Dilemma, need some help...

[.vooDoo.]

Ok, here is my question. I have 3 grand to spend on a new computer.

Do I get the stock DP 2.5 with the 9600 128mb card for 3 grand or
Do I get the DP 2 with the 6800Ultra DDL w/256mb for 3grand

[Civrock]

i'd get the dual 2.5ghz G5... mainreason: the liquid cooling which the dual 2ghz doesnt have.

[BFG]

yep me to, id go for the  the stock DP 2.5 with the 9600 128mb card

... the processor speeds more inportant

[Supernatural Pie]

You can always get the better video card later.
Go for the 2.5's!!!

[seth]

You can always get the better video card later.
Go for the 2.5's!!!

yep

[*DAMN Mauti]

Voodoo are you studying at college or university? If yes become an ADC student member, pay once 100US Dollar for the first year, and order a complete system of your choice for 20percent less

All in all I wouldn't go for the NVidia card - well she is probably the fastest but also the loudest. I would stick with a cheaper and quieter Radeon 9800 XT because in most games the cards aren't the limits the CPU is still the bottleneck. The AI nowadays stresses the CPU to death while the GPU is still idling around

Hope that helps,

Mauti

[BTs_Lee.Harvey]

Are you planing on getting the 30 monitor? If not then I would say go with the 9800 card (but maybe go with the 256mb ver) yes the nvidia card is the better card... the 9800 is not a bad card either.

[BTs_Mysterio]

When I got my Rev A I looked at 2 options:

1) A 1.8 with a good card more ram and such.

or

2) A 2.0 off the shelf.

I chose the dual 2 cause it can all be upgraded. Thus my Dual 2.5 recommendation to you.

Civic the Liquid cooling doesn't matter. That's a point but it's just a prototype for the next generation. You'd suppose it's quieter but I wouldn't be on it. It's a greta misconception that my Dual 2 is loud. It's quieter than my fan-less iMac G3. Besides the Dual 2.5 doesn't require the liquid cooling anymore than my G5 needs 9 fans for cooling. It's a fact the G5 2.5 90nm runs as cool as the 1.8 130nm.

[|MP|Nomad]

Get the 2.5 Voods, same reason as what most have been saying here.  But, too add to what Mauti said, if your in school, you can get an educational discount, if yer not, then find someone that is and have them buy it for you, just make sure the mac is paid in cash or YOUR credt card and yer mac is registered in your name with Apple.

[cO.Kuza]

Ok, here is my question. I have 3 grand to spend on a new computer.

Do I get the stock DP 2.5 with the 9600 128mb card for 3 grand or
Do I get the DP 2 with the 6800Ultra DDL w/256mb for 3grand

It's simple, what would you rather have, better graphics or better cpu performance?
I would personally go for the dual 2.5 and upgrade the graphics card later(9600 pro is awsome). then just upgrade to the next ATi card that comes out (will probably be better than the 6800).

[BTs_GhostSniper]

Voodoo....I'm about to give you the best advice around (ironic, considering this is the advice I would give to a very good FRIEND...lol):

1.  Put your money in the bank.

2.  Wait 6 Months (maybe less) for Apple to Release the Dual 3.0GHz G5

3.  Buy the 3.0GHz G5

Pretty cut and dry.  I currently have the 1.8GHz G5 and I will be replacing it with the 3.0GHz model as soon as Apple releases it.

At least by that time we will see if there have been any problems with the liquid-cooling technology Apple is using.

Peace.

-GhostSniper Out.

[seth]

2.  Wait 6 Months (maybe less) for Apple to Release the Dual 3.0GHz G5

well then why not wait for another year and buy the 3.5 Ghz model ? The thing with computer technology is, you'll never be up to date. So as soon as you need a new machine, get one, unless there is news that a new model model be released in the next week or so.

[.vooDoo.]

All great ideas. I have pondered the idea of waiting for the 3ghz G5 but my inside apple guy tells me that wont be for sometime. Says announcing 3ghz in about and year and shipping ins a year and a half. I simply cant wait that long. So I think I will buy the stock DP 2.5 and from your ideas will use my cousin that is still in college to buy it for me using his student discount. Either way, ill have a new cpu in a month.

voods

[BTs_GhostSniper]

2.  Wait 6 Months (maybe less) for Apple to Release the Dual 3.0GHz G5

well then why not wait for another year and buy the 3.5 Ghz model ? The thing with computer technology is, you'll never be up to date. So as soon as you need a new machine, get one, unless there is news that a new model model be released in the next week or so.

Bobby, that was a two-part reason; not just to wait for a faster computer, but also to make sure that the liquid-cooling technology that Apple has adopted for its high-end machines works right.  I am the type that does not jump right into new technology from a company that doesn't have proven success with it.  Hell, Apple can't even make PowerBook batteries that don't catch on fire!!!

By the way, my Apple Inside Guy is telling me that the 3.0GHz will be out in about 6 months.  Of course he was wrong about the release of the Dual 1.8GHz G5...lol  Damn him to hell!!!

[crypt]

Get the 2.5 just to say you have one also because it kicks major ass!

[.vooDoo.]

You know what funny thing is? All these people that pre-ordered there 2.5's in early june are still waiting for there orders to come in. I am going to strut, yes I said strut, into the apple store, throw down 3gee's and walk out in 5 minutes with a new stock 2.5.

PWN'ED[/size]

[Civrock]

w00t

i wish i'd have the money for a G5, at least a 1.6ghz one... meh!

[c| Lone-Wolf]

The benefit of ordering directly from apple is you can get an educational discount of 10% =D

So, the Dual 2.5, 250 GB HD, Nvidia GeForce Ultra DDL vid card, rings in at a few hundred under 3000.  I went over getting 2 GB of RAM from Macsolutions.com (thanks for mentioning that site GS).  

But yes, i am still waiting for it...and i am sad....the RAM got here two weeks ago, and i just sit here looking at it with a tear in my eye =(

So when are they supposed to ship anyhow?

[.vooDoo.]

Lone Wolf, are you following the shipping forums on www.macrumors.com? they have a spreadsheet website up showing who has recived and when they were ordered charts. Also a 141 page thread about the shipping of the 2.5 and the problems of delayed shipping like your seeing. Check it out.

voods.

[*DAMN Mauti]

Congratulations Voodoo to your new Mac - I think you will have a lot of fun with it  

Bye,

Mauti