I got the RAM issues covered, I got the monitor issues covered somewhat.
Now.....about the Graphics Card....I don't know how important the cards are on the G5 and what is good and what isn't...and what can actually make a difference in my imaging....
Basically I want something to allow me to use Photoshop/Final Cut with true colors and rich colors. Any suggestions on that part?
I got the RAM issues covered, I got the monitor issues covered somewhat.
Now.....about the Graphics Card....I don't know how important the cards are on the G5 and what is good and what isn't...and what can actually make a difference in my imaging....
Basically I want something to allow me to use Photoshop/Final Cut with true colors and rich colors. Any suggestions on that part?
For monitors check out Formac's (formac.com) as well. Ramseeker is a good source for pricing RAM, and can be a bit addictive when you are shopping for it and the market for RAM is moving...almost like watching the stock market. As for video cards for accurate color, any of them that support the resolution and refresh rate you use with millions of colors will give you as accurate color at your monitor and calibration settings will allow, and of course your output device. If you have really critical color calibration requirements get a 20" CRT and a "spider" for calibrating it. Remember that for the gama used for Windows computers is different than it is on the Mac, so your color's will appear different on a Mac than they do on a PC.
No problem, for Photoshop the stock card (NVIDIA GeForce FX 5200 Ultra) should work fine. I would imagine that it will do well for FinalCut as well, but if you do any gaming, or want to hedge your bets against the future go with one of the optional cards, the ATI 9600 is only $50 more as a BTO, I would probably go with that becouse it has more vram. There are more expensive ones as well if you wanted to drop another $350-500. All of these cards should support all the upcoming features of Tiger (the next OS update). Any card you get you would want to make sure that it supports these, particularly CoreImage and CoreVideo since you are doing some video work. The main thing to remember about the video cards is they are basically the same as they are on the PC side, so what is good there will be good on the Mac.
If it were me (home and school use) I would get a dual 1.8 for home (2.0 if I could afford it) with the 9600 video card and as much RAM as I could afford, especially if you are doing video work. Don't go for the bottom of the line single processor. I would also get a second hard drive and install it myself at a later date, though if you are going to be doing a lot of video work it might pay to get the 250 Gig HD as a BTO option, and the extra mhz in the 2.0 wouldnt hurt either, especially with Final Cut and other video software.
I'm sure the speed issue has been discussed in length about 1.8 vs 2.0 and if the price difference is worth it.
I think I'll just have to go with whatever I have moneywise instead of dropping an unnecessary load.\
One thing to keep in mind:
The 1.8 has four slots for RAM, the 2.0 has eight.
Don't ask me why Apple crippled it like this. When you open up the 1.8, you can see the four extra slots without anything soldered into them. Not that I'm recommended you start tampering with your new purchase.
But if you want to keep your PowerMac G5 for a long haul (3+ years), you may want to consider the eight-slot dual 2GHz model.
I only mention the eight slots, because three years in computing terms can be a long time, and while you can get large RAM for those four slots, I wouldn't want you to regret your decisions.
We did when we started buying a few 1.8 boxes and our employees started getting into 3D rendering and we realized we had painted ourselves into a corner and had to migrate those computers elsewhere and buy boxes that could use more RAM.
The single processor Powermac is indeed not a very good deal, but IMO the amount of memory slots doesn't have to do with that. The upgrade path from the stock 2x128MB through either 2x512MB or 2x1GB, which lead to 1.25GB or 2.25GB of memory, is reasonable... then you can ditch the 0.25GB worth of factory memory which by then is a drop in the ocean, and upgrade to 2, 3 or 4GB total memory depending on what you chose first. Then if 4GB isn't enough... ugh.
And of course you can eBay any memory you replace with bigger ones.
Does that mean if I get the minimum RAM (2x128) then I will only have 2 more slots left?
I can always remove those two and upgrade to 4GB if I need to right?
Or is 8 slots really necessary? Hmm....
yeah. get the Mac that has the most to offer as far as upgrades. dual processors and 8 DIMM slots would be the way to go. i have a dual 2 ghz with 2 gb ram (4x512). i have 4 slots still available and will wait for 1gb ram chips to come down in price. and shop around. buying a Mac isn't like getting a Dell. there are lots of independant computer stores that specialize in Macs and know all the deals for upgrading at the best prices. just shop around. i deal with a company here in Vancouver that has been a great help in those areas.
I would recommend the dual 2.0GHz G5, as I think it comes in at the best price point. By default, it ships with 2x 256MB RAM modules, so you have 6 free slots to add more memory.
If a much better graphics card is only $50 more BTO, I would go for it. As far as the memory goes, as has already been said many times, you can save a lot of money by getting it elsewhere. The G5 uses normal PC memory (DDR400), so it does not need to be Mac memory (in fact, Mac memory does not exist, at least not these days).
As far as the monitor? Well, any DVI capable monitor will work, so you have hundreds (or thousands) of options here. The same options as if you were buying a PC.
I'll end up spending $2,250 for my G5 as I cut out a lot.
This is minus RAM and Display of course. Speakers? Crap....didn't think about that.
Anyways. I should be heading down to the Apple store on the weekend.
Again....these replies have been essential in my decision, and the community for Mac owners is great. You all seem very knowledgeable and eager to help.
I was pretty atounded when I came to the conclusion this fall that I had to use Roxio to burn a simple CD-R on my dell work laptop. I didn't have a problem with Roxio, and was done quickly. The thing that delayed me the most was picking up my jaw off the floor when I realized that I would be better off burning a simple CD in a 3rd party app rather than in the OS.
I must, as much as i hate it, defend windows here, I use Nero, as roxio sux in windows, biut that asside, I have had no problem whatsoever burning CDs with windows, on any system that I have tried it on (at least 3) and no matter what software was installed (zillions of combinations)
It, in my experiance is one thing that windows does right, just right click a file or foldcr and select "save to cd" then after all files are sellected, click the tray icon and click burn,done just that fast
Firstly welcome to AI your in fine hands here to ask all sorts of questions...
And secondly and more importantly welcome to light side of the force young jedi.
As for your request for info about speakers I realise that your budget is tight... but if you are after some basic speakers ie 2.1 level go no further than the JBL creature, I have purchased one ages ago for my TiBook and then plugged it into my G5. Its analogue but the touch controls are soooo cool on the speakers and its reasonably priced. Its built really well and my silver speaker blends in well with the G5 ( Im a art director so these things are important to me )
One thing though be careful if you ever go overseas as the power supply is country specific. I want to ship mine overseas I work 1/2 the year in the US and the rest back home in Australia ( yeah I know I have a great job...) Secondly there is also creative labs 7.1 ( i think ) monster of a setup, my friend has one and it cranks the tunes big time!
Anyhoo as far as monitors go they just dropped the price of the apple displays whilst im writing this post so that might give you some price relief. IMHO apple displays are the best as far as flat panels go.. Although if you are really that photoshop obsessive a CRT calibrated ( think formac or rasterops if there still around ) is really the only way to go. What ever yo do just wait till after macworld in early jan as the price of current machines and equipment drops as everyone obsesses with the new machines or products and apple stores want to qucikly clear older inventory.
Anyway I am not convinced the Apples are good value even after the price drop. With the 20" you could argue that the Dell competitor 2005FPW (with the same panel) has too much backlight faults from factory and is correspondingly a lot of hassle - but as long as you are prepared to send a faulty display back for replacement, you should get the same stuff (albeit lot more inputs) for less.
And in 23" I don't know what Apple supposedly has better, since the HP and Benq competitors (with the same panel) not only have more connectors but have a very good quality rep, whereas some of the 23" ACD:s have been reported to have the "pink gray" problem. IMO the Benq looks as nice as the Apple.
Opps I didnt mean to infer that the 7.1 creative speaker were cheap I was only speak for the JBL creature speak as far as price goes The 7.1 are pricey but then again how often will you but speakers. If you are looking for a performance audio set up its gonna cost.
The apple price drop was just reported on macminute.com
Comments
I got the RAM issues covered, I got the monitor issues covered somewhat.
Now.....about the Graphics Card....I don't know how important the cards are on the G5 and what is good and what isn't...and what can actually make a difference in my imaging....
Basically I want something to allow me to use Photoshop/Final Cut with true colors and rich colors. Any suggestions on that part?
Originally posted by Kabz
Sweet...
I got the RAM issues covered, I got the monitor issues covered somewhat.
Now.....about the Graphics Card....I don't know how important the cards are on the G5 and what is good and what isn't...and what can actually make a difference in my imaging....
Basically I want something to allow me to use Photoshop/Final Cut with true colors and rich colors. Any suggestions on that part?
For monitors check out Formac's (formac.com) as well. Ramseeker is a good source for pricing RAM, and can be a bit addictive when you are shopping for it and the market for RAM is moving...almost like watching the stock market. As for video cards for accurate color, any of them that support the resolution and refresh rate you use with millions of colors will give you as accurate color at your monitor and calibration settings will allow, and of course your output device. If you have really critical color calibration requirements get a 20" CRT and a "spider" for calibrating it. Remember that for the gama used for Windows computers is different than it is on the Mac, so your color's will appear different on a Mac than they do on a PC.
What should my minimum be? I don't think its necessary getting the TOP TOP of the line? Or is it?
Sorry for maybe coming off like a helpless guy, but I really don't want to not know anything when getting my Apple.
Thanks for the helpful links too.
alright sweet.
I'm sure the speed issue has been discussed in length about 1.8 vs 2.0 and if the price difference is worth it.
I think I'll just have to go with whatever I have moneywise instead of dropping an unnecessary load.
I wasn't even considering the single 1.8
I was referring to the dual 1.8 and dual 2.
I am getting 250GB for sure also.
Whats BTO?
Originally posted by Kabz
good points.
I wasn't even considering the single 1.8
I was referring to the dual 1.8 and dual 2.
I am getting 250GB for sure also.
Whats BTO?
BTO = Built to Order
Welcome to the forums
Originally posted by Kabz
I'm sure the speed issue has been discussed in length about 1.8 vs 2.0 and if the price difference is worth it.
I think I'll just have to go with whatever I have moneywise instead of dropping an unnecessary load.
One thing to keep in mind:
The 1.8 has four slots for RAM, the 2.0 has eight.
Don't ask me why Apple crippled it like this. When you open up the 1.8, you can see the four extra slots without anything soldered into them. Not that I'm recommended you start tampering with your new purchase.
But if you want to keep your PowerMac G5 for a long haul (3+ years), you may want to consider the eight-slot dual 2GHz model.
Does that mean if I get the minimum RAM (2x128) then I will only have 2 more slots left?
I can always remove those two and upgrade to 4GB if I need to right?
Or is 8 slots really necessary? Hmm....
I only mention the eight slots, because three years in computing terms can be a long time, and while you can get large RAM for those four slots, I wouldn't want you to regret your decisions.
We did when we started buying a few 1.8 boxes and our employees started getting into 3D rendering and we realized we had painted ourselves into a corner and had to migrate those computers elsewhere and buy boxes that could use more RAM.
And of course you can eBay any memory you replace with bigger ones.
JimDreamworx, your 3D guys needed over 4GB RAM?
How much do they have now?
Originally posted by Kabz
ah good point.
Does that mean if I get the minimum RAM (2x128) then I will only have 2 more slots left?
I can always remove those two and upgrade to 4GB if I need to right?
Or is 8 slots really necessary? Hmm....
yeah. get the Mac that has the most to offer as far as upgrades. dual processors and 8 DIMM slots would be the way to go. i have a dual 2 ghz with 2 gb ram (4x512). i have 4 slots still available and will wait for 1gb ram chips to come down in price. and shop around. buying a Mac isn't like getting a Dell. there are lots of independant computer stores that specialize in Macs and know all the deals for upgrading at the best prices. just shop around. i deal with a company here in Vancouver that has been a great help in those areas.
If a much better graphics card is only $50 more BTO, I would go for it. As far as the memory goes, as has already been said many times, you can save a lot of money by getting it elsewhere. The G5 uses normal PC memory (DDR400), so it does not need to be Mac memory (in fact, Mac memory does not exist, at least not these days).
As far as the monitor? Well, any DVI capable monitor will work, so you have hundreds (or thousands) of options here. The same options as if you were buying a PC.
An alternative MP3 player to iTunes (also free):
http://www.panic.com/audion/
I think I will end up with a dual 1.8ghz
I'll end up spending $2,250 for my G5 as I cut out a lot.
This is minus RAM and Display of course. Speakers? Crap....didn't think about that.
Anyways. I should be heading down to the Apple store on the weekend.
Again....these replies have been essential in my decision, and the community for Mac owners is great. You all seem very knowledgeable and eager to help.
You guys rule
Originally posted by DCQ
I was pretty atounded when I came to the conclusion this fall that I had to use Roxio to burn a simple CD-R on my dell work laptop. I didn't have a problem with Roxio, and was done quickly. The thing that delayed me the most was picking up my jaw off the floor when I realized that I would be better off burning a simple CD in a 3rd party app rather than in the OS.
I must, as much as i hate it, defend windows here, I use Nero, as roxio sux in windows, biut that asside, I have had no problem whatsoever burning CDs with windows, on any system that I have tried it on (at least 3) and no matter what software was installed (zillions of combinations)
It, in my experiance is one thing that windows does right, just right click a file or foldcr and select "save to cd" then after all files are sellected, click the tray icon and click burn,done just that fast
And secondly and more importantly welcome to light side of the force young jedi.
As for your request for info about speakers I realise that your budget is tight... but if you are after some basic speakers ie 2.1 level go no further than the JBL creature, I have purchased one ages ago for my TiBook and then plugged it into my G5. Its analogue but the touch controls are soooo cool on the speakers and its reasonably priced. Its built really well and my silver speaker blends in well with the G5 ( Im a art director so these things are important to me )
One thing though be careful if you ever go overseas as the power supply is country specific. I want to ship mine overseas I work 1/2 the year in the US and the rest back home in Australia ( yeah I know I have a great job...) Secondly there is also creative labs 7.1 ( i think ) monster of a setup, my friend has one and it cranks the tunes big time!
Anyhoo as far as monitors go they just dropped the price of the apple displays whilst im writing this post so that might give you some price relief. IMHO apple displays are the best as far as flat panels go.. Although if you are really that photoshop obsessive a CRT calibrated ( think formac or rasterops if there still around ) is really the only way to go. What ever yo do just wait till after macworld in early jan as the price of current machines and equipment drops as everyone obsesses with the new machines or products and apple stores want to qucikly clear older inventory.
and how are these creative labs 7.1 speakers so cheap?
http://newsite.pagecomputers.com/sto...ookie%5Ftest=1
Originally posted by Kabz
where did you see the monitor price drop??
Apple Store.
Anyway I am not convinced the Apples are good value even after the price drop. With the 20" you could argue that the Dell competitor 2005FPW (with the same panel) has too much backlight faults from factory and is correspondingly a lot of hassle - but as long as you are prepared to send a faulty display back for replacement, you should get the same stuff (albeit lot more inputs) for less.
And in 23" I don't know what Apple supposedly has better, since the HP and Benq competitors (with the same panel) not only have more connectors but have a very good quality rep, whereas some of the 23" ACD:s have been reported to have the "pink gray" problem. IMO the Benq looks as nice as the Apple.
The apple price drop was just reported on macminute.com
http://www.macminute.com
Its also reflected on apple's store site.
Regards celco.