Last Generation Mac Pro 5.1 (2010-2012)

[Conor D]

I'm looking at a new system as a replacement for my 2010 Macbook Pro and 2009 iMac. It would appear that the 5.1 Mac Pro can be bought on eBay refurbished for around £1000.

3.2ghz 4-12 Core Xeon processors are available for various prices, many come with 1GB Graphics cards but it's possible to install a 3GB HD7950 GDDR5 card for an increase in performance.

I have recently made do with the limited performance of my MBP which has quite a dated graphics card (256mb 330M) and can sometimes struggle when recording audio or editing video. Running new games via Bootcamp is pretty much not possible.

Is anyone familiar with the last of the 2010-2012 Mac Pro systems? I'm looking for a future proof system that isn't going to struggle for a few years and can be (somewhat) upgraded if needed. I would be tempted by a 2014/15 iMac or Mac Pro but for the price of £1500-2500 it seems excessive for what I could get out of a 5.1 Mac Pro.

Before anyone mentions.. I'm not interested in a Hackintosh or building a Windows 7 Machine.

[Conor D]

ZesPak said:

Sorry to break it, but in terms of hardware it was dated half a year before it came out. We had 3 older ones that needed replacement and we were glad we held out for the new Mac Pro.

What's the verdict on the new Mac Pro? I'm tempted to hold off and wait for an updated MP in 2015 - although I don't know if it will actually come. £1800 would buy one from the US.

ETA: For the £1500 price tag of a 27" iMac, man maths would make a £1800 Mac Pro, £300 27" Display and £100 for a Keyboard/Mouse a better all-round prospect.

Edited by Conor D on Wednesday 27th August 23:53

[Conor D]

supersport said:

Where would you get the 27" for £300, it's £900 on the website.

I wouldn't be looking at an Apple Cinema Display. More than likely an eBay/Korean 1440p 27" IPS Panel. Similar to this screen.

[Conor D]

Randomthoughts said:

Conor D said:

3.2ghz 4-12 Core Xeon processors are available for various prices

[Pedant]They were two 6-cores, not 12-core processors.[/Pedant]

It's good to know.. I really still need to do a lot of research re both Mac Pros.