Which computer would be a faster renderer ?

[Paul P]

Hello all,

I currently have a Mac Pro tower, a 2.1 model. It is an 8 core, 3 GHz model. I am thinking of "upgrading" this to a Mac Pro 3.1, a 2.8GHz model, also 8 core. The only thing that would convince me to upgrade would be if the 3.1 is faster at rendering still life architectural visualisations. I am not currently using a GPU based renderer, so my question really only applies to traditional renderers that are entirely CPU based.

Assuming all other things are equal (same hard drives, same amount of RAM, same programs) is it even possible to say which computer would be a faster renderer, without buying the 3.1 and testing it ? If so, how would I go about ascertaining this ? Are there certain machine specs that I should look at more than others ?

Many thanks in advance.

[mclbruce]

Quote: Originally Posted by Paul P ... Assuming all other things are equal (same hard drives, same amount of RAM, same programs) is it even possible to say which computer would be a faster renderer, without buying the 3.1 and testing it ?

Bus speed and amount of L2 cache are different, according to MacTracker app.

http://www.mactracker.ca/

I have no idea how much that will affect your work. Have you checked out barefeets.com? Their comparisons may be helpful.

http://www.barefeats.com/nehal04.html

[acme.mail.order]

You'd have to test it. At that performance level there are too many variables in the process, and usually the CPU isn't the bottleneck anymore.

Offhand, I would say that a faster memory bus will make the difference in your instance more than a faster processor. 8 cores won't help at all unless the process (and program) allow for parallel rendering.

If you buy new, add memory. Lots and lots of memory.

[Paul P]

Thanks for your help everyone. Much appreciated.

[anthlover]

I would check Geek bench. My seat of the Pants feeling without checking is you would have to go to a fairly current model to make a difference. Most of the Mac Pros in the time frame you mention scored in 10k to 12k range. I believe the top model last I checked prior the minor refresh (before the major one everyone is waiting for) was around 22K. ** And indeed after checking the machines are a wash. You need a 12 Core current monster Something in the 15 to 22k range geek bench wise.

Here are the specifics

http://browser.primatelabs.com/mac-benchmarks

Everymac,com helps too they have the Geek bench scores and you can look up my model e.g. 2,1 and 3,1

http://everymac.com/search/search.ht...s=919j181139j7