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Question about specs on a Mac for Daz

nelm2010nelm2010 Posts: 45
in Technical Help (nuts n bolts)

Hi All,

I have to replace my Macbook Pro, and would like to stick with a Mac if possible, but can't afford new. I've been thinking I'd like to do more animations and things in Daz, and maybe that means I shouldn't be trying to do it on a laptop. I found this Mac Pro on eBay (repubable seller) and am wondering if it would be a smart thing to buy if I'm going to invest in a computer primarily for using Daz and doing some video editing. I am not a techie and don't understand half of what I've spent two days reading here, trying it out without asking, so I'm going to just ask rather than guessing. :-)

Here's what it says: 

Mac Pro 2010 Genuine 5,1 / 3.33Ghz 6-Core / 32GB RAM 2TB

  • Tested by Certified Apple Mac Technician Prior to Shipment!
  • Genuine 5,1 - Not Flashed 4,1 Units - 2010-2012 Release
  • Mac Pro 2010 Genuine 5,1
  • 6-Core 3.33Ghz
  • 32GB DDR3 1333Mhz ECC Memory
  • 2TB 7200RPM Storage (Upgradable to SSD)
  • ATI Radeon 5770 (1GB) Graphics Card (Upgradable)
  • **Geekbench 3 Score: 15500**

Seller also says: "We offer high performance video cards (2GB/4GB 4K compatible), SSDs add ons, extended warranties, and much more. This system is ideal for Audio/Video Production."

I don't need to run Iray--it would be nice, but I like working in 3Delight, so that's less of an issue than fast 3Delight rendering.  If that graphics card is not good, what would you recommend asking to upgrade to without breaking the bank? This computer is about $1200--I could add a couple of hundred to it, but not much more, as I have to borrow the money from family. 

Any thoughts are greatly appreciated! 

Nicole

 

Comments

  • JamesJABJamesJAB Posts: 1,766

    It's a pretty good looking machine from the specs.  I would inquire into getting a Nvidia GPU upgrade as that ATI Radeon 5770 is a pretty old outdated card.  If you ask for a GPU upgrade try going for one with at least 4GB of Vram.
    If you can get something from the Geforce 900 or 1000 series with at least 4GB of RAM inside your budget I would go for it

  • nelm2010nelm2010 Posts: 45

    JamesJAB--Thank you! That's very helpful!!!!

  • StratDragonStratDragon Posts: 3,273

    if you go for the GPU upgrade you will need a flashed card for the system, not one from "brick&mortar", or the vast majority of on-line stores.

    e.g 

    http://www.macvidcards.com/store/c10/Recommended:_Mac_Pro_4,1_and_5,1.html

  • nelm2010nelm2010 Posts: 45

    Thank you, StratDRagon--that's very good to know! Thank you for the link!

  • nelm2010nelm2010 Posts: 45

    One more question: if I bought the above unit as-is, does anyone know how hard would it be to add one of the recommended cards myself?  (Or rather have my fiance do it--he used to do hardware on his Windows computers a lot). That way I could spread out the money spent over a couple of months....

    Thanks! :-)

     

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