The MacPro comes with a cool programme called "ComicLife". It integrates with .mac in the sense you can annotate your photos from iPhoto and upload it to your .mac website.

Anyway, thought I'd use ComicLife to put up photos of my additional hard drives...

These Western Digital Caviar 250 Gb (16gb buffer) are identical to the stock 250Gb drive that the MacPro comes with. The difference is that they were purchased at LYP CZone for RM290. A fraction of what Apple would have charged...




This post has been edited by MacDaNife: Oct 21 2006, 06:44 AM

nice. did u add any RAM?

Not yet.... although there are advantages to be had running quad channel, methinks it is much too early to buy unbuffered RAM for the MacPro at the moment. Have to let enough of these machines reach users before RAM becomes more plentiful and prices come down from present exorbitant levels.

FYI, an additional gig (2 x 512Mb) was quoted to me at a "special price" of RM12xx.

which those RAM will be like 50% less in few months time (from 3rd party ofcourse).
hahaha... now the X1900 already USD100 cheaper.

This post has been edited by wei: Aug 30 2006, 05:40 PM

comic life comes with macbook also.........dunno what is that also...hehehe

nice toy btw

can the new macpro run wiff the raptor hdisk?

It'll run with any SATA hard disk afaik.

Segate drives with 16Mb buffer have reportedly slow read speeds for reasons that are not immediately obvious. For that reason, I went with the Western Digital drive (also 16Mb).

where did u buy your macpro.

Am thinking of BTO my macpro.. but none of the apple center i went could give me a reasonable price list.. most of them damn blur...

talk to VR Tech. Im getting mine from them.

And that's where I got mine from too.

And today, got an iSight webcam too....

gosh... just got the news mine was delayed another 2 weeks...
3.0Ghz model is coming in this week.

You're getting the Mac Pro

Wait....err , iHippo dude...err , wei

I am wondering how many processors it has.............................4 or 2

Since its 2x Dual Core , so that means its 4...How about with HT......so thats 8 right ?

It's 2 x Dual Core. Physically is 2 unit of proc. Total have 4 brains.

Had a spare TDK DVD burner around and thought I'd pop it into the MacPro.

The Optical Drives come mounted on a Aluminum caddy. Interestingly, Apple supplies screws for the second drive ready-for-use on the caddy. Ribbon/power cables are also ready for the second optical drive. You just have to slide one in and connect the cables.



In any case (for those who are interested in this kinda thing) more photos with comments are over at my dotMac site...

HERE

Mac Pro does not support Front Row huh? How come?

For that, you'll have to ask Uncle Steve....

already ordered from them this morning!

which spec u getting?

getting the 3.0GHz.. with 4GB RAM..

errr...

got problem now... VR Tech said that they can purchase the wireless card for me.. strange... strange..

they still checking on that..

u meant "can't" or can actually... confused confused.

sorry.. they can't. Apparently the wireless card has not yet been approved by Sirim.

Its okay lar... i'll get it separately when the time comes. Its not that expensive anyway for it not to be covered by the AppleCare.

You're buying an upwards of 15k config and you don't want to get AppleCare?

With my prior experience with Apple repair costs, that's not a good idea. AppleCare for my MacPro cost RM8xx. I consider that money well spent. It costs the same for any MacPro btw. (even the ultimate high end like yours) and covers a CinemaDisplay too if you buy both on the same reciept.

What i meant was that no applecare for the wireless card...

i'll be crazy if i don't get applecare for the machine...

Have to add something about the MacPro..

Audio is seriously good with this machine. Now the WorkRig was no slouch in the Audio department with a Creative XFi soundcard but the MacPro blows it out of the water. And this is running on an Aego2 2.1 system.

Some upgrades to the MacPro: Just in time for the HOLIDAYS!

1. ATi X1900xt

Ordered this when I picked up the MacPro. Always felt that the stock config nVidia 7300gt was seriously underpowered card as compared to the dual Xeons. Kinda like buying a Ferrari and putting wheels from a Kancil on em. Finally got a call from VR yesterday that the card was ready for collection... Comes in a big box:



Within the box is a HUGE card. Actually: not that big (My XFX nVidia 7950GX2 has a bigger PCB) but if you include the "stabilizer" it's very looooong. Design wise it oozes class. Shiny red metal always does.



Now while it appears that it is possible to buy a PC X1900xt (512Mb version) and flash it to a MacPro compatible EFI BIOS, see HERE (you will need to register with StrangeDogs forum) I was not keen on this for the following reasons:

1. I'd need to source a power cable to use with the Mac Pro as the card gets its power directly from a slot on the motherboard. (now why can't PC Mobos have this sort of functionality?). Apple provides the cable in the box. And it's is the exact right length in typical Apple business black.

2. The cards for the PC are lacking of the stabilizer which should help with noise/vibration and are simply COOL.

The price differential is however quite compelling. A PC X1900xt should set you back around RM1500. The Mac version goes for (gasp) RM2300. Below is a picture of the card installed. Note the power cable from card to mobo.




2. Kingston MacPro RAM (512Mb x 2)

When I can buy regular PC DDR2 512Mb sticks for a just over a hundred ringgit, it certainly hurts to have to pay RM1080 for two sticks of Kingston 512Mb RAM. Of course they are fully buffered and come in a big box BUT it doesn't make the pain any more bearable. However, OS X was never meant to run with only 1 gig and I really don't know the rationale of this configuration being the default for a "Pro" machine. Adding another gig has stopped the page-outs as monitored by MenuMeters 1.3 (excellent control panel: donationware!) and the MacPro now is a speedy as it should.

Adding more RAM has a second major benefit in that four sticks means running with quad channel. AnandTech reports at best only a modest speed boost and while I didn't get out the stopwatch to refute this, it does feel much snappier even performing the usual open/close windows and launching proggies.

No worries about the compatibility. Kingston guarantees that they are identical to Apple's part number for MacPro RAM and they have big, beefy heatsinks too:



As you can see, installing additional RAM is a breeze. Apple even includes the diagram to install RAM with the recommended configuration path for two, four, six and eight sticks on the cover for the MacPro. Essentially you slide out the riser card, add the pair and slide it back in again. Took under a couple of minutes.




3. Apple Bluetooth Module

Finally, added bluetooth functionality to the MacPro with this little guy:



It's tiny and plugs directly into the Mobo. See if you can spot it in the picture of the installed ATi card above. There are two screws that hold it into place. I now have a bluetooth icon on my menubar BUT can't use it with my M600i until Apple updates iSync. Sheesh!


Anyways, for those of you who like pictures of computer internals, more pics are at my homepage HERE.

This post has been edited by MacDaNife: Oct 21 2006, 11:36 AM

mmm.... yummy. im still saving for those upgrades. been using USB bluetooth dongle from my previous powermac.

The stock graphic card is not good for your Mac Pro? Want something more powerful for the powerful rig(Mac Pro)?

so much for the slogan "It Just Works". yes, Mac is well designed and stylish but not everything works.

Of course "It Just Works"....

...and it works very well too, I might add.

Its really not that big a deal waiting for the next update to iSync.

am still waiting for mine.. scheduled to be delivered next week.

i CTO-ed the ATI card, bluetooth and additional RAMS (hence the damn blardy long wait time)..

hmm...

airport express card.. due to be delivered monday the week after next

he he

Well, CTO does offer the benefit of saving some money by not paying for the nVidia 7300gt card.

Mine will sit in the X1900xt box. Just in case the ATi card dies.

Another note: The ATi card is very quiet. While reports on the web indicate an AcceleroX2 cooler swap, to me its not necessary. Even with extended gaming (Call of Duty, Quake 4) it doesn't get to levels in which it irritates. I'm leaving the pretty white cooler as it is.

i dun plan to hack much on the macpro.. for now..

just some standard stuffs is good enough .. add memory..add hard disk.. errr.. pretty much it..

i can't find 500GB hard disk around lar.. damn it.. any tips?

I would recommend rather than installing ONE 500Mb additional disc; install TWO 250Mb harddisks in a Raid0 stripe. That's what I did.

Why? Go HERE for the benchmarks. As BareFeats has exhaustively shown, the benefits of Raid0 are quite remarkable. The usual caveat to Raid0 of course applies. You double your failure risk in that should ONE hard drive fail, ALL data is lost. To protect against this you need to keep your original drive as a backup drive. This policy is especially important since every OS X update so far has refused to boot from a Raid0 stripe without first booting from a single drive configuration.

The speed however is addictive.

been using raid0 FW800 case for sometime, to able to use raid0 on internal SATA2 drive is like dream come true. have you guys heard about the 7 drives + raid in MacPro setup? it's amazing.

This post has been edited by wei: Oct 22 2006, 09:01 AM

i already have 1TB from apple...

planning to get 1TB more from somewhere else..

am actually planning do RAID1 (mirror) on the additional 1TB for my data...

the first 1TB probably i can RAID0 - for striping.. hmm...

It's soooo much cheaper (and very easy) to DIY hard drive upgrades.

I'd get the base configuration, and just go over to LYP and get some nice WD Caviar drives....

(Stay away from Seagate, they apparently don't play nice with the Mac Pro according to XLR8-your-mac)

how much for your ATI card ?

Read the post bro...

bro, do u use any UPS for your machine?

At present, no... Although the WorkRig is connected to a APC UPS system.

Will probably get one for the MacPro too but need to do some research first on which one would be most appropriate. Have you any recommendations?

i used the APC selector.. http://www.apc.com/tools/ups_selector/index.cfm

seems to be best performance would be this.. APC Smart-UPS XL 750VA USB & Serial 230V

I think its probably abt 1k

Man, that seems to much money to pay for UPS.....

I figure I need UPS in order to be able to quickly save whatever I'm doing in event of a power outage. In addition the security of having the UPS take the hit should a voltage spike from Tenaga Nasional run through my house (don't laugh - it's happened to me before with expensive consequences to my miriad electronic devices).

So I figure I don't need a UPS that would last me to restoration of power. It's not like I do anything irreplaceable with the Mac anyways. If I'm encoding video for example, I could always run the tape again....

I'll probably get something from APC in the RM200-300 range. That should be quite adequate. I'll post here should I get beyond the considering phase and into the purchase mode.

atchelly....

come to think of it... the only reason i need UPS is to .. shutdown the mac properly upon outage. But then again.. that's not much of an issue lar... "dirty startup" is not too bad... i work in aperture.. usually my "masters" are usually intact... irregardless what i do.. so its ok..

What i need is more of a voltage regulator... coz.. if i pay 200-300 for a UPS.. and if it only last me.. for 30s .. no point also.. lemme read more.. heh heh

...Hai.....eehmm....I'm Sorry.....May I know, Where is VR Tech....?
..is there..a Shop....in Lowyat...????

VR Technology Sdn Bhd
Megan Avenue II, Ground Floor,
Block B-0-7, No. 12, Jalan Yap Kwan Seng,
50450 Kuala Lumpur.

tel: 03-2163 2020
fax: 03-2163 2021

...I Will buy soon (MAC PRO) ..at Chinese New Year...heee..heeee

if you're lucky, it might come with 8 cores.

This post has been edited by wei: Oct 27 2006, 02:23 PM

ARE YOU SURE 8 CORE..WILL COMING SOON..???????????

well, intel is ready on November, it just the matter of marketing; when will Apple put one out.

......haaa..haa!!!!..Thanks..for Information...!!!
....just happy for that's news......
that's why...I just waiting for this..

well.. was in lowyat just now..

There are quite a number of APC UPS choices..

Hmm..

UPS 800VA is about RM550. U can go for the 650VA, shud be sufficient. I think its either RM310 or RM400. can't remember.

they actually have software for Mac OS!!! heh heh.. must get must get.. he he..



my macpro.. delayed again, all coz stupid servex. Sigh.. ETA next thursday only ( will get em to install the airport card for me lar..

How...much you bought (MAC PRO)....and How these Upgrade....?

macpro.. depending on what the spec u want lar.. basic stock would be 9999 for the 2.66GHz and 8999 for the 2.0GHz..

what ever extra is up to you lor..

Basic ones are RAM, where per gig is about RM1000.

My suggestion if u want it fast, try to avoid CTO, buy stock unit, then add the additional items separately (which u can get from VR also). The drawback is that those items are not covered by the apple care (if u wish to have..)

This post has been edited by mohamadfazli: Oct 27 2006, 03:38 PM

..Thanks..My Friend..!!..heee..hee
...I just want upgrade (X1900XT Graphic Card.....4GB....Wireless Keyboard and Mouse) in Two 2.66GHz Dual-Core Intel Xeon...I think the price was more Higher......scared...

and Stanby Two 24"Monitor....woo..woo!!!

its safe to use the www.apple.com.sg/store for indicative pricing..

....thanks...!! but the price is not..in (RM)...

convert lar..

....ya..loh..Convert..

....I thinks After Upgrade...+ Two 24" Monitor (LCD 24" BenQ HTMI + New 24" Sumsung) Expander Mirroring = RM 20,000.!!!!!!!!!

..god!!!

Always wanted to relearn the piano and fool around with GarageBand.

Hence the M-Audio Keystation 49e. Excellent build quality. No drivers required. Just plug into the USB cable (no power required either). GarageBand is a whole lot of fun!

Bro, you bought the keyboard at EPI Centre@Orcahrd, Singapore?

Your setup looks the same with the Mac Pro display at the store, Apple CD and the keyboard...

Btw, your pianist?

This post has been edited by Mike3300: Oct 27 2006, 09:53 PM

Nope. Bought from good ol LYP. Two shops away from CZone actually....

The MacStudio had the M-Audio Oxygen49 and M-Audio Radium49 retailing at close to RM1k... That was more than I was willing to pay (esp since the same keyboards are available in the US for around USD150...)

Found a shop on the second floor which had the M-Audio e40 for "only" RM490. It doesn't have the dials and knobs of the Oxygen and Radium but since I'll be doing all the effects with GarageBand, those extras don't interest me anyways.

In the end, this brings a whole new aspect to computing for me. Worth the price IMHO.

Damn A$$ Rocks! Apple is always my desire setup......how much you had spent on this setup so far?

More than I should have I guess...

you're not alone.

RM30,000 I guess?

GOD!!!...If Upgrade X1900XT Card...need pay more RM1.000...in MAC PRO 2.66Gb package..in Midvelly Apple Shop...

Considering the price of the card, that's pretty cheap.

PC (not the Mac version) Radeon 1900xt's retail at LYP for around RM1400. Mac cards with the EFI bios and a distinctly superior build quality (not to mention smaller market - think economics of scale here) retail for much higher.

... but you get what you pay for.

good card indeed..

run Flight Simulator X on boot camp..

1900 X 1440 reso

High Setting for almost everything, except for scenery on Ultra High..

Can get a decent 40fps...

Don't know what price....If I take 3.0Gb (Mac Pro) Package..
what including...inside the mechine....

Just configure your specs at the US Apple Store and multiply by 4.

The result will probably be off by a few hundred ringgit but when you're talking about those figures, it's negligible now, ain't it?

Two 3.0GHz Dual-Core Intel Xeon

4GB (4 x 1GB)

500GB 7200-rpm Serial ATA 3Gb/s

ATI Radeon X1900 XT 512MB (2 x dual-link DVI)

Two 16x SuperDrives......Apple USB Modem......

Apple Wireless Keyboard and Apple wireless Mighty Mouse - U.S. English

in US 5,052.00= RM 18,305.04.....this figures after convert....is really....selling from Apple Shop Malaysia by this price.???....I think it's maybe more expensive....heee.heeeeeee

you can get third aprty RAM, save a lot.
and why you need a USB modem???

...no.lah....just make example...only
...if..no need USB Modem.....also.can

BUT.....the RAM hard to find..!!!!!...I already no ideal..to get..it.

i found it mar. i've pm MacDaNife before

MacDaNife..????....Where the place it is..?

is..really..667MHz DDR2 fully-buffered DIMM ECC ..for Mac Pro RAM..???????

...cheap price he sale...??

check you PM lar sir. MacDaNife is the forumer that replied your post & the theradstarter

haaaaaa.haaaaaaaaaaa....!!!..I doubt..................haaaaaa.aaaaaaa.is.the guy.....!!!!