Quad core vs duo quad core

[Are Pilskog]

Hope someone can help.

Will I encounter any limitations/problems using the new quad core 2,66 mac pro compared to the new duo quad core 2,26 mac pro?

I guess the rendering time is faster for the duo quad core as long as all the cores are beeing used? In this case, do I need to configure it in some special way to get this advantage?

Any other significant differences between a uno and a duo quad core when it comes to working with red material?

For instance, will I be able to view R3D files at the same resolution on both machines.

As you probably can see I am not an expert on these machines and need someone to help me understand this better

Are

 

[Nick Gallegos]

The speed difference between an 8-core and 4-core machine would be most noticeable when rendering out with multiprocessor aware applications like Compressor (set up with virtual clusters), Redcine, Redrushes, etc.

When previewing R3Ds and working in Final Cut, the difference would be very minor, even with the higher clock speed of the 4-core model.

With that said, I'd still go with the 8-core model if you can. There's other advantages outside the realm of RED.

For example, the 4-core model only has 4 DIMM sockets for RAM. This limits your memory capacity to 8GB (official Apple spec) or 16GB (using expensive 4GB modules). The 8-core model has 8 DIMM sockets and can reach 16GB at a fraction of the cost by populating all 8 sockets with 2GB modules. And if you really need 32GB and can stomach the high cost of 4GB modules, the 8-core can handle that...

Also, while it was possible with earlier single-CPU Mac Pros to add a second CPU later (because of the presence of an empty second socket), it's not exactly feasible on the new 4-core. The CPU and memory sits on a daughter card that slides out of the tower at the bottom. The 8-core's daughter card is completely different.

So I guess what I'm getting at is that in this field of work where you'll likely be rendering large batches of high-resolution video, the new 4-core model is needlessly crippled. An 8-core machine is well worth the extra investment.

 

[Are Pilskog]

Hei
And thank you for your input/advice! Appreciate it

I am working on a filmproject (using RED ONE) where I am probably not going to do large amount of editing/rendering before a year or two/three....
So this is what I have been thinking: There will probably be new better Mac Pro options coming the next two years. I'll wait for that, while in the meantime I will be fine using an almost half priced 4-core for previewing R3Ds and trying out workflows.

If this doesn't sound like a good idea, please feel free to advice me

Are

 

[Patrick Tresch]

... rendering out with multiprocessor aware applications like Compressor (set up with virtual clusters)

Hello CaptainChunk,

Just a little question out of topic... I can't get my 8 core (early 2008) work at 100% with compressor... It gets max speed to 40% irregularly not on all cores... How do you manage a virtual cluster?

8 core 3.0 ghz
8 gig ram DDR2 800Mhz
2 e-sata raid 0 HD internal

Sorry for highjacking this thread... are

Thanks

Patrick

 

[Nick Gallegos]

Hello CaptainChunk,

Just a little question out of topic... I can't get my 8 core (early 2008) work at 100% with compressor... It gets max speed to 40% irregularly not on all cores... How do you manage a virtual cluster?

8 core 3.0 ghz
8 gig ram DDR2 800Mhz
2 e-sata raid 0 HD internal

Sorry for highjacking this thread... are

Thanks

Patrick

This is a good thread that explains step by step how to set up a virtual cluster for Compressor using Apple Qmaster.

 

[Patrick Tresch]

Thanks for your Answer CaptainChunk!

Qmaster on the same machine boost the power incredibly faster!!!

Patrick