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Quad-Core Mac Pro

*Est. $2,500 and up

Reviewed November 2009

Apple desktop for professionals

Professional-level performance
Four FireWire 800 ports
Faster for everyday computing than the 8-Core Mac Pro
Easy to upgrade

Monitor costs extra
Expensive

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Our Analysis

The Mac Pro desktops have long been the choice of professionals who need serious power for design, gaming or video editing. Like Apple's other computers, the Mac Pro is updated for 2009 and comes in two standard configurations, including the Quad-Core Mac Pro with a 2.66 GHz Intel Xeon Nehalem processor, 3 GB of memory, 640 GB hard drive and Nvidia GeForce GT 120 graphics. The other configuration is the 8-Core Mac Pro (*Est. $3,300 and up), with two 2.26 GHz processors, 6 GB memory and a 640 GB hard drive. Between the two, reviewers say the Quad-Core Mac Pro is preferable for most computing tasks. Video editors might want to go with the 8-Core version, but the Quad-Core Mac Pro posts faster times in Photoshop, iMovie and 3-D game tests. If you plan to do gaming or 3-D work, ArsTtechnica.com recommends spending $200 to upgrade the Pro with Radeon HD 4870 graphics. Reviewers say the updated Mac Pros perform better than their predecessors, but they are probably overkill for anyone but power users. If you prefer an all-in-one desktop, the 27-inch 3.06 GHz iMac (*Est. $1,700 and up) gets good reviews and its huge display is great for graphics or video work. Keep in mind that the Mac Pros don't come with monitors, and that will increase your total cost.

The Quad-Core Mac Pro attracts fewer reviews than other Apple computers. Still, Macworld and PCMag.com conduct extensive tests of the Quad-Core Mac Pro. These sites offer the best reviews, backed with relevant testing details and comparisons to the 8-Core Mac Pro. Macworld offers the best review because they test the standard configuration, while PCMag.com upgrades its test model.

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Our Sources

1. Macworld Details/Subscribe

Macworld gives a higher score to the Quad-Core Mac Pro over the 8-Core version, saying the Quad-Core offers faster performance for most uses. Overall, they say the Quad-Core is a "fine purchase for anyone replacing an older Mac or buying a new one for the first time."

Review: Quad-Core and Eight-Core Mac Pros (2009 editions), James Galbraith, March 23, 2009

2. PCMag.com Details/Subscribe

PCMag.com tests the Quad- and 8-Core Mac Pros, giving higher ratings to the Quad-Core Mac Pro. However, they upgrade several of the internals, so they are not reviewing the standard configuration. Still, they say the Quad-Core is a "better buy for most multimedia pros and enthusiasts."

Review: Apple Mac Pro (Quad-Core), Joel Santo Domingo, April 10, 2009

3. Business Computing World

Christian Harris reviews the Quad-Core Mac Pro in this short review. He likes the expandability -- it's easy to upgrade the hard drive, RAM or graphics. However, he says this desktop is clearly aimed at the professional user; for those users he says the Quad-Core Mac Pro is "untouchable."

Review: Apple Mac Pro Review, Christian Harris

4. Arstechnica.com

Dave Girard at ArsTechnica.com reviews the 8-Core Mac Pro, but includes some details about the Quad-Core. Girard thinks the 8-Core is good for those who use multi-threaded 3-D applications, but the high price is a serious downside.

Review: Prepare for Ludicrous Speed: Ars Reviews the 8-Core Mac Pro, Dave Girard, April 6, 2009