MP All Models Best Model Mac Pro

[m1maverick]

Just wanted to see which Mac Pro people thought was the best. Not only would I like to see which one but get some feedback as to why you feel that way. When answering keep in mind the state of technology at the time the system was introduced and not as it is today.

Me, I feel the 2008 dual 4-core model was a fantastic value. However it's hard to argue against the 4,1 / 5,1 models which many continue to use to this day.

 

[rondocap]

If you can look past the price of the 2019 7.1 Mac Pro, I think overall that one is the best. It can do everything the previous models did, and more. Upgrade CPU, upgrade GPUs, and fit tons of storage. It's also very fast even with Apple Silicon around - in some cases even faster because of the GPUs it has.

The case itself is also a work of art, one of the best built computer chassis I've ever seen - including on the PC side with custom PCs. Really well engineered.

 

[prefuse07]

As a proud owner of both, I say it's a hard toss up between the 4,1/5,1 and the 7,1 -- but I voted 7,1.

The 7,1, because it is an absolute engineering masterpiece, brilliantly designed, and it just feels oh-so-premium to the touch. Yes, it was priced way too high for what it offered, and it should have come with PCIe 4 from the get-go and a more recent CPU, but it is what it is, and I accept that. For my current workstream it absolutely gets the job done, and then some, but I know others that need/want more power.

The 4,1/5,1 really is in a class of its own because it has been able to withstand the test of time for ~14 years (thanks to the members of these very forums). I was so happy when Syncretic patched the 6k series and I was able to put an RX-6800XT inside my 4,1, before I upgraded to my current 7,1. Although, I am really am curious to see if Syncretic & co. will be able to fix the AVX2 emulation and get Ventura running smoothly on it, which will then further increase its lifespan, and the same with macOS Sonoma.

But frankly speaking, it is extremely impressive that the 4,1/5,1 has lasted this long. I hope the same happens for the 7,1, though due to the T2 chip, and pricing (which means not a lot of people/devs can get their hands on it), I am less optimistic, but we will see.

 

[mode11]

I'd obviously swap my 4,1 for a 7,1 in a heartbeat, but it's hard to argue that the 4,1/5,1 isn't the GOAT, just due to timing. It released with the Core-i architecture, was massively expandable, and was around for most of the Intel macOS years (thanks to many here). And although pricey when new, quickly became affordable on the second-hand market. It became the de facto xMac.

The 7,1 is a gorgeous machine, but was priced very high. Then ASi was announced 6 months after it came out, which was a bit of a bummer. By the time they're down to hobbyist / enthusiast price levels, macOS will have moved on.

The Mac Pro 1,1 - 2,1 used silly FB-DIMMs and the older Core2 architecture (and had 32-bit EFIs); I think the 3,1 was kind of similar.

 

[arw]

In current times I’m thankful for the significantly lower power consumption of the 6,1 compared to all other (Intel) Mac Pros.
But I’m no professional. And if necessary, I can connect an RX 6800XT eGPU or use a MP5,1 Dual x5690.
That being said, all Mac Pros are simply engineering beauties (never ran into any thermal constraints with our 6,1s).

 

[avro707]

7,1 has to be the best. It does what we like with the 5,1 but much better.

 

[DrEGPU]

As a proud owner of both, I say it's a hard toss up between the 4,1/5,1 and the 7,1 -- but I voted 7,1.

...

But frankly speaking, it is extremely impressive that the 4,1/5,1 has lasted this long. I hope the same happens for the 7,1, though due to the T2 chip, and pricing (which means not a lot of people/devs can get their hands on it), I am less optimistic, but we will see.

There are T2 linux drivers, so hope springs eternal!

t2linux.org

t2linux.org

 

[MisterAndrew]

7,1 is the best hands down. 5,1 was a great Mac Pro, but I actually liked the 6,1 better. If you enjoy hacking and tinkering the 4,1/5,1 is your Mac, but I’d rather have something that just works.