Replacing an ancient Mac Pro?

[Dry Rot]

I thought this might be the best place to start as I know if I go on a computer forum I'll get blinded by science! I am pretty much computer illiterate. If it works, that's fine by me and I don't need to know how!

I am currently working on a "2 x 2.33 GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon running OS 10.7" bought secondhand because of the included software and have reluctantly come to realise that the computer is obsolete, the operating system is obsolete, most of the software is obsolete, and the operator is definitely obsolete!

Most of my work is browsing, photography, and video. I am currently using Final Cut Pro 7 but I'm told that is only supported up until Sierra, then it's Final Cut Pro X which I also have on this computer but don't use. Most of the Adobe stuff is CS4, but that's fine with me as it still works. Frankly, I hate this Mac but have got used to it and would be reluctant to go back to Windows. So far, it has worked fine except for a failed graphics card that was replaced quite cheaply and quickly by another the same off Ebay. I hate dumping stuff that works.

So where do I go next? Don't want to spend a fortune but do need to use two 24 inch monitors (poor eye sight) and would like to continue to have access to the current hard discs, maybe by using an external caddy (got one on that already)? So what does the combined wisdom of TFF recommend? Secondhand would be fine, provided it will work for the reasonably foreseeable future.

 

[Woody]

https://macbank.co.uk/product/apple-mac-pro-51-2009-built-to-order/#operating-system

 

[Dry Rot]

https://macbank.co.uk/product/apple-mac-pro-51-2009-built-to-order/#operating-system

Thanks for the link. Definitely looks interesting!

 

[JP1]

I thought this might be the best place to start as I know if I go on a computer forum I'll get blinded by science! I am pretty much computer illiterate. If it works, that's fine by me and I don't need to know how!

I am currently working on a "2 x 2.33 GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon running OS 10.7" bought secondhand because of the included software and have reluctantly come to realise that the computer is obsolete, the operating system is obsolete, most of the software is obsolete, and the operator is definitely obsolete!

Most of my work is browsing, photography, and video. I am currently using Final Cut Pro 7 but I'm told that is only supported up until Sierra, then it's Final Cut Pro X which I also have on this computer but don't use. Most of the Adobe stuff is CS4, but that's fine with me as it still works. Frankly, I hate this Mac but have got used to it and would be reluctant to go back to Windows. So far, it has worked fine except for a failed graphics card that was replaced quite cheaply and quickly by another the same off Ebay. I hate dumping stuff that works.

So where do I go next? Don't want to spend a fortune but do need to use two 24 inch monitors (poor eye sight) and would like to continue to have access to the current hard discs, maybe by using an external caddy (got one on that already)? So what does the combined wisdom of TFF recommend? Secondhand would be fine, provided it will work for the reasonably foreseeable future.

Before you do anything talk to these guys. They've always looked after my computers and they have every model of Apple form the very first ones on their shelf.

https://www.macupgrades.co.uk/store...MIhrfbxLzq3QIVZ7vtCh3TYgwQEAAYASAAEgJx0_D_BwE

About MacUpgrades.co.uk

MacUpgrades.co.uk is owned and operated by Second Chance PC Limited and started trading in October 2001. We started out in the resale of used and refurbished Apple computer equipment. Selling Performas, PowerBook Duos and PowerMac machines at discounted prices.

In our first few years we found ourselves being asked the same questions all day, everyday.

How much RAM can my Mac use?
How can I speed up my Mac?
Which hard drives will work in my computer?
Which operating systems will my machine support?
Which devices will work out of the box?

We found a lack of information, or inaccurate information, from UK retailers left a gap in the market for a specialist Mac Upgrade ecommerce site based on accurate information, organsied in a way that made sense for the owners of specific Macintosh computers.

We founded the MacUpgrades.co.uk website in 2005, when G5s were the top of the range Macs, and G4s and G3s were still fast machines, and the words "Solid State Disk" were virtually unknown.

It was an online representation of our previous 5 years of Mac sales and repair experience, with the aim to provide the information and the products together in a comprehensive list.

It took over 6 months of hard work to write and build the first version of the MacUpgrades website. We built it initially to have a separate page for each machine type – with a list of the machines specifications, the maximum possible upgrade's and a list of products we had tried and tested in each machine.

As time went on and the number of models grew, it became harder to present information that was specific enough to individual Mac models to be useful, while not being so unwieldy that locating the correct model was a chore in itself. Therefore we were delighted to bring online our serial number search, and later model number search, to ensure that the information we give you is specific for your exact machine but searchable with information you have readily to hand.

It is our aim to provide the most comprehensive Mac advice available, with expert pre- and post-sales support on 01223 833412, via email or our Facebook page and Twitter feed to complement the website with news, rumours and articles we find interesting and hope you do too.

All the products we list on our website have been rigorously tried and tested by the MacUpgrades technical team before being deemed compatible. You can have confidence in the fact that all our products will work flawlessly with the Mac system we state it will. One of the main questions we get asked is: will my machine really accept more RAM than Apple state it will? The answer is YES! In many case the maximum RAM is more than the machine could have originally used when made from new. We stand by our testing and compatibility guarantee – if you use our serial or model number checkers, we guarantee complete and total compatibility, backed by a full money back guarantee.

We sell almost all our products for home installation, provide links to video installation guides, and we provide all the tools and accessories necessary to complete the tasks yourself. However home installation is not for everyone, and as such we run a fast, efficient and inexpensive installation service. Wether you drop into our store in Sawston, send in your machine, or have us collect it, you can be assured of our commitment to quality, speed and efficiency at the best possible prices. All of our new products carry a full warranty between 1 and 5 years (see individual product pages for details) and come with free lifetime support.

We offer upgrades, repairs, assessment and now an on-site installation and setup.

Macs are our passion, our livelihood, and our future. We would all love to have the brand new fastest Mac around, but the reality is that the performance of all modern Macs can be significantly upgraded with lightning-fast SSD drives and more RAM, to enable you to extend the life and improve the performance.

We provide products from : OWC, Samsung, Seagate, Hitachi, Western Digital, Sonnet, Kingston, Startech and many more.

We strive to bring you the latest and greatest upgrades for your Mac. If you see a new product we don't sell, that you would like, let us know and we will try and see if we can source it. Alternatively if you are a supplier we would welcome information on any new product ranges.

We hope you find this site quick, simple and easy to use. Should you have any queries, questions or technical issues please let us know.

We have moved offices from 10th August 2012, our new address is:
MacUpgrades
Second Chance PC Limited
Unit 5, South Cambridgeshire Business Park
Babraham Road
Sawston
Cambridge
CB22 3JH

Get directions.

Our sales team can be reached on 01223 833 412.

 

[Woody]

https://www.macupgrades.co.uk/store...MIhrfbxLzq3QIVZ7vtCh3TYgwQEAAYASAAEgJx0_D_BwE.

Yes, these guys are good too. Not far from me and just repaired my 7 year old MacBook Pro that the Apple Store said was scrap

 

[JP1]

Yes, these guys are good too. Not far from me and just repaired my 7 year old MacBook Pro that the Apple Store said was scrap

I've had countless friends who have been saved by these guys

 

[Dry Rot]

Thanks, guys. I think I bought ram off Macupgrades for the old G5. I'd forgotten about them. The G5 was a "refurbished" computer from Apple and I suspect the original hard drive is in the current Mac Pro! I'd better stop procrastinating!

 

[Y Fan Wen]

Procrastinate NOW!

 

[Dry Rot]

Procrastinate NOW!

Wish I could. Even FB is grumblig about my browser....which can't be updated because everything else is out of date.