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[Taproot]

    I was chatting with B-rad via Facebook about this and figured I ask over here. My computer finally gave up. I posted about the problem a while back, but it sort  of cleared up on it's own. Until now. There is a G5 dual 2.0 in Memphis that I can get immediately for a decent price w/ warranty and just put my HD in it and roll.
   He suggested I just buy the same model (G5 Dual 1.8GHz) and use the other for parts, etc. My issue is, I don't want to buy from an individual. Too risky. Any suggestions on a reputable place I might find one?

[PookyNMR]

I would not buy another G5!  It's a dead format.  Development has stopped on Apple's side of things and developers are starting following suit and focusing more and more on the Intel side of things.

I'd look for a MacPro.  They came out in 2006, so you should be able to get one cheaper.  This way, you'll have a ways to grow with the machine still rather than buying into a dead format.

And, not to mention, you'll have a lot more power with the MacPro than the G5.

[Taproot]

I understand what you're saying and agree, but this box works fine for me right now. I know I'll have to upgrade eventually. Our savings took a pretty good hit last year from unexpected medical expenses, so a new computer's not gonna cut it right now. I can make do for now and start saving up for a bigger/better machine. $350 vs. $3500 is very attractive to me right now.

[grantis]

I bought a Dual 2.0 Ghz G5 from Mac Authority for $399, and it works great with my HD rig. Came with a 90 day warranty too, which is good for a used computer.

[grantis]

PookyNMR wrote on Fri, 05 February 2010 17:35

I would not buy another G5!  It's a dead format.  Development has stopped on Apple's side of things and developers are starting following suit and focusing more and more on the Intel side of things. I'd look for a MacPro.  They came out in 2006, so you should be able to get one cheaper.  This way, you'll have a ways to grow with the machine still rather than buying into a dead format. And, not to mention, you'll have a lot more power with the MacPro than the G5.

As long as Digi doesn't put out new hardware, I'm fine being stuck at PT HD 8.0.1cs1.  Intel HD rigs are still very expensive.

[Berolzheimer]

I wouldn't advise a used g5 either, the CPUs seem to die heat-related death after a few years.  I know several people that this has happened to, and several dual g5s that are now single processor machines as a result.  You can probably get a good deal on a refurb Intel Mac, & I think you'd be much happier in the long run.

[compasspnt]

MacAuthority is good.

But these people are the absolute best:

http://www.powermax.com

Ask for Michelle, tell her I sent you.

[Taproot]

Cool. Powermax.com has quite a few! Thanks for the replies. I know I need to upgrade, but the cost of a new computer is just part of it. 9 times out of 10, an upgrade costs me a few thousand $$$$$, on TOP of the computer cost. This doesn't work with that. That version doesn't work with this version. Blah, blah, blah. I'm probably gonna stick with the G5, temporarily. It works fine, the cost is perfect and will get me back to work sooner. I can just install my old hard drive and roll on.

A six year old going down the sliding board, using a 4 ft. piece of PVC pipe as a trumpet makes for an awfully expensive hospital stay.  

[PookyNMR]

I wasn't necessarily advocating a new computer.  

Rather I was advocating that your used computer is based on Intel processor so as to remain a functional rig for much longer.

Since the MacPro came out in 2006, there should be some used units out there for quite a good deal.

[Berolzheimer]

Taproot wrote on Fri, 05 February 2010 19:38

A six year old going down the sliding board, using a 4 ft. piece of PVC pipe as a trumpet makes for an awfully expensive hospital stay.

Ow ow owowoowowow.......

I certainly hope that 6 year old is OK.  My best wishes for a speedy recovery & a lesson thoroughly learned.

[Taproot]

Thanks B. She's fine. Minor surgery and lots of ice cream. Could've been much worse. Still, one of the scariest things I've ever seen. More blood than I ever need to see again.  

Pooky, I understand what you're saying. If you can tell, I'm a tightwad.  

[KB_S1]

I take it from your desire to keep with G5 is due to your HD rig being PCI and not PCI-e?

How much is the card exchange now?
Will this be around much longer?
You could also look into an expansion chassis that works with a PCI-e but hosts old PCI cards.

[bblackwood]

PookyNMR wrote on Sat, 06 February 2010 01:53

I wasn't necessarily advocating a new computer.   Rather I was advocating that your used computer is based on Intel processor so as to remain a functional rig for much longer. Since the MacPro came out in 2006, there should be some used units out there for quite a good deal.

Pretty sure the MacPro wold require a card upgrade, too.

[Podgorny]

KB_S1 wrote on Sat, 06 February 2010 04:46

You could also look into an expansion chassis that works with a PCI-e but hosts old PCI cards.

$800 down the drain and he's still stuck at 8.0.1.

[Taproot]

I wish I was still stuck in 6.9.2. Worst upgrade I ever made.  

[KB_S1]

Podgorny wrote on Sat, 06 February 2010 15:14

KB_S1 wrote on Sat, 06 February 2010 04:46 You could also look into an expansion chassis that works with a PCI-e but hosts old PCI cards. $800 down the drain and he's still stuck at 8.0.1.

Ahh, I didn't know that.
Good info to have.

[PookyNMR]

bblackwood wrote on Sat, 06 February 2010 05:51

PookyNMR wrote on Sat, 06 February 2010 01:53 I wasn't necessarily advocating a new computer.   Rather I was advocating that your used computer is based on Intel processor so as to remain a functional rig for much longer. Since the MacPro came out in 2006, there should be some used units out there for quite a good deal. Pretty sure the MacPro wold require a card upgrade, too.

Ahh...  That would be a problem.  Bummer.

[Jerry Tubb]

Taproot wrote on Fri, 05 February 2010 16:35

There is a G5 dual 2.0 in Memphis that I can get immediately for a decent price w/ warranty and just put my HD in it and roll.

Hey Tap!

My main machine in the studio has been this exact Mac for several years. 4 gigs Ram still running PT HD 7.4 like a champ.

JT

[Podgorny]

KB_S1 wrote on Sat, 06 February 2010 11:54

Podgorny wrote on Sat, 06 February 2010 15:14 $800 down the drain and he's still stuck at 8.0.1. Ahh, I didn't know that. Good info to have.

The upside, of course, is that the expansion chassis will one, free up even more dsp on your process cards, two allow you to build a ridiculously-large HD rig, since non-PCIe systems are so cheap now, and three, will allow you to get a fast Mac Pro, for more RTAS plugins than anyone in their right mind would ever use.

Personally, I'm happy at 8.0.1 for now.
But who knows what the future holds...