad 2.5 to the "old" dual 2.7??? I can also weight the "old, old" dual cpu 2.5 to the new dual core 2.3 which are even closer in price.

Also, will most of the current audio software such as (Most east west stuff: Colossuss, Storm Drum, RA, DP, current NI stuff) run on the new dual cores WITHOUT having to wait to be updated and tested??

I do not want to spend countless hours of frustration waiting for updates or having compatability problems only because I wanted the latest and greatest. I just want a reasonably fast system that is rock soild!!!

BTW: I have no need to incorporate any existing PCI cards or no need to do high end graphics or video ediitng. Strictly audio.

Is that too much to ask???

THANKS in advance
Rob

[idyll]

Interesting, I have the same exact question, in a way. Don't want to steal away from the original post, but would a dual 2GHz G5 be on par with a dual core 2GHz G5, performance wise?

[Markarian421]

As far as software goes, I don't think it will see any difference between two processors on one chip or two. The machines are shipping now, running the same OS as last week's dual chip machines.

As for speed, a dual core chip should be roughly the same speed or slightly (but not vastly) faster compared to two processors on separate chips running at the same clock speed.

And for me, if they were in the same ballpark, there is no question that I'd go for the quad 2.5GHz over the dual 2.7. If you are really doing a lot of CPU intensive stuff, that's twice as many CPUs you can max out.

[jamil5454]

tdm71,

A dual core CPU has almost identical performance to dual single core CPUs. If you can afford it, though, I'd grab the Quad 2.5. The new PowerMacs don't have any major changes that would prevent your software from running just fine. The only thing to worry about is the inability to stick PCI cards in there, but as you mentioned, you won't be doing any of this.

The way audio work is on the Mac, I'd get a rock-solid high performance PPC machine to use. It'll be years before the audio companies make optimized and bug free drivers for OS X Intel, and the PPC is already very mature.

Plus, the faster DDR2 memory will benefit audio apps as well.

[mduell]

I'd guess your app is multithreaded, so the dual dual 2.5 will be the fastest. If it's not multithreaded, then the dual 2.7 will be the fastest.

As others have said, the difference between two single core CPUs and one dual core CPU is negligible in most situations. I'm sure someone out there has a multithreaded and FSB-limited benchmark just so I can't say "always."

[OreoCookie]

Originally Posted by mduell

I'd guess your app is multithreaded, so the dual dual 2.5 will be the fastest. If it's not multithreaded, then the dual 2.7 will be the fastest.

Not necessarily, the memory interface is faster, the L2 cache has doubled in size.

[panasonic]

Some initial benchmarks for the dual core were posted here:
http://media.99mac.se/g5_dualcore/

[Madrag]

But are the new DualCore G5 2.0 better then the dualProcessor G5 2.0?

[Eriamjh]

Buy that quad and be happier longer (newer machine). Buy the 2.7 and be happy and richer (less money).

Truth is, either is a good choice. Don't sweat the details.

[hahacky]

What if....you could get the DP 2.7 plus a 4GB mini-iPod for $2200? I would upgrade to an ATI x800 for another $350 for total of $2550, although maybe I could sell the 9650 so ultimate cost might be $2500. (Could also get the mini-iPod plus a DP 2.0 for $1500, seems like a steal)

Even with the new DC 2.5 quad I would need a DVI-ADC converter for $90, so given my educational discount it would cost about $3100.

What would you choose for gaming, surfing, some Photoshop, MS Office, iTunes, iPhoto, surfing, surfing etc...?

Originally Posted by Eriamjh

Buy that quad and be happier longer (newer machine). Buy the 2.7 and be happy and richer (less money).

Truth is, either is a good choice. Don't sweat the details.