[rich82fox]

hello

I have found two entry level mac pros at more or less the same price:

NEW Apple Mac Pro - One 2.8Ghz Quad-Core Intel Xeon
One 2.8GHz Quad-Core processor
2GB memory
320GB hard drive
16x double-layer SuperDrive

---------

Apple Mac Pro 2.66GHz Dual-Core Intel Xeon
Two 2.66GHz Dual-Core processors
1GB memory
250GB hard drive
16x double-layer SuperDrive


which of the two is the better one?

rich

[eggman]

Let's see... the first one has the same number of processor cores, but running at a faster speed, double the memory, significantly larger hard drive. In addition, it has a faster front side bus and the newest 45nm. technology which saves on energy and heat dissipation.

There's no contest. The only question I have... is why you think they may be comparable.

[Simon]

Clearly the first one.

Both have four cores, but the first model's are faster, have more L2 cache, run on a faster FSB, and have faster access to memory.
The former also has:
• more RAM (although still far from enough)
• more disk
• more PCIe lanes (and v2.0 ones too)
• and probably a better GPU (the latter shipped default with a 7300GT while the former comes at least with a 2600XT).

Why would you consider the latter model?

[Big Mac]

Only consider the latter if you're getting a really good close-out deal.

[mduell]

The only advantage that the 2.66 has is more bandwidth per core. Take the 2.8.