baker1444

Does anyone know if a PC version of the Mac pro exists. Meaning a system with two 2.8ghz quad-core Xeon processors, 2gb Ram and support for more than one video card.

I was looking at the Mac version and it sells for about $2700. I'm sure if a PC version was available it would sell for less.

Or could I buy the part and make one myself?

If this was discussed before I'm sorry, but I did a search and couldn't find anything.

Also every time I type Xeon processor in Google I get a lot of pages that refer to the chip as a server processor. Does this mean that it shouldn't be used for a desktop system.

AJLynn

There are a ton of computers like that, they're sold as "workstations" by all the usual vendors - Dell, HP, BOXX, etc.

Antisthenes

also you can build one. i do this with the help of www.pricewatch.com or others like it.

i spec'd out the price before on this type of machine, but settled on building a quad core. it's not that hard really 6 plugs, some screws, os/driver install. and you save 3/4 off the cost.

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baker1444

Ok I took a look around and I couldn't find one similar to this at HP but I did find one at Dell. I have listed the two computers below. Why is there such a big price difference. The Mac Pro appears to be a better build but a $1000 less. What gives, am I missing something?



Dell Precision T7400 ($3,781)
-Dual Quad Core Intel® Xeon® Processor E5440 (2.83GHz,2X6M L2,1333)
-Genuine Windows Vista® Business,SP1, with media, 32 Edition,English
-2GB, DDR2 SDRAM FBD Memory, 667MHz, ECC (4 DIMMS)
-256MB PCIe x16 nVidia NVS 290, Dual Monitor DVI Capable
-16X DVD-ROM with Cyberlink Power DVD™
-C1 All SATA drives, Non-RAID, 1 drive total configuration
-80GB SATA 3.0Gb/s,7200 RPM Hard Drive with 8MB DataBurst Cache™

Mac Pro ($2,799.00)
-8-core: Two 2.8GHzQuad-Core Intel Xeon 5400 series processors
-2 GB, 800MHz DDR2 ECC fully buffered DIMM (FB-DIMM) memory expandable to 32GB
-ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT with 256MB of GDDR3 memory and two dual-link DVI ports
-16x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
-320GB Serial ATA 3Gb/s, 7200 rpm, 8MB cache

Slinger

And both of those are over-priced...I built my friend at work a nice computer for under $1200 from newegg.

Gigabyte P35 chipset mobo
Q9450
Xigmatex aftermarket cpu cooler
4gigs of 1066 ram
8800GTS 512 gfx card.
(2) 320gig 7200rpm hdd's
20x dvddrive
coolermaster case
Corsair 520HX PSU


Go build your own system...cheaper and with the extra you would spend on those systems, you can build another one I just spec'd out.
SInce you live in Canada, I would order through www.ncix.com

baker1444

Yeh but you not comparing apples with apples.
I have the quote done for 2 quad core Xeon processors.

But yeh you are right it would be cheaper to build my own. And I think that I am leaning that way.

AJLynn

Apple is an excellent value these days. You can also go ahead and install Windows on it. The nVidia NVS is not for 3D work, neither is the ATI 2600, you'd be better off with the nVidia 8800 series. But Chris is right that the prices on these are steep - the CPUs are expensive and they don't use the same MBs and RAM as Core 2 PCs, all that is more expensive. You've got to know that a dual-quad is what you need.

baker1444

Is it possible to build a 2 processor system with only one processor and add the second processor at a later date when prices fall. Will it run with just one of the two processors?

Antisthenes

i did that before back in 94 when i got a PII 233 and later upgraded to 2 333's

__________________
The most necessary/useful piece of learning is that which unlearns what is untrue: 'evil'
may be acquiring Happiness through virtue which is based on knowledge!/?

Ky Lane

I have a 8 core mac pro here, and a quadcore dell at home. I swear by their reliability and the companies accountabilities. If anything goes wrong, theyre here same day to sort it (luckily, nothing ever HAS happened).